Blogs
Study Agriculture Economics Abroad in 2024
The study of Agriculture Economics is a huge field that covers a number of areas and topics including forestry, conservation, animal sciences and food production. The program is increasingly gaining global importance, as it tackles meeting the increasing food demands, globally. If you are interested to understand the global financial strategies behind the production, selling and distribution of food products? An international degree in agriculture economics applies to the economic theory of modern agribusinesses. Read our blog to find the perfect agro-economic course and foreign university to fulfill your study abroad dream and grow your understanding of the financial roots of agribusiness.
1. What is Agricultural Economics?
An agriculture economic program is the study of economic aspects of agriculture and the agricultural sector. The students of agriculture economics tend to solve the global issues related to food crisis, low revenue generation and poor management through the farm-based practices. The program combines the principles of economics with agricultural sciences to understand the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products and services. Earning an international degree in BSc or MSc agriculture economics helps students analyze the agro economic factors and policies that influence agricultural systems and rural economies. The agriculture economics course syllabus includes the following topics in most of the abroad universities:
Understanding agricultural production systems: Students will gain knowledge about different agricultural practices, technologies, and methods used to efficiently produce crops, livestock, and other agricultural products.
Agricultural marketing and trade: The course deals with the marketing and distribution of agricultural goods, including domestic and international trade dynamics and factors affecting prices.
Farm management and decision-making: Students learn how to apply agriculture based economic principles to make sound decisions related to resource allocation, risk management, and investment on farms and in rural enterprises.
Policy analysis: The course may cover agricultural policies at the national and international levels, exploring their impact on agriculture, food security, and rural development.
Environmental and sustainability issues: Agro-economics often addresses the environmental implications of agricultural practices and the role of sustainability in the long-term viability of farming systems.
Agribusiness: Understanding the economics of agricultural business operations, including supply chains, financing, and the role of intermediaries in the agricultural sector.
Rural development: Analyzing the economic challenges and opportunities in rural areas, including income disparities, poverty alleviation, and strategies for economic growth.
2. Why is education abroad the best for agro economics studies?
Studying abroad can offer significant advantages to Indian students pursuing a degree in agro economics. Here are the top reasons why studying abroad might be considered the best option for agro economics:
2.1. Diverse Learning Environment
Studying abroad exposes students to a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to agriculture economics. Different countries have unique agricultural practices, policies, and challenges, that allows you to gain a broader understanding of this subject.
2.2. Access to Specialized Programs
Some countries are renowned for their expertise in agro economics and offer specialized programs and research opportunities to international students. By studying abroad, students can access top-notch faculty and resources in their chosen field. Some of the most popular specialized programs in agriculture economics are given below:
- Bachelor of Agricommerce
- MSc in Agricultural Economics
- MS in Agricultural and Applied Economics
- MSc in Agricultural and Food Economics
- MCom (Agricultural Economics)
- Agricultural Economics (B.S.A.)
- BSc in Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics
2.3. Exposure to Advanced Technologies
Certain countries are at the forefront of agricultural technology and innovation. By studying there, Indian students can learn about latest practices and technologies that may not be as readily available in India.
2.4. Networking Opportunities
Studying abroad allows students to build an international network of contacts within the agro economics field. Networking with professionals and peers from different countries can provide valuable connections for future career prospects.
2.5. Cultural Understanding
Agriculture and economics are heavily influenced by cultural factors. Immersing oneself in a different culture helps students understand how agricultural practices and economic policies are shaped by social, historical, and environmental contexts.
2.6. Language Skills
Many countries offer agro economics programs in languages other than English. By studying in such a country, students can improve their language skills, which can be an added advantage in the global job market.
2.7. Research and Fieldwork Opportunity
Studying abroad often offers access to diverse agricultural landscapes and ecosystems, providing excellent opportunities for field research and practical experience in agro economics.
2.8. Personal Growth
Living and studying in a foreign country can be a transformative experience. It fosters independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued in most of the industries.
2.9. Global Perspective
Agriculture and economics are global issues, and understanding how different countries approach these topics can provide students with a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of their field.
2.10. Future Job Prospects
Having an international education can enhance a graduate's employability, especially in a field like agro economics, where global perspectives and cross-border collaborations are increasingly vital.
3. Agriculture Economics Course Eligibility for Indian students
Indian students who wants to make their career in agriculture economics by studying abroad have to meet with following eligibility criteria, that every foreign university commonly asks:
- For pursuing bsc in agriculture economics, students need to pass their 12th grade in PCB (Physics, Chemistry , Biology) subjects from a recognized board with a minimum of 50%.
- To pursue a master’s degree abroad in Agro-economics, students need to qualify for a bachelor’s program in a related subject with a minimum of 50%.
- The candidate needs to clear English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS with the requisite score.
- The candidate must be at least 18 years old to apply for higher education in agriculture economics from abroad.
4. Agriculture Economics Course Requirements for International students
Studying an agro-economic course abroad, requires several documents to ensure you meet the necessary requirements for admission and student visas. The specific documents may vary depending on the country and the university, so it's essential for you to check their official websites for detailed information. However, the general documents that every university requires are listed below:
- Application Form
- Passport
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic Transcripts
- LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
- Standardized Scores in IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Exams.
