International PhD Programme in Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems (IPPAE)
A fully funded PhD programme for developing-country researchers to address agricultural and rural development challenges through interdisciplinary training and fieldwork.
Best for:Best for researchers from developing countries with an MSc in agricultural economics, environmental sciences, or rural development, seeking to advance their expertise in sustainable food systems and agricultural development through fieldwork and interdisciplinary training.
Overview
The International PhD Programme for Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems (IPPAE) is a collaborative initiative between Justus Liebig University Giessen and the University of Hohenheim, targeting outstanding candidates from developing countries. This seven-semester programme integrates German language training, coursework in economic theory and development strategies, proposal development, fieldwork in applicants’ home countries, and thesis writing. The goal is to equip researchers with skills to tackle agricultural development challenges at micro or macro levels, fostering systemic problem-solving and solution development. Graduates often become multipliers in academia or institutions in their home countries, supported by ongoing partnerships between Giessen/Hohenheim and local institutions.
What you'll do
- Complete a two-month German language course at the start of the programme to prepare for fieldwork and academic collaboration in Germany.
- Enrol in four months of coursework covering economic theory, development strategies, project planning, and related subjects, passing exams in agricultural economics within the first year.
- Develop and defend a research proposal addressing an agricultural or rural development challenge in your home country, including a literature review and research design.
- Conduct six months of fieldwork in your home country to collect data for your dissertation, collaborating with local institutions and ensuring cultural integration.
- Analyse collected data and present findings in a doctoral seminar, applying analytical tools to address research questions and develop solutions.
- Publish articles, posters, and papers based on your research during the data analysis and writing phase (20 months).
- Defend your thesis and ensure its publication to contribute to the international research community.
Requirements
Degree required: Outstanding Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA) in agricultural economics, economics, environmental sciences, or rural development, obtained no more than six years prior to application.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency at C1 level, demonstrated by an official certificate (e.g., UNIcert® III, IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95) or a statement from a university in an English-speaking country confirming English as the language of instruction.
Instruction: English (with integrated German language courses)
- Proven research experience, including at least two years as a researcher at an institute of higher education or research institute in your home country.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to agricultural or rural development challenges.
- Ability to conduct independent fieldwork and collaborate with local institutions in developing countries.
- Basic proficiency in German language (though formal certification is required later in the programme).
- Experience in designing and implementing research projects.
- Applicant must be from a developing country (DAC list).
- MSc/MA degree obtained no more than six years prior to application.
- At least two years of relevant work experience as a researcher in a higher education or research institute.
- Preference given to candidates whose employers offer a reintegration guarantee after the PhD.
- No minimum age requirement, but applicants must meet the six-year degree cap.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-08-31
Applicants must submit their application through the official IPPAE website, including a research proposal on a relevant topic in their home country, proof of English proficiency, and other required documents. The application period for the winter semester runs from April 30 to August 31 annually. Detailed instructions and forms are available on the programme’s website.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Proof of English proficiency (C1 level)
- Official transcripts of MSc/MA degree
- Research proposal addressing an agricultural or rural development challenge in the applicant’s home country
- Proof of relevant work experience (e.g., employment letter from a research institute)
- Statement from employer (if applicable) confirming reintegration guarantee
- Passport-sized photograph
- Motivation letter
Contact
IPPAE Programme Office· Programme Coordinator
https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/f09/institutes/agri/policy/teaching/ippae
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.