Madrid, 29 May 2025 (IICA) – For the fifth consecutive year, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) will award tuition scholarships to Latin American students up to the age of 30 to pursue the Master’s in Digital Transformation of the Agri-food and Forestry Sector (Digital Agri) at the University of Córdoba (UCO) in Spain.
Applications for admission will be open from 2 to 11 June 2025.
This initiative reflects the commitment of this agricultural organization to invest in the training of specialized human capital capable of delivering innovative solutions to current global challenges and leading the digital transformation that agriculture and the region urgently need.
The partnership between IICA and UCO aims to respond to the strong demand—both public and private—for competitive professionals, as well as to the interest of young people in becoming the next leaders of the agricultural digital transformation in the Americas. The program also offers a unique opportunity to spend time abroad, connect with other students, and strengthen professional networks.
The strong demand is a testament to the program’s success: since the start of the scholarship initiative in 2021, 70 applications have been received, 10 tuition scholarships awarded, and more than 24 spots reserved exclusively for Latin American students.
“Continuing this partnership means promoting innovation, technology, and the development of digital skills in the new generation of professionals in the Americas,” said Emmanuel Picado, Manager of Digital Information and Communication Technologies at IICA and leader of the program from Costa Rica.
The course modules offer specialized, European-standard training in innovation, digitalization, and technology monitoring.
Excellence in Education
The Digital Agri master’s program is taught in Spanish and runs for seven months, starting in November 2025. It combines a full schedule of in-person classes, hybrid activities, internships at leading companies in the sector, and hands-on work at the Rabanales Campus, a 175-hectare farm in Córdoba, Spain.
The modules deliver cutting-edge training in innovation, digitalization, and technology monitoring, as well as in areas such as the internet of things, data and satellite image analysis, sensor applications in food, soil, water and plants, big data, and blockchain, among others.
Víctor S. González, a professor at the University of Panama and IICA scholarship recipient for the 2023–2024 edition, shared:
“As a professor and researcher at the University of Panama, I deeply value how this program strengthens our ability to address real-world challenges in the sector. The master’s program has enabled me to integrate knowledge of new digital technologies into the agri-food context through a multidisciplinary and practical approach.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must commit to attending the full program in person, hold a degree in a related field that is eligible for recognition in Spain and has been legalized with an apostille, and be no older than 30.
IICA also requires scholarship recipients to commit to preparing a master’s thesis (TFM) that addresses a specific need identified in their country of origin.
“The experience is immeasurable. Professionally, it was a major challenge, especially considering my background in the social sciences. The master’s opened up new professional avenues for me, pushed me to consider different issues, and helped me understand the revolution we’re currently experiencing,” said Caterina Dalmasso, 2023–2024 scholarship recipient and now a member of IICA’s Food Digitalization team.
See full eligibility requirements HERE.
Read more testimonials HERE
All information about the IICA scholarship program is available on the dedicated microsite: https://agriculturadigital.iica.int/
The partnership between IICA and UCO offers a unique opportunity to spend time in another country, build connections with fellow students, and strengthen professional networks.
More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int
