AFEPA Masters Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Program in Europe

Are you passionate about shaping the future of agriculture, food systems, and environmental policy? The AFEPA Masters Scholarship Programme – a European joint Master’s in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis – offers a fully funded scholarship opportunity for 2026. Four prestigious scholarships will be awarded to outstanding applicants, providing generous monthly support as you study at leading universities in Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Belgium. This is your chance to gain hands-on expertise from world-class professors, work on global sustainability challenges, and unlock an international career. By embarking on AFEPA’s two-year (24-month) programme, you’ll join a diverse community and earn a double degree while enjoying significant financial aid and grants to cover living and tuition costs.

The scholarship rewards academic merit and ambition. It includes two awards of €1,400 per month and two of €700 per month for the entire 24-month program. Recipients will focus on issues like food security and environmental sustainability, studying across multiple European countries. If you meet the eligibility (see below) and are ready to thrive in a global classroom, this could be your golden ticket to a policy leadership role.

Overview: AFEPA Masters Programme

The AFEPA programme is a European Erasmus+ Master’s (120 ECTS) in policy analysis for agriculture, food and the environment. It’s run by four partner universities and coordinated by the University of Bonn (Germany). Participating institutions include Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) in Milan, Italy; University of Bonn (UBonn) in Germany; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden; and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. As a student, you’ll spend at least two semesters at two of these top universities, immersing yourself in different academic and cultural environments.

The curriculum blends economics and policy courses with field projects, summer schools, and internships. It prepares graduates for leadership in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, or agribusinesses. In short, AFEPA is your pathway to becoming a policy analyst or researcher who can tackle global challenges like climate change, sustainable food production, and resource management. This two-year Master’s degree not only awards a double degree from two universities but also gives you transferable analytical skills and a truly international perspective.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AFEPA Masters Scholarship 2026, you must typically meet all of the following:

• Degree Level: A Bachelor’s degree (3 years/180 ECTS or equivalent) in agricultural economics, environmental sciences, agribusiness, economics, or a closely related field. (Final-year students may apply conditionally.)
• Academic Record: Strong academic performance (e.g. overall average “B” or equivalent) in your undergraduate studies.
• Coursework: At least 24 ECTS in economics and quantitative subjects (microeconomics, mathematics, statistics, etc.). Background courses in agriculture or environmental science are a plus.
• Language: Proficiency in English (usually IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 iBT, with no section below minimums), or a university degree taught in English.
• Motivation & Fit: Demonstrated passion for agricultural, food, or environmental policy. Scholarship candidates should be driven, creative thinkers with a clear vision for how they will contribute to sustainable development.
• Eligibility: Open to students of all nationalities worldwide. There are no nationality restrictions, and citizens of both EU and non-EU countries can apply.

Meeting these criteria ensures you are well-prepared for AFEPA’s rigorous curriculum. Tailor your personal statement to highlight your interest in policy analysis and any relevant experience (e.g. research projects, internships, or volunteer work in agriculture or environmental fields).

Coverage & Benefits

The AFEPA Masters Scholarship is fully funded, providing extensive financial support throughout your studies. Key benefits include:

• Monthly Stipend: Two scholarships of €1,400 per month and two of €700 per month, each for the full 24 months of the program. These generous grants cover living expenses and allow you to focus on your studies and projects.
• Tuition & Fees: Tuition costs at the partner universities are covered or waived under this scholarship. In effect, the scholarship functions like a full tuition waiver, as tuition fees vary by host university but are funded by the AFEPA consortium.
• Travel and Visa: Erasmus Mundus funding often includes contributions to travel and visa costs. For AFEPA, the scholarship covers travel expenses between partner universities (multiple campuses) and may include visa support.
• International Experience: In addition to financial aid, you gain access to summer schools, workshops, and networking events. AFEPA students receive support services (mentoring, career guidance) across the European network.
• Double Degree: Upon graduation, you earn two Master’s degrees (one from each of the two universities you attended), significantly enhancing your career prospects.
• Career Opportunities: Alumni statistics are strong (over 90% employed quickly). The program’s career support and network help you find roles in government, international agencies, consultancies, or continue to a PhD.

In summary, the scholarship provides full financial coverage (tuition, stipend, travel) and a world-class education. It effectively removes financial barriers so you can focus on academic excellence.

Host Countries & University Info

The AFEPA program gives you a taste of life and study in multiple European countries:

• Germany (University of Bonn): AFEPA is coordinated by Bonn’s Institute for Food and Resource Economics. Bonn is a historic city with strong international research centers in agriculture and environment. Germany has a robust economy and offers quality English-language programs.
• Italy (UCSC, Milan): The Università Cattolica in Milan is Italy’s premier private university. Milan is a global hub for business and design, and you’ll experience Italy’s rich culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Italian courses focus on economics and policy.
• Sweden (SLU, Uppsala): SLU is Sweden’s leading agricultural university, located in Uppsala (a picturesque student city north of Stockholm). Sweden is known for high environmental standards and innovative food systems. Expect hands-on research opportunities.
• Belgium (UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve): UCLouvain (Catholic University of Louvain) is in the French-speaking part of Belgium. Louvain-la-Neuve is a modern university town near Brussels (seat of the EU). Belgium’s international atmosphere and strong research in sustainability are highlights.

