Snapshot

Minimum GPA: 3.00

Terms and Dates:

  • Spring 2026
  • Fall 2026

Advisor:

Kristen Grace

Cornell Affiliations:

Agriculture and Life Sciences, Global Learning

Website:

PURPAN Toulouse

Overview

Open to CALS Students: Recommended for Animal Science, Food Science, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Business

Opportunity Description

Learn more about the application process and deadlines for each round of applications. 

In 2011, CALS partnered with France Agro3: French Network for Education and Research in Life Sciences, a group formed by three French higher education institutions that specialize in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences to offer unique pathways that include a semester of coursework in addition to experiential learning and research opportunities.  

What is unique about this program?

L'Ecole d'Ingenieurs de PURPAN in Toulouse was founded in 1919 by Jesuit teachers and farmers and has maintained a spirit of direct collaboration with the agricultural environment ever since. It is administered by a non-profit making council and is connected with the Ministry of Agriculture. It awards the degree of “Ingénieur en Agriculture” which is equivalent to a MSc in Agriculture.

The PURPAN curriculum is based on three key principles: intensive academic studies, on-the-job experience, and strong international exposure. There are additional research opportunities at PURPAN in advance of and/or during the semester, dependent on a student's experience and interests.

FALL (early Sept - late Dec)
  • Animal Production & Winemaking (harvest)
  • Sustainable Luxury: Corporate Responsibility in the Luxury Sector (wine, food, fashion, beauty)
SPRING (early Jan - end May)
  • Food Science & Winemaking (wine processing, business & marketing)
  • Global Issues (a capstone course with international and local students)

Review the other opportunities in France via this unique partnership:

What is unique about Toulouse, France?

PURPAN is located in Toulouse, in Southwestern France, the 4th largest city in France and the 2nd largest university town.  Located in France's most important agricultural region, Toulouse is also a high-tech center and important scientific research hub. With more than 120,000 students, Toulouse is one of the liveliest cities in France yet it also remains connected with tradition. At the crossroads of Europe, Toulouse is only 6 hours from Madrid, 4 hours from Barcelona, 2 hours from from the coast, and 1 hour from Paris by plane.

What is unique about CALS-Exchange programs?

Since 1954, CALS has offered their students unique opportunities to study abroad via the CALS Exchange program. CALS students are able to internationalize their academic experience by integrating themselves into a partner university abroad, taking classes and living alongside degree-seeking students. The CALS Exchange programs are rooted in, and in many cases designed by, CALS faculty affiliated to an international academic institution or university department that complements your academic program. Students who have previously gone on exchange have found it to be a rewarding experience as it has added an international dimension to their degree, challenged them academically and facilitated the development of new skills, and enhanced their personal growth and self-confidence.

Past Participants

You can view photos from past participants. Would you like to ask a past participant questions about their experience? Email the Office of Global Learning to be connected with a Cornell student who has studied at PURPAN. 

How do I apply?

  • Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. For more information, visit Apply for Semester and Year on the Education Abroad website. 

    1. For Cornell approval and nomination, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are reviewed by Education Abroad. See timeline. Students who secure a space will be invited to commit. Once committed, the Education Abroad Office will nominate you to the exchange partner. 

    1. Once nominated by Cornell, complete the external application for exchange students provided by the partner. Schools typically admit the students nominated by exchange partners, but you must complete this process for them to review your application and offer you a place. The timeline for nominations varies greatly by program; you will hear from your Education Abroad Advisor or the program itself when it is time to apply externally.