Master in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture at University of Florence
Two-year English-taught LM-69 master's at the University of Florence on sustainable crop, soil and water management and rural development in tropical and subtropical regions, with a thesis that can include field work abroad.
Master
2 years
Florence
English
University of Florence
Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-69) taught in English at the University of Florence's School of Agriculture. It trains agronomists for sustainable farming, land and water management and rural development in the Global South. Fees follow ISEE, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
Florence’s Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture master requires appropriate agricultural/scientific preparation, English at B2 and an individual academic interview before admission clearance. The current enrolment page distinguishes the direct agricultural/forestry route, other scientific backgrounds and assigned curricular integrations. Reviewed 6 October 2026. [1][2][3]
Agricultural and forestry qualification route
Graduates in Italian L-25 or former class 20, and qualifying previous-system Agricultural or Forestry Sciences degrees, may access without curricular educational gaps. Other suitable scientific qualifications can be evaluated, including L-13 Biology, L-32 Environment/Nature, L-34 Geology and L-7 Civil and Environmental Engineering. The Admission Board examines completed subjects and determines recognition and essential additions. [1]
At least 36 CFU and relevant subjects
The enrolment page requires at least 36 CFU in the listed sectors or equivalent training for a foreign qualification. The list spans algebra and analysis; experimental physics; general and organic chemistry; general, systematic and applied/environmental botany; physical geography/geomorphology; the listed agricultural and forestry disciplines; economics, economic statistics and demography; sociology; and comparative private/agricultural law. [1]
Its former sector codes are MAT/02 and 05, FIS/01, CHIM/03 and 06, BIO/01-03, GEO/04, AGR/01-14 and 16-20, SECS-P/01-03, SECS-S/03-04, SPS/07-10 and IUS/02-03, or similar sectors. The programme decides subject equivalence, especially for foreign records. [1]
The standing regulation webpage additionally describes six relevant examinations and possible 6-ECTS integrations in agronomy, tree crops, herbaceous crops, plant pathology/entomology, animal husbandry and agricultural hydraulics. Its wording differs from the current enrolment page’s numerical 36-CFU framework; the Board determines the precise integrations for each file. [1][3]
B2 English and evidence routes
The enrolment page requires B2 English listening comprehension, evidenced by at least 3 CFU of English-language study in the first degree or a certificate from an officially recognised institution. It separately advises that consulates may require a certificate covering listening, reading, writing and speaking for visa purposes. [1]
The official 2026/27 Apply Unifi listing describes B2 certification or a wholly English-taught undergraduate course, and also lists residence in a country where English is official. Those are the portal’s application alternatives, while the course page explains its own academic language evidence. We prepare the evidence accepted for your route and intake. [1][2]
Interview, admission clearance and missing credits
An individual interview assesses adequacy of initial preparation. Admission clearance, or nulla osta, follows the Board’s assessment of the academic record. If the outcome is not suitable, the Board identifies examinations to complete through single courses before it can issue clearance. [1]
The course’s assessment checklist identifies a dated/signed assessment application, dated/signed declaration of completed examinations, and declaration of B2 English knowledge. Its local procedure specifically asks for self-declarations at that stage rather than uploading replacement official certificates; the general foreign-qualification portal separately requires its academic documents. We follow each stage’s instructions for your file. [1][4]
Reference
The official programme application listing requests at least one reference. We add those programme-specific requirements to the central application document checklist. [2]
Application documents and qualification verification
The central portal requests PDF copies of identification, the bachelor’s award or accepted official provisional award certificate, academic transcript, syllabus if available, and language evidence where applicable. EU applicants use an ID card or passport; non-EU applicants abroad use a passport; applicable non-EU applicants in Italy also provide their residence permit. Documents in English, French, Spanish or Italian need no further Italian translation; other languages require official Italian translation. [4]
Foreign first-degree holders apply through Apply Unifi for the Admission Document. Possible outcomes are admission, prescribed first-cycle single courses to make up deficiencies, or rejection. Final enrolment also requires the university’s validity/authenticity review through the Declaration of Value or CIMEA comparability and verification services. An academic clearance is not itself completion of final enrolment. [6]
2026/27 intake status and later-intake dates
The 2026/27 rounds for all applicant categories ran from 10 December 2025 to 6 February 2026 and from 16 February to 17 April 2026. The third ran from 15 June to 31 August 2026 and was restricted to EU/equated applicants and eligible non-EU residents in Italy, including only the specified study-permit route. All three windows have passed; the 2027/28 call sets the new dates. [5]
The central Admission Document guidance gives 31 July for the Universitaly step after direct admission and 31 December for admission to single courses. These are distinct outcomes and procedures. We follow the applicable annual instructions, and any assigned academic conditions are completed before matriculation. [6]
Source dates and preparation checklist
The course enrolment page was updated on 16 September 2026 and contains the three 2026/27 intake rounds. Its older “procedures are open” headline and December 2025 news do not override the now-passed deadlines or portal’s ended status. We prepare the scientific-credit mapping, assigned integration evidence, English documentation and declarations, reference and complete foreign-qualification file. [1][2]
Sources and verification
- University of Florence, Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture: Enrolment, updated 16 September 2026; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Florence, Apply Unifi programme listing: Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture, 2026/27 intake; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Florence, Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture: Teaching regulation, internally undated standing webpage; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Florence, Apply Unifi: List of Required Documents for Application, published 3 December 2025; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Florence, Apply Unifi: 2026/27 Academic Year Intake Rounds, published 4 December 2025; reviewed 6 October 2026.
