AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027: €1,400 Monthly Funding, Eligibility, Deadline and How to Apply

Applications for the AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027 open on 15 October 2026, giving international students an opportunity to pursue a two-year European master’s degree in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Policy Analysis.

The programme brings together universities in Germany, Italy, Sweden and Belgium, combining economics, quantitative methods and policy analysis with international academic mobility. Students spend their studies at two partner universities and graduate with advanced training relevant to agriculture, food systems, environmental management and public policy.

For the 2027 intake, the AFEPA consortium has confirmed four scholarships, including two awards providing €1,400 per month for 24 months and two additional awards worth €700 per month over the same period. The higher-value scholarship represents a total stipend of €33,600 across two years.

The programme accepts applicants from all countries, subject to academic and English-language requirements. Applications close on 12 February 2027.

Although AFEPA has a history within the Erasmus Mundus framework, its current scholarships are consortium-funded awards rather than new scholarships under its previous European Commission funding agreement. Understanding that distinction is important, particularly when assessing tuition fees and the actual financial support available.

AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027: Overview

What Is the AFEPA Master’s Programme?

The AFEPA Master’s Programme provides advanced training in the economic analysis of agricultural, food and environmental policies.

Agriculture and environmental protection are closely connected to economic decisions. Governments must determine how to support food production without encouraging excessive environmental damage, how to respond to food-price instability and how to manage natural resources while protecting livelihoods.

Such questions require more than an understanding of agricultural production. They also involve economic modelling, statistical analysis, public finance, trade, development and the evaluation of government policies.

AFEPA brings these disciplines together.

Students examine how economic incentives influence farmers, consumers, businesses and policymakers. They also develop quantitative and analytical skills that can be applied to problems involving food security, climate change, rural development and environmental sustainability.

The programme is taught entirely in English and involves studying at two European partner universities. This structure allows students to experience different academic approaches while building an international professional network.

Its research orientation also makes it suitable for graduates considering doctoral studies in agricultural economics, environmental economics, development economics or related fields.

Universities Participating in the AFEPA Programme

Four universities jointly deliver the programme.

Each institution contributes expertise to the programme’s academic structure.

Students normally complete their first academic year at one university and their second year at another, including the master’s thesis.

However, applicants should not select their preferred university solely because of the country or city. The partner institutions have different admission requirements, particularly concerning the number of economics credits earned during undergraduate study.

These differences can determine whether an otherwise qualified applicant is eligible for a particular study route.

AFEPA Scholarships 2027: Funding and Financial Benefits

The AFEPA consortium has announced two scholarship categories for the 2027 intake.

The monthly scholarships provide financial assistance throughout the two-year programme, subject to the conditions of each award.

For students receiving €1,400 monthly, the stipend can make a substantial contribution towards accommodation, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Nevertheless, the value of the scholarship should be assessed alongside the cost of studying at the selected partner universities.

Does the AFEPA scholarship cover tuition fees?

The current scholarship announcement does not establish that every consortium scholarship automatically includes a full tuition waiver.

The four partner universities have different tuition and administrative fee arrangements. Additional costs may also arise from programme activities, including summer schools.

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore offers separate opportunities for full or partial tuition-fee exemptions through institutional scholarships and support associated with Fondazione Invernizzi.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between a monthly living stipend and a scholarship that explicitly covers all participation costs.

Before accepting an offer, students should confirm the tuition fees applicable to their mobility route, any available fee exemptions and whether their scholarship is sufficient for visa-related financial requirements.

Is AFEPA still funded through Erasmus Mundus?

AFEPA previously received Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree funding from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.

That funding period has ended, and the programme’s current scholarships are offered by the AFEPA consortium.

Consequently, it would be misleading to describe the 2027 awards as automatically providing the same benefits as newly funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

Students specifically looking for programmes with Erasmus Mundus-funded tuition coverage and monthly stipends can also explore the Erasmus Mundus NOHA Scholarship 2027, an international master’s programme in humanitarian action with its own scholarship arrangements and application deadline.

Who Is Eligible for the AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027?

AFEPA accepts applications from students of all nationalities.

Applicants must, however, satisfy the academic and language requirements established by the consortium and the partner university where they intend to begin their studies.

Bachelor’s degree requirement

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic qualification representing at least three years of undergraduate study, corresponding to 180 ECTS credits.

The programme requires an overall academic grade of at least B or an equivalent qualification.

Final-year undergraduate students may be considered for provisional admission, provided they complete their degree before enrolling.

Economics background

AFEPA requires applicants to demonstrate a solid foundation in economics.