Each location offers a unique context: rigorous academics and fieldwork in Germany, cultural immersion and innovation in Italy, sustainability focus in Sweden, and EU-policy exposure in Belgium. The diversity of these countries enriches your learning experience and networking.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Documents: Gather your undergraduate transcripts, degree certificate (or proof of pending graduation), CV/resume, English test scores, and two letters of recommendation. If needed, obtain certified translations.
2. Visit the AFEPA Website: Go to the official AFEPA programme website (link in Resources) to access the online application portal. Create an account and review the application instructions carefully.
3. Complete the Online Application: Fill in your personal details, educational background, and motivation letter. Upload all required documents as PDF files. Ensure your application clearly explains why you fit AFEPA’s focus on agricultural, food, and environmental policy.
4. Express Scholarship Interest: During the application process, there will be a section or checkbox to declare your interest in the scholarship. Make sure to select/apply for the AFEPA scholarship option. You typically do not need a separate scholarship form.
5. Submit Before Deadlines: Review your entire application for completeness. Once satisfied, submit it through the portal. You will receive a confirmation email. Keep track of your application number. After submission, you may monitor your email for admission updates.

Following these steps diligently will ensure your application is properly considered. Many applicants also reach out to AFEPA alumni or current students for advice or attend information webinars if available.

Important Deadlines

• 13 February 2026 – Application deadline for non-European (international) applicants.
• 30 June 2026 – Application deadline for European Union applicants (CET).

These dates are firm. Plan to submit your application at least a week in advance to allow time for any unexpected delays. Note that the application opens on 15 October 2025, so start early to prepare your documents.

Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Begin gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores several months in advance. Early preparation reduces last-minute stress.
• Showcase Your Motivation: In your personal statement, clearly articulate why agricultural and environmental policy matters to you. Use specific examples from your background (such as a project on sustainable farming, an internship with a policy group, or research on climate-smart agriculture) to demonstrate your passion.
• Highlight International Outlook: AFEPA values cultural adaptability. If you have any previous study-abroad experience, multilingual skills, or multicultural involvement, mention it. Show that you’ll thrive studying in at least two countries.
• Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know your academic strengths or leadership qualities well (e.g. professors or supervisors). A letter emphasizing your analytical skills or commitment to sustainability will make you stand out.
• Clarity and Proofreading: Write clearly and check grammar in your application materials. Have someone else review your essays and CV. A polished application reflects your seriousness.
• Tailor to AFEPA: Research the programme’s structure and mention it. For example, note that you appreciate studying at partner universities (University of Bonn, UCSC, SLU, UCLouvain) and international mobility. This shows genuine interest.
• Stay Informed: Follow the official AFEPA news (e.g. University of Bonn updates) and social media for any announcements. Mark the deadlines on your calendar.

Conclusion

The AFEPA Masters Scholarship 2026 is a rare chance to earn a top-tier European Master’s degree in a booming field – without financial worries. By combining rigorous academics with real-world policy experience, AFEPA helps motivated students become leaders in food, agriculture, and environmental policy. If you meet the eligibility and are ready for an academic adventure across Europe, don’t hesitate: prepare your application and apply before the deadlines. Share this opportunity with friends who might also fit the profile. Your future in shaping sustainable food systems starts here – good luck and go for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the AFEPA Masters Scholarship 2026?
A: It’s a fully-funded scholarship for the AFEPA Master’s program (24 months) in agri-food and environmental policy across Europe.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Students worldwide with a relevant Bachelor’s degree (economics, agri, environment) and strong academic records. All nationalities are welcome.

Q: How much funding does the scholarship provide?
A: There are four awards – two at €1,400/month and two at €700/month for up to 24 months. It also covers tuition, travel, and visa costs.

Q: Which universities and countries are involved?
A: The program is coordinated by University of Bonn (Germany) and includes UCSC (Italy), SLU (Sweden), and UCLouvain (Belgium). You study at two of these European institutions.

Q: When are the application deadlines?
A: The deadline is 13 Feb 2026 for non-European applicants and 30 June 2026 for European applicants. Apply early to meet these dates!

Q: How do I apply for the scholarship?
A: Apply through the official AFEPA website. Complete the Master’s program application and indicate your interest in the AFEPA scholarship during the process.

Take the leap – apply for AFEPA and transform your passion for agriculture and the environment into an international career! Good luck, and remember to share this scholarship opportunity with others.