Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Commerce (Agricultural) at Lincoln University is a specialised, industry-focused research master's designed around agriculture, agribusiness and primary production. Lincoln highlights the importance of these sectors to New Zealand's export economy and describes the degree as preparing future leaders who can combine advanced commercial knowledge, practical application and professional management skills.

Key benefits for international students include:

• Advanced study of agricultural commerce, agribusiness and primary-industry management.
• Strong connection between commercial theory and practical agricultural application.
• Development of research skills through a substantial master's thesis.
• Opportunity to investigate national and international issues affecting agricultural and agribusiness managers.
• Exposure to Lincoln's specialist land-based research environment.
• Potential preparation for senior management, consultancy, policy, research and further doctoral study.
• Access to academic expertise in agricultural systems, farm business management, property, economics and related land-based disciplines. 

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The standard 240-credit programme normally consists of 120 credits of taught study followed by a 120-credit thesis. The first year is intended to provide preliminary research preparation.

The exact taught-course combination is not fixed publicly for every student. Courses are selected from the relevant master's schedule and depend on the student's academic background, research area and approved programme of study.

The programme's academic areas can include topics associated with:

• Agricultural commerce.
• Agribusiness management.
• Farm business management.
• Agricultural economics.
• Agricultural systems.
• Primary-industry management.
• Agricultural marketing.
• Farm business resilience.
• Data-driven farming and knowledge transfer.
• Governance and succession of farm businesses.
• Agricultural policy and regulatory compliance.
• Property and land economics.
• Sustainable farming systems.
• Rural business and investment.
• International agricultural markets.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not publish separate named specialisations on the current programme page.

Students can develop their research focus around areas such as:

• Agricultural commerce.
• Agribusiness.
• Farm management.
• Agricultural economics.
• Agricultural systems.
• Primary-industry management.
• Agricultural policy.
• Agricultural marketing.
• Land and property economics.
• Sustainable farming systems.
• Farm governance and succession.
• Data-driven agriculture.
• Rural business management.

Programme Highlights

• Level 9 master's qualification.
• Standard pathway: 240 credits.
• 2 years full-time.
• Research Master's with taught and research components.
• 120 taught credits plus a 120-credit thesis.
• 120-credit thesis-only pathway for suitably qualified applicants.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Semester 1 and Semester 2 entry.
• Latest published starts: 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$37,000 per 120 credits.
• Specialised focus on agriculture, agribusiness and primary production.
• Research-led learning.
• Strong connection with land-based industries and research.
• Potential progression to doctoral research.

Career Outcomes

The programme is particularly relevant to careers requiring advanced commercial, analytical and research knowledge in agriculture and primary industries.

Potential career areas include:

• Agribusiness management.
• Farm business management.
• Agricultural consultancy.
• Agricultural economics.
• Agricultural policy and planning.
• Agricultural marketing.
• Primary-industry organisations.
• Rural business and investment.
• Farm systems management.
• Agricultural research.
• Government and regulatory agencies.
• Land and property-related business.
• Sustainability and agricultural-resource management.
• Research and policy organisations.
• University and research careers.
• Further doctoral study.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest official programme page currently confirms:

• Semester 1 2027 start: 22 February 2027.
• Semester 2 2027 start: 19 July 2027.
• Standard duration: 2 years full-time.
• Standard credits: 240.
• Location: Lincoln University Campus.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$37,000 per 120 credits.

Important special requirements include:

• A relevant previous qualification.
• Minimum academic performance requirements.
• Academic Board approval.
• An appropriate research area.
• Suitable academic supervision for the thesis.
• Approval of the student's course of study and thesis subject. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying at Lincoln University in New Zealand must hold a current, valid visa. Lincoln's current guidance states that new students need:

• An Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.

Immigration New Zealand may additionally require:

• Medical certificates or a chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information if the applicant will be under 18 when study begins.