The general requirement is a minimum of 24 ECTS credits in economics, including at least one course in microeconomics and one in statistics.

Prior exposure to agricultural, food or environmental sciences is recommended but is not presented as a universal compulsory requirement.

Importantly, the general economics requirement is only the starting point. Each partner university may impose additional academic conditions.

Economics Requirements by Partner University

These differences deserve careful attention.

Consider a student who completed a bachelor’s degree in economics with 30 ECTS credits in relevant economics subjects. That student might satisfy the programme’s general 24-ECTS requirement but would not automatically qualify for the University of Bonn or Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences as a first-year destination.

Similarly, a student with a degree in agriculture may have extensive subject knowledge but insufficient formal coursework in economics or statistics.

For applicants from universities outside the European Higher Education Area, a diploma supplement explaining the institution’s credit system can help the consortium assess whether the required academic workload has been completed.

English Language Requirements

AFEPA is taught in English, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient language proficiency.

English test results must generally be no older than two years.

Can applicants use a medium-of-instruction letter?

Applicants from English-speaking countries must provide an official letter from their graduating university confirming that English was the language of instruction.

However, this does not guarantee an exemption from a recognised English-language test.

The consortium retains the discretion to request additional evidence of English proficiency.

This is particularly relevant to students from countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya who completed their undergraduate education in English.

Candidates relying on a medium-of-instruction letter should confirm whether the consortium will accept their documentation before the application deadline.

Academic Structure and Study Mobility

AFEPA is a 120-ECTS programme completed over two academic years.

Students spend a minimum of two semesters at their first partner university and another two semesters at a second partner university, including their master’s thesis.

The programme also includes two joint summer schools organised by the partner institutions.

Its academic training combines economics, quantitative methods and specialised subjects connected with agriculture, food and environmental policy.

Students can develop research interests in areas such as agricultural markets, environmental regulation, natural resource management, food security, development policy and international trade.

How are second-year universities selected?

Students normally indicate their preferred second-year university during December of their first academic year.

The consortium considers several factors when making the final allocation, including university-specific admission requirements, academic performance, research interests, student preferences and the distribution of students across partner institutions.

This means students should remain flexible about their mobility preferences.

A preferred university may not ultimately be available if its academic requirements or programme allocation conditions cannot be satisfied.

Documents Required for the AFEPA 2027 Application

Applicants must prepare the documents requested by the consortium and upload them as a single PDF file of no more than 4 MB.

The application requires:

1. Proof of nationality, such as a passport or national identity document.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts.

4. Certified English translations of academic documents where necessary.

5. A diploma supplement explaining the university’s credit system if it differs from ECTS.

6. Secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification.

7. Proof of English-language proficiency.

8. Motivation letter of no more than 300 words.

Applicants should check that their academic records clearly identify relevant economics, statistics and microeconomics courses.

Where course titles are ambiguous, a university-issued transcript supplement or course description may help clarify the academic content, although applicants should follow the consortium’s formal document requirements.

Incomplete applications or documents that do not meet the prescribed conditions may be rejected.

How to Apply for the AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027

Applications must be submitted through the official online platform.

Step 1: Assess your eligibility

Review the general admission requirements and compare them with your bachelor’s degree, academic performance and economics coursework.

Then examine the additional conditions for your preferred first-year university.

This preliminary assessment is important because applicants can meet the general AFEPA requirements while remaining ineligible for a particular university.

Step 2: Register on the online application platform

Create an applicant account and provide the requested personal and academic information.

Ensure that your name, nationality and academic qualifications match your official documents.

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents

Gather your certificates, transcripts, language evidence, CV and motivation letter.

Combine the required documents into one PDF file not exceeding 4 MB.

Check the readability of each document before uploading.

Step 4: Write a focused motivation letter

The motivation letter must not exceed 300 words.

Rather than presenting a broad statement about wanting to study abroad, applicants should explain why their academic background and interests fit AFEPA.

An economics graduate, for example, could discuss an undergraduate project examining agricultural prices, household food expenditure, rural credit or environmental regulation.

A graduate in agricultural sciences might explain how experience with agricultural production motivated an interest in economic policy and quantitative evaluation.

The strongest approach is to establish a clear connection between previous studies, the programme’s academic content and realistic professional or research objectives.

Step 5: Indicate your interest in scholarship funding

Follow the instructions on the application platform to express interest in the available consortium scholarships.

Because the number of awards is limited, applicants should not assume that admission automatically includes financial support.

Step 6: Submit the application

Review the completed form, verify that the uploaded PDF satisfies the requirements and submit before 12 February 2027.

