Agriculture is the science and practice of farming, cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals to produce food, fiber, and other goods. It has played a crucial role in human development and remains important to many national economies, especially where strong agricultural systems, research, and growing conditions support food production and exports. In this article, we will look at some of the best agriculture universities in the world.
Top Agriculture Schools in the World
1. Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is a public university in Wageningen, Netherlands, known for education and research related to food, climate, biodiversity, nutrition, and the living environment.
Wageningen University & Research is widely recognized as one of the strongest agriculture schools in the world. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Agriculture and Forestry, it is ranked first globally. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. study pathways connected to food, plants, animals, the environment, and society.
2. University of California, Davis
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis focuses on agricultural, environmental, and human sciences through departments and programs related to animals, plants, food, environmental science, economics, engineering, and community development.
UC Davis is ranked second in the world and first in the United States for agriculture and forestry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences lists 27 academic majors, more than 7,600 undergraduate students, 1,030 graduate students, and 22 graduate degrees.
3. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Sweden is known for its forests, mountains, and lakes, so it is fitting that the country has a university dedicated to agricultural, environmental, and life sciences. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is one of the world’s leading universities in these fields and is ranked third globally for Agriculture and Forestry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as doctoral studies. For agriculture specifically, its English-facing study options include master’s programs in areas such as agricultural economics, agroecology, food systems, and horticultural science, with doctoral opportunities available through its research departments.
4. AgroParisTech
- Study Program
- Location: France | Degrees Offered: Engineering, Master’s, and Ph.D.
AgroParisTech is a French public grande école under the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, and it is part of Paris-Saclay University. It focuses on life, food, and environmental sciences and addresses global challenges related to food systems, natural resources, environmental protection, and the bioeconomy.
This public higher education institution offers an engineering program, master’s programs in life and environmental science and technology, Ph.D. training, and continuing education. Its master’s offerings include French-language, English-language, European, and international options, and exchange students may participate in selected master’s programs.
5. Cornell University
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University is one of the leading institutions for agriculture, life sciences, environmental studies, food systems, and applied social sciences. Its programs and research address major challenges in agriculture, sustainability, health, and natural resources.
Cornell CALS offers 22 undergraduate majors and more than 40 minors across agricultural, environmental, and social sciences. It also supports graduate training and research across fields such as animal science, food science, plant sciences, natural resources, development sociology, and applied economics.
6. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is the only university in Switzerland that offers a degree program in Agricultural Sciences. The program includes both bachelor’s and master’s study options in the field.
The bachelor’s program provides a foundation in agricultural systems, plants, animals, ecology, economics, and production. The master’s program allows students to specialize in Agricultural Economics, Animal Sciences, or Plant Sciences, and it includes an internship component as part of the curriculum.
7. China Agricultural University
China Agricultural University is a public university in Beijing and is considered the birthplace of modern agricultural higher education in China, with roots dating back to 1905. The university has 19 colleges, one teaching unit, and one directly affiliated department, and it covers major disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, science, economics, management, law, and literature.
China Agricultural University has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture and related disciplines. Its current international admissions information notes cooperation with more than 260 universities, research institutions, and international organizations in more than 50 countries and regions. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, it is ranked fifth globally for Agriculture and Forestry.
We hope this article on the world’s best agriculture schools was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