- University of Florence, Admission Document for holders of foreign first-cycle qualifications, standing guidance; reviewed 6 October 2026.
About the programme
Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture is a two-year master's degree (laurea magistrale, class LM-69, agricultural sciences and technologies) run by the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI) at the University of Florence's School of Agriculture. It is taught in English, in person in Florence, with open access. The course was previously also called Natural Resources Management for Tropical Rural Development.
Its focus is sustainable agriculture, forestry and animal sciences, land and water management and rural development, with small and medium farms in the Global South as the main area of work. Florence's ties with tropical agriculture go back to 1904, and a degree in the field has run at the university since 1980. It suits graduates in agriculture, forestry, biology or environmental sciences.
What you will study
The first year builds core knowledge of tropical cropping systems, soils, water and rural project design. Students can also earn free credits through French, Spanish or Portuguese language skills. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Climate Smart Agronomy and Land Management (12 ECTS)
- Sustainable Water Resources Management (9 ECTS)
- Tropical Tree Crops (6 ECTS)
- Tropical and Subtropical Plant and Soil Ecology (6 ECTS)
- Pests and Diseases of Tropical Crops (6 ECTS)
- Plant Genetics and Breeding (6 ECTS)
- Project Planning for Sustainable Rural Development (6 ECTS)
- Optional French, Spanish or Portuguese (B2) writing (6 ECTS)
How the programme is taught
The degree runs at 60 credits a year, and students who reach 120 credits early may graduate before the end of the second year. The thesis is worth 21 credits and can include field or laboratory work, preferably with experience in tropical or subtropical countries; international students can also carry out their experiments in Italy. The thesis is written in English and defended orally before a commission. Erasmus+ mobility is also available.
Career paths
The course trains technical experts, researchers, project designers and coordinators in tropical agriculture, international cooperation for rural development, environmental management and the international marketing of crop, livestock and forestry products. Potential employers named by the course include:
- companies producing and marketing agricultural and livestock products in tropical and subtropical areas
- non-governmental organisations working in development and cooperation
- national and international institutions for land and water management and agricultural cooperation
- institutions responsible for food safety in international trade
- research institutions working on agriculture and the rural environment
Fees and scholarships
UniFi links tuition to ISEE. For 2026/27, students resident abroad get an automatic figurative ISEE based on the World Bank income group of their country. Students from developing countries get a large reduction. DSU Toscana scholarship winners and other eligible students also get a full reduction, so this programme can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
Graduates from abroad request the admission clearance (nulla osta) on DreamApply, uploading an application for assessment, a self-declaration of exams taken and a self-declaration of B2 English. The Admission Board usually replies within 30 days and also holds an individual interview; missing credits can be made up through single courses.
For 2026/27, non-EU candidates had two rounds: 10 December 2025 to 6 February 2026 (results by mid-March) and 16 February to 17 April 2026 (results by mid-May). Admitted students pre-enrol on Universitaly by 31 July and apply for a type D study visa.
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Florence's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your Apply Unifi request for admission clearance (nulla osta) and Universitaly pre-enrolment.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DSU Toscana scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
Which first degrees have the direct curricular route?
Italian L-25 or former class 20 and qualifying previous-system Agricultural/Forestry Sciences degrees. Other suitable scientific backgrounds are individually reviewed. [1]
What subject-credit minimum is published?
At least 36 CFU in the listed relevant sectors, or equivalent training for a foreign qualification. The Board determines recognised content and any integrations. [1]
Can missing credits be completed?
Yes. The Board identifies the needed examinations, which can be acquired through single courses before admission clearance. [1]
What English evidence does the course page describe?
B2 listening comprehension, evidenced by at least 3 CFU of English in the first degree or accepted certification. The international portal lists additional application alternatives. [1][2]
Is an admission interview required?
Yes. The programme uses an individual interview to assess initial preparation before granting admission clearance. [1]
Does the application listing request a reference?
Yes. At least one reference is requested. [2]
Can someone handle my whole application to Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture at Florence?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Florence's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DSU Toscana scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture?
Indian graduates in agriculture, forestry, biology, environmental science or a related science are assessed for at least 36 CFU, or equivalent training, in the listed sectors, such as chemistry, botany, agronomy and economics. [1] You also need B2 English and an individual interview before admission clearance. [1] We map your credits, prepare your Apply Unifi file and complete Universitaly pre-enrolment once you are cleared. Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: Apply Unifi request for admission clearance, individual interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: Apply Unifi request for admission clearance, individual interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: Apply Unifi request for admission clearance, individual interview and Universitaly pre-enrolment, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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