Applications are now open for the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027, offering international students the opportunity to pursue a fully funded two-year master’s degree in Europe.
The Erasmus Mundus Master Degree in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems, commonly known as PlantHealth, brings together leading European universities with expertise in crop protection, plant health and sustainable agriculture.
Selected Erasmus Mundus scholars receive €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, totalling €33,600 over the two-year programme. In addition, the scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, full insurance and mandatory academic costs.
Moreover, PlantHealth is built around international mobility. Students study at universities in at least two different European countries and can choose academic pathways involving Spain, Italy, Germany and France.
The first application call for the 2027–2029 intake opened on 1 October 2026. Candidates seeking an Erasmus Mundus scholarship must apply by 31 December 2026.
Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027 |
| Programme | Master Degree in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Duration | 2 academic years |
| Academic Credits | 120 ECTS |
| Scholarship Stipend | €1,400 per month |
| Maximum Monthly Support | Up to 24 months |
| Potential Stipend Total | Up to €33,600 |
| Tuition | 100% covered for EMJM scholars |
| Insurance | Covered |
| Study Destinations | Spain, Italy, Germany and France |
| Eligibility | EU and non-EU applicants |
| Applications Opened | 1 October 2026 |
| Scholarship Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Results | Expected by the end of February 2027 |
What Is the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Master?
PlantHealth is a fully integrated Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme that focuses on plant health in sustainable cropping systems.
In particular, the programme addresses challenges that affect modern agriculture and food production. Students develop advanced knowledge in areas such as crop sciences, crop protection, population biology, molecular biology, statistics and integrated pest management.
Plant health has become increasingly important because agricultural systems face threats from pests, diseases, environmental pressures and changing climatic conditions. Therefore, professionals need both scientific expertise and an understanding of sustainable approaches to crop protection.
PlantHealth aims to prepare graduates to address these challenges while considering sustainability and global food security.
At the same time, the programme offers a strongly international learning environment. Students study with classmates from different parts of the world and complete their degrees across multiple European universities.
Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship Benefits
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship provides substantial financial support to selected candidates.
Most importantly, scholarship recipients receive:
| Scholarship Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | €1,400 |
| Maximum duration | 24 months |
| Maximum stipend value | €33,600 |
| Tuition fees | 100% covered |
| Insurance | Fully covered |
| Mandatory academic costs | Covered |
| Travel costs | Supported through the monthly scholarship |
| Visa costs | Supported through the monthly scholarship |
| Installation costs | Supported through the monthly scholarship |
| Living expenses | Supported through the monthly scholarship |
Therefore, an Erasmus Mundus scholar receiving the stipend for the full 24 months could receive up to €33,600 in monthly scholarship payments, in addition to covered participation costs.
However, applicants should understand the funding structure correctly. PlantHealth does not describe airfare, accommodation and visa expenses as separate unlimited reimbursements. Instead, the €1,400 monthly scholarship contribution is intended to support travel, visa, installation and living costs.
This distinction is important when planning your finances.
Does the PlantHealth Scholarship Cover Tuition Fees?
Yes.
For Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship holders, participation costs cover 100% of tuition fees, full insurance and mandatory academic costs.
Consequently, scholarship recipients do not need to separately finance the normal PlantHealth tuition fees.
Who can apply for the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship in 2027?
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is open to both EU and non-EU students.
Nevertheless, applicants must meet the academic and language requirements of the PlantHealth programme.
Candidates are generally expected to have a Bachelor of Science degree of at least 180 ECTS or equivalent in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences or a sufficiently related discipline.
In addition, applicants normally need relevant previous studies in plant health or crop protection.
The programme evaluates each applicant’s academic transcript to determine whether they have sufficient scientific preparation for the master’s programme.
Relevant Academic Backgrounds
PlantHealth is particularly suitable for applicants with backgrounds connected to agriculture, crop production and plant sciences.
Depending on the content of the previous degree, relevant fields may include:
- Agronomy
- Agricultural Sciences
- Crop Science
- Plant Science
- Plant Protection
- Plant Health
- Horticulture
- Crop Production
- Agricultural Biology
- Biological Sciences with relevant agricultural coursework
- Other closely related scientific disciplines
However, having a degree title that sounds related does not automatically guarantee eligibility.
