The Diploma in Applied Science is a one-year, full-time undergraduate diploma at Lincoln University, New Zealand. It provides students with a broad scientific foundation by allowing them to select courses from the Bachelor of Science and/or Bachelor of Agricultural Science. The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in applied science, agriculture, environmental and natural-resource areas, plant and animal sciences, and related industries.

Important source clarification: the programme is a Lincoln University qualification. The supplied IPU New Zealand website and IPU programme URL do not publicly identify the Diploma in Applied Science as an IPU qualification. Therefore, programme-specific information below is taken from the current official Lincoln University sources. Where the requested information is not specifically published by Lincoln, I have stated that it is not publicly specified rather than making an assumption.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides a solid foundation in applied scientific knowledge and competence.
• Gives students flexibility to select courses from Lincoln University's Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Agricultural Science schedules.
• Allows students to build knowledge across scientific and land-based disciplines rather than following a narrowly prescribed subject list.
• Can support further tertiary study as well as alternative career opportunities.
• Students receive academic planning support from a course advisor when selecting their courses.
• Lincoln's science programmes emphasise practical work, including laboratory work, projects and industry-related learning opportunities.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme requires students to pass eight courses totalling 120 credits.

The courses must be selected at 100 or 200 level from the degree regulations for:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no formal named majors or specialisations within the Diploma in Applied Science itself.

Instead, students can construct their 120-credit programme from courses associated with the Bachelor of Science and/or Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

The available subject areas can therefore include areas such as:

• Agricultural systems
• Animal/livestock science
• Plant production
• Chemistry
• Soil management
• Freshwater resources
• Primary industry systems
• Other science or agricultural courses approved under the relevant degree regulations.

Programme Highlights

• One-year full-time undergraduate diploma.
• 120 credits.
• Study at Lincoln University Campus in Canterbury.
• Flexible course selection.
• Courses can be selected from Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Agricultural Science schedules.
• Study can include both 100- and 200-level courses.
• Academic planning support from a course advisor.
• Strong connection to applied science and land-based industries.
• Potential pathway to further education or alternative career opportunities.

Career Outcomes

The Diploma in Applied Science is designed to provide a scientific foundation rather than a single professional occupational qualification.

Potential career direction depends heavily on the courses selected and whether the student proceeds to a bachelor's degree.

The qualification can support:

• Further study in science.
• Further study in agricultural science.
• Science-related roles.
• Agriculture and primary-industry-related opportunities.
• Environmental and natural-resource-related study or employment.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current Lincoln University programme page shows the next listed starts as 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

The 2026 Academic Calendar confirms the international programme-package tuition fee for the Diploma in Applied Science as NZ$29,000 for 120 credits.

Lincoln notes that programme information, staffing, courses and entry arrangements may be reviewed or changed, and international students are advised to confirm relevant policies, fees and procedures with the University's Enrolment Office before applying.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand student visa to study this full-time, one-year programme.

The Fee Paying Student Visa requires an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider and evidence relating to tuition, living costs, health/character requirements and other immigration conditions. Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages international students to apply about three months before their intended travel date.

For living costs, Immigration New Zealand currently requires students undertaking tertiary study to demonstrate:

• NZD $20,000 for each year of study if studying for one year or more; or
• NZD $1,667 for each month if the study period is shorter than one year.