The emiSS Erasmus Mundus Master in Soil Science is a competitive and multidisciplinary Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree designed to prepare globally skilled soil scientists equipped to address climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, water contamination, ecosystem protection, agricultural sustainability, and global food security. Through an integrated curriculum combining soil physics, chemistry, biology, hydrology, land use, conservation, remote sensing, carbon cycling, and soil ecosystem services, emiSS stands as a unique international qualification for students passionate about environmental sustainability and soil resource management.
Delivered by a consortium of partner universities across Turkey, Poland, Bulgaria, and Jordan, the program blends academic theory, practical laboratory work, field camps, and a cross-country master thesis experience. Students gain not only scientific expertise but also intercultural skills, mobility experience, strong communication abilities, and applied research capabilities. For students aiming to become soil specialists in government agencies, environmental consultancies, international organisations, academia, agriculture, and ecological research institutions, the emiSS Erasmus Mundus program offers a strategic pathway into a high-impact scientific career.
Key details of the emiSS Erasmus Mundus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Master Program in Soil Science (emiSS) |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint Master’s Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Mobility-based: Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Jordan with mandatory field camp and joint thesis |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding |
| Academic Focus | Soil physics, soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil fertility, soil pollution, reclamation, hydrology, land use, biodiversity, soil ecosystem functions |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Start Date | 15 September 2019 |
| End Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in emiSS Erasmus Mundus
The programme is jointly delivered by partner universities across Europe and the Middle East.
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) | Turkey |
| University of Agriculture in Krakow (UAK) | Poland |
| Agricultural University Plovdiv (AU) | Bulgaria |
| Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) | Jordan |
Programme Structure
| Semester | Host Institution | Academic Components |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Orientation | All Partners | Integration Week, intercultural skills, academic overview |
| Semester 1 | OMU, Turkey | Core courses: Soil Physics, Fertilizer Technology, Land Evaluation, GIS and Remote Sensing, Research Methods and Ethics, Soil Microbiology, Soil Classification |
| Field Camp | Turkey | 7-day professional hands-on soil field camp |
| Semester 2 | UAK Poland and AU Bulgaria | Dual-track learning: Agrochemistry, Plant Nutrition, Environmental Soil Quality, Toxic Substances in Food, Soil Fertility, Ecopedogy, Soil Geography |
| Semester 3 | Variable Host | Thesis preparation, seminar, proposal |
| Semester 4 | Variable Host Institution | Thesis research and defense before multi-university jury |
Research and Industry Links
Students benefit from:
- Collaboration with agricultural laboratories, remote sensing research centers, and environmental agencies
- Real-time field camps, observation sites, ecological surveys
- Joint thesis supervision by professors from multiple countries
- Potential internship and networking with agricultural ministries, environmental departments, NGOs, land-use policy agencies, and UN-based climate programs
Admission Requirements
Applicants must typically have:
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil science, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, plant nutrition, ecology, earth science or related fields
- Strong academic standing with relevant background coursework
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability and soil science
- English proficiency test score (IELTS, TOEFL or others if requested by the consortium)
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s certificate and academic transcripts
- English proficiency proof
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Two Recommendation Letters
- Passport or national ID copy
- Residence Certificate (for Erasmus+ scholarship eligibility)
- Any published research or conference papers (optional but beneficial)
How to Apply – Step By Step
- Visit the official emiSS application portal
- Create an account with email and password
- Complete personal and academic sections
- Upload supporting documents in English
- Submit application before the scholarship deadline
- Submit residency certificate to determine scholarship category
- Await results and respond to acceptance email if selected
Note: Only online applications are accepted. Email submissions are not considered.
Application Timeline (2025/2026 Intake)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Scholarship Applications Open | November |
| Round 1 Deadline | February |
| Scholarship Results Announcement | By end of March |
| Round 2 Self-funded Application Window | April to June |
| Program Start | September |
Scholarship Benefits for emiSS Erasmus Mundus Applicants
Selected students may receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel allowance
- Installation allowance
- Support for mobility across partner countries
Scholarships are awarded competitively based on academic merit, motivation, and documentation strength.
Guidance for a Strong Application
- Write a compelling motivation letter linking personal story, academic background, soil science passion, and future ambition
- Include research, volunteer work, agricultural field experience or publications
- Use a clean, professional, two-page Europass CV
- Secure recommendation letters from professors who know your academic work
- Avoid grammatical errors and incomplete uploads
- Apply early rather than at deadline
Alumni Experience
Alumni report that emiSS offers international exposure, practical soil science experience, and a supportive academic community. Students highlight the value of rotating across multiple countries, building a strong research profile, and joining a global environmental network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Program?
emiSS Erasmus Mundus is a two-year international master’s programme in soil science offered through a consortium of universities across Turkey, Poland, Bulgaria, and Jordan.
Who can apply for emiSS Erasmus Mundus?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil science, environmental studies, biology, plant nutrition or related fields are eligible.
Does emiSS Erasmus Mundus provide scholarships?
Yes. Competitive Erasmus+ scholarships are available covering tuition, monthly stipends, travel, and installation allowance.
Is English language proof required for emiSS Erasmus Mundus?
Yes, applicants must submit valid proof of English proficiency unless exempted per program policy.
What degree do graduates receive from emiSS Erasmus Mundus?
Graduates receive a joint master’s degree awarded by participating universities.