Instead, the consortium examines the applicant’s transcript and previous coursework. Generally, selected candidates have studied agronomy, agricultural sciences or related subjects and have at least 4 ECTS in plant health or crop protection, or equivalent studies.
Therefore, applicants from broader biology or biotechnology programmes should carefully compare their coursework with the PlantHealth prerequisites.
Can Final-Year Bachelor’s Students Apply?
Yes.
Students who are still completing their bachelor’s degree may submit an application.
For example, instead of a final bachelor’s certificate, a final-year applicant can provide an official document from the university confirming that they are currently in their final year. Ideally, the document should also indicate the expected graduation date.
In addition, the applicant should submit the most recent available academic transcript.
If selected, however, the student must successfully complete their Bachelor’s degree before the PlantHealth programme begins at the end of August.
Failure to complete the degree by the expected graduation date can result in cancellation of the selection.
English Language Requirements
PlantHealth requires applicants to demonstrate approximately B2 English proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The programme accepts recognised international English-language tests, as listed in the application requirements.
However, there is an important alternative for some applicants.
Candidates whose previous university programme was taught entirely in English may provide an official English Medium of Instruction (EMOI) letter from their university.
Nevertheless, PlantHealth states that it is preferable to provide an officially recognised English certificate.
Applicants should also note that PlantHealth does not accept Duolingo, TOEIC, certificates from free online courses, or certificates issued by university or private language schools as substitutes for the recognised tests.
Do You Need French?
Not necessarily.
First-year courses are taught in English. Likewise, second-year courses at most partner institutions are taught in English.
However, students who choose the French pathway for their second year will study in French.
For this reason, the programme provides language preparation designed to help students reach the necessary French level. This includes language training during the first year and an intensive summer course before beginning the second year in France.
Still, applicants interested in the French route are encouraged to start learning French before joining the programme.
PlantHealth Partner Universities
The programme currently involves five European institutions across four countries.
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Universitat Politècnica de València | Spain |
| Università di Padova | Italy |
| University of Göttingen | Germany |
| AgroParisTech | France |
| L’Institut Agro | France |
The Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain coordinates the PlantHealth programme.
How Does the PlantHealth Mobility Programme Work?
International mobility is a central part of the master’s.
Students must complete courses at at least two different consortium universities. As a result, students must attend a university in a different country during their second year than the one they attended in their first year.
This structure allows students to experience different agricultural systems, research environments and approaches to plant health management.
Moreover, successful graduates receive a double degree from the partner institutions corresponding to their approved mobility pathway.
First Year of the PlantHealth Master
During the first year, students develop a common scientific foundation.
Core areas include:
- Crop sciences
- Crop protection
- Population biology
- Molecular biology
- Statistics
- Fundamental aspects of sustainable plant health management
For the first year, students study at either:
Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain, or
Università di Padova in Italy.
All first-year courses are taught in English.
Second Year and Specialisations
During the second year, students specialise according to their academic interests and their chosen mobility pathway.
| Second-Year Institution | Main Specialisation |
|---|---|
| Universitat Politècnica de València | Mediterranean crops in orchards and greenhouses |
| Università di Padova | Temperate fruit crops, ornamental plants and landscape |
| University of Göttingen | Temperate crops, arable crops and crops for energy |
| L’Institut Agro & AgroParisTech | Tropical horticulture and temperate vegetable crops |
Therefore, applicants can develop expertise suited to particular crops, climates and agricultural systems.
The final semester is largely dedicated to the master’s thesis.
PlantHealth Degree and Academic Credits
The entire programme is worth 120 ECTS credits.
Students generally complete:
60 ECTS during the first academic year, followed by
60 ECTS during the second academic year.
After successfully satisfying the programme requirements, graduates will receive a double degree based on their mobility track.
Required Documents for the PlantHealth Application
Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before beginning the online application.
The application may require documents and information such as:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent
- Academic transcripts
- Evidence of current studies for final-year applicants
- Proof of English-language proficiency or acceptable EMOI documentation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation information
- Recommendation letters
- Passport or identification information
- Documents supporting additional academic or professional achievements
- Other supporting documents relevant to the application
Applicants may also provide evidence of publications or other achievements that could strengthen their profile.
Importantly, incomplete applications are not considered.
