The SUFONAMA program is a two year masters degree from Erasmus Mundus. It teaches students how to manage forests and nature in a sustainable way. Forests and natural areas face many problems today such as climate change loss of animals and plants and wrong use of land. This program gives students strong scientific knowledge and practical skills. Students learn to solve these problems and protect nature for the future. Also see PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus: Master in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems).
You study at five different universities in Europe. The program focuses on learning from different countries and cultures. It prepares students for good jobs in forest management, nature conservation, environmental work and related fields. After finishing the program students can work in government offices, private companies, NGOs research centers or international organizations.
Main Details of the SUFONAMA Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS credits) |
| Degree Type | Joint Masters Degree |
| Language | English |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus Plus Joint Master scholarship |
Universities and Countries
The program is run by five universities together:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| University of Copenhagen | Denmark |
| Bangor University | United Kingdom |
| University of Gottingen | Germany |
| University of Padua | Italy |
| Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences | Sweden |
How the Two Years Work
In the first year all students study at University of Copenhagen in Denmark. They learn core subjects such as forest, ecology management, applied economics and some optional subjects.
In the second year students move to one of the partner universities. There they study special subjects and complete their masters thesis. There are also options for extra fieldwork and summer schools.
See Also: EMABG Erasmus Mundus: Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
You can apply for SUFONAMA if you meet these conditions:
- You have a bachelors degree in forestry, biology, ecology, natural resources or a related field.
- You have studied relevant subjects in your bachelors degree.
- You have good English skills shown by accepted tests or previous English medium study.
Required Documents
Here is the list of documents you need to prepare:
- Official bachelors diploma and transcripts translated in English if needed
- Europass CV
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport or national ID card
- Letter of motivation if you are applying for scholarship
- Letters of recommendation if you are applying for scholarship
- Proof of your current residence
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Follow these steps to apply:
- Go to the official SUFONAMA application portal.
- Create your account.
- Fill your personal details and academic information.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Choose if you want to apply for the Erasmus Plus scholarship.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Check the portal regularly for any updates or messages.
APPLY for SUFONAMA Erasmus Mundus
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake
Applications usually open in January. Main deadline is in March. Selection process happens in April. Results come in May. The program starts in early September.
SUFONAMA Scholarship Benefits
If you get the Erasmus Plus scholarship you will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of up to 1400 euros for 24 months
- Travel allowance and installation money
- Support for research conferences and field activities
- Access to good academic and professional networks
Guidance for a Strong Application
Write a clear motivation letter and explain why you want to study sustainable forest and nature management. Highlight your academic background and any related experience or projects. Ask your teachers or supervisors to write strong recommendation letters. Show that you are ready to live and study in different countries. Make sure all your documents are clean correct and neatly presented.
Alumni Experience
Graduates of SUFONAMA often get jobs in forestry management conservation agencies environmental consultancies international organisations and research institutions. Many alumni continue with doctoral studies or take leadership positions in public and private sectors related to sustainable land use and nature protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the academic requirements for the SUFONAMA program?
You need a relevant bachelors degree in forestry, ecology, biology or similar field with at least 20 ECTS in key subjects. Some degrees qualify automatically while others are checked case by case.
Can I apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programs including SUFONAMA?
Yes but you can only submit three applications in total to the University of Copenhagen. Extra applications will be cancelled.
What English proficiency is needed for SUFONAMA?
You must show completion of an English language degree from certain countries or pass IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge tests. The test must be maximum two years old before the deadline.
Does SUFONAMA allow part time studies?
No. Students must study full time for the full 24 months.
Can I reapply to SUFONAMA if I already had an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
You cannot receive the scholarship again but you can apply as a fee paying student.