International Agribusiness and Rural Development — IARD

The International Agribusiness and Rural Development (IARD) program at the University of Göttingen offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education tailored to the complexities of modern agriculture, food systems, and rural development. This master's degree program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to address global challenges related to food security, sustainable resource management, and rural livelihoods. Through a blend of academic coursework, practical fieldwork, and international exchange opportunities, students gain a thorough understanding of the economic, social, environmental, and policy dimensions of the agricultural sector. The curriculum covers core topics such as agricultural economics, marketing, supply chain management, rural development strategies, and sustainable farming practices. Additionally, students explore international trade, project planning and management, and rural poverty alleviation, preparing them for roles in development agencies, NGOs, private agribusinesses, and governmental organizations worldwide. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, research projects, and field visits to farms and rural communities. The diverse student body and faculty facilitate an international learning environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaborative problem-solving. Graduates of the IARD program are well-positioned to contribute to sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity, both in developed and developing countries. With a solid foundation in scientific research, economic analysis, and policy frameworks, alumni are prepared to impact global food systems positively. The University of Göttingen's strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation ensures that students are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the agricultural sector in an increasingly interconnected world.

Educational organisation

During the three teaching semesters, students are expected to attend a total of 15 modules; the last semester is dedicated to field research and the writing of the Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students spend the first and second semester at the University of Talca (Chile). After two semesters, the students can continue their studies in Germany depending on the financial sources, academic performance, language skills, and other criteria. Students who are not selected for Germany will finish the programme in Talca.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

The Master's programme consists of 15 modules with six ECTS each, a Master's thesis in the fourth semester with 24 ECTS and a colloquium with six ECTS. There are exams (oral, written or seminar presentation with submission of a report) at the end of each module.

Course objectives

• To apply economic theory to problems of agribusiness and rural development
• to analyse and understand the decisions made by enterprises in agriculture and agribusiness
• to develop solutions and strategies to combat hunger, poverty and resource depletion
• to acquire methodological and theoretical skills for scientific analysis

Language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English have to prove a good working knowledge of English. Their proficiency in English must be certified in an internationally recognised test. The following tests and levels are accepted:

• at least 79 points in the new internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• at least 550 points in a paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• International English Language Test System (IELTS) with at least 6 points
• UNIcert level III
• C1 certificate of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

The language test certificate should not be more than two years old at the time of application. Exempted from the requirement to prove language proficiency are students with English as their first language and students with a one-year study or work experience in an English-speaking country within the last five years.
Spanish can be useful for the two semesters in Chile.

Academic requirements

• BSc degree (or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, business administration, economics, social sciences, forestry, veterinary sciences, or food and nutrition sciences. Successful applicants will have a good to excellent grade average.
• professional experience of at least two years in a field related to the course focus (for DAAD scholarship)
• last academic degree should preferably not be more than six years old
• very good command of English: TOEFL iBT: 79 points or IELTS: 6.0

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen, as well as city buses. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 700-750 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, e.g. international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.