What if you could study food science abroad, develop expertise in food safety and food processing, and pursue a degree without having to pay the full cost yourself?

For students interested in food science and technology, 2027 could be an opportunity to explore scholarships that support advanced training in food production, nutrition, food engineering, agricultural innovation and sustainable food systems.

Food science is an important field because the world needs professionals who can improve food quality, prevent contamination, extend shelf life, reduce food waste and develop affordable, nutritious products. These skills are relevant to food manufacturers, laboratories, research institutions, universities, agricultural businesses and public health organizations.

The challenge is finding scholarships that genuinely cover the major costs. Some awards pay tuition fees only, while others may also provide living allowances, accommodation support, health insurance and travel funding. A scholarship described as “fully funded” should therefore be checked against its actual benefits and conditions.

This guide highlights universities and scholarship programs worth investigating for the 2027 intake, explains eligibility requirements, and walks you through the application process. It also identifies official resources where you can verify current calls and deadlines.

Important: Not every scholarship listed below is guaranteed to be open for the 2027 intake, and some are competitive awards rather than automatic funding for all food science applicants. Use the official program pages to confirm eligible courses, nationalities, funding coverage and deadlines before applying.

1. Best Fully Funded Scholarship to Prioritize for 2027

The Wageningen University & Research offers an Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) designed to help talented African students pursue master’s degrees at the university.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, the university’s published scholarship information lists the following benefits:

• Tuition fees for the 24-month master’s programme.

• A living allowance for the duration of the programme.

• Travel to and from the Netherlands.

• Visa costs.

• Health insurance.

These benefits make the programme a particularly relevant option for applicants who need more than a tuition discount. However, selection is competitive, and the scholarship is offered through an invitation-based selection process rather than a separate open application for everyone.

Which food science programme can you study?

One programme worth investigating is the MSc Food Technology, a two-year, English-taught master’s degree that covers food processing, food product development, food microbiology, food quality and related technological areas.

Wageningen also has other master’s programmes relevant to food systems, agriculture, biotechnology and sustainability. Make sure your chosen programme is eligible for the scholarship and that you satisfy its specific academic requirements.

Eligibility requirements

The university’s published Africa Scholarship Programme criteria for the 2027/2028 cycle include:

• You must be a citizen of an African country.

• You must have a complete application for an eligible master’s programme submitted before 1 December 2026.

• You must be unconditionally admitted to the master’s programme.

• You must have a first-class honours bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 80%, according to the published requirements.

• Your bachelor’s degree must be completed and the diploma uploaded before the stated deadline.

• Your required English-language test results must be available before the deadline.

The university says selected candidates may be invited into the scholarship selection process around March–April 2027, with scholarship offers scheduled for 7 April 2027 in the published information. Always recheck the official page in case details change.

Why the deadline matters: Today is 16 October 2026, so applicants targeting this particular September 2027 opportunity have limited time to prepare a complete application. Do not wait until the scholarship decision period to apply for admission.

How to apply

1. Review the MSc Food Technology entry requirements.

2. Check whether your bachelor’s degree covers the required food science subjects and scientific foundations.

3. Prepare your transcripts, degree documents, CV and English-language evidence.

4. Submit a complete master’s application before 1 December 2026.

5. Ensure the university has all documents needed to assess your application.

6. Monitor your email for any invitation to the Africa Scholarship Programme selection process.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Nigeria is in Africa, and the university’s published programme is intended for eligible African citizens. However, nationality alone does not guarantee selection. You must meet the academic, admission and documentation requirements.

If your CGPA or degree classification falls below the published standard, contact the university directly to confirm whether your academic record can meet its criteria before investing in an application.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships in Food-Related Fields

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scheme is another important route for international students seeking substantial funding for postgraduate study in Europe.

Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for selected joint master’s programmes. Depending on the programme and scholarship, funding can cover participation costs and contribute to travel, visa expenses and living costs. Applications are submitted directly to the institution or consortium running the course.

The key is to identify a currently funded programme that matches food science, rather than assuming every food-related master’s degree in the Erasmus Mundus catalogue offers a full scholarship.

What subjects should you search for?

Look for programmes involving:

• Food science and technology.

• Sustainable food systems.

• Food engineering and processing.

