From cultivating crops to rearing livestock, agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. Yet, breaking into this industry can seem as daunting as wrangling a wild bull.
Thankfully, the gates to a thriving agricultural career have been flung open by Lincoln University. Damian Lodge, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Life at Lincoln University told REX host Dominic George about the variety of degrees and diplomas offered by the university, tailored to cater to the diverse interests of budding agriculturalists.
“If I look at the undergrads … we've got a range of diplomas, we've got a diploma in agriculture, a diploma in water culture," he said.
"We've got our Bachelor of Agriculture Science, a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialisation in agriculture, land and property management, we've got a range of those kinds of programs."
However, it's not just about sowing the seeds of academic excellence. Lodge revealed that Lincoln University places equal emphasis on leadership skills, community service, and project execution. He praised their Future Leaders Scholarship Programme which is a testament to this commitment.
“The Future Leaders Programme... does amazing things for these students, each year you just see them grow. It is amazing to see.”
The university is no stingy benefactor either. In an effort to make education accessible, Lincoln offers about 30 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $35,000. The scholarships are not just financial incentives, but stepping stones into the industry.
“These scholarships come from these industry partners, or their requests from families and alumni for us.
"Generally, students with a passion or a real interest in agriculture are encouraged to apply whether they are new to Lincoln or they are current students”
What's more, at a time when the world is grappling with the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lincoln University has stepped up to the plate by introducing a fee waiver programme for postgraduate programs.
“We've got these taught master's programmes, and there's a fee waiver on these programmes, which means that there's no cost for people coming into these.
"There's no cost for students coming into this programme, so it's a very attractive offer to get people into the agricultural space.”
Lincoln University is not just an institution; it's a launchpad into the dynamic world of agriculture. So, if you've got your heart set on an agricultural career and are looking for a sign, Lodge’s words could be your beacon.
“I'd love to see more applications from people for these scholarships. That'd be fantastic to see more people interested in these scholarships going in."
Find out more information at lincoln.ac.nz regarding scholarships, study options and more.
Whether you aspire to delve into agricultural science, commerce, or property management, the green pastures of opportunity are ready for you to explore at Lincoln University.
Listen to the full chat between Damian Lodge and Dominic George above.
To check out more episodes listen to the REX Today Podcast anytime on your favourite streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Rova or tune in to REX Mornings live on Magic from 5 am to 6 am every weekday.
Visit the Rural Exchange Facebook or Instagram page for more information and regular updates from the REX team.
