Overview

The goal of International Master of Science in Rural Development programme from Ghent University is to train professionals that contribute to solving socio-economic, natural resource and agricultural challenges in rural communities. The multi-disciplinary approach, the comparative study of EU and non-EU models, a flexible study programme and the unique mobility requirements stimulate students to gain a wide perspective of Rural Development and build an international network.

Learning outcomes

An International Master's degree has many unique learning outcomes, which are relevant competences in a future international career.

The master of Science in Rural Development will prepare you to become:

A trained specialist that can alleviate poverty,manage natural resources and develop value chains in the agro-food sector through policy and project implementation
A master of science with unique theoretical knowledge in development and agricultural economics, theories and policies, combined with a practical-based comparative knowledge of different approaches to rural development
Part of a global network of specialists in rural development

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Within each mobility path students will become a specialist in a specific focus area through the course offer of the two universities offering the path. These focus areas correspond to the main specialization of these two universities.

The Environment focus area will deal with the links between rural development and our planetary boundaries coverings aspects such as climate change, management of natural resources and ecosystem services.
The Society focus area will emphasize the societal aspects of rural development covering themes like governance of local food systems, social transitions and collective action processes.
The Economy focus area finally deals with the interaction between economic and rural development looking for example at economic and agricultural policies , certification and marketing systems and impacts of globalization. During application students are asked to choose their preferred focus area.

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-03-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Gent, Belgium

Disciplines

International Development Agriculture Community Development View 9 other Masters in International Development in Belgium

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

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Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years with good overall scores (at least a second class orequivalent, preferably higher) from a university level or recognized equivalent. Candidates areexpected to have basic science training (demonstrable in the transcripts) in the following fields: (1)mathematics and/or statistics, (2) agronomy and/or biology and/or environmental sciences and (3)social sciences and/or rural development. Candidates who cannot present a combined training ofthese fields will be evaluated on their aptitude, based on experience and knowledge of these fields,as demonstrated by CV or other evidence.2. Sufficient language knowledge. The applicant must be proficient in the language of the course ortraining programme, i.e. English.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Ghent University and/or in Belgium, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

9000 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 9000 EUR per year during 24 months.
EU/EEA

4500 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4500 EUR per year during 24 months.

Living costs for Gent

754 - 1205 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Rural Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learning outcomes

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Student insurance

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fee

International

EU/EEA

Living costs for Gent

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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