Furthermore, documents must be uploaded through the online application system. Applicants should not send application documents separately by post or email unless specifically instructed.
Motivation Statement
Motivation accounts for a significant part of the selection process.
The online application currently limits the motivation section to 1,000 characters, including spaces.
Therefore, applicants need to communicate their motivation concisely.
A strong response should clearly explain why PlantHealth fits the applicant’s academic background, professional goals and interest in sustainable crop protection.
Rather than writing a generic scholarship statement, candidates should demonstrate a clear connection between their previous studies and the programme.
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are also important because they contribute directly to the final evaluation.
Applicants should select referees who can meaningfully assess their academic ability, scientific preparation, research potential and suitability for postgraduate study.
Ideally, referees should know the applicant well enough to provide specific examples rather than general praise.
How Are Candidates Selected?
PlantHealth uses an academic merit-based selection process.
The official evaluation weighting is:
| Selection Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Academic record and merits | 60% |
| Reference letters | 20% |
| Personal motivation | 20% |
Academic performance is the most important factor.
However, recommendation letters and motivation together account for 40% of the assessment. Therefore, strong grades alone should not be treated as a guarantee of selection.
The programme also considers equal opportunities and gender balance.
Furthermore, its scholarship allocation policy states that 80% of scholarships are allocated to the best-evaluated candidates, with regional distribution considered where candidate quality is maintained.
The remaining 20% may support high-scoring applicants with greater vulnerability, including refugees, applicants from disadvantaged or low-income backgrounds, candidates with special needs, and gender-balance considerations where appropriate.
How Competitive Is the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship?
The scholarship should be considered highly competitive.
PlantHealth recruits up to approximately 30 students worldwide, while the number of scholarship awards is limited.
In addition, scholarship selection is based primarily on academic merit.
Therefore, candidates should not simply focus on meeting the minimum eligibility requirements. A competitive application should combine a strong academic record with relevant coursework, convincing motivation and strong recommendation letters.
Is There an Age Limit?
The programme information reviewed for this call does not specify a general maximum age limit for the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth scholarship.
Therefore, applicants should focus primarily on satisfying the academic, language and application requirements.
Can Applicants From Africa Apply?
Yes.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship is open to eligible EU and non-EU applicants, which means qualified applicants from African countries can compete.
Likewise, eligible applicants from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and other regions may apply.
However, nationality alone does not determine selection. Candidates must meet the academic requirements and compete in the programme’s selection process.
Can Previous Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Holders Apply?
There is an important restriction.
Applicants who have previously received an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship cannot receive another EMJM scholarship under this programme.
Moreover, Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders cannot simultaneously receive another EU-funded grant covering the same activity.
How to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027
Applications are completed online through the official PlantHealth application platform.
First, applicants should carefully review the academic and language requirements.
Next, ensure that you have all the mandatory documents ready before starting the application.
Afterwards, create an account on the PlantHealth application platform using a username, password and email address.
Then, complete the application form in English and upload all required documents.
Applicants must also indicate their preferred mobility scheme, showing the universities they would prefer to attend.
However, the consortium cannot guarantee that every successful student will receive their first-choice pathway. Final mobility assignments depend on factors including academic profile and the distribution of students among partner universities.
Finally, review the application carefully before submitting it.
After successful submission, applicants should receive an automatic confirmation email.
Is There a Separate Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Application?
Candidates seeking Erasmus Mundus funding should submit their complete PlantHealth application during the first application call.
Only applicants applying during this first call can be considered for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships or the PlantHealth Consortium Scholarships.
Therefore, applicants should not wait for the later self-funded application round if they want Erasmus Mundus funding.
Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The scholarship application timeline is:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| First call opens | 1 October 2026 |
| EMJM scholarship application deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| The online application closes. | Before 1 January 2027, 00:00 CET |
| Selection results | End of February 2027 |
| Second application round | 20 May–15 June 2027 |
| The programme begins. | Around the end of August 2027 |
Applicants should aim to submit well before the final day.
The second round does not offer Erasmus Mundus scholarships. It is intended for self-funded candidates or applicants supported by external funding.
When Will PlantHealth Scholarship Results Be Released?
The programme expects to publish the first-call selection results by the end of February 2027.
At that stage, PlantHealth plans to publish both the candidates awarded EU-funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships and candidates eligible to register as self-funded students.
