International PhD Programme for Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems (IPPAE)

IPPAE is a structured doctoral programme focused on empirical, problem-solving research at the intersection of agricultural economics, agricultural sociology, farm economics, and sustainable resource use. It combines a 42-month PhD track with DAAD-linked application requirements and supervisory support.

Academic requirements

Candidates are expected to have relevant work experience, such as at least two years of work experience as a scientist at an institute of higher education or at a research institute in their home country. Preference is given to candidates whose employers offer a reintegration guarantee. Before beginning the PhD work, candidates must: pass a German language course exam; pass the coursework exam in agricultural economics at Giessen or Hohenheim Universities within the first year of the programme; include a research proposal on a relevant topic in their home country with the application documents.

Minimum GPA

No fixed minimum GPA is published on the current official programme page.

English requirements

The official IPPAE application page requires excellent English. Accepted proof includes TOEFL iBT at least 95, IELTS Academic at least 7, UNIcert III, or proof of an MSc taught in English in an EU member state, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the USA.