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PhD in Agriculture & Environment in Europe

Explore 9+ programs from leading European universities — compare fees, duration, and entry requirements.

9
PhD programs in Agriculture & Environment from 5 universities · updated for 2026
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A PhD in Agriculture & Environment in Europe is a 3–5 year research degree — and one of the most financially accessible doctoral paths in the world. In Northern and Western Europe, PhD positions are typically employment contracts: you receive a monthly stipend (commonly €1,200–€2,500 depending on country) plus social security and healthcare, rather than paying tuition or taking on debt. You begin original research immediately, without the coursework years required by the US system.

Dedicated funding programs strengthen that picture: the EU's Marie Curie Doctoral Networks offer stipends above €3,000/month to cohorts of early-stage researchers; the European Research Council (ERC) backs individual projects at leading universities; and national schemes — Germany's DFG, France's CIFRE, the Netherlands' NWO — fund doctoral researchers directly. Many Agriculture & Environment PhD programs run entirely in English, and some offer cotutelle agreements allowing joint supervision with a university in your home country.

Explore the Agriculture & Environment doctoral programs below to find research groups, supervisors, and funding packages that match your academic profile. PhD applications typically require a research proposal and a CV — reaching out to a potential supervisor before applying is strongly recommended.

Featured PhD Programs in Agriculture & Environment

A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.

Renewable Energy

University of Agder Kristiansand, Norway

PhD English 3 years
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Renewable Energy University of Agder

This master's program focuses on advanced solutions in the energy sector and offers three specialization tracks: Renewable Energy, Battery Technology, and Offshore Wind. Students gain a broad understanding of renewable energy sources, power production systems, industrial applications, and energy system design and control. Key courses cover topics like hydro, wind, bioenergy, solar power, smart grids, power electronics, modeling and simulation, and life-cycle assessment. The Battery Technology track emphasizes battery systems, simulation, and electrochemistry, while Offshore Wind focuses on wind energy, mechatronic systems, and construction optimization. All specializations include research projects, non-STEM elective options like circular economy and negotiation, and culminate in a master’s thesis. The program is internationally oriented and allows participation in ongoing research projects.
To be admitted to this master's program, applicants must have completed a three-year bachelor's degree in engineering, specifically within renewable energy, electronics and electrical engineering, mechatronics, or mechanical engineering. In addition, candidates need at least 25 credits in relevant mathematics, 5 credits in statistics, and 7.5 credits in physics. A weighted average grade of C or better, calculated from the entire bachelor’s degree, is required. These requirements ensure that students have a solid technical background for advanced study in energy-related fields.
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Agrarian and Regional Economics

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

PhD English 3 years
EU: €4,000 Per year Non-EU: €4,000
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Agrarian and Regional Economics Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This doctoral program in agrarian and regional economics spans three years and combines theoretical coursework with intensive research. It includes courses in economics, research methodology, English for research professionals, and elective subjects such as multivariate methods and economic modeling. Students must develop a dissertation, conduct data collection and analysis, and publish in international indexed journals and conferences. The program emphasizes scholarly communication, with regular presentation of research findings and submission of scientific publications throughout the studies.
To apply for this doctoral program, applicants must hold a master's degree in Economics, Management, or Business Administration. Those with a degree in another field may also apply but must pass an entrance exam. English proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 547, or TOEFL-iBT score of 76. These requirements ensure candidates are prepared for the research and academic demands of the program.
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Agricultural Engineering

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

PhD English 3 years
EU: €4,000 Per year Non-EU: €4,000
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Agricultural Engineering Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This doctoral program in agricultural engineering is structured over three years and emphasizes independent research, scientific publication, and international engagement. The first year focuses on research methodology, language preparation, and establishing the foundation for the PhD thesis. In the second year, students deepen theoretical and experimental work while publishing and presenting findings both nationally and internationally. The third year is dedicated to finalizing the dissertation, including formatting, and continuing international scientific contributions. The program equips doctoral candidates with advanced research skills for academic and professional careers.
To apply for this doctoral program, applicants must hold a master's degree in Engineering, specifically in agricultural mechanization, transport, energy, machinery, or a closely related field. Those with degrees in other fields are eligible but must pass an entrance exam. English language proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 547, or TOEFL-iBT score of 76. These requirements ensure applicants are prepared for the advanced research and academic demands of the program.
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Environmental Engineering