Therefore, applicants should monitor the official PlantHealth website and their email after applying.
Other PlantHealth Funding Opportunities
Even candidates who do not receive the main Erasmus Mundus scholarship may have other funding possibilities.
For example, PlantHealth lists:
- PlantHealth Consortium scholarships
- Special-needs funding
- Erasmus+ mobility grants for Year 2
- University of Padua scholarship schemes
- Paid internships during the master’s thesis
- External public and private scholarships
PlantHealth Consortium scholarships may provide fee waivers to outstanding EU and non-EU candidates, depending on application quality and available funds.
However, these consortium scholarships do not automatically cover travel, accommodation or living expenses.
Why Study Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems?
Plant health sits at the intersection of agriculture, environmental sustainability and global food production.
Diseases, invasive pests and unsustainable crop-protection practices can affect agricultural productivity and food systems. Consequently, specialists who understand sustainable approaches to crop health are increasingly relevant to governments, research organisations, universities, agricultural companies and international institutions.
PlantHealth also combines scientific training with international mobility.
As a result, students do more than study plant protection from a single national perspective. They encounter different crops, climatic conditions, agricultural systems and research environments across Europe.
Career Opportunities After PlantHealth
Graduates can pursue careers across the plant health, agriculture, crop protection and research sectors.
Potential career environments include:
- Agricultural research institutions
- Plant protection organisations
- Crop-production companies
- Agricultural biotechnology companies
- Government agricultural agencies
- International organisations
- Universities and research centres
- Consulting organisations
- Sustainable agriculture projects
- Integrated pest management programmes
- Food-security and agricultural development organisations
- PhD and research programmes
In particular, the combination of scientific specialisation and international experience may be useful for candidates interested in globally orientated agricultural careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship open for 2027?
Yes. The first call for the 2027–2029 PlantHealth intake opened on 1 October 2026.
What is the PlantHealth scholarship deadline?
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline is 31 December 2026.
How much is the Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship?
Selected EMJM scholars receive €1,400 per month for up to 24 months, potentially amounting to €33,600 in stipend payments.
Is PlantHealth fully funded?
For Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship recipients, the award covers 100% of tuition fees, full insurance and mandatory academic costs, as well as the €1,400 monthly scholarship contribution.
Does the scholarship pay for flights and visa costs?
The official scholarship structure provides a €1,400 monthly contribution intended to support travel, visa, installation and living costs. Applicants should therefore avoid interpreting travel or visa costs as separate unlimited reimbursements.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU students can apply.
Can African students apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants from African countries can compete for the scholarship.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. Final-year Bachelor’s students may apply, but they must complete their qualifying degree before the programme starts.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily. Applicants need acceptable evidence of B2 English proficiency. An official letter confirming English as the medium of instruction may be accepted for applicants whose university studies were conducted in English. However, the programme states that an official recognised English-language certificate is preferred.
Is Duolingo accepted?
No. The official PlantHealth FAQ states that Duolingo is not accepted as an English-language test for this requirement.
Is there an age limit?
The programme information reviewed for the 2027 call does not specify a general maximum age limit.
Do I need a degree in agriculture?
Agronomy and agricultural sciences are the most direct backgrounds. Related scientific degrees may also be considered where the applicant has sufficient relevant coursework, particularly in plant health or crop protection.
How many universities will I study at?
Students must study at at least two different consortium universities, with the second year taking place in a different country from the first.
When will the 2027 scholarship results be announced?
Results are expected around the end of February 2027.
Final Advice for Applicants
The Erasmus Mundus PlantHealth Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for students interested in agriculture, plant sciences, crop protection and sustainable food systems.
However, applicants should not wait until December to begin preparing.
Academic performance represents 60% of the selection assessment, while recommendation letters and motivation contribute another 40%. Therefore, every part of the application matters.
Before applying, review your transcript carefully to determine whether you have sufficient coursework in Plant Health, Crop Protection or closely related subjects. In addition, contact potential referees early and prepare all required academic and language documents.
Most importantly, candidates seeking the fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship must submit their applications during the first call by 31 December 2026.
Official Links
PlantHealth Official Website:
https://planthealth.upv.es/
Application Procedure:
https://planthealth.upv.es/web/apply/application-procedure/
