Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and plant health? The PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus program offers a dynamic two-year joint master’s that immerses you in top-tier European institutions tackling real-world crop protection challenges. Taught by international experts, it equips you with knowledge in integrated pest management, molecular diagnostics, epidemiology and so much more across multiple countries and languages.
Graduates earn a double diploma from two of five elite universities in Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. The program balances theoretical lectures with hands-on experiences: fieldwork, lab projects, industrial internships, and a thesis that truly matters. Combine that with cross-cultural networking and career-ready skills, and you’ve got a uniquely powerful academic adventure
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-11-2023
- End date 31-12-2029
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at five leading European universities, focusing on plant health and sustainable cropping systems through a combination of advanced scientific training and real-world field experience.
| Universitat Politècnica de València |
| Università di Padova |
| University of Göttingen |
| AgroParisTech |
| L’Institut Agro |
| Spain |
| Italy |
| Germany |
| France |
| France |
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 PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program
A unique joint master’s designed by industry-leading European universities to train future experts in sustainable plant health. Through interdisciplinary courses—mycology, entomology, molecular biology, integrated pest management—and practical internships and field excursions, students learn to diagnose plant problems and design environmentally responsible control strategies.
Key features of the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program
- Erasmus Mundus label: recognized for excellence in Europe
- Double degree: earn two master’s diplomas
- Multinational mobility: study in at least two countries
- Applied learning: internships, field trips, industry projects, thesis
- Holistic approach: broader agronomic and ecosystem context
- Employability: strong placement rates in academia, industry, policy
- Networking: connections with European research centers and companies
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS, typically 3 years) in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or similar, with ≥4 ECTS in Plant Health/Crop Protection
- English B2 (CEFR) or proof bachelor’s fully in English; French level recommended for M2 in France
- Two reference letters, CV, degree certificate/transcripts
- Final-year BSc students may apply conditionally, must graduate by August before start
How to apply for PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the PlantHealth online application portal.
- Complete eligibility questions and upload: CV, transcripts, diploma (or proof of pending graduation), English tests, two recommendation letters.
- Submit before deadline.
- Track results: first-call scholarship results around March 2025; self-funded round in late May-June
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: December
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program
- Year 1 (M1, 60 ECTS): shared curriculum in Valencia or Padova—modules in sustainable farming, molecular plant protection, entomology, pathology, genetics, stats, internship
- Year 2 (M2, 60 ECTS): specialization + thesis:
- Valencia: Mediterranean crops, IPM, biotech, plant-pathogen interactions
- Padova: ornamentals, landscape crops
- Göttingen: temperate/arable/energy crops
- France: tropical horticulture/vegetables (in French
Coordinator Contact
- Coordinating Institution: Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
- Contact email: planthealth@upv.es
- Coordinator: Prof. Josep Armengol
- Secretariat: PlantHealth Secretariat Universitat Politècnica de València Cami de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia, Spain
Alumni Feedback
During the past two years a new life cycle would start for me. As a PlantHealth student I learned not just about agriculture, pesticides, biological control… but also about myself. Leaving far from home with these amazing people from different corners of the world, chasing the same objectives, sharing knowledge and friendship… All of this was a life-changing experience in so many ways. I would like to thank all the professors from Universität Göttingen and Politècnica de València as well as all the PlantHealth staff for making this project happen. I hope this network gets even bigger and we keep the same enthusiasm and brilliance from our master professors and mentors in our professional life.
~MATHEUS CARDIM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program and who is it for?
The PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program is a two-year joint master’s degree designed for students with a background in plant sciences, agronomy, biology, or related fields who are interested in sustainable crop protection and plant health management.
What are the benefits of joining the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program?
The PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program offers a double master’s degree, mobility between top European universities, hands-on fieldwork, research opportunities, internships, and strong career prospects in academia, research, and the agro-industry.
What are the admission requirements for the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program?
To apply for the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as agriculture, biology, or plant sciences), demonstrate English proficiency, and submit academic transcripts, a CV, letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter.
How competitive is admission to the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program?
Admission to the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on academic excellence, motivation, references, and alignment with the program’s goals.
Can I apply to the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program while still completing my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, final-year students can apply to the PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus Program as long as they complete their degree before the start of the program and provide proof of pending graduation.
