IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program in Soils and Global Change

The IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program in Soils and Global Change is a two-year joint master’s program that offers students the opportunity to study at four leading European universities: Ghent University in Belgium, BOKU University in Austria, the University of Göttingen in Germany, and Aarhus University in Denmark. It focuses on equipping students with an in-depth understanding of how soil systems interact with global environmental changes, including climate change, land use, and ecosystem dynamics. With a strong foundation in soil chemistry, biology, and physics, the program trains students to tackle major sustainability challenges through research, innovation, and policy-relevant knowledge.

More than just an academic degree, IMSOGLO offers a truly international learning experience. Students not only benefit from top-tier teaching and research facilities but also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, lab courses, and collaborative projects. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, connecting soil science to broader issues such as food security, biodiversity, and carbon management. Fully funded through the Erasmus Mundus initiative, it covers tuition, living costs, travel, insurance, and visa expenses—making it an exceptional opportunity for students committed to environmental sustainability and global change research.

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 01-09-2023
• End date  31-10-2029
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Description of the IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

IMSOGLO is a 2-year, 120 ECTS MSc program teaching soil dynamics, global change processes, and climate-smart soil policy. You’ll engage with real-world soil management, fieldwork, lab research, and grow into a global soil scientist ready for multi-stakeholder collaboration

Key Features of the IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• High mobility: Four universities, at least two different countries for each specialization track
• Dual specializations:
  • Soil Ecosystem Services & Global Change (Ghent + Aarhus)
  • Soil‑Plant System Processes & Global Change (Ghent + BOKU + Göttingen)
• Summer school & fieldwork: optional modules like Vienna summer school or field research in China
• Erasmus Mundus scholarship: covers tuition, stipend, insurance, travel, visa

Mobility Tracks of the IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Sem 1: All at Ghent University (30 ECTS fertilizer)
• Sem 2–3: Based on specialization:
  • Track A: Ghent → Aarhus
  • Track B: BOKU → Göttingen
• Sem 4: Master’s thesis at host university or partner research institution

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s (≥ 180 ECTS) in chemistry, biology, geology, physical geography, geo-ecology, civil or agricultural engineering, environmental or agricultural sciences, or related fields
• ≥ 40 ECTS in natural sciences (physics, chemistry, ecology, etc.)
• GPA must be very good/excellent
• English proficiency: TOEFL ≥90, IELTS ≥6.5, or CAE C1

How to Apply for IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Visit the official portal → create account → complete form
2. Upload required docs: CV, degrees, transcripts, test scores, motivation & recommendation letters, passport copy, etc.
3. Submit before deadline for scholarship consideration.

Tips to Win the IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• Highlight interdisciplinary interest: soils biology, chemistry, policy, sustainability
• Show research experience with soil or environmental projects
• Write a clear motivation: why IMSOGLO, why global change matters, long-term goals
• Get strong recommendation letters from academic or industry supervisors
• Make sure to apply early

Application Timeline

• Opens: October
• Deadline: February
• Enroll: Starting September following selection

Curriculum Structure of the IMSOGLO Erasmus Mundus Program

• 120 ECTS total over 4 semesters:
  • Sem 1 (30 ECTS): Core soil fundamentals @ Ghent
  • Sem 2–3 (60 ECTS): Specialization courses—mandatory & electives like Soil Erosion, Soil Physics, Carbon Cycling, Arctic Soils, Digital Mapping
  • Sem 4 (30 ECTS): Master’s thesis at host or partner institute (e.g., JRC or Chinese Acad. Sci)

Coordinator Contact

• General enquiries: imsoglo@ugent.be

Alumni Feedback

I chose IMSOGLO because I wanted to connect soil science with real global challenges. Working on my thesis in carbon sequestration has been eye‑opening. The international environment was amazing. I met peers from all over, shared ideas, and learned different approaches. It really broadened my perspective

~Sharon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)