Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Cultivating the future through a century of excellence and innovation.

📍 Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

🏆 #1 in Portugal · QS World #260 · THE World #501 · ARWU #201

Quick Facts about Instituto Superior de Agronomia

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 1,700
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $2,500 – $5,000/year
  • Language: Portuguese, English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 1500:230
  • Intakes: September, February

About Instituto Superior de Agronomia

The Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) is the largest and oldest school of graduate and postgraduate degrees in Agricultural Sciences in Portugal, belonging to the prestigious University of Lisbon. With over 160 years of history, the institute is a leading center for research and innovation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and food science. It offers a unique academic environment that combines historical tradition with cutting-edge scientific advancement.

Academics

The institute is organized into several specialized departments focusing on areas such as crop science, animal production, and environmental engineering. ISA is recognized for its multidisciplinary approach, offering highly ranked programs in Viticulture and Enology, Landscape Architecture, and Forestry Engineering. The teaching methodology emphasizes a strong link between theoretical knowledge and practical application, often utilizing the school's extensive experimental farms and laboratories.

International Students

ISA provides a welcoming environment for international students through its dedicated Mobility and International Relations Office, which assists with integration and administrative processes. While many undergraduate courses are taught in Portuguese, the institute offers an increasing number of Master’s and PhD programs entirely in English to accommodate a diverse global student body. Students can participate in various organizations like the ISA Students Association, which organizes cultural events and field trips to help newcomers integrate into Portuguese life.

Campus & Location

The campus is located within the Tapada da Ajuda, a magnificent 100 hectare botanical park in the heart of Lisbon that features an astronomical observatory and a vibrant green landscape. Students benefit from a peaceful study environment while being only minutes away from the historic center of Lisbon and the lively riverside district of Belém. The campus is well connected by public buses and trams, providing easy access to the city’s famous cultural landmarks and Mediterranean coastline.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of ISA enjoy high employability rates due to the school’s strong reputation and its established partnerships with major agribusiness firms and environmental agencies. The university provides active career services, including job fairs and internship placement programs that connect students with industry leaders across Europe. Many alumni go on to lead successful careers in food production, sustainable resource management, or launch innovative startups within the growing Portuguese agrotech sector.

Information for International Students at Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Instituto Superior de Agronomia in Lisbon, Portugal welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$300/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: Portuguese, English

Admissions Requirements for Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Instituto Superior de Agronomia:

  • IELTS minimum: 6
  • TOEFL minimum: 80
  • Application fee: $50
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
  • Application deadline: May 30th (1st semester or full academic year), October 30th (2nd semester)

Apply to Instituto Superior de Agronomia →

Programs at Instituto Superior de Agronomia (48 programs)

Instituto Superior de Agronomia offers 48 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (2)

  • General Studies — 36 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · Scholarship available
    An interdisciplinary program allowing students to customize their curriculum across various fields. Prepares graduates for diverse roles requiring a broad academic background.
    Field: Interdisciplinary
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • General Studies — 36 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · Scholarship available
    An interdisciplinary program allowing students to customize their curriculum across various fields. Prepares graduates for diverse roles requiring a broad academic background.
    Field: Interdisciplinary
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)

Master Programs (26)

