AFEPA - European Master’s programme in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis

The European Master’s programme in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis AFEPA is a joint programme (120 ECTS) for students interested in the economic analysis of agricultural and environmental policies. AFEPA offers a joint curriculum by four main partner universities: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) in Italy, University of Bonn (UBonn) in Germany, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Sweden and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) in Belgium. The Master‘s programme facilitates mutual learning and offers a genuine international learning experience to students at least at two main partner universities. Our graduates are prepared for leadership positions in the fields of agri-food and trade policy, environmental and natural resource policy, agribusiness and market research and analysis, and development policy.

Programme overview

Why choose AFEPA?

Top universities

The four main partner universities are recognized world-wide for the quality of their scientific achievements.

Mobility

AFEPA students study at least at two European partner universities and participate in the annual summer school.

High-level education

Our students get outstanding education in a research-centred and collaborative environment and comprehensive support.

Cultural and disciplinary diversity

AFEPA welcomes applications from international students. Our students come from more than 50 countries with backgrounds in economic, agricultural and environmental study programmes.

Great career opportunities

Graduates are well qualified to take responsibilities in international, national and non-governmental organisations as well as private sector companies. They are also well prepared for doctoral studies.

What's new at AFEPA

AFEPA Summer School 2026 at SLU, Sweden

This year's AFEPA Summer School will take place from 21 to 28 August 2026 at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. The Summer School brings together our students for an intensive and inspiring week of academic exchange, hands‑on learning, and community building. We look forward to welcoming our students to SLU for this year’s Summer School and to another enriching and memorable AFEPA learning experience.

AFEPA Spring Excursion 2026

Recently, we took our students at the University of Bonn on a spring excursion just outside Bonn. Together, we hiked up the Petersberg, a place shaped by decades of European diplomacy and, on this occasion, by equally important conversations about our programme, master thesis projects, and life at our partner university locations.One of the highlights was a dedicated feedback round on improving communication before arrival and throughout the studies. A BIG thank you to our students for their candid input.

AFEPA Summer School 2025 by Idah Chungu

Academic journeys are rarely just about research. They are about people, places, and perspectives. This summer reminded me of that. A heartfelt thank you to the AFEPA consortium for organizing such an enriching summer school and for the privilege to participate in the XVIII EAAE Congress in Bonn, Germany.What stood out most was not only the depth of knowledge shared in the plenary sessions but also the warmth and openness of academics from around the world. Engaging with such brilliant yet approachable minds has been an experience that I will carry with me for years to come. As I begin my second year with AFEPA at the The University of Bonn, I am deeply grateful for these opportunities and excited to see where this journey leads.

⭐ Scholarship Opportunity for Top Applicants 2026! ⭐

Are you a driven and ambitious student eager to advance your studies in agriculture, food systems, and environmental policy? The AFEPA Master Programme is offering four scholarships for outstanding applicants ready to excel in their academic journey.

How to get in

Individuals from all countries can apply for the AFEPA programme. Before considering an application, verify that your profile fits into what we are looking for.

Application deadline

The period for the submission of applications for the 2026 cohort is closed.
Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in October. Please check this website closer to the time for the exact date.

Your opportunities after AFEPA

Our graduates are well qualified to become decision-makers and take responsibilities in international, national and regional agencies, NGOs, professional organisations and private companies in the fields of agriculture, food, development and the environment.

90%

employment rate

30%

employed in less than one month after graduation

30%

pursue a PhD

"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

We are proud to introduce our alumna, Selam Assefa Eshete from Ethiopia (graduate 2016), who is serving as a National Programme Policy Officer at the United Nations World Food Programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Some of our alumni chose careers in international development like Evelyn Baraké from Canada (2017 graduate), who is working as a program officer in the Sustainable Inclusive Economies program at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Ottawa, Canada.

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We are proud to introduce our 2019 graduate Marta Verza from Italy who is currently pursuing PhD at Bologne University. Upon her graduation, she has also served as a Research Fellow at the Interdepartmental Center for Agri-food Industrial Research in Bologne, Italy.

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Meet our accomplished alumna, Caroline Schmidt from Germany (graduate 2020), who is working as a policy officer (economist) at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) in Berlin, Germany.

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Some of our alumni chose a career in the field of sustainability like Stefania Celi Garofalo from Ecuador (graduate 2021), who is serving as a Sustainability Manager at COFFEETEAM in Antwerp, Belgium, driving a positive impact in the coffee industry.

Learn more

More about career prospects

What you need to know before you start studying AFEPA

AFEPA Handbook

In the AFEPA Handbook you can find detailed information on the AFEPA Master’s Programme and on the main academic partner universities.

Student Agreement

Our students sign an agreement with the AFEPA programme coordinator. The agreement details the rights and duties of students in the programme.

Fees

The four partner universities impose different tuition and administrative fees. The AFEPA consortuim may ask for additional fees for the annual summer school.

Financing and Support

The current funding period by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency has ended. There are no scholarships available for the 2025 intake.

AFEPA Coordination Office

University of Bonn
Institute for Food and Resource Economics
Nussallee 21
D-53115

Email: info@afepa.eu

AFEPA - European Master’s programme in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis

Why choose AFEPA?

Top universities

Mobility

High-level education

Cultural and disciplinary diversity

Great career opportunities

How to get in

Application deadline

Your opportunities after AFEPA

"Apply! There are so many wonderful experiences which are unique to the AFEPA programme which you will learn and benefit from, personally and academically."

What you need to know before you start studying AFEPA

AFEPA Handbook

Student Agreement

Fees

Financing and Support

Contact