10 Best agriculture universities in the world 2025

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Are you thinking about building a career in agriculture and wondering which country and university will give you the best return on your investment?

Agriculture today is a high-impact, tech-driven discipline. It brings together plant science, environmental science, data, engineering and global sustainability to solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges from food security to climate change.

Because so many universities now offer strong agricultural programmes, it can be hard to decide which ones are truly world-class and worth applying to as an international student.

In this guide, we’ve curated the 10 best agriculture universities in the world for 2025, based on the QS World University Rankings for Agriculture & Forestry 2025. You’ll find:

• a quick ranking table with QS positions and scores
• an overview of each university’s strengths, research focus and key agriculture degrees
• a country-wise breakdown of top study destinations
• popular agriculture specialisations you can choose from
• entry requirements, costs and scholarships for international students
• career outcomes and tips to choose the right agriculture university for you

Whether you’re most interested in crop science, animal science, food science, environmental management or agri-tech, these universities represent the global benchmark for agricultural education and research.

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10 Best Agriculture Universities in the World (QS 2025)

According to the QS World University Rankings for Agriculture & Forestry 2025, these are the top 10 universities in the world to study agriculture, based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

Studying abroad can be an exciting option if one wants to pursue a career in agriculture. However, with so many institutions around the world offering degrees in this discipline, it might prove to be a tough decision on which one is best suited for you.

Here's a list of the top 10 agriculture universities in the world that'll help make things much easier:

This is an overview of each institution that excels in agricultural sciences—a little about their history, location, degree offered, and subjects taught:

1. Wageningen University & Research

2. University of California, Davis

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3. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

4. China Agricultural University

5. Cornell University

6. Purdue University

7. ETH Zurich

8. Ghent University

9. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

10. Norwegian University of Life Sciences

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Why Study at a Top Agriculture University?

Choosing a top-ranked agriculture university gives you access to cutting-edge research, industry-linked internships and strong global recognition of your degree. These universities usually have:

• specialised faculties dedicated to agriculture, life sciences and the environment
• well-equipped labs, research farms and greenhouses
• international research collaborations and exchange programmes
• career services and employer connections in agribusiness, food companies and NGOs
• strong rankings in agriculture, forestry and related disciplines

Related agriculture courses

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Best Countries to Study Agriculture

1. United States

The USA is one of the most popular destinations for agriculture, with world leading research and a strong agribusiness sector. Top universities include:

• University of California, Davis
• Cornell University
• Purdue University
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Students benefit from advanced technology, large research grants and strong job prospects in food, farming, environment and policy.

2. Europe (Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway)

Europe offers excellent quality education, a strong sustainability focus and a wide choice of English taught programmes. Some of the best options are:

• Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden)
• Ghent University (Belgium)
• ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
• Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway)

European agriculture universities are known for climate-smart agriculture, environmental science and policy-oriented degrees.

3. Asia

Asia is an emerging hub for agriculture and food security research. Among the leading names is:

• China Agricultural University (China Mainland)

Asian universities often focus on large-scale food production, crop improvement, pest management and sustainable rural development.

4. Australia & New Zealand

Although not all Australian and New Zealand universities appear in the top 10 for agriculture, the region is highly regarded for:

• strong links with agribusiness and farming industries
• research in dryland agriculture, climate-resilient crops and livestock
• practical, field-based learning for international students

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Popular Agriculture Specialisations

When choosing an agriculture degree, it helps to think about your specialisation early. Common options at the universities above include:

• Agronomy & Crop Science – crop production, breeding, soil and water management.
• Soil Science – soil fertility, conservation, land management, climate impacts.
• Animal Science – livestock production, breeding, nutrition and welfare.
• Food Science & Technology – food processing, safety, quality and product development.
• Agricultural Engineering – farm machinery, irrigation systems, precision agriculture.
• Agri-business & Agricultural Economics – farm management, value chains, markets and policy.
• Environmental & Sustainability Studies – climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity, natural resources.

Admission Requirements & Eligibility

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programmes

• High school completion with strong grades in Biology, and often Chemistry/Maths.
• English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo for most international applicants).
• Statement of purpose explaining your interest in agriculture and future plans.
• Letters of recommendation (required for some universities).

Master’s programmes

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in agriculture, life sciences, environmental science or a related field.
• Minimum GPA or grade requirement as specified by each university.
• English test scores and sometimes GRE (mainly for certain US universities).
• CV, statement of purpose and references highlighting research or field experience.

PhD / Doctoral programmes

• Strong master’s degree and a clear research proposal aligned with faculty interests.
• Evidence of research experience (publications, thesis, projects).
• Approval or interest from a potential supervisor at the university.

Cost of Studying Agriculture Abroad

Tuition fees and living costs vary widely depending on the country and university, but broadly:

• USA: Higher tuition, but many scholarships, assistantships and on-campus jobs.
• Europe: Tuition can range from low to moderate, and some countries offer reduced fees for EU/EEA students and scholarships for non-EU students.
• Asia: Generally lower tuition and living costs compared to North America and Western Europe.
• Australia & New Zealand: Mid-to-high tuition with good part-time work opportunities for students.