  • Agriculture Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study in agricultural systems and engineering solutions for sustainable food production. Graduates lead projects in farm management and agricultural innovation.
    Field: Agricultural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Farm management, Agricultural innovation
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Forestry and Natural Resources Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced management of forest ecosystems and natural resources for sustainability and conservation. Graduates work in forestry management and environmental agencies.
    Field: Forestry
    Career outcomes: Forestry management, Environmental consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Gastronomical Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,000/yr · Scholarship available
    Explores the intersection of food science, culture, and culinary arts. Graduates pursue careers in the food industry, gastronomy, and food research.
    Field: Food/Gastronomy
    Career outcomes: Food industry, Gastronomy research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Natural Resources Management and Conservation (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Graduates work in conservation agencies and environmental consultancy.
    Field: Conservation
    Career outcomes: Conservation management, Environmental consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Animal Production Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced training in animal nutrition, genetics, and production systems. Prepares graduates for leadership roles in the livestock and animal science sectors.
    Field: Animal Science
    Career outcomes: Livestock management, Animal science research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Food Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study of food technology, safety systems, and product development. Prepares students for management roles in the food industry and quality control.
    Field: Food Science
    Career outcomes: Food industry quality control, Product development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Landscape Architecture (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced landscape design and planning with a focus on ecological sustainability and urban spaces. Graduates work in landscape design and urban planning.
    Field: Landscape Architecture
    Career outcomes: Landscape design, Urban planning
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Plant Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study of plant biology, physiology, and crop science for agricultural improvement. Graduates work in agricultural research and plant breeding.
    Field: Botany/Agronomy
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, Plant breeding
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Tropical Agrarian Systems: Production, Society and Policies (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on agricultural production and policy in tropical regions, addressing social and economic challenges. Graduates work in international development and tropical agriculture.
    Field: Tropical Agriculture
    Career outcomes: International development, Tropical farm management
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Environmental Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on advanced environmental management, impact assessment, and sustainable technologies. Graduates work as environmental consultants and sustainability officers.
    Field: Environment
    Career outcomes: Environmental consultancy, Sustainability officer
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Vinifera EuroMaster (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    An international master's program focused on viticulture and oenology across Europe. Graduates pursue global careers in the wine industry.
    Field: Viticulture (International)
    Career outcomes: Winemaking, Global wine industry
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Viticulture and Oenology Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Specialized training in grape growing and winemaking technologies. Graduates pursue careers as winemakers and viticulture consultants.
    Field: Wine Science
    Career outcomes: Winemaking, Viticulture consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • MEDfOR (Mediterranean Forestry & Natural Resources) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    An Erasmus Mundus program focused on the management of Mediterranean forests and natural resources. Graduates work in international forestry and conservation.
    Field: Forestry (Erasmus Mundus)
    Career outcomes: International forestry management, Conservation
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Agriculture Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study in agricultural systems and engineering solutions for sustainable food production. Graduates lead projects in farm management and agricultural innovation.
    Field: Agricultural Sciences
    Career outcomes: Farm management, Agricultural innovation
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Forestry and Natural Resources Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced management of forest ecosystems and natural resources for sustainability and conservation. Graduates work in forestry management and environmental agencies.
    Field: Forestry
    Career outcomes: Forestry management, Environmental consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Gastronomical Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €2,000/yr · Scholarship available
    Explores the intersection of food science, culture, and culinary arts. Graduates pursue careers in the food industry, gastronomy, and food research.
    Field: Food/Gastronomy
    Career outcomes: Food industry, Gastronomy research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Natural Resources Management and Conservation (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Graduates work in conservation agencies and environmental consultancy.
    Field: Conservation
    Career outcomes: Conservation management, Environmental consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Animal Production Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced training in animal nutrition, genetics, and production systems. Prepares graduates for leadership roles in the livestock and animal science sectors.
    Field: Animal Science
    Career outcomes: Livestock management, Animal science research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Food Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study of food technology, safety systems, and product development. Prepares students for management roles in the food industry and quality control.
    Field: Food Science
    Career outcomes: Food industry quality control, Product development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Landscape Architecture (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced landscape design and planning with a focus on ecological sustainability and urban spaces. Graduates work in landscape design and urban planning.
    Field: Landscape Architecture
    Career outcomes: Landscape design, Urban planning
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Plant Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced study of plant biology, physiology, and crop science for agricultural improvement. Graduates work in agricultural research and plant breeding.
    Field: Botany/Agronomy
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, Plant breeding
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Tropical Agrarian Systems: Production, Society and Policies (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on agricultural production and policy in tropical regions, addressing social and economic challenges. Graduates work in international development and tropical agriculture.
    Field: Tropical Agriculture
    Career outcomes: International development, Tropical farm management
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Environmental Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on advanced environmental management, impact assessment, and sustainable technologies. Graduates work as environmental consultants and sustainability officers.
    Field: Environment
    Career outcomes: Environmental consultancy, Sustainability officer
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Vinifera EuroMaster (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    An international master's program focused on viticulture and oenology across Europe. Graduates pursue global careers in the wine industry.
    Field: Viticulture (International)
    Career outcomes: Winemaking, Global wine industry
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Viticulture and Oenology Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · Portuguese · €3,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Specialized training in grape growing and winemaking technologies. Graduates pursue careers as winemakers and viticulture consultants.
    Field: Wine Science
    Career outcomes: Winemaking, Viticulture consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • MEDfOR (Mediterranean Forestry & Natural Resources) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    An Erasmus Mundus program focused on the management of Mediterranean forests and natural resources. Graduates work in international forestry and conservation.
    Field: Forestry (Erasmus Mundus)
    Career outcomes: International forestry management, Conservation
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)

PhD Programs (20)

