The AFEPA Erasmus Mundus is a prestigious two-year, 120 ECTS joint Master’s program designed for those passionate about the economic analysis of agricultural, food, and environmental policies. Run in English, AFEPA brings together four leading European universities to offer immersive, interdisciplinary training. Students gain expertise in microeconomics, quantitative methods, policy evaluation, and thematic electives, enhanced by summer schools and internship opportunities.
Thanks to its international structure, students spend a year at one partner institution and a second year at another, culminating in a substantial 30 ECTS thesis. With its strong emphasis on policy-relevant research and cross-border learning, AFEPA prepares graduates for influential roles in government, NGOs, corporate sectors, and for doctoral pathways
Project Status
- Status: Completed
- Start date 01-09-2018
- End date 31-08-2024
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The AFEPA Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at four top-tier universities across Europe.
| University of Bonn |
| Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
| Université catholique de Louvain |
| Germany |
| Belgium |
| Italy |
| Sweden |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
AFEPA is tailored for students eager to analyse and influence agricultural, food, and environmental policies. It offers rigorous theoretical and methodological training in economics, alongside hands-on field experiences. English is the medium of instruction, promoting international accessibility and collaboration.
Key Features of the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Double-degree mobility: Study at two of four main universities
- Comprehensive curriculum: 30 ECTS each of core economics and quantitative methods; 54 ECTS electives; 30 ECTS thesis; optional 6–15 ECTS internship; 6 ECTS summer school
- Summer Schools: Held annually across partner sites, blending workshops, field visits, and networking
- Internships: Accreditation of 6–15 ECTS during the second year, often leading to thesis-linked research
- Global alumni network: Multi-cultural cohorts from over 50 countries
Mobility Tracks of the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
Students pick their first-year host among the four main universities and choose a second-year host in December. Mobility placement considers ECTS requirements, academic interests, performance, and fair distribution.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), with at least 90 ECTS in economics
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS)
- Academic transcripts, diploma(s), CV, motivation letter (≤300 words), proof of nationality, school-leaving certificates
How to Apply for the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Download the application form from the AFEPA website
- Assemble required documents into one PDF (≤ 5 MB)
- Complete your application form and send it together with the other necessary documents before the deadline to: afepa.application@ilr.uni-bonn.de.
Tips to Win the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
- Emphasize your economics background and motivation in policy analysis
- Highlight quantitative skills and relevant coursework
- Show adaptability, international orientation, and cultural curiosity
- If aiming for scholarships, express interest clearly in your application
- Suggest a clear thesis topic aligned with partner universities’ research areas
Application Timeline
- October: Application opens
- Feb : Non-European deadline
- June: European deadline
- Mar–Jun 2025: Evaluation outcomes emailed
- Sept 2025: Program start
- Selection includes pre-screening, consortium evaluation, placement meeting
Curriculum Structure of the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program
| Component | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Core microeconomics & quantitative methods | 30 |
| Electives (optional majors thematic) | 54 |
| Internship (optional) | 6–15 |
| Summer School | 6 |
| Master Thesis | 30 |
(120 ECTS total across two years)
Coordinator Contact
AFEPA Coordination Office
- Email: info@afepa.eu
Alumni Feedback
- “Apply! There are so many wonderful experiences which are unique to the AFEPA programme which you will learn and benefit from, personally and academically.”
Eleanor Gardner (Class 2022) – United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program?
It’s a two-year, Erasmus Mundus-style joint Master’s in agricultural, food, and environmental policy analysis, with mobility across international universities and dual degrees.
Does the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program offer scholarships?
Yes, scholarship of €1,400/month for 24 months; additional support possible from UCSC
What background suits the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program?
Strong grounding in economics, quantitative methods, agri/environmental sciences or policy; motivation for research and mobility required.
How do mobility tracks in the AFEPA Erasmus Mundus Program work?
You study Year 1 at one main partner, then choose Year 2 placement based on preferences and consortium criteria, ensuring balanced intake.
