Apply to European Master in Food Studies

Admission criteria

EMFS is a unique, small-cohort programme with just 20-25 students each year. EMFS aims to bring together high performing students with a range of educational backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills, fostering a diverse and complementary learning environment.

Academic Background

A solid food technology curriculum (food sciences, engineering and quality, mathematics and research skills)
High GPA and quality of university
Another completed MSc or relevant work experience

Experience & motivation

Research experience: BSc thesis, internships, projects, time abroad
Previous lab experience is important
Clear motivation and interest in the programme, as well as recommendations

Added value to the team

Transferable skills: teamwork, leadership, time management, communication
Extra-curricular activities and foreign languages
A group of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds

Admission process

EMFS is a specialisation within Wageningen's MSc Food Technology, so you apply in two steps. You don't have to wait for your MFT result (Step 1) before applying for EMFS (Step 2). The two steps can run at the same time, as long as the whole application is finalised before the deadline.

STEP 1

Apply for MSc Food Technology (MFT) at Wageningen University & Research

EMFS is a specialisation within Wageningen's MSc Food Technology. You first apply for MFT through the university, which manages the full admission procedure.

Apply via the Wageningen University admissions system
You can already flag your EMFS interest in the MFT motivation letter
WUR BSc Food Technology & Biotechnology graduates skip this step
Full steps & admission criteria are live on the WUR website

Admissions at Wageningen

STEP 2

Apply for the European Master in Food Studies specialization (EMFS)

Once you've decided on EMFS, email your interest to the coordinator, then send your complete application. Only complete applications are assessed.

Apply by emailing the documents below to emfs@wur.nl
Statement of motivation for joining EMFS
Short video, maximum 1 minute, on why you're a great fit
CV covering education, expertise and experience
Two letters of recommendation, emailed directly by your referees

Template letter

EVALUATION

Have you completed both steps? Your applications can now be reviewed

The EMFS Coordinating team will assess only the complete applicatios. Students are selected to create a well-balanced cohort, ensuring a good match among students while considering their educational backgrounds and personal experiences.

Make sure you completed both the MFT and EMFS applications before the deadline
The EMFS coordinator may invite you to an interview
EMFS application results will be communicated as soon as possible
Not accepted into EMFS? You can still start the MSc Food Technology programme
Accepted? Get ready to join your cohort for the team-building week!

Preparing for EMFS

Once accepted into the EMFS programme, the Coordinator will share with you all the practical information you will need for the following two-years. You will also be able to contact previous graduates and learn from their experience.

Travel and relocation

Students will move to all four countries in Year 1: the Netherlands, Ireland, France, then Sweden (you may need a visa).
Housing is provided only for the Sweden location.
You always travel, study or even share accommodation with your cohort!
The EMFS coordinator, universities and second year students will help you.

Costs and budgeting

All students cover the programme tuition fees and insurance.
Non-EU/EFTA students also provide proof of funds for living.
All students cover their travel, housing and living costs in all four countries.
Internships at EMFS partner companies are paid!

Study costs

Life on (four) campuses

You get to discover not one, but four university campuses.
You will get to know your cohort already in the teambuilding week.
Students will also meet local students in the four universities.
Campus activities and clubs depend on each university.

Wageningen University Campus

Additional answers and information

Questions about the programme and admissions? Find your answer below.,

Will I need to relocate during the programme?

Yes! You will first study in the Netherlands (4 months), then 2 months each in Ireland, France, and Sweden. You will always travel with your cohort - all EMFS Students follow the same Academic Calendar in Year 1. You will move between countries, find accommodation, discover Universities and join classes together.

Is accommodation provided?

Accommodation is only included in Lund (Sweden); international students can gain priority for housing in Wageningen (the Netherlands). Students are responsible for finding housing in the other countries, with guidance and help from the EMFS Coordinator, second-year EMFS students, and international university offices.

Do I need a visa?

Non-EU students require visas for the Schengen Area and Ireland. While students are responsible for obtaining their visas, the Programme Universities will support with recommendation letters and guidance.

What kind of student help is available?

You’ll never be alone! Students can access academic support, career guidance, and administrative assistance from the EMFS Coordinator, study advisors, international university offices or second-year EMFS Students. You will be introduced to all of them once you start the programme.

What are the tuition fees?

All students pay the Wageningen University tuition fees. Non-EU/EFTA students also need to pay a "living allowance" as proof of financial means during their studies (reimbursible). Find the up-to-date tuition and study costs on the Wageningen University website.

Are scholarships available?

EMFS Programme does not have its own scholarships available, but there are scholarship options on the Wageningen University website.

Are living costs included in the tuition fee?

Students are responsible for their own living and travel expenses.

What is the cohort size?

The cohort is intentionally small (20-25 students each year) to ensure a close-knit, interactive learning environment.

What is the student experience like?

Students can expect a collaborative, international environment with strong peer connections and hands-on learning. Your cohort will have students from all around the world and various backgrounds, the perfect way to develop an international mindset and make life-long friendships.

Are there extracurricular activities?

Apart from visits at the 9 companies included in the programme, you will have the chance to join social events and day trips with your EMFS cohort and other university students. There are clubs and activities at the partner universities where you are welcome to participate.

Why do I need to apply to Wageningen first?

EMFS is a specialisation within the MSc Food Technology (MFT) at Wageningen, so you apply for MFT (Step 1) and for EMFS (Step 2). You can do them simultaneously — just finalise everything before the deadline.

Do I need to be accepted to Wageningen before applying to EMFS?

No. The two steps can run at the same time. You don't need your MFT admission result in hand to submit your EMFS application.

I'm a WUR BSc Food Technology or Biotechnology graduate — do I still apply for MFT?

Yes. You still need to apply for MFT (Step 1), even if you will be unconditionally accepted to MFT. You also still need to apply for EMFS in Step 2.

Can I apply if my background might not match the food science criteria?

We always encourage you to try! EMFS aims to create a cohesive, diverse cohort, so if your background is in a related and relevant field you can still be accepted.

‍Admissions Process‍European Master in Food Studies

Key dates & deadlines

15 April 2027

15 June 2027

September 2027

Admission criteria

Academic Background

Experience & motivation

Added value to the team

Admission process

Apply to MFT

Apply to EMFS

Evaluation

Apply for MSc Food Technology (MFT) at Wageningen University & Research

Admissions at Wageningen

Apply for the European Master in Food Studies specialization (EMFS)

Template letter

Have you completed both steps? Your applications can now be reviewed

Deadlines

Key dates for 2027 Cohort

15 June 2027

15 June 2027

September 2027

Preparing for EMFS

Travel and relocation

Costs and budgeting

Study costs

Life on (four) campuses

Wageningen University Campus

Additional answers and information

Will I need to relocate during the programme?

Is accommodation provided?

Do I need a visa?

What kind of student help is available?

What are the tuition fees?

Are scholarships available?

Are living costs included in the tuition fee?

What is the cohort size?

What is the student experience like?

Are there extracurricular activities?

Why do I need to apply to Wageningen first?

Do I need to be accepted to Wageningen before applying to EMFS?

I'm a WUR BSc Food Technology or Biotechnology graduate — do I still apply for MFT?

Can I apply if my background might not match the food science criteria?

Applications are opening soon

‍Admissions Process
‍European Master in Food Studies