Agricultural teaching institution Lincoln University in the Canterbury region hopes its “niche and specialised” programs will attract more international students from the continent.

“Lincoln University can continue to aspire towards greater success in the global arena through its ability to maintain and develop international relations and the building of a robust pipeline of international students coming to the campus,” Roger Shew, director, International at Lincoln said.

“We are looking forward to a high-achieving partnership in markets where previously we had little or no presence”

“MSM’s unique business model has shown to be highly successful in achieving strong growth in enrolments by managing recruitment through local teams dedicated to each institution,” Shew suggested.

The global and in-country office model currently serves around 45 partner institutions worldwide.

“They also manage a large agent network on behalf of each institutional partner,” Shew added. “We are looking forward to a high-achieving partnership with MSM in new markets where previously we had little or no presence.”

The institution plans to target nine African countries, and is looking to offer a “vibrant and inclusive” campus culture. It currently has some 3,000 students from 80 countries.

The countries include Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Cameroon. Additionally, the new partnership aims for an increased reach in Turkey, Peru and Colombia.

“We have a global reach, belonging to the Global Challenges University Alliance, which includes top universities on every continent and address issues relating to food security, bio-energy, sustainable urban development and climate change,” Shew added.

“This is in addition to a partnership agreement with the Euroleague for Life Sciences, an exclusive network of seven leading European universities, with Lincoln being the only full non-European member.”

While New Zealand’s borders remain closed to incoming students, the partners highlighted students can begin online studies from their home countries before circumstances allow travel to begin again.

They are also looking for possible partner arrangements in Africa for students to begin studying at institutions in their home countries before switching to study in New Zealand when circumstance allow.