Program Details

 

The achievements of Israeli agriculture are renown worldwide. At its inception, the country was largely arid, rocky, 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.

 

Career & Networking 

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 in the field of Plant Sciences specializing in 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. 

Teaching Faculty

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 Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Ranked among the top 30 agricultural schools worldwide, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment is committed to responsible preservation of the environment for future generations and to developing ways of increasing sustainable food and water resources. The long list of world-changing breakthroughs developed by the faculty’s researchers includes modern drip irrigation methods, the cherry tomato, returning fragrance to flowers, environmentally safe pesticides, improving pollination by manipulating honeybee behavior, and further environmentally responsible agricultural techniques, many of which can be employed under conditions of water limitations. Teaching and research activities consistently advance modern agriculture while training tomorrow's scientists and agriculturists.

Admissions Requirements

B.Sc. degree or equivalent from a recognized university in the field of agriculture, plant sciences, crop sciences, plant production, plant protection, agronomy, horticulture, etc. Undergraduate level biochemistry. GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale). High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:

• At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
• At least 6.0 on the IELTS
• Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.

Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members). Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

Tuition and Scholarships

One-year tuition (as of July 2023):   38,056 NIS (approx.) for international students (A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available)  30,444 NIS (approx.) for Israeli students/Olim hadashim  Additional fees: 1,058 NIS - campus security, welfare, national student union membership, HUJI student union membership

Further Information

Administrative Inquiries:

Ms. Keren Ohayon, International MSc Program Coordinator: kerenoha@savion.huji.ac.il

Ms. Edit Hakim, International MSc Program Coordinator: EDITHA@SAVION.HUJI.AC.IL

 

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