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10 best agriculture colleges to study abroad

Updated on: Jun 26, 2024
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10 best agriculture colleges to study abroad
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Are you thinking about a career in agriculture? Numerous outstanding colleges across the world provide top-tier agricultural degrees. There are several notable agriculture universities around the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond that offer multiple academic options.

In this article, we will present an overview of the top ten agriculture universities in the world.

Also read: Top 10 universities in the world

Top 10 agriculture universities in the world

UniversityCountryOverall Score
Wageningen University & ResearchNetherlands98.4
University of CaliforniaUSA91.5
University of ReadingUK78.4
University of CopenhagenDenmark80.9
ETHSwitzerland81.3
Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesSweden88.8
Cornell UniversityUSA84.5
China Agricultural UniversityChina81.1
University of QueenslandAustralia78
University of HohenheimGermany78

Studying abroad can be an exciting opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in agriculture. However, with so many institutions around the world offering degrees in this discipline, it might be difficult to determine which one is best for you.

Also read: 8 universities with great MBA courses

To make things easier, here is a list of the top 10 agriculture universities in world

1. Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands)

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is one of the world's leading institutions for agricultural education and research and has been consistently ranked as the best agriculture university in world by the Times Higher Education.

Founded in 1918, it is located in the Netherlands and has a long and distinguished history of excellence in agricultural research and education. At WUR, 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. 

Furthermore, the institution provides a variety of multidisciplinary courses and research programs in sustainable development, forestry,  animal health and welfare, environment, and agricultural policy. 

Additionally, WUR is home to many top-notch research organisations to improve teaching and research in the agricultural sciences. The university also provides a range of research and academic possibilities for students to get practical experience in their chosen field.

Also read: How to get admission to US Universities from India

2. University of California, Davis (USA)

The University of California, Davis, is the second best agriculture university in world. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis offers a variety of degree programs in agricultural business, animal science, dairy science, crop science, food science, natural resources, horticulture, nutrition, plant science, and soil science. 

The university also offers specialised degree programs. For example, students can pursue a Master of Science in Agriculture and Food Science, or a Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness. The university also offers a range of certificate programs in agricultural business and food science. 

UC Davis is home to various research centres and institutes, including the Center for Food Safety, the Center for Irrigation Technology, and the California Institute for Food and Agricultural Research. Furthermore, the university has collaborated with various agricultural companies to give students access to cutting-edge research and technology.

3. University of Reading (UK)

The University of Reading is one of the top universities in the UK for agriculture and its related fields. It has a strong history of distinction in teaching and research, focusing on sustainable agriculture and food production. The university is dedicated to lowering agriculture's environmental effects and encouraging sustainable farming practices.

The university has a world-class agriculture and food research division. Students can choose from various courses, including animal and plant science, agricultural biotechnology, soil science, crop production and protection, food science, and agribusiness. It has long been a pioneer in agroecology. 

The University of Reading also provides a variety of postgraduate degrees in agriculture, such as an MBA in Agribusiness and a Master of Sustainable Agriculture. The university also houses the Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, which studies the effects of food on human health.       

Also read: Courses at the University of Reading

4. University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

The University of Copenhagen in Denmark is widely considered the top agriculture college in the world. Founded in 1479, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It is home to many renowned research institutes, including the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (DAPES), the Department of Animal Science, and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.

The University of Copenhagen strongly focuses on research in agriculture and food sciences. It offers bachelor's and master's courses in crop production, animal production, food science and nutrition, and agricultural economics. 

The university houses several research centres, including the Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Center for Plant and Animal Health, the Center for Organic Agriculture, and the Center for Sustainable Aquaculture. The university also focuses on developing new technologies in agriculture, such as biotechnology and precision agriculture.

5. ETH Zurich (Switzerland)

One of the most prominent universities for agricultural studies, ETH Zurich is recognised as the greatest institution in Europe and is the sixth-best university globally. Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich is well known for its top-notch research and teaching. 

ETH Zurich Research Institute in Agricultural Sciences is among the biggest and most well-known research institutes. Its programs cover several subjects, including food sciences, agricultural economics, biochemistry, plant genetics, and bioinformatics.

ETH Zurich offers a range of Bachelor's and Master's degrees in agricultural sciences. Students can choose to specialise in plant sciences, animal sciences, food sciences, or agricultural economics.

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6. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is one of the world's top universities for agriculture, forestry, and landscape architecture. It is the Nordic countries' only university to provide degrees in these subjects, with campuses in Uppsala and Alnarp. It was formed in 1977 and is Sweden's largest university. 

The institution offers a variety of research and study programs. These include plant breeding, animal breeding, soil science, horticulture, genetics, animal nutrition, forestry, landscape architecture, and food science. In addition, the university has numerous research centres and institutes, such as the Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research, the Swedish Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Economics. 

The university emphasises sustainability and environmental protection. They also actively work to protect the environment and natural resources and develop sustainable agricultural systems.

7. Cornell University (USA)

Cornell University, founded in 1865 and located in New York, is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned for its excellence in various fields, including agriculture and life sciences. Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is one of the biggest and most varied universities. It is among the top agricultural universities in USA.

A wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in applied economics, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, and food science are available at CALS. It is a leading centre for cutting-edge biotechnology, sustainable food systems, and new agriculture methods. 

The university partners with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and international partners to address global challenges in agriculture and food security.

8. China Agricultural University (China)

China Agricultural University, established in 1905 in Beijing, is a well-known university dedicated to agricultural education and research in China. The university's programs include agronomy, plant protection, animal science, agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics.

The university has 3 campuses - the East Campus, West Campus and Jianshe Campus and provides over 60 undergraduate specialities and around 140 Master's Programs.

9. University of Queensland (Australia)

The University of Queensland, founded in 1909 in Brisbane, is a renowned research-intensive institution with a strong emphasis on agriculture and environmental science. It is Australia's leading Agricultural Research Institution.

The Queensland Government supports the University of Queensland and works across crops, horticulture, animals, and nutrition and food sciences.

The university's agriculture research includes precision agriculture, sustainable food systems, genetics, and climate change adaptation. The university's strong industry partnerships and research collaborations contribute to agricultural productivity, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

10. University of Hohenheim (Germany)

The University of Hohenheim, founded in 1818 in Stuttgart, Germany, is a prominent agricultural university. The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Hohenheim has 11 institutes with over 40 professors and offers programs in agricultural economics, sustainable agriculture, and related fields. The university participates in research collaborations globally, helping address food security and agricultural sustainability concerns.

All these universities have internationally recognised programs. These agriculture universities allow students to have a distinctive educational experience.

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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 Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Center for Plant and Animal Health, the Center for Organic Agriculture, and the Center 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 Masters 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 agriculture study?

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 agriculture university in world?

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

Which is the No 1 agriculture university in Asia?

China Agricultural University (CAU) is the No 1 agriculture university in Asia.

Which is the best university for MSc agriculture in 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?

China Agricultural University (CAU) in Beijing, China, is among the largest and most prestigious agricultural universities in Asia. Ready to cultivate a successful future in agriculture? Our video counselling services can help you explore the top 10 agriculture universities in the world. Get personalised guidance to nurture your agricultural ambitions today.

Can I study agriculture in USA?

Yes, the top-notch universities in 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 USA?

  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Cornell University
  • University of California Davis
  • University of Florida
  • Harvard University
  • Michigan State University
  • University of Wisconsin Madison
  • Ohio State University
  • Iowa State University
  • Washington State University
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