Why the AFEPA Master’s Programme Is Special
AFEPA is not just another master’s degree. It’s a joint European program, combining expertise from four top universities. Over two years, students rotate between institutions, participate in summer schools, and build a strong international network.
This mobility means you don’t get just one academic perspective — you get several. You’ll learn from professors who are deeply engaged in agricultural, environmental and food-policy research. Plus, the peer group is global, giving you a culturally diverse cohort.
Graduates of AFEPA are well placed for leadership roles. Whether you aim to work in international organizations, NGOs, agribusiness, or want to pursue a PhD, this degree prepares you for that.
- Program: AFEPA Master’s (European)
- Coverage: Scholarship for living — two tiers (€1,400/month or €700/month)
- Nationality: International (all countries welcome)
- Degree Level: Master’s (120 ECTS)
- Duration: 2 years
- Partner Universities: University of Bonn (Germany), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden), Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium)
- Deadline: 13 February 2026 (Non-Europeans), 30 June 2026 (Europeans)
Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship
The “Scholarship for Top Applicants” is aimed at highly motivated, high-achieving students, especially those with a background in agricultural economics or related fields. According to the AFEPA site:
Here’s what you generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, economics, environmental policy, or a closely related discipline.
- Solid academic record.
- Strong English proficiency:
- TOEFL (iBT): 90, with at least 20 on the written part.
- IELTS: Minimum overall 6.5, no section below 5.5.
- For certain countries (like China, India, and Vietnam), an APS certificate is required.
- During application, you must express your interest in the scholarship.
Check out: Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2026/27 – Fully Funded Hungary Government Program
What the Scholarship Actually Provides
This isn’t just partial help — the AFEPA scholarship is meaningful support:
- 2 scholarships pay €1,400 per month for 24 months.
- 2 scholarships pay €700 per month, also for 24 months.
These funds help you cover your living expenses while studying in Europe. You don’t need to pay the scholarship back, which makes this a very attractive option for students who have strong academic backgrounds but may not have the financial means to support themselves in multiple European countries.
Program Structure & Study Tracks
AFEPA is a 2-year, 120-ECTS, Erasmus-style joint master’s. Here’s how it generally works:
- Mobility: You’ll study in at least two of the four partner universities.
- Summer School: There’s an annual summer school, helping students bond, learn, and immerse in policy analysis.
- Curriculum: Combines economics, agricultural policy, environmental policy, resource economics, and trade.
- Agreement: Students sign a “student agreement” that outlines rights and responsibilities during the program.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Start Your AFEPA Master Application
- Go to the AFEPA website and fill out the application form for the Master’s program.
- Prepare Required Documents
- CV
- Academic transcripts & diplomas (if not in English, certified translations needed)
- School-leaving certificate
- Motivation letter (max ~ 300 words)
- English test result (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Express Scholarship Interest
- During the application, you must clearly indicate you want to be considered for the top-applicant scholarship.
- Send the Application
- Compile everything into a single PDF (max 5 MB)
- Email it to: afepa.application@ilr.uni-bonn.de before the deadline.
- Wait for Results
- Non-European applicants: decisions expected after 13 February 2026.
- European applicants: deadline is 30 June 2026.
Important Deadlines to Remember
- 13 February 2026 — Scholarship application deadline for non-European applicants.
- 30 June 2026 — Deadline for European applicants.
Missing these dates could mean missing out on one of the four scholarship spots, so start early.
Why This Offer Is Worth It
There are several good reasons to take this seriously:
- Generous Monthly Support: Even the “lower” scholarship (700 €/month) is significant — enough to cover many student living costs in Europe.
- Top Universities: The program is run by four highly respected European institutions.
- Highly Relevant Field: With global concerns about food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture, expertise in agri-food policy is in demand.
- Global Network: You’ll study with peers from many countries, rotating campuses and building a truly international profile.
- Future Opportunities: Graduates can work with international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, or go for a PhD.
Things to Watch Out For / Tips
- Make sure your motivation letter is strong: it’s your chance to show why you deserve one of the scholarships.
- Check your English test validity: only TOEFL/IELTS accepted.
- If you’re from China, India, or Vietnam, get your APS certificate ahead of time.
- Prepare all documents carefully, and bundle them into a single PDF (max 5 MB) to avoid application issues.
- Show clearly in your application that you want the scholarship — don’t assume they’ll just pick you without your interest stated.
- Be aware: the EMJMD scholarships (Erasmus Mundus) are not available right now for this program.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive deep into agriculture, food systems, and environmental policy — and study across European countries — this scholarship could be a real turning point for you. The AFEPA Master’s Programme 2026 offers not just education but also financial support to make that education possible. It’s competitive, yes, but the rewards are strong: both for your career and for your future.
Take this seriously, prepare carefully, and apply confidently. If you’re one of the top applicants, you could be on your way to studying at Bonn, SLU, UCL, or UCSC — making an impact and building a global network. Good luck — I hope you make the most of this opportunity!
Official Link:
https://www.ilr1.uni-bonn.de/afepa/en/news/scholarship-opportunity-for-top-applicants