The PlantHealth program is a two year masters degree from Erasmus Mundus. It trains students to become experts in plant health and sustainable farming. Farmers today face many problems. These problems include new plant diseases harmful pests and climate change. This program teaches science and practical skills. Students learn how to solve these issues and support safe food production around the world.
You will study at good European universities. You get a double degree. That means when you finish you receive masters certificates from two different universities. The program includes classroom lessons laboratory work field visits workshops and moving between countries. This mix makes you ready for real jobs after graduation. Also see MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Program Scholarship 2026 | Managing Art & Cultural Heritage in Global Markets.
The full program is 120 ECTS credits. This is the standard way in Europe to measure study workload. You can choose different tracks to focus on the topics you like most.
Key Details of the PlantHealth Program
| Feature | Details |
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Master in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS credits) |
| Degree Type | Joint Masters Degree (double degree from two universities) |
| Language | Mainly English but some courses may be in French in France |
| Study Model | Year 1 at Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain or Universita di Padova in Italy. Year 2 at one of the partner universities |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus Plus Joint Master scholarship. Only a limited number available |
Project Status and Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
| Status | The program is still running and active |
| Start Date | November 2023 |
| End Date | December 2028. Funding continues until then |
| Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree |
Universities and Countries Involved
Here are the universities that run the PlantHealth program together.
| University | Country |
| Universitat Politecnica de Valencia | Spain |
| Universita di Padova | Italy |
| University of Gottingen | Germany |
| L Institut Agro | France |
| AgroParisTech | France |
Programme Structure. How the Two Years Work
| Year or Time | Location | What You Study There |
| Year 1 | Spain or Italy | Core subjects like sustainable farming crop protection molecular biology ecology and statistics |
| Year 2 | Germany Spain Italy or France | Special topics in pest management advanced plant health plus your final thesis |
| Optional | Any partner university or company | Extra internship fieldwork or research stay |
You will study in at least two different countries. This helps you see how farming and plant problems change from one place to another.
Research and Industry Links
The program has strong links with research institutes agriculture organizations and companies that work on crop protection. You will attend guest lectures join real projects go on field trips and sometimes do internships. These experiences give you practical knowledge. This knowledge is useful for future jobs in research industry or government offices related to food safety and agriculture.
Available Study Subjects
- Sustainable agriculture,
- Integrated pest management
- Crop protection plant diseases
- Ecology
- Molecular biology
Also See: EMABG Erasmus Mundus: Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics
Admission Requirements (Who Can Apply)
To apply for PlantHealth you need these things.
- You need a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy agricultural sciences biology plant sciences or a closely related field.
- You need at least 4 ECTS credits in plant health or crop protection subjects.
- You need English at B2 level. You can show this with IELTS TOEFL or similar tests. If English is your mother tongue you do not need a test.
- You also need two recommendation letters from teachers or supervisors.
- You must complete your bachelors degree before the program starts in September.
Required Documents
- Bachelor degree certificate and official transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Your CV.
- Two recommendation letters.
- A declaration on honour. This is a signed paper saying your information is correct.
- Any other supporting documents like research papers or refugee status proof.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Go to the official PlantHealth website. Find the application portal.
- Create an account on the portal.
- Fill in all sections with your personal details academic background and preferred universities.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format.
- Add the contact details of your two referees. They will send the recommendation letters.
- Check your application carefully and correct any mistakes.
- Submit the application before the deadline. Only complete applications are accepted.
APPLY for PlantHealth Erasmus Mundus
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake. Important Update
- Applications usually open in October.
- Main deadline is in February. Exact date changes every year.
- Selection process happens in March.
- Results are announced in March.
- The program starts in September.
Scholarship Benefits: What You Get If You Win
If you receive the Erasmus Plus scholarship it covers your tuition fees and other academic costs. It covers health and accident insurance for the full two years. It gives help with visa moving between countries and orientation sessions. It supports language courses if you need them. It also covers participation in field trips and academic events.
Only a limited number of scholarships are available. So the competition is quite high.
Guidance for a Strong Application
In your motivation letter clearly explain why you are interested in plant health. Also explain why you want to study in different countries. Mention any science background research experience or farming related work you have done. Ask good referees who know your abilities well to write strong letters. Show that you are ready to live in new countries and work with people from different cultures. Make sure all your documents are correct and look neat and professional.
Alumni Experience. Real Student Story.
During the past two years a new life cycle started for me. As a PlantHealth student I learned not just about agriculture pesticides and biological control but also about myself. Living far from home with amazing people from different parts of the world chasing the same goals sharing knowledge and friendship. All this was a life changing experience. I want to thank the professors from University of Gottingen and Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and all the PlantHealth staff for making this possible. I hope this network keeps growing.
Matheus Cardim. PlantHealth alumni.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PlantHealth program and who is it for?
It is a two year masters program for students who studied agriculture, biology, plant sciences or similar fields. They want to work on sustainable crop protection and plant health.
What are the main benefits of this program?
You get a double masters degree. You study in different European countries. You gain practical fieldwork and research experience. You get better chances for jobs in research industry or agriculture.
What are the admission requirements?
You need a relevant bachelors degree, English at B2 level, good academic records, a CV, two recommendation letters and a motivation letter.
How competitive is admission?
Admission is quite competitive. They look at your grades, motivation references and how well your goals match the program.
Can I apply while still finishing my bachelors degree?
Yes final year students can apply. You just need to finish your degree and show proof before the program begins in September.