I chose the University of Padua because it is one of the oldest universities in Europe, it has a strong reputation in agricultural sciences, it offers an English-taught programme that explicitly addresses sustainability. When I was searching for master’s programmes, I was looking for something more than “general agriculture” since I wanted a curriculum that talked about sustainability, climate change, water management and the environmental impact of farming. University of Padua’s “Sustainable Agriculture” programme matched with what I was searching for.
I first learned about UNIPD through online searches for European master’s degrees in agriculture and I checked the university website and read the course structure. What convinced me was the combination of technical courses (soil, water, crop protection) with more systemic ones (rural development, economics, environmental policies). I also noticed that UNIPD has many Erasmus + and traineeship programs, which was important for me because I also wanted to experience more to maximise my experience and do my thesis abroad.
Another reason was Italy itself: Northern Italy is an important agricultural area, with real challenges in water availability, intensive farming and innovation. Studying here allows me to observe these issues directly and talk to professors who are working on them. Also, I am very excited to explore the Italian food and culture.

The Sustainable Agriculture programme at UNIPD is characterized by three things: Systems view of agriculture: it does not look at crops in isolation, but at the whole agroecosystem with soil, water, landscape and climate as a whole system. Integration of technology and sustainability: Courses show how GIS/remote sensing, simulation and monitoring tools can support more efficient use of water and inputs, while also reducing environmental impacts. International and research-oriented environment: the programme is taught in English, the professors are active in EU projects and students are encouraged to do Erasmus, traineeships and thesis work abroad.
Typical subjects include crop production in changing climates, soil and water conservation, weed management, agricultural economics and policies. Many professors bring real case studies from Italian and European agriculture, so it is not only theory.

Yes. Courses such as Advanced Statistics, Water Resources Management and Agrifood Economics and Policies have been particularly meaningful to me. Water Resources Management helped me identify the thematic direction for my thesis; Advanced Statistics gave me the tools to verify whether my results are robust and meaningful; Agrifood Economics and Policies prompted me to explore transformation processes in agrifood systems during my Erasmus period.
What really made these courses stand out was not only the content, but also the openness of the professors: they were available to supervise project work, to discuss thesis ideas and to connect students with external partners when relevant.

My main advice is that show clearly why you want “sustainable” agriculture, not just agriculture. Write a motivation letter that links your past studies or internships to future goals, for me is that “The interdisciplinary ethos underpinning the curriculum at the University of Padua resonates deeply with me and I am eagerly anticipating the prospect of engaging with faculty and peers who share my unwavering commitment to sustainability.” If your background is not purely agricultural, explain how your skills are relevant to sustainable agriculture.
Finally, be realistic but proactive: you don’t need to have everything figured out, but you should show that you want to use UNIPD’s opportunities (Erasmus, traineeship, thesis abroad) and that you understand what the programme offers.

Italy is welcoming, but you have to be organized. My advice is as follows:
- Start bureaucracy early – residence permit, health insurance, tax code, sometimes bank accounts: do them as soon as possible. Italian procedures work, but they take time.
- Housing – Padua is a student city, so start looking early, check university residences, and read contracts carefully. There are also dormitory offered not only by ESU but also offered by other organizations, Like Collegio Mazza where I spent a wonderful year within an Italian community.
- Enjoy the city – Padua is not too big, very student-friendly, and well-connected (Venice, Verona, Bologna are close). It’s a good place to build a routine.

I enjoy cooking and sharing meals with others. It’s a simple way to exchange cultures. And I also joined Enactus challenge Italia with a project named “Vimini”, during which helped me learned more than programme-related knowledge. In general, Padua allows you to have a good study–life balance: you can focus on your coursework, but you can also enjoy Italian culture, food and everyday life.