• Food safety and quality management.

• Food innovation and product development.

• Nutrition and food-related public health.

• Agricultural and food supply chains.

Not all of these subject areas will have an active Erasmus Mundus scholarship for 2027. Confirm the programme’s funding status and intake-specific deadline before applying.

Eligibility

Requirements vary by programme, but applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree or an accepted equivalent qualification. Some programmes require particular scientific subjects, a minimum academic standard, proof of English proficiency and recommendation letters.

You may be eligible to apply from Nigeria or another African country, but the individual programme’s criteria determine who can receive the scholarship.

How to apply

1. Search the official Erasmus Mundus course catalogue.

2. Identify current master’s programmes related to food science or food systems.

3. Open each programme’s official website.

4. Verify that scholarships are available for the 2027 intake.

5. Check the academic background and English-language requirements.

6. Submit your application directly to the programme before its deadline.

Important: Many Erasmus Mundus programmes accept applications between October and January for the following academic year, but the exact deadline is programme-specific. Do not assume that every programme follows the same calendar.

3. FOOD4S — European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business

The European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (FOOD4S) is a relevant programme for students interested in food science, technology, engineering, business and sustainable food systems.

It is worth researching because its subject matter combines technical knowledge with the broader systems involved in producing and distributing food.

What can you study?

Depending on the current programme structure, the curriculum connects food-related technical knowledge with food systems and business. This can be relevant for graduates interested in food processing, product development, sustainable production and management roles.

Scholarship funding: read the fine print

The programme’s published financial information describes consortium scholarships of up to €24,000, equivalent to €1,000 per month for a maximum of 24 months. However, the same information says recipients remain responsible for enrolment fees according to their student category. Therefore, this should not automatically be described as a fully funded scholarship.

The published programme page also states that scholarship availability and funding arrangements changed after earlier Erasmus Mundus-funded intakes. Its 2025 intake information is not sufficient proof that the same award conditions will apply in 2027.

Eligibility and application

The programme’s published admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree that grants access to a master’s programme and proof of English proficiency. Its admissions page also lists recommendation letters among the required documents.

For 2027, confirm the new intake’s application dates, participating universities, scholarship amount, tuition obligations and eligibility criteria directly with the programme.

4. Wageningen University Excellence Programme

Wageningen University & Research also advertises an Excellence Programme for selected international master’s students.

This is worth investigating if you have a strong academic record and are applying for a relevant master’s programme, including Food Technology.

The university’s published information for the September 2027 intake describes the Excellence Programme as a tuition fee waiver, not a full scholarship covering every expense. Students who receive it may still need to pay the remaining costs, including living expenses, insurance and residence-permit fees.

Who should consider it?

This may be relevant to applicants who:

• Have an excellent academic record.

• Meet the entry requirements for an eligible master’s programme.

• Hold a nationality included in the scholarship’s eligibility rules.

• Can cover living and other costs not paid by the tuition waiver.

Application deadline

The university’s published deadline for master’s applications to be considered for the 2027/2028 Excellence Programme is before 1 December 2026. The scholarship is invitation-based, so applicants cannot simply submit a separate direct scholarship application.

5. Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) — Feeding Tomorrow Fund Scholarships

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) supports students in the science of food through its Feeding Tomorrow Fund scholarship programme.

This is an option to consider if you are pursuing food science or a related degree and need help with tuition or educational expenses. The fund has offered awards for undergraduate and graduate students, including eligible students at institutions outside the United States.

What can the funding cover?

IFT’s published information says academic scholarship funds are applied to tuition, educational fees or educational expenses required by the university. This means the award may help with the cost of study, but it should not be assumed to cover all tuition, living expenses, accommodation and international travel.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on the particular award. Published requirements include academic performance, enrolment in a food science degree and a demonstrated commitment to the science of food. Certain awards may have additional conditions.

What about 2027?

IFT’s current page says applicants should check back in January 2027 for the next application cycle. The specific 2027 deadlines, awards and eligibility rules should be confirmed when the new cycle opens.

Best approach: Treat IFT as a possible source of supplementary funding rather than your only plan for a fully funded international degree.

Universities to Consider for Food Science and Technology Scholarships in 2027

The universities below offer food-related programmes worth investigating. The important distinction is that a university offering food science does not mean it automatically offers a fully funded scholarship. Check the course and funding separately.