- Proof of Financial Resources
- CV-Curriculum Vitae
- Health Certificates
- Portfolio
5. Best Agriculture Economics Course Abroad University for International Students
Several universities around the world are renowned for their programs in agricultural economics. Based on the educational quality, program options and university location, here we have listed the top Agro-economic universities for you. Checkout our list to find the best university and agro-economic course to build your future abroad.
|
Program Name |
University Name |
Country |
Program Duration |
|
Bachelor of Agricommerce |
Massey University |
Australia |
three-years |
|
BSc in Agribusiness Economics and Management |
University of Arizona |
USA |
four-years |
|
MSc in Agricultural Economics |
University of Reading |
United Kingdom |
1.5 years |
|
Master of Agricultural Economics |
The University of Western Australia (UWA) |
Australia |
2 years |
|
MS in Agricultural and Applied Economics |
University of Missouri |
United States |
2 years |
|
M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics |
University of Saskatchewan |
Canada |
2 years |
|
MS in Agricultural Economics or MBA – in Food and Agribusiness Management |
Purdue University |
United States |
2 years |
|
MSc in Agricultural and Food Economics |
University of Bonn |
Germany |
2 years |
|
Masters of Agricultural Economics and Management |
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences |
Sweden |
2 years |
|
MSc in Agricultural and Food Economics |
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |
Italy |
2 years |
|
MSc in Agriculture Program specialization in Agricultural Extension and Development |
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University |
Thailand |
2 years |
|
MCom (Agricultural Economics) |
University of Pretoria |
Pretoria |
1 year |
|
MPhil (Agricultural Economics) |
University of Pretoria |
Pretoria |
2 years |
|
BSc in Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics |
University of Guelph |
Guelph |
3 years |
|
Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics |
University of Manitoba |
Winnipeg |
2 years |
|
Agriculture - Agricultural Economics (BSc) |
Dalhousie University |
Halifax |
4 years |
|
Agricultural Economics (Taught) |
SOAS University of London |
England |
5 Years |
|
Agricultural Economics (B.S.A.) |
University of Saskatchewan |
Saskatoon |
4 years |
6. Domains Within the Agriculture Economic Program
Agriculture is a diverse field that covers multiple fields. The content and course structure of an agriculture economics program can differ from university to university. Some of the basic modules and subjects that every university focuses on are mentioned below:
- Crop and animal health
- Weather effect
- Monitoring crop prices
- Commodity market and fluctuations linked to it
- Logistics and accounting
- Knowing consumer’s preferences and pattern of purchasing products
- Ensuring optimal agricultural output
- Farm credit
7. Conclusion
Learning agricultural economics is highly relevant and important for today's students to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the growth, development, and sustainability of the global agricultural sector and economy. Therefore, a number of universities abroad offer a variety of programs in this field using advanced teaching techniques and resources. In this blog, we have covered all the necessary information to get a successful admission at an abroad university. Hope our gathering will help you to choose the right agro-economic course and country for your future success.
8. Who are we?
Career Clinic is a passionate study abroad consultancy that aims to transform your dreams into global opportunities. With a professional team of counselors, we strive to provide unparalleled guidance and support to students seeking to broaden their horizons and unlock their full potential. If you are still facing problems with your overseas admission, you can contact us and apply for the next 2024 intake with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indian students who dream to make a successful career in the agriculture sector need to have some specific skills. Here are some of the essential skills that students need to develop for their future growth.
- Analytical Skills
- Accuracy
- Judgment and decision making
- Team spirit
- USDA
- Food Assistance Program
- Financial Statements
- Economic analysis
- Good research
- Organizational skills
With the technological advancement in the agriculture sector, the demand for domain experts has increased. Having an international degree in this field offers you an array of career and job opportunities from government to the private sector. Below are the most job profiles in the agriculture economics sector:
- Agribusiness Consultant
- Agriculture Development Officer
- Agricultural Commodities Trader
- Agricultural Appraiser
- Agricultural Loan Officer
The program of agro economics includes a number of modules and subjects. The syllabus can vary from university to university. Therefore, students need to look at the program modules and syllabus before deciding on a university abroad for their future. Here is the general course structure of an agriculture economics program in most overseas universities.
- Soil and environmental science
- Crop production and technology
- Livestock science
- Nutrition
- Biosciences
- Animal biology
- Plant science
- Food marketing
- Farm business management
- Agricultural economics
There are a number of countries in the world that offer high quality agricultural economics programs at affordable prices without compromise with educational quality. The top affordable countries for international students are given below:
- Norway
- Taiwan
- Poland
- Mexico
- Germany
These countries have a number of reputed universities that may be the best options for Indian students to build at reasonable prices in the agriculture industry.
India's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, so it is crucial for Indian students to learn about the modern practices and technologies of agriculture economics. These learnings are important for agriculture dominance, food security, rural development, sustainable agriculture, policy formulation and global perspectives. Abroad studies in this field also foster entrepreneurial spirit and support the growth of startups and agribusinesses.
