About the programme
The Diploma in Agriculture is an NZQF Level 5 programme at Lincoln University that builds practical knowledge of New Zealand agriculture and farm management. It carries 120 credits over 1 year of full-time study.
The university points to more than 150 years of supporting New Zealand's agricultural and land-based industries, and describes the primary sector as going through rapid innovation and change. The diploma is designed for people who want applied skills to contribute to that sector.
The programme consists of eight integrated compulsory courses of 15 credits each. They cover farm management systems, plant husbandry, soils and soil management, plant and animal health, livestock production, introductory engineering, and technology and communication. Alongside farm management, students develop supporting skills such as business and financial planning. The focus throughout is New Zealand agriculture, its management systems and its resources.
Practical work is required: 12 weeks on farms or in agricultural businesses, spending between four and twelve weeks at any one operation. It takes place outside the courses, usually over summer, and can also be done before or after the study period if all criteria are met. Students must be competent drivers, and tractor or truck experience helps. International students are advised to check that their visa covers the full practical work period.
Students in the Darfield area may be able to take the programme at Darfield Rural College. Graduates can continue to the Diploma in Farm Management as a second year.
Entry requirements
- NCEA Level 2 or higher with at least 40 credits across four approved subjects (maximum 24 per subject), plus University Entrance literacy and numeracy.
- Or a New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture at Level 4 or higher from an approved polytechnic.
- Or special admission or other pathways; overseas qualifications are assessed separately.
- Additional English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
What you study
- MGMT 024 Farm Management Systems A and MGMT 025 Farm Management Systems B
- PLSC 024 Plant Husbandry
- SOSC 021 Soils and Soil Management
- COMP 022 Technology and Communication
- BIOS 021 Plant and Animal Health
- ENGN 023 Engineering I
- ANSC 021 Livestock Production Systems
Post-study work visa
About 1 year
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website