Master
Forest and Nature Conservation
★ StudyPath verdict
8.5/10
Best for students passionate about ecological conservation, biodiversity and policy who seek interdisciplinary training at a top-ranked forestry institution; note the emphasis on research and sustainability rather than commercial forestry p
Tuition · Intl
↗€21,900
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jun 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2025
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗964
DUO ↑132% ↗
Intl. %
↗35%
of students ↗
S:F ratio
↗15:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
1 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.2/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
?
no data yet
Median salary
↗€2,848
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 28 Jun 2026
About this program
The Master Forest and Nature Conservation focuses on policy, sustainable management and conservation of forest and nature,
i.e. understanding and predicting the effect of phenomena such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecotourism, timber production and animal reintroduction. Insights into all aspects of forest and nature conservation are required to address these issues. The study programme represents an integrated approach to natural resource management that can be applied at different scales, to diverse ecosystems and in varying political and social contexts. An outstanding research environment and three comprehensive specialisations contribute to making the programme challenging for undergraduates from both the natural and social sciences.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Agriculture & EnvironmentSector: Aarde en MilieuCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
Teaching formats
ColloquiumComputer assignmentsField tripGroup assignmentIndividual assignmentInternshipLectureLiterature study
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University is the world #1 ranked university in agriculture and forestry for 7 consecutive years. Founded in 1876, it specializes in life sciences with focus on food, agriculture, and environment. Known as the most sustainable university in Netherlands and located in the "Food Valley" region.
Living in Wageningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€420/mo
Monthly total
€700–€1,200
Cost of living
Low
Population
39k
Academic, international, and green. Wageningen is essentially a university town where academic life and city life merge. The atmosphere is intellectually stimulating with a strong focus on sustainability and global food challenges.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Society & Policy ↗Specialisation
Central study objects within this specialisation are the dynamics between people, organizations and institutions in processes of policy making and policy innovation (often referred…
Management ↗Specialisation
The management specialisation can be directed to forest management, wildlife management, and management of ecosystems and landscapes (restoration ecology).
Ecology ↗Specialisation
The emphasis of this specialisation is on understanding the ecological processes that form the basis for the structure, composition and functioning of forests and natural areas.
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Below average job-market outlookfield: bosbouw
Median starting salary (field)€2,848/mo gross
Months to a substantial job6
Permanent contract33%
Possible professions
BeleidsmedewerkerConsultantOnderzoekerProjectmanagerDocent
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree70%
Women among first-years52%
International students35%
Say workload is “just right”72%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.2/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 142 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4.2
Atmosphere4.4
Involvement & contact4.1
Study guidance4.1
Testing & assessment3.9
Facilities4.3
Career preparation3.4
Teachers' English4.4
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- IELTS speaking: 6
- TOEFL internet based: 92
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C2
Internships
?No data yet
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