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Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Summer Program

Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Summer Program

Join Us for a Summer of Innovation – Grow Knowledge and Gain Skills to Inspire Global Change

Join the Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Summer Program with Ben-Gurion University

The Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Summer Course, held on Ben-Gurion University's Sde Boker campus, offers international students an intensive 3-week program that combines basic and applied research in agriculture and environmental sciences. The course addresses global challenges in food and water management amid climate change, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices to combat desertification and improve resource use worldwide.

Drylands cover about 40% of the Earth's terrestrial surface and are home to over 2 billion people, facing challenges like population growth, over-exploitation, drought, and desertification. Tackling these issues is vital to ensuring the availability of essential resources such as food and water for a growing global population.

Through lectures and practical applications, participants will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience, exploring innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. Conducted in English, the program leverages the world-class facilities at The Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies and offers a unique blend of basic and applied research opportunities. Students will also connect with the vibrant international community at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR).

Outstanding students may apply for Master's and Ph.D. programs at BIDR, with the possibility of qualifying for full scholarships.

Apply Here

Program Highlights

Comprehensive Curriculum

The program focuses on four key areas: Soil and Atmosphere, Plants Under Stress, Aquaculture, and Precision Agriculture. Students will explore these topics through engaging classes, hands-on fieldwork, and cutting-edge research to address global sustainability challenges.

Hands-On Blended Experiences

A blend of fieldwork and laboratory research ensures students apply their learning in real-world contexts. These experiences culminate in a concluding seminar, where participants present their insights and solutions, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Cultural and Social Enrichment

The program includes cultural events, offering opportunities to connect with local students and immerse in Israeli culture. Weekly tours explore Israel’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and stunning landscapes, adding a unique dimension to the learning experience.

Application Details:

This course is open to registered bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. students.

Program Dates: June 28 - July 16, 2026
Application deadline: March 10, 2026
To apply for the course and request a scholarship, complete the application form and upload all required documents.
The research committee will review applications and select 24 participants for the program.

Required Documents
1. Academic Records:
  1. Bachelor's degree students: Transcripts from bachelor's degree with cumulative GPA
  2. Master's degree students: Diploma and cumulative GPAs for both bachelor's and master's degrees
  3. Doctorate students: Diplomas and cumulative GPAs for all degrees (bachelor's, master's, and doctorate).
    
    ***Note: High school diplomas and grades are NOT required.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A complete and updated CV.
3. Interview with Dr. Boomie: Relevent applicants will be invited for an interview

All documents must be submitted through the application portal. Ensure that recommendation letters are sent separately by the recommenders.
Incomplete applications or those missing required documents will not be accepted.
For any questions or clarifications, please contact us >>

Fees and Scholarships
- Application Fee: $20 (non-refundable)
- There will be a $300 refundable deposit upon acceptance and registration to the program. The deposit is refundable if a request is made prior to one week before the program start date (before 21/06/2026).
- Course Fee: $1,700
  Which includes:
  1. Accommodation in shared apartments within the campus dormitories (three people perapartment).
  2. Meals (lunches will be provided Sunday–Thursday).
  3. Transportation to and from the airport.
  4. Tuition for the course.
    Please note: Flight airfare is NOT included.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are available to support participants with demonstrated need or exceptional qualifications.
- Full funding opportunity for students from UCLA (including partial funding of flight).
Scholarship awards include:
- Full Funding: $1,400 award, with a non-refundable tuition cost of $300 to be paid by the participant.
- Half Funding: $850 award.
- Partial Funding: $500 award.

Students will stay in shared apartments on the serene Sde Boker campus, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the desert. A $300 refundable deposit is required.

Apply Now!

Click here >>

For your information:

Starting on 01.01.2025: Tourists arriving in Israel with a passport from countries that are exempt from visas will be required to obtain an ETA-IL form approval.

How to Use ETA-IL >>

Questions? Don't Hesitate!

Our team is here to answer any questions you may have – feel free to reach out!