Agriculture supports every society by supplying food and many raw materials. Much of what we eat—including vegetables, fruits, and meat—depends on agriculture. If you are interested in livestock management, crop production, agricultural technology, or soil and water conservation, you can study agriculture or a related field in college.
Globally, many universities offer agriculture and related programs at various levels. As technology advances, agricultural education increasingly incorporates data, automation, biotechnology, sustainability, and other modern approaches.
Studying agriculture abroad can expose you to different farming systems, technologies, climates, and industry practices. But which destination should you choose? In this article, we highlight several strong countries and regions for studying agriculture and related subjects.
Top Countries to Study Agriculture
1. United States
Home to a wide range of universities, the United States is a popular destination for studying agriculture. Although engineering and business often receive more attention, many US universities also provide extensive undergraduate and graduate options in agricultural fields.
For example, Cornell University offers a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Purdue University lists majors in areas such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal sciences, and plant sciences. Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences also offers global learning opportunities, including university exchange programs.
International applicants to institutions such as the University of Georgia may also be considered for select university scholarships. These awards are competitive, and applicants should review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
2. Australia
Australia is a major agricultural exporter. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, agricultural land covered 57.1% of Australia’s land area as of December 2023, while agriculture accounted for 12.4% of the value of Australian goods and services exports in 2024–25.
Australia’s extensive agricultural sector makes it a strong destination for agricultural education. Universities offering relevant degrees include the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, the University of Sydney, and the University of Melbourne.
One option is the University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Agriculture. Its standard full-time duration is three years, and a part-time study option of up to six years is also available. Students have access to practical and field-based learning as part of the program.
3. Canada
Agriculture is an important part of Canada’s economy. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reported that the agriculture and agri-food system generated C$149.2 billion in gross domestic product and employed approximately 2.3 million people in 2024. Canada’s large agricultural sector and range of university programs make it a strong destination for agricultural study.
The University of Guelph offers Bachelor of Science in Agriculture specializations such as Animal Science, Crop Science, Horticulture, and Honours Agriculture. The University of the Fraser Valley provides practical agriculture programs and facilities through its Agriculture Centre of Excellence at the Chilliwack campus.
Scholarship opportunities are available, but eligibility, award values, and covered expenses vary considerably. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada maintains a directory of agriculture-related scholarships. International applicants should confirm the citizenship, residency, institution, and enrollment requirements for every award before applying.
4. Singapore
Singapore is a strong option for students interested in urban agriculture, food science, aquaculture, and agri-food technology. However, its major universities generally focus on these specialized areas rather than offering broad, conventional agriculture degrees.
At the National University of Singapore (NUS), students can pursue Food Science and Technology, which covers areas connected to agricultural production and food systems. The university also conducts urban farming research through its food-energy-water nexus initiatives. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) supports research and education related to food science, urban farming, aquaculture, and agri-food innovation.
The Singapore Food Agency offers the Singapore Sustainability Scholarship for relevant undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma-level study. It is limited to Singapore citizens and permanent residents intending to take up Singapore citizenship. The scholarship may cover tuition, compulsory fees, allowances, and certain travel costs, but recipients are subject to a service bond.
5. Germany
Germany has a diverse agricultural sector. In 2024, agriculture, forestry, and fishing together accounted for 0.8% of the country’s gross value added. German universities also conduct extensive research in agricultural production, sustainability, food systems, and environmental management.
Students can choose from established institutions such as the University of Hohenheim and the University of Göttingen.
The University of Hohenheim’s bachelor’s program in Agricultural Sciences is taught in German and includes practical components, while selected agricultural master’s programs are taught in English. At Göttingen, the bachelor’s and standard master’s programs in Agricultural Sciences are primarily taught in German, while programs such as Sustainable International Agriculture are available in English.
Tuition rules depend on the university, program, and student’s status. At the University of Hohenheim, international students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area generally pay €1,500 in tuition per semester, in addition to a semester fee. Exemptions apply in certain circumstances.
6. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a relatively small local agricultural sector. According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the gross value of local agricultural production was approximately HK$861 million in 2025. International students can nevertheless study agriculture-related fields at a variety of institutions.
Hong Kong universities generally offer agriculture-related study through life sciences, plant science, biotechnology, food science, and veterinary medicine rather than through conventional agriculture bachelor’s degrees. The Chinese University of Hong Kong offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology with plant biology coursework, and its School of Life Sciences conducts research in Plant Cell Biology and Agricultural Science. The University of Hong Kong offers programs in biological sciences and food safety, while City University of Hong Kong offers a six-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.
7. Switzerland
Switzerland has more than one higher education institution offering agricultural science. ETH Zurich offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Agricultural Sciences, while Bern University of Applied Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and an English-taught Master of Science in Life Sciences with a specialization in Agricultural Science.
ETH Zurich was ranked eighth worldwide for Agriculture and Forestry in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
ETH Zurich’s bachelor’s program in Agricultural Sciences comprises 180 ECTS credits and normally takes three years of full-time study. It is taught primarily in German and includes excursions and a compulsory agricultural internship of at least 10 weeks on a Swiss farm. Its master’s program comprises 120 ECTS credits, normally takes two years, and includes a compulsory 16-week professional internship.
We hope this article on the best countries to study agriculture was informative and helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, make sure to explore the Available Programs for International Students!