  • Sustainable Land Use (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research-focused program exploring sustainable management of land across agriculture, forestry, and landscape. Prepares graduates for high-level research and academic careers.
    Field: Interdisciplinary
    Career outcomes: Academic research, Policy advising
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Sustainable Agriculture (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research into sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovation. Graduates pursue careers in research institutions and international agricultural agencies.
    Field: Agriculture
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, International development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research into the ecological design and management of urban landscapes. Prepares graduates for roles in urban planning research and landscape design leadership.
    Field: Urban Ecology
    Career outcomes: Urban planning research, Landscape design
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Sustainability Science (PhD) — 48 months · English · Online · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Interdisciplinary research focused on the scientific basis for sustainable development. Graduates work in sustainability research and environmental management.
    Field: Sustainability
    Career outcomes: Sustainability research, Environmental management
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the intersection of climate science and policy development for sustainability. Graduates work in environmental policy and climate research.
    Field: Environment/Policy
    Career outcomes: Policy advising, Climate research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Interdisciplinary Landscape Management (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research on the management of landscapes through an interdisciplinary lens. Prepares graduates for leadership in landscape planning and management.
    Field: Management
    Career outcomes: Landscape management, Research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Agricultural Innovation in Tropical Food Chains (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research focused on improving food chains and agricultural innovation in tropical regions. Graduates work in international agricultural research and development.
    Field: Tropical Agri
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, International development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Development Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · Scholarship available
    Research into social and economic development processes, particularly in agrarian contexts. Graduates pursue careers in international development and social research.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: International development, Social research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Planetary Health Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Explores the links between human health and the health of the planet's ecosystems. Graduates pursue careers in environmental health research and policy.
    Field: Health/Environment
    Career outcomes: Environmental health research, Policy advising
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Biology (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research in biological sciences, focusing on specialized areas of plant or environmental biology. Prepares graduates for academic and high-level research careers.
    Field: Biological Sciences
    Career outcomes: Academic research, Biological consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Sustainable Land Use (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research-focused program exploring sustainable management of land across agriculture, forestry, and landscape. Prepares graduates for high-level research and academic careers.
    Field: Interdisciplinary
    Career outcomes: Academic research, Policy advising
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Sustainable Agriculture (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research into sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovation. Graduates pursue careers in research institutions and international agricultural agencies.
    Field: Agriculture
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, International development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research into the ecological design and management of urban landscapes. Prepares graduates for roles in urban planning research and landscape design leadership.
    Field: Urban Ecology
    Career outcomes: Urban planning research, Landscape design
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Sustainability Science (PhD) — 48 months · English · Online · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Interdisciplinary research focused on the scientific basis for sustainable development. Graduates work in sustainability research and environmental management.
    Field: Sustainability
    Career outcomes: Sustainability research, Environmental management
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Focuses on the intersection of climate science and policy development for sustainability. Graduates work in environmental policy and climate research.
    Field: Environment/Policy
    Career outcomes: Policy advising, Climate research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Interdisciplinary Landscape Management (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research on the management of landscapes through an interdisciplinary lens. Prepares graduates for leadership in landscape planning and management.
    Field: Management
    Career outcomes: Landscape management, Research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Agricultural Innovation in Tropical Food Chains (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Research focused on improving food chains and agricultural innovation in tropical regions. Graduates work in international agricultural research and development.
    Field: Tropical Agri
    Career outcomes: Agricultural research, International development
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Development Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · Scholarship available
    Research into social and economic development processes, particularly in agrarian contexts. Graduates pursue careers in international development and social research.
    Field: Social Sciences
    Career outcomes: International development, Social research
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Planetary Health Studies (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Explores the links between human health and the health of the planet's ecosystems. Graduates pursue careers in environmental health research and policy.
    Field: Health/Environment
    Career outcomes: Environmental health research, Policy advising
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)
  • Biology (PhD) — 48 months · English · €2,750/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
    Advanced research in biological sciences, focusing on specialized areas of plant or environmental biology. Prepares graduates for academic and high-level research careers.
    Field: Biological Sciences
    Career outcomes: Academic research, Biological consultancy
    Deadline: Usually 3 phases (Jan-Feb, April-May, July)

Scholarships & Tuition at Instituto Superior de Agronomia

Annual tuition for international students: $2,500 – $5,000/year

✅ Instituto Superior de Agronomia offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Instituto Superior de Agronomia

  • National Ranking: #1 in Portugal
  • QS World University Ranking: #260
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #501
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #201
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Instituto Superior de Agronomia

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Urban
  • Average class size: 10
  • Housing cost: ~$300/month

Key Highlights

  • Oldest and largest Portuguese agricultural school
  • Part of the prestigious University of Lisbon
  • Located in a hundred-hectare botanical park
  • Leader in viticulture and forestry research
  • English-taught postgraduate programs for international students
  • Strong focus on practical experimental learning

Accreditation

  • University of Lisbon

Fields of Study at Instituto Superior de Agronomia

  • Agronomy
  • Forestry
  • Food Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering

Notable Alumni

  • Amílcar Cabral
  • Joaquim Vieira Natividade
  • Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles
  • Francisco Caldeira Cabral

Frequently Asked Questions about Instituto Superior de Agronomia

What is Instituto Superior de Agronomia?

Instituto Superior de Agronomia is a public university located in Lisbon, Portugal. It has approximately 1,700 students.

How much does it cost to study at Instituto Superior de Agronomia?

Tuition fees at Instituto Superior de Agronomia for international students range from $2,500 – $5,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $300/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Instituto Superior de Agronomia?

IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 80. Application fee: $50. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: May 30th (1st semester or full academic year), October 30th (2nd semester).

What language are courses taught in at Instituto Superior de Agronomia?

Courses at Instituto Superior de Agronomia are taught in Portuguese and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.

How many programs does Instituto Superior de Agronomia offer?

Instituto Superior de Agronomia offers 48 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 26 Master's, and 20 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Instituto Superior de Agronomia ranked?

#1 in Portugal · QS World #260 · THE World #501 · ARWU #201.

Does Instituto Superior de Agronomia offer scholarships?

Yes, Instituto Superior de Agronomia offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Instituto Superior de Agronomia provide visa support?

Yes, Instituto Superior de Agronomia provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

Apply to Instituto Superior de Agronomia with Abroadly

Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Instituto Superior de Agronomia. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.

Explore Abroadly Features | For Students | For Agencies

Explore More Universities