Lincoln University's Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki is eagerly anticipating the arrival of its first group of students in August 2024, marking the beginning of its collaboration with Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) in China through a newly established Joint Institute.
Following recent final approval from China’s Ministry of Education, the Joint Institute of Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) and Lincoln University will be located at HZAU in Wuhan, China. The institute will offer four jointly awarded degrees by Lincoln University and HZAU: Master of Environmental Management, Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Ecology, Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, and Bachelor of Commerce in Horticulture.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Edwards underscored the Joint Institute as a pivotal achievement for the University, emphasizing its role in broadening international partnerships and pathways to foster student development and global engagement. This initiative goes beyond the University’s current joint-degree programs, articulation agreements, and student exchange initiatives. “Specialist universities like Lincoln University possess a unique positioning to address the significant land-based sector challenges we face today, not just in New Zealand, but globally".
“As New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university, Lincoln is uniquely placed to offer expertise in educational programmes, research cooperation and industry partnerships focused on the land-based sectors. The partnership signifies a significant opportunity for Lincoln University to collaborate with a top-tier institution like HZAU that is aligned to the land-based sectors in areas such as agriculture, food sciences, environmental management, soil and physical sciences, viticulture and enology".
The ceremonial signing of the Joint Institute agreement between Lincoln University and HZAU occurred on Friday, June 14, during the New Zealand-China High-Level Education Forum, co-hosted by Chinese Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng and New Zealand’s Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon Penny Simmonds.
The Joint Institute of Huazhong Agricultural University and Lincoln University will accommodate up to 1,000 students. It not only presents opportunities for expanding partnerships and program offerings beyond the initial capacity but also establishes pathways for postgraduate students from HZAU to Lincoln University. Additionally, it includes a staff exchange component aimed at promoting the global exchange of knowledge and innovation in the land-based sectors. Students will complete their studies entirely in China and will graduate with degrees awarded jointly by Lincoln University and HZAU.