Kaunas University of Technology – KTU Kaunas, Lithuania

PhD English 4 years
EU: €12,680 Per year Non-EU: €12,680
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Environmental Engineering Kaunas University of Technology – KTU

Delivered jointly across three institutions, this doctoral program is aimed at individuals who wish to become highly qualified researchers addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions. It provides knowledge of sustainable technologies, ecosystem management, environmental protection, and policy, applying the latest research methods in practice.

Core coursework covers biosystems engineering, modern environmental protection technologies, the sustainable development of renewable energy, and sustainable industrial development, providing essential grounding in the field. Students can deepen their focus through alternative modules addressing advanced solid waste and water treatment technologies, the decontamination, processing, and recycling of agricultural waste, life cycle assessment, product ecodesign, the production and environmental impact of biofuels and biolubricants, sustainable energy, air pollution abatement, and water quality modelling. Elective modules allow further individualization of study through topics such as chemical risk management, environmental management, environmentally friendly agricultural processes, nanotechnology and environmental protection, physical-chemical analysis of environmental pollution, sustainable urban development, thermodynamic processes in biotechnology, and vibroacoustic processes within human-machine-environment systems.

Alongside these subject-specific modules, students build core research competencies through a dedicated set of skills modules, including academic and technical research writing, design thinking in research, digital tools for research writing and publication, research data management, research ethics, grant management for research projects, science communication for public audiences, and systematic literature review methods.
Applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent higher education qualification.

Admission is based on a weighted competition score combining the weighted grade point average from the applicant's diploma supplement (35%), their research experience (30%), and a motivation interview (35%). Applicants must reach a minimum competitive score of 7.0 to be admitted. As part of the broader application process, applicants are generally expected to submit materials such as a completed application specifying their preferred research topic, a CV, two letters of recommendation from researchers in the relevant field, evidence of prior scientific publications or an original research paper where publications are not available, a copy of a valid passport or identity document, and proof of payment of the application fee, and all applicants are required to attend an interview with the doctoral admissions committee.
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Environmental Sciences

ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Hungary

PhD English 4 years
EU: €2,750 Per semester Non-EU: €4,000
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Environmental Sciences ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University

This PhD program develops the scientific skills needed to identify and analyze environmental issues, building critical thinking, problem-solving, and skeptical inquiry skills that students apply to propose solutions to environmental problems. It suits applicants with a strong interest in environmental problems who have not yet settled on a specific scientific focus, since the program's open, flexible structure allows research projects to shift direction based on each student's interests and background. Students join active international research groups and receive training in up-to-date experimental methods and field exercises alongside a solid theoretical foundation.

Specialized training is available in environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental physics, and environmental geosciences, with an emphasis on applying each discipline to complex research projects such as water quality management, risk analysis and mitigation in human and natural environments, and renewable energy research.

Graduates find employment with environmental companies and organizations, governmental bodies and agencies, international organizations working on cross-border environmental issues, and in education. Typical roles span fields such as environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, hydrology, geology, environmental health and safety management, remote sensing, marine biology, and meteorology.
Applicants must hold a master's degree in science. Before applying, candidates should contact the supervisor associated with their chosen research topic to confirm that their background and research experience are a good fit, then agree on a research outline and produce a research plan approved by that supervisor.

An internationally accredited English language examination at a minimum of B2 CEFR level is required, such as a TOEFL iBT score of at least 72 or an IELTS score of at least 5.5; alternatively, applicants may submit an official certificate from their previous institution confirming that their prior degree was completed entirely in English.

