Study forestry abroad

An in-depth guide to studying forestry as an international student.

Explore forestry programs abroad

Forestry degrees abroad

Forestry programs teach students about the ecological, economic and social characteristics of the world’s forests. It’s an interdisciplinary field that includes elements of geography, zoology, conservation and biology.

You’ll study the principles behind forest management and learn how to protect the ecosystems from the ongoing threats of climate change, pollution and deforestation. You’ll consider how the landscapes have changed over time and explore the different species of plants and animals that continue to reside there.

With forests covering around 30% of the world’s land area, there are so many beautiful study abroad destinations available for students. Although you can read about different forests in textbooks and online, it’s no substitute for visiting them in person.

Forestry program structure

Forestry is most commonly studied as a bachelor’s degree over three or four years. Although it’s optional, most universities encourage students to complete a 12-month placement between their second and final years. Sandwich years are a great way to try out careers, deepen your knowledge and build industry contacts.

If you’re hoping to discover America’s great forests by moving to the US, you’ll study a bachelor of science over at least four years. You’ll take liberal arts classes in the first two years of your program before declaring a major in forestry at the end of your second year.

Students looking to boost their employability or secure research positions might consider enrolling in a postgraduate program. Master’s and doctoral degrees challenge you to narrow your focus and specialize in a particular branch of the forestry. MSc programs normally take one or two years, with PhDs adding several more years on top.

Your timetable will likely consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratories, outdoor workshops, and field trips.

Every university’s forestry program will cover slightly different content because they’ll be influenced by local ecosystems and landscapes. However, most forestry courses will introduce students to these core topics:

Forest ecology
Ecosystem structure and function
Forest management
Conservation and protection
Forest policy and governance
Measuring trees and forests
Forest operations and industry
21st-century forestry

Best countries to study forestry

- USA
- Canada
- New Zealand
- UK

Best universities to study forestry

See all universities offering forestry programs

How to study forestry abroad

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Forestry study abroad programs

Forestry undergraduate programs

Forestry graduate programs

Future forestry careers

Your specialist knowledge, practical experience, and genuine passion for forestry will help your career blossom. Your skills can be applied to several forestry-related positions and will be admired by a range of public, private, and non-governmental organizations.

Here’s a sample of the career opportunities available to you:

Chartered forester
Chartered arboriculturist
Forest biologist
Wood engineer
Conservationist
Forest pathologist
Forest manager
Biodiversity officer

Your university’s employment office will help you sow the seeds for future career success. They can support with resume writing, mock interviews, work experience, and so much more.

Study forestry abroad

Explore forestry programs abroad

Bachelor's programs inforestry

Master's programs inforestry

PhD programs inforestry

Forestry degrees abroad

Forestry program structure

Best countries to study forestry

Best universities to study forestry

How to study forestry abroad

University & program search

Application guidance

Visa & travel advice

Forestry study abroad programs

Forestry undergraduate programs

Forestry graduate programs

Degrees related to forestry

Alternative environmental & earth sciences degrees

Future forestry careers

Bachelor's programs in
forestry

Master's programs in
forestry

PhD programs in
forestry