Digital Farming Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences

Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation in general will help solve global challenges in agriculture, such as increasing resource efficiency, improving sustainability and animal welfare, and reducing the labour. The MSc Digital Farming prepares you systematically for these challenges of modern agriculture. It combines agricultural science and technical knowledge with an application-oriented specialisation in AI, robotics and digitalisation as well as their implementation in agriculture. The programme's international focus gives you direct exposure to the global agricultural industry and intercultural skills.

Both the skills for a fast-growing future market and the soft skills will open up a wide range of career prospects. The degree programme at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences qualifies you for specialist and management positions in the fields of research and development, product management, marketing and sales. Other opportunities include agricultural consultancy, start-up and agri-tech companies, public administration and international organisations.

The Digital Farming degree is managed by the Department of Sustainable Agricultural and Energy Systems and is taught by both agricultural and technological experts. This means that you will study a wide range of modules and benefit from different areas of expertise.

The degree programme lasts four semesters, with each semester having a different focus to ensure a well-rounded education. You can start once a year in the winter semester beginning in October. The structure of the degree programme ensures that you build a strong foundation, allowing you to explore advanced and specialised topics as you progress. Through hands-on teaching methods, interactive seminars, and project-based learning, the programme provides excellent preparation for expert and leadership roles in digital agriculture.

Overview of the modules in each semester:

First Semester

• Plant production
• Animal production & welfare
• Foundations of programming
• Data literacy & sensors
• International agricultural production systems & markets
• Elective course

Second Semester

• Artificial intelligence 1
• Agricultural robotics 
• Precision livestock farming
• Precision arable farming
• Project management & scientific work
• Elective course

Third Semester

• Artificial intelligence 2
• Project applied digital farming
• Seminar digital farming 
• Two elective courses

Fourth Semester

• Master's thesis including colloquium

The programme offers you a comprehensive combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application through modern teaching approaches. The study programme systematically prepares you to help solve the challenges of modern agriculture.

See the below linked document for more information on the curriculum.

Applications for admission to the winter semester (1 October) can be submitted each year from late April/early May onwards.

Information on the application deadline can be found on the university's website.

Admission to the Digital Farming degree programme requires that you have successfully completed your Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 180 EC or six semesters in one of the following degree programmes:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agribusiness
• Horticulture
• Agriculture
• or equivalent degree programme

Further information on the application procedure at the HSWT

The degree programme is free of tuition, but all students are required to pay moderate semester fees. At the time of publication, these amounted to 97 EUR/semester.

When applying for a visa or residence permit, students need to prove they can afford to study and live in Germany. As of 2026, that is deemed proven if they have at least 992 EUR available per month.

Even for students who do not need a visa, we consider this amount appropriate to cover the cost of living in Freising.

International students from the EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may hold part-time jobs of up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. Students from other countries are permitted to work outside of the university for a maximum of 140 full days (working days on which more than four hours are worked) or 280 half days per year during their stay in Germany. Alternatively, employment of up to 20 hours per week is also permitted. Student jobs at the university, in university-oriented institutions, or in scientific institutions do not need to adhere to these restrictions.

Students can search for jobs in the university's online job platform.

During the course of their studies, international students can apply for support through the following scholarships awarded by our university:

• Germany Scholarship
• Internationalisation of Universities programme of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts
• Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship fund for one-off grants for books and learning resources
• Our university may also award scholarships from DAAD’s STIBET programme to provide targeted support to particularly engaged foreign students.

The availability of all scholarships is limited.

Beyond that, students can apply for student assistant positions.

The Career Service supports students during their studies and during the transition from university to employment in all aspects of seeking and applying for employment and in acquiring key skills. The free services of the Career Service are open to all students in all semesters. Students benefit from workshops, lectures and e-learning opportunities, career coaching, advice, and application checks.

For international students, the Career Service offers a wide range of services, with a special focus on facilitating successful career entry in Germany.

Students can apply for housing in one of the student halls of residence of the Studierendenwerk München Oberbayern (student union) in Freising. Applications must be submitted online and are accepted from mid-May each year. Early application is highly recommended.

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT)

Applied life sciences are at the centre of HSWT’s university profile. No other university of applied sciences in Germany has a comparable range of subjects as consistently focused on green sciences. Both in our studies and research, we deal with the grand challenges of our time – climate change, nutrition and environmental protection.

In the seven departments at our two campuses, we cover ecological, technical and economic topics in 20 Bachelor's and 17 Master's degree programmes. At both Weihenstephan and Triesdorf campuses, we offer our students extensive and practice-oriented expertise in teaching and research.

Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Systems

The Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Systems is at the forefront of research and education in modern agriculture, digital farming and renewable energy. The department focuses on innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to the challenges of sustainable agriculture, food production and energy.

With state-of-the-art laboratories, experimental fields and digital farming testbeds, students and researchers work on pioneering solutions in precision agriculture, automation and smart farming technologies. With a strong emphasis on hands-on education, we equip students with the skills needed to address global challenges in agriculture. We further collaborate closely with industry leaders, research institutions and policy makers to ensure that students gain real-world insights and cutting-edge research is directly applied to real-world agricultural and energy challenges.

Why study at HSWT?

• Close mentorship and supportive learning environment with professors who provide personalised guidance
• Strong links with industry, providing career-focused training and employment opportunities.
• State-of-the-art facilities including modern laboratories, experimental fields and innovation centres.
• Hands-on learning with a balance of theory and practical experience.
• A sustainability-focused approach that ensures students contribute to solving global challenges in food production, energy and the environment.

HSWT is an excellent choice for students seeking an innovative, applied and future-oriented education in digital farming.

Weihenstephan Campus

Nearly two-thirds of our students are studying on the Weihenstephan campus. Located in the attractive town of Freising, 35 km north of Munich, it offers a wide range of cultural und sporting activities. Weihenstephan is above all the most beautiful campus imaginable: with its historic buildings surrounded by beautiful nature and gardens – and with a view of the mountains.

Beyond that, the Weihenstephan campus is one of Germany's largest and most renowned hubs for green sciences. It is home to several prestigious institutions, fostering an interdisciplinary and research-driven environment. Surrounded by extensive green spaces, modern laboratories and innovative research facilities, Weihenstephan provides an ideal learning environment for students pursuing careers in digital agriculture, environmental sciences and sustainability.

The Weihenstephan campus provides students with access to cutting-edge technology, experimental fields and demonstration areas, which complement theoretical teaching with hands-on experience. Its proximity to Munich, a major innovation and technology hub, further enhances networking and career opportunities for students. Beyond academics, Freising and Munich offer a rich cultural scene with museums, theatres, and a lively music and pub culture. Students can enjoy local traditions and world-famous events such as the Oktoberfest as well as various public festivals and markets throughout the year.