How to choose the right university

Before applying, compare these five factors:

1. Course fit: Does the curriculum match your previous degree and career goals?

2. Funding coverage: Does the scholarship cover tuition, living expenses, travel and insurance, or only one of these?

3. Academic eligibility: Does your bachelor’s degree include the required chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, engineering or food science subjects?

4. Application deadline: Can you complete the admission and scholarship process on time?

5. Career outcomes: Does the course provide relevant laboratory work, research experience, internships or industry connections?

For a student who needs complete financial support, a suitable course with a verified full scholarship is usually a better target than a prestigious university with only a small tuition discount.

Eligibility Requirements for Food Science Scholarships in 2027

Although each scholarship has its own conditions, many food science awards assess academic performance, subject relevance, English-language ability and the applicant’s potential to contribute to research or the food sector.

1. Academic qualifications

For undergraduate scholarships, you will generally need a secondary school qualification that meets the university’s admission requirements.

For master’s scholarships, a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology or a related subject is often required. Relevant fields may include:

• Food engineering.

• Agricultural science.

• Biochemistry.

• Microbiology.

• Biotechnology.

• Chemical engineering.

• Nutrition or related biological sciences, where accepted.

• Agricultural and biosystems engineering.

A related degree does not guarantee admission. For example, a food technology programme may require prior coursework in food chemistry, food physics, food microbiology, food processing and mathematics.

For PhD funding, you will generally need a relevant master’s degree or another qualification accepted by the institution, along with evidence of research ability.

2. Minimum GPA or degree classification

There is no universal GPA requirement for food science scholarships. Some awards accept a range of academic profiles, while highly competitive university programmes may expect outstanding results.

The Wageningen Africa Scholarship Programme’s published criteria for the 2027/2028 intake require a first-class honours bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 80%. That is a specific scholarship condition, not a universal standard for every scholarship mentioned in this guide.

If your grades are below a published minimum, contact the scholarship provider before applying. Do not assume that work experience will override a formal eligibility condition.

3. English-language proficiency

Many international programmes are taught in English. Depending on the institution, applicants may need IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test.

Some universities may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, but exemptions are not automatic. Ask the admissions office which tests it accepts, the minimum scores and whether your previous education qualifies you for a waiver.

4. Nationality and residency conditions

Scholarships may be restricted to citizens of certain countries, residents of particular regions or applicants from eligible developing countries.

For Nigerian and other African applicants, check nationality eligibility before preparing a long application. The Wageningen Africa Scholarship Programme is specifically designed for eligible African students, while other scholarships may have narrower country lists.

5. Relevant experience and career goals

Some scholarship applications value research experience, industrial placements, community involvement or a clear plan for using the degree after graduation.

You can strengthen your application by explaining how food science could help address a specific issue, such as food contamination, post-harvest losses, food preservation, local food processing, nutrition or sustainable manufacturing.

You do not need to claim that you have solved these problems already. Explain what you have learned, what you hope to investigate and why the programme is a good fit.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying

Start assembling your documents early. Some certificates need official verification or translation, and English-language tests may take time to schedule.

Some programmes request additional materials, such as a portfolio, writing sample, work experience evidence or a statement about your future contribution to your home country.

Follow the official checklist for each application rather than submitting the same generic documents to every university.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Food Science Scholarships in 2027

The strongest applications are usually prepared well before the deadline. Follow these steps to organise your search and submit a competitive application.

Step 1: Decide which area of food science you want to study

Food science is a broad discipline. Narrowing your interest makes it easier to select appropriate programmes.

For example:

• Food processing and preservation.

• Food safety and quality assurance.

• Food microbiology.

• Food chemistry.

• Food engineering.

• Food product development.

• Food packaging and shelf-life technology.

• Sustainable food systems.

• Post-harvest technology.

• Food biotechnology.

Choose a programme that builds on your previous education. A degree in food engineering may have different prerequisites from one focused on nutrition or food business.

Step 2: Identify scholarships that genuinely cover your costs

For every opportunity, record whether it pays:

• Full tuition fees.

• A monthly living allowance.

• Travel expenses.

• Health insurance.