The consortium specifies that applications sent by email or post cannot be considered.

Keep a copy of the submission confirmation and monitor your email for further instructions.

How Competitive Are the AFEPA Scholarships?

Only four consortium scholarships are advertised for the 2027 intake.

Although the programme does not publish a confirmed scholarship acceptance rate in the information reviewed, the small number of awards indicates that competition for funding should be expected.

The selection process involves an initial assessment of minimum requirements, followed by evaluation by the consortium committee.

Academic performance and relevant experience form part of that evaluation.

Candidates can strengthen their applications by demonstrating evidence of quantitative preparation, relevant coursework, research experience and a clear interest in the economic analysis of public policy.

For example, a student who has completed an empirical research project using statistical software may be able to demonstrate practical preparation for AFEPA’s analytical curriculum.

Professional experience can also be relevant when it connects meaningfully to the programme.

Work in agricultural development, economic research, environmental organisations, financial institutions or public administration may provide useful examples of how economic policy affects real-world decisions.

The key is to explain that connection rather than simply list responsibilities.

What Career Opportunities Does AFEPA Offer?

AFEPA prepares graduates for professional and research-oriented careers involving agriculture, food systems, environmental policy and economic analysis.

Possible employment areas include international organisations, government ministries, research institutions, development agencies, NGOs and private companies.

Graduates may pursue roles involving policy evaluation, economic research, sustainability, agricultural markets, food systems or development planning.

The programme can also support progression into doctoral studies.

Its international structure may be particularly valuable for students interested in working across countries or with organisations that address complex development and environmental challenges.

Students whose interests lie more strongly in migration, refugee policy or international development may also consider the Erasmus Mundus EMMIR Scholarship 2027, which offers a different interdisciplinary European master’s pathway.

Important AFEPA 2027 Application Dates

Applicants should not confuse the 2027 application deadline with older dates appearing in the scholarship FAQ for the 2026 intake.

The published 2027 application window is 15 October 2026 to 12 February 2027.

Candidates requiring a student visa should apply early enough to allow time for document preparation and subsequent immigration procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About AFEPA Scholarships 2027

Is the AFEPA Master’s Scholarship 2027 open to international students?

Yes. Applicants from all countries may apply, provided they satisfy the academic and English-language requirements.

How much is the AFEPA scholarship worth?

Two scholarships provide €1,400 monthly for 24 months, while two additional awards provide €700 monthly over the same period.

What is the deadline for the AFEPA 2027 intake?

The application deadline is 12 February 2027.

Can African students apply for AFEPA?

Yes. Students from African countries are eligible to apply if they meet the programme’s academic and language conditions.

Can I apply with a bachelor’s degree in economics?

Yes, an economics degree can provide a relevant academic background. However, applicants must verify that their coursework meets the specific credit requirements of their preferred first-year university.

Is the AFEPA scholarship fully funded?

The higher-value award provides €1,400 monthly, but applicants should separately verify tuition charges, possible fee exemptions and other programme costs. It should not automatically be presented as covering every expense.

Is IELTS mandatory?

AFEPA accepts IELTS, TOEFL and certain approved equivalent tests. Applicants from English-speaking countries must provide a medium-of-instruction letter, although additional testing may still be required.

Can final-year undergraduate students apply?

Yes. Final-year students may receive provisional admission if they complete their bachelor’s degree before enrolment.

How many universities will I attend?

Students normally study at two of the four principal partner universities during the two-year programme.

Do I need to email my application documents?

No. The 2027 application process is conducted online, and applications sent by email or post are not accepted.

Final Thoughts

The AFEPA Master’s Scholarships 2027 provide an opportunity for international students to combine postgraduate education in Europe with advanced training in economics and public policy.

The programme is particularly relevant to candidates interested in agricultural development, food security, environmental sustainability and evidence-based policymaking.

Its two-year international structure offers exposure to different academic environments, while the consortium scholarships can provide meaningful financial support to selected students.

Nevertheless, prospective applicants should examine the university-specific academic requirements before applying. A strong bachelor’s degree alone may not be sufficient if the required economics credits are missing.

Students should also distinguish between admission and scholarship selection, and carefully evaluate any tuition fees associated with their chosen mobility pathway.

With applications closing on 12 February 2027, early preparation will give candidates more time to assemble their documents, clarify eligibility and prepare a convincing motivation letter.

Official Application Links

• AFEPA Official Programme Website

• AFEPA Admission Requirements, Scholarships and Application Platform

• AFEPA Programme Structure and Mobility Information