Agriculture — Plant Sciences

The achievements of Israeli agriculture are renown worldwide. At its inception, the country was largely arid, rock-ridden and overgrown with weeds, bare mountains, barren fields, infested marshes, and an undeveloped water supply. Some of the most basic foods were imported. Today, Israel is a fertile and blooming land that exports its own agricultural products and has become a leader in irrigation systems, groundwater management, crop production, horticulture, biotechnology, biological and integrated pest control, and more. Israel's agriculture is a showcase demonstrating the ability to work with nature in order to create a friendlier environment. 

One of the key factors in Israel's agricultural success has been the close relationship between growers in the fields, research and development teams in industry, and the academic community. Constant mutual feedback makes research more responsive to real-life needs and gives those in the field the advantage of immediate access to new developments in the laboratories of academic institutions.

At the heart of this academic community is the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Hebrew University has the only Faculty of Agriculture in Israel, enjoying a unique status in the country. The Faculty acts as Israel's main source for the training of teachers, extension officers and researchers. 

The international Master of Science in Plant Sciences prepares students to become leading professionals in present and future agriculture and adapt their new knowledge to local conditions in their home countries. Students will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the scientific basis and principles of crop plant production, environmental impact of agricultural activity, analysis of specific cropping systems, seeking solutions to practical problems, either in scientific literature or by experimental approach, and adapting appropriate solutions to various situations.

The one-year program leads to a non-thesis M.Sc. Agri (Master of Science in Agriculture) degree in the field of Plant Sciences (Horticulture or Field and Vegetable Crops). After successful completion of the first year, qualified graduates can be reviewed for admission to the thesis track for a second year of studies to earn a thesis degree, and continue for a PhD degree either in Israel or elsewhere. Upon completion of their studies, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where they hold key positions in industry, education, academics, research, NGOs and government organizations. 

Semester A

• Plant Biochemistry
• Biotechnology for Agricultural Crops
• Introduction to Molecular Biology 
• Contemporary Approaches to Plant Physiology
• Experimental Design and Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants
• Integrated Pest Management
• Scientific Writing and Presentation

Semester B

• Biological Control of Agricultural Pests 
• Basic Irrigation Systems 
• Post-Harvest Biology and Technology
• Weed Management
• Principles of Plant Breeding
• Current Greenhouse Crop Production
• Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
• Advances in Vegetable Production
• Seed Production
• DNA Markers for Genetic Analysis and Breeding
• Reproductive Biology of Fruit Crops
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Crop Physiology and Production

Summer Semester

• Research Exercise (Horticulture)
• Seminar (Horticulture)
• Research Exercise (Crops)
• Seminar (Crops)

We welcome applications from international students from all over the globe!

In order to apply to Graduate Studies at the Hebrew University you are required to meet the following prerequisites:

1. Bachelors degree from a recognized university

2. "B" average in undergraduate studies or its equivalent.

These are the minimum admission requirements. Many departments are selective and require a higher grade average.

3. Additional exams may be required, such as the GRE or GMAT. 

4. Knowledge of English:

All candidates are required to meet English proficiency requirements as listed in the program website. TOEFL and IELTS are recognized.

The Department Admissions Committee takes the final decisions after review of the candidate’s academic achievements.

More information on specific admission requirements is available in the program website.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course