The university says post covid-19 the sector is even more important than it already was and the demand for skilled staff is growing, particularly as other countries recognise the success of New Zealand in protecting its citizens with science-based responses to the new virus.
“That admiration is translating into a trade advantage for our primary sector exporters,” Bio-Protection Research Centre deputy-director Professor Stephen Goldson and Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit director Dr Caroline Saunders said.
The fee waivers will apply to master’s degrees taught in areas such as agricultural systems, pest management, accounting and food innovation as well as graduate and postgraduate certificates and diplomas in applied science, environmental management and commerce, all offered from semester two in July.
The move applies to domestic students for courses ranging from one to three semesters and includes online options. With average fees for one semester-long graduate certificate course starting at $3150, the fees waiver represents a significant saving.
The university expects the courses to support students’ personal development as well as providing them with the skills to be in demand by employers, particularly in the food and fibre sector.
Lincoln has a long association with the sector, doing research and training work-ready graduates. More than 350,000 New Zealanders are employed in the sector, which contributes more than $46.4 billion in export revenue and 11% of GDP.
Goldson and Saunders say we must protect our unique trade advantage.
“With such a strong international reputation, however, we also have never had so much to lose if we fail to protect our borders from all forms of pests, not just the covid-19 virus. And for that, we need an outstanding biosecurity system that detects any potential biosecurity threats before they get in.
“The science to achieve this is increasingly more challenging due to climate change and changing trade patterns.
“To maintain our reputation for quality food and beverages we need to be able manage biosecurity threats in ways that are safe and sustainable.”
To get the fee waiver potential students need to apply for the programme they want to pursue and if they’re accepted the waiver will be applied automatically. It will last to the end of 2021.
