Smart Farming and Resilient Food Systems

The Joint Bachelor’s Degree in Smart Farming and Resilient Food Systems prepares the next generation of professionals to transform agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies.

The programme combines expertise in agriculture, food science, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, and digital technologies to address some of the most pressing global challenges: climate change, food security, and the transition toward sustainable agri-food systems.

Students gain a multidisciplinary education that integrates precision agriculture, data science, artificial intelligence, food system resilience, and sustainable resource management. Through international mobility and practical learning environments, the programme provides a truly European educational experience.

Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to design, manage, and innovate within modern, technology-driven agricultural and food systems.
 

Why study this programme

Agriculture and food systems are undergoing a profound transformation driven by digital technologies, environmental challenges, and global sustainability goals.

This programme allows students to:
•    explore smart farming technologies such as sensors, drones, automation, and data analytics
•    understand sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient food systems
•    develop skills in biotechnology, food science, and digital innovation
•    gain international experience by studying across European universities
•    participate in Living Labs and real-world projects with industry and stakeholders
•    prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving agri-food and sustainability sectors

Students graduate with a strong scientific foundation and practical experience that enables them to contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture and resilient food production.
 

Partner universities

The programme is jointly delivered by universities of the INVEST European University Alliance, combining expertise from different regions of Europe. Through this collaboration, students benefit from diverse academic environments and agricultural ecosystems across Europe.

Key facts    

Programme:    Joint Bachelor’s Degree in Smart Farming and Resilient Food Systems
Level:   Bachelor (EQF Level 6)
Credits:    180 ECTS
Duration:    3 years
Language of instruction:    English
Participating universities:    UCO (Spain), SUA (Slovakia), UTH (Greece)
Mobility:    Mandatory international mobility
Estimated intake:    Approximately 15 students per year
Learning environment:    International, interdisciplinary, practice-oriented

Programme structure

The programme is organised over three academic years and combines foundational knowledge, specialised tracks, and applied learning.
Year 1 – Foundations
Students develop core knowledge in natural sciences, agriculture, and food systems. Courses include:
•    biology and chemistry
•    soil science and ecosystem services
•    crop and animal production
•    mathematics, physics, and data analysis
•    introduction to smart farming and resilient food systems
These courses establish the scientific basis necessary for advanced study in agriculture and food technologies.

Year 2 – Specialisation tracks
Students choose between two specialisation pathways.
Smart Farming
Focuses on digital technologies for modern agriculture, including:
•    precision agriculture
•    remote sensing and GIS
•    agricultural sensors and automation
•    robotics and data-driven farm management
•    smart agricultural machinery

Year 3 – Integration and innovation
In the final year students focus on applied learning and interdisciplinary integration through:
•    courses in agri-food management and entrepreneurship
•    European agriculture and food policy
•    a Living Lab internship
•    a Bachelor’s dissertation
Students work on real-world problems and develop solutions for sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Mobility & Living Labs

A distinctive feature of the programme is its international mobility model. Students study at multiple partner universities, gaining exposure to diverse agricultural environments and research facilities across Europe.
Mobility enhances academic experience by allowing students to learn from different teaching approaches, agricultural practices, and innovation ecosystems.
Another key component is the Living Lab internship, where students collaborate with:
•    farmers and agricultural companies
•    research organisations
•    technology providers
•    policy makers and NGOs
Living Labs allow students to apply their knowledge to real challenges in agriculture and food production.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the programme will be well positioned for careers in the rapidly evolving agri-food sector.
Possible career paths include:
•    precision agriculture specialist
•    smart farming technology developer
•    agri-food systems analyst
•    sustainability consultant
•    food industry professional
•    agricultural policy advisor
•    agri-tech entrepreneur
•    research and innovation specialist
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme also provides a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in agriculture, food science, sustainability, or data science.

Admission & application

Applications are submitted electronically through the SUA University Information System.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
Admission procedure
Applicants are evaluated based on:
•    secondary school academic performance
•    motivation and suitability for the programme
•    an online admission interview conducted in English

Required documents
Applicants must submit:
•    curriculum vitae (CV)
•    copy of secondary school diploma
•    proof of application fee payment

Applications are submitted online at: https://is.uniag.sk/prihlaska/?lang=en

Fees & scholarships

The programme offers a pilot phase with reduced fees and scholarship opportunities.
Pilot year (2026/2027)
•    Top 5 students receive an additional €500 scholarship
Standard tuition
•    Scholarship holders: approximately €1,500 per year
•    Non-scholarship students: approximately €3,000 per year
A final administrative fee (approximately €250) may apply for the issuance of the joint diploma and diploma supplement.

Contact

For further information about the programme and the application process, please contact:
Ing. Lívia Stoklasová
INVEST Programme Coordinator for International Students
Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia