Agriculture

Overview

Agriculture is the field of cultivating plants and livestock. It is one of the oldest and most important human activities, providing food, fibre, and other essential products for the world’s population. Agriculture courses abroad allow students to learn from world-renowned experts in the field and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.

Why Study Agriculture Courses Abroad?

There are many reasons to study agriculture courses abroad. Here are a few:

Access to world-class education: Many of the world’s best agricultural universities are outside India. Studying abroad offers you the chance to learn from world-renowned experts and gain access to cutting-edge research and facilities.
Global perspective: Studying agriculture abroad allows you to learn about different agricultural practices and systems from around the world. This will give you a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities of today.
Improved job prospects: A degree in agriculture from a foreign university is highly valued by employers around the world. This will give you with a competitive edge in the job market and give you more career opportunities.

Course Structure

Agriculture courses abroad are of four years or three years duration and lead to a Bachelor of Science degree certificate. Some universities also offer Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in agriculture.

Course Subjects

Agriculture courses abroad typically cover a wide range of subjects, including:

Agronomy: The science of crop production
Animal science: The science of animal production and husbandry
Agricultural economics: The economics of agriculture and food production
Food science: The science of food processing and preservation
Natural resources management: Natural resources management such as soil, water, and forests

Course Duration

The duration of agriculture courses abroad can vary depending on the level of study and the specific program. Diploma/Certificate in Agriculture takes around 1 to 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture takes around 3 to 4 years to complete. & Master’s degree in Agriculture takes around 1 to 2 years to complete.

Types of Agriculture Degrees

There are many different types of agriculture degrees available abroad. Some of the most popular include:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA): A general agriculture degree that covers a wide range of subjects
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science: A degree that focuses on the production and husbandry of animals
Bachelor of Science in Crop Science: A degree that focuses on the production of crops
Bachelor of Science in Food Science: A degree that focuses on the processing and preservation of food
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management: A degree that focuses on the management of natural resources such as soil, water, and forests

Top Specializations

Some of the top specializations in agriculture include:

Agricultural biotechnology: The application of biotechnology to improve agricultural production and sustainability
Agricultural engineering: The use of engineering principles to improve agricultural production and efficiency
Agricultural economics: The economics of agriculture and food production
Food science: The science of food processing and preservation
Natural resources management: Natural resources such as soil, water, and forest management

Admission Process (Steps in Detail)

The admission process for agriculture courses abroad varies depending on the university. However, in general, the following steps are involved:

Submit an application form: The application form will typically ask for your personal and academic information and your reasons for wanting to study agriculture abroad.
Submit transcripts: You will need to submit transcripts from your previous educational institutions.
Submit letters of recommendation: You must submit letters of recommendation (LORs) from teachers or other professionals who know you well.
Take an English language proficiency test: If you are a non-native English speaker, you have to appear for an English language proficiency exam such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Interview: Some universities may require you to interview with an admissions officer.
Passport: A Passport copy is required to be submitted
Work experience: If the candidate has any work experience, he should also submit his work experience details.
CV: Students has to also submit his CV/Resume to provide details about his academic and professional life.

Document Requirements

The following documents are typically required for admission to agriculture courses abroad:

Application form
Transcripts
Letters of recommendation
English language proficiency test scores
Passport
Visa
SOP
CV
Work exp if any

English Language Proficiency Exams Score Requirements

The English language proficiency test scores required for admission to agriculture courses abroad vary depending on the university. However, in general, the following scores are required:

IELTS: 6.5 overall band score, with no band score below 6.0
TOEFL: 90 overall, with no section score below 20
PTE: 65 overall, with no section score below 54
Duolingo: 110 Overall

Cost of Studying (Average Tuition Fees)

The cost of studying agriculture abroad can vary significantly depending on the country, university, and level of study (undergraduate, graduate, etc.). However, here are some approximate average tuition fees for agriculture programs in a few popular study destinations as of my last knowledge update in September 2021:

United States: Tuition fees for international students can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more per year.
United Kingdom: Tuition fees vary but can range from £15,000 to £25,000 per year for international students.
Canada: Tuition fees can vary widely, but on average, they range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 annually for international students.
Australia: Tuition fees typically range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 40,000 annually for international students.

Tuition fees can change over time, so checking with specific universities for the most up-to-date information is essential.

Cost of Living and Other Expenses

The cost of living and other expenses will also vary depending on the location and personal lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

Accommodation: This cost varies widely based on the type of accommodation (on-campus, off-campus, shared apartments, etc.). It can range from $500 to $1,500 or more per month.
Food: The monthly cost of groceries and dining out can be around $200 to $400.
Transport: Public transportation costs can vary, but it’s roughly $50 to $150 per month.
Books and Stationery: This expense can amount to $500 to $1,000 per year.
Health Insurance: Depending on the country, health insurance costs for international students can be around $500 to $1,500 per year.

Top Scholarships with Amounts Offered

Some of the top scholarships for agriculture students include:

Fulbright Program: Offers various scholarships for international students studying in the United States, with amounts varying.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Provides scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK.
Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government-funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and more.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Offered to international students pursuing doctoral studies in Canada, providing $50,000 per year.

The exact scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria can change, so it’s important to research and apply for scholarships specific to your chosen country and university.

Popular Jobs

Here are some popular jobs in agriculture and their average annual salaries in the United States as of my last update:

Agricultural Scientist/Researcher: $65,000 to $100,000+
Agricultural Engineer: $70,000 to $100,000+
Farm Manager: $50,000 to $80,000+
Agricultural Consultant: $50,000 to $90,000+
Food Scientist: $60,000 to $100,000+

Salaries depend on experience, location, and the specific sector of agriculture you work in.

Best Countries to Study Agriculture Courses Abroad

Some of the best countries to study agriculture abroad include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany. These countries offer excellent agricultural programs and research opportunities.

Best Universities to Study Agriculture Courses Abroad

Here are some globally recognized universities for agriculture studies:

University of California, Davis (USA)
University of Wageningen (Netherlands)
University of Reading (UK)
University of Queensland (Australia)
University of Guelph (Canada)
Cornell University (USA)
Purdue University (USA)
Iowa State University (USA)
Texas A&M University (USA)
University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)
Michigan State University (USA)

Please note that the “best” university can vary based on your specific area of interest within agriculture, so it’s essential to research universities that offer programs aligned with your goals.

FAQs

Q1) Are there scholarships available for international agriculture students?

A1) Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for international agriculture students. Some are offere by governments, universities, and private organizations. Research and apply for scholarships that match your eligibility and program of study.

Q2) How can I find affordable accommodation as an international student?

A2) You can find affordable accommodation by exploring options such as on-campus housing, shared apartments, or student hostels. Additionally, some universities offer housing assistance for international students.

Q3) What are the career prospects for agriculture graduates?

A3) Agriculture graduates can pursue careers in areas like agribusiness, agricultural research, farming, food production, and environmental management. Career prospects are promising due to the increasing global demand for sustainable agriculture and food security.