Look specifically for:

• university-level scholarships for international students
• government scholarships (e.g. country-specific funding schemes)
• research assistantships and funded projects for master’s and PhD students

Career Opportunities After an Agriculture Degree

Graduates from top agriculture universities can work in a wide range of roles, such as:

• agronomist or crop consultant
• soil scientist or environmental consultant
• animal nutritionist or livestock production manager
• food technologist or quality assurance specialist
• agri-business manager, commodity trader or supply-chain analyst
• policy analyst in government or international organisations
• research scientist in universities, research institutes or private R&D

Salaries vary by country and role, but graduates from highly-ranked universities often have access to better-paid roles, leadership tracks and international opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Agriculture University

When shortlisting universities, consider:

• Specialisation fit: Does the university excel in your chosen field (e.g. agronomy, food science, animal science)?
• Location & climate: Is the local agricultural context relevant to your interests (e.g. temperate, tropical, arid farming)?
• Research & labs: Are there active research centres, field stations, greenhouses and experimental farms?
• Industry links: Does the university offer internships, placements and partnerships with agri-companies and NGOs?
• Cost & scholarships: Are tuition and living costs realistic for your budget, and what funding support is available?
• Post-study outcomes: What are the graduate employment rates and typical career paths?

Shortlist 5–8 universities across 2–3 countries and then compare them on rankings, specialisation, costs and career outcomes before applying.

Frequently asked questions

What different degrees can students pursue at Wageningen University & Research?

At Wageningen University & Research, students can pursue various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in agricultural sciences, including agronomy, forestry, horticulture, aquaculture, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, food science and technology, nutrition, soil science and animal science. The university also offers interdisciplinary courses and research programmes in sustainable development, animal health and welfare, forestry, environment and agricultural policy.

What are the different research centres at the University of Copenhagen?

The University of Copenhagen is home to several research centres, including the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, the Centre for Plant and Animal Health, the Centre for Organic Agriculture, and the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture. 

When was the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences founded?

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences was founded in 1977 and is the largest university in Sweden, with over 20,000 students and 900 faculty members.

Which country is best for a Master’s in agriculture?

The best country for a Master's in Agriculture will depend on individual preferences and career goals. However, countries with prominent agricultural programs like the United States, Germany, France, and Japan offer diverse specialisations, high-quality education, and valuable industry connections for aspiring agricultural professionals.

Which country is best for agricultural studies?

Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands are renowned for their advanced agricultural programs and state of the art facilities, making them popular choices among international students.

Which is the best university for MSc Agriculture in Canada?

• University of British Columbia
• University of Guelph
• University of Saskatchewan
• Universite Laval
• Memorial University of Newfoundland

Which is the best agricultural university in the world?

The Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands is ranked the best agricultural university in the world.

Which is the No. 1 agricultural university in Asia?

The No. 1 agriculture university in Asia is generally considered to be the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, India. 

IARI is highly regarded for its extensive research, education, and contributions to agriculture and related fields. It is often recognised as a leading institution in Asia for agricultural sciences.

Which is the best university for MSc Agriculture in the world?

Universities like Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), University of California, Davis (USA), and University of Reading (UK) are known for their strong agricultural programs and international reputation.

Where is Asia's biggest agricultural university?

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University is a public agricultural university in Hisar, Haryana, India. It is the largest agricultural university in Asia. 

The university covers 8,645 acres of land, with 7,219 acres at the main campus and 1,426 acres at other locations. 

It is named after Chaudhary Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister.

Can I study agriculture in the USA?

Yes, the top-notch universities in the USA offer a range of agricultural studies from traditional agronomy and animal sciences to emerging technologies like precision agriculture and biotechnology.

Which are the top 10 agricultural universities in the USA?

• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Cornell University
• University of California Davis
• University of Florida
• Rutgers University New Brunswick
• Harvard University
• Purdue University West Lafayette Campus
• Michigan State University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Iowa State University
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Are agricultural courses available at the University of York?

The University of York acceptance rate is 78% and offers agricultural courses. The university is known for its research-led teaching and is one of the Russell Group universities. 

Which country has the best agriculture universities?

Several countries stand out for agriculture: the United States (UC Davis, Cornell, Purdue), the Netherlands (Wageningen University & Research), Sweden (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) and China (China Agricultural University) are consistently ranked among the best.

What is the number one agriculture university in the world?

Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands is widely regarded as the #1 agriculture university in the world in the QS Agriculture & Forestry 2025 rankings.

Which country is best for a Master’s in agriculture?

If you’re looking for a master’s degree, the USA, Netherlands, Germany, France, Canada and Australia are strong options thanks to their research facilities, industry ties and post-study work opportunities.

Which country is best for agricultural studies overall?

There is no single “best” country, but the USA, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden and China are popular among international students because they combine strong agriculture programmes with good infrastructure and research funding.

What are the best specialisations in agriculture?

Some of the most in-demand specialisations today include agronomy and crop science, soil science, animal science, food science & technology, agricultural engineering, agri-business and climate-smart agriculture.

What are the eligibility requirements for an agriculture degree?

For a bachelor’s degree, you normally need strong high school grades in science subjects and proof of English proficiency. For master’s and PhD programmes, universities expect a related bachelor’s/master’s degree, a minimum GPA, recommendations and in some cases a research proposal.

How much does it cost to study agriculture abroad?

Costs vary by country and university. As a rough guide, tuition can range from low to moderate in parts of Europe and Asia to higher in the USA and Australia. You should also budget for living costs, health insurance, visa fees and study materials.

What is the average salary after an agriculture degree?

Salaries depend on the country and role, but graduates from top universities often earn competitive starting salaries in agribusiness, food companies, consulting, NGOs and government. Advanced degrees (master’s, PhD) and industry experience can significantly increase your earning potential.

Is agriculture a good career in 2025?

Yes. With climate change, food security and sustainability at the top of the global agenda, skilled agriculture graduates are in high demand across research, industry and policy roles.

Can I study agriculture in the USA as an international student?

Yes, many US universities accept international students into agriculture programmes. You’ll need to meet academic and English-language requirements and apply for a student visa. Universities like UC Davis, Cornell and Purdue are particularly well-known for agriculture.