• Visa or residence-permit costs.

• Accommodation or other required expenses.

A scholarship can be valuable without being fully funded. However, if you cannot finance the remaining costs yourself, prioritise awards that explicitly cover them.

Step 3: Apply for admission as early as possible

Some university scholarships are available only to applicants who have already submitted a complete admission application. Others automatically consider eligible applicants for funding.

Wageningen’s Africa Scholarship Programme is an example of an opportunity where admission is central to the selection process. For its published 2027/2028 criteria, the complete master’s application must be submitted before 1 December 2026.

Step 4: Write a compelling motivation letter

Your motivation letter should answer four questions:

1. Why do you want to study food science and technology?

2. Why have you chosen this particular programme?

3. How have your education and experience prepared you?

4. How will you use the training after graduation?

Where relevant, connect your goals to practical challenges such as food safety, reducing post-harvest losses, improving processing methods or developing affordable food products.

Avoid sending the same generic letter to every university. A tailored application shows that you understand the programme and have a clear reason for choosing it.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline and follow up professionally

Submit your application through the official portal and save the confirmation. Check your email regularly, including spam folders, and respond promptly if the university requests additional documents.

Do not pay an agent who claims to control scholarship selection. Universities and scholarship providers determine their own admissions and funding decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fully funded food science scholarships for 2027?

Yes, there are funding routes worth pursuing, including Wageningen University’s Africa Scholarship Programme for eligible African master’s applicants and fully funded awards attached to selected Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes. However, availability and eligibility vary, and not every food-related scholarship covers all expenses.

Can Nigerian students apply for food science scholarships abroad?

Yes. Nigerian applicants can investigate university scholarships, international joint master’s awards and other funding programmes. Each award has its own academic, nationality and admission requirements. Confirm that Nigerians are eligible before applying.

Can I get a scholarship with a second-class upper degree?

Possibly, depending on the scholarship. Some programmes accept applicants with a second-class upper degree or equivalent, while others set a higher minimum. The Wageningen Africa Scholarship Programme’s published criteria for the 2027/2028 intake specify first-class honours and at least 80% GPA, so applicants should not assume that a second-class upper degree satisfies that particular award’s requirements.

Are undergraduate food science scholarships fully funded?

Some undergraduate awards are available, but many provide only partial tuition support or educational expenses. Confirm whether the scholarship pays living expenses and travel before treating it as a complete funding package.

Can I study food science without IELTS?

Some universities may accept other English-language tests or grant exemptions under specific conditions. Check the requirements of your chosen programme and obtain confirmation from the admissions office before relying on an exemption.

Do I need work experience to qualify?

Not always. Many master’s programmes focus on academic preparation, while certain awards may value work experience, research, internships or leadership. Doctoral opportunities commonly place greater emphasis on research experience and a suitable proposal.

When should I apply for a 2027 scholarship?

Apply as early as possible. Some 2027 deadlines fall in late 2026. For example, Wageningen’s published deadline for the Africa Scholarship Programme and Excellence Programme selection process is before 1 December 2026. Erasmus Mundus deadlines vary by programme, and some may fall between October 2026 and January 2027. Always verify the exact deadline on the official website.

Can I apply for several scholarships at once?

Usually, yes, provided you meet each programme’s rules. Applying to multiple suitable opportunities can improve your options, but you must submit separate, accurate applications and disclose other funding when required.

Final Thoughts

A fully funded food science and technology scholarship can open doors to advanced training in food safety, processing, product development and sustainable food systems. The key is to look beyond the scholarship title and verify what the award actually pays.

For African applicants, Wageningen University’s Africa Scholarship Programme is a particularly important opportunity to investigate for September 2027. Its published deadline is before 1 December 2026, so eligible students should begin preparing immediately. Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes and other university-based awards are additional routes worth researching, provided the specific programme offers suitable funding for the 2027 intake.

Start with your academic qualifications, choose a relevant course, check the official eligibility rules and prepare your documents early. A carefully targeted application to a suitable programme is more useful than submitting dozens of applications without checking whether you qualify.

Official Websites to Explore

Use these official links to check program details, scholarship coverage and application deadlines.

1. Wageningen University — Master’s scholarships

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — Official scholarship information

3. FOOD4S — Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business