Required documents include an application form, the master's degree certificate, a transcript of records, a CV, a research plan, a statement from a supervisor, and a language certificate; a bachelor's degree certificate, a motivation letter, a letter of recommendation, a passport copy and photo, and a medical certificate may also be submitted but are optional. Admission includes an oral entrance interview conducted online, with rankings based on prior university achievement and previous research accomplishments, such as academic awards or publications in the relevant field.
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Agriculture

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

PhD English 3 years
EU: €4,100 Per year Non-EU: €4,100
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Agriculture Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This doctoral program in agriculture is research-intensive and focuses on theoretical preparation and independent scientific work. It includes advanced coursework in a scientific sub-discipline, research methodology in agronomy, multivariate data analysis, and a foreign language for professional use. Students conduct in-depth research, write and design a doctoral thesis, and publish scientific papers. They are also required to present their research results at academic events. The program is structured to develop expertise in agricultural research and prepare students for academic, scientific, or high-level professional roles.
To apply for this doctoral program, applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent qualification. The program is open to those specializing in "Field-Crop Cultivation" or "Animal Husbandry." Admission is based on an evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications, the relevance of the proposed doctoral thesis topic, and the capacity of the academic unit to support the research. This ensures that each student’s research aligns with the institution’s expertise and available resources.
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PhD program in Engineering and Science

University of Agder Kristiansand, Norway

PhD English 3 years
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PhD program in Engineering and Science University of Agder

This PhD program offers advanced research training across several disciplines, including engineering sciences, ICT, mathematical sciences, and natural sciences. It combines theoretical and methodological coursework (minimum 30 ECTS) with supervised original research leading to a doctoral dissertation, trial lecture, and public defense. Specializations include civil and structural engineering, mechatronics, renewable energy, AI, mobile communications, mathematics, mathematics education, molecular biology, and ecology. Each specialization provides tailored courses to support the doctoral work, with research projects often conducted in collaboration with public and private institutions. The program is designed to develop deep expertise and contribute to scientific advancement.
To be eligible for this PhD program, applicants must hold a master’s degree in a relevant subject area from a recognized institution. Admission normally requires a minimum average grade of C or equivalent in the bachelor's degree, and a B or higher for both the master's coursework and thesis. If an applicant does not meet the grade criteria, the hosting research group must justify the candidate’s potential to complete the program, possibly with additional admission conditions. All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognized tests such as TOEFL (minimum 92 iBT or 600 PBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5), unless exempt under national guidelines.
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Environmental Engineering

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

PhD English 3 years
EU: €4,200 Per year Non-EU: €4,200
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Environmental Engineering Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This doctoral program in environmental engineering prepares students for advanced research, academic, and professional roles in addressing complex environmental and water management issues. The curriculum combines coursework in scientific research methods, engineering disciplines, and doctoral thesis specialization with practical modules in scientific writing, multivariate data analysis, and presentation of research results. Key research areas include soil water balance, hydrological modeling, agricultural runoff, air and water pollution control, greenhouse gas emissions, and flood protection in urban areas. The program fosters interdisciplinary problem-solving and innovation in environmental sustainability.
To apply for this doctoral program, candidates must hold a master’s degree in Environmental Science or Water Management. Those with a different academic background may also be considered but are required to pass an entrance exam in Environmental Engineering. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English proficiency with at least an IELTS score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 547, or a TOEFL-iBT score of 76.
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Environmental Engineering

Riga Technical University Riga, Latvia

PhD English 4 years
EU: €12,890 Per year Non-EU: €12,890
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Environmental Engineering Riga Technical University

This PhD program prepares students to become high-level researchers in environmental engineering and energy. It focuses on the analysis of environmental systems and human impacts, training candidates to carry out independent research and develop practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. The curriculum includes environmental assessment, scientific writing, and elective subjects tailored to the student’s research interests. Graduates are expected to lead scientific projects, manage sustainability initiatives, and contribute to innovation in both academic and industrial settings.
This PhD program is open to applicants with a master's degree in fields such as engineering, technology, social sciences, law, natural sciences, mathematics, computing, agriculture, or related disciplines. Those without a background in engineering or natural sciences must pass an entrance exam. The program trains researchers to address complex environmental and energy challenges through independent research, advanced scientific methods, and applied knowledge. Graduates are equipped to lead academic, scientific, or organizational work in both public and private sectors.
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