The Faculty of Agriculture at Khon Kaen University (KKU) is advancing its academic partnership with the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) in the Federal Republic of Germany. Supported by the Erasmus+ KA171 programme, the collaboration has three goals: to develop a new international double degree programme, to formulate joint Erasmus+ project proposals with universities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and to establish a higher education network for sustainable workforce development in the agriculture and food sectors.
The relationship between Khon Kaen University and HSWT has developed through years of continuous academic exchange. To formalise and expand these ties, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2020, promoting education, joint research, and mobility opportunities for students and staff alike.
Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Assistant Professor Patcharee Suriya, Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, were awarded Erasmus+ staff mobility grants from the European Union to attend the international workshop “Universities and Labour Markets”. The five-day event was hosted at the Triesdorf Campus of HSWT from 31 May to 6 June 2026.
The workshop brought together 24 executives and faculty members from universities across Thailand, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Participants shared insights into curriculum development tailored to modern labour market demands and university-industry linkages, while also engaging in academic and cultural exchange. The programme also featured study visits to agricultural operations in Triesdorf and institutional facilities in Ansbach.
This visit marks a significant milestone in the expanding relationship between Khon Kaen University and HSWT throughout 2026. In March, the Faculty of Agriculture was invited to join the Erasmus+ KA171 mobility scheme and duly nominated its institutional representatives. Concurrently, the Faculty broadened its engagement with European green agricultural higher education frameworks, fostering a resilient and sustainable academic network.
A major outcome of this visit is a mutual agreement to formulate a new Erasmus+ project proposal alongside partner universities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with submission scheduled by the end of 2026. The project aims to enhance higher education capacity and align academic outcomes with sustainable agricultural labour markets in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The Faculty of Agriculture at Khon Kaen University will serve as the coordinating hub connecting European and Southeast Asian educational institutions.
Another key development is the planning of a double degree programme linking the M.Sc. in International Farm Management (MFM) at HSWT with the Master of Science in Agricultural Science and Environment (International Programme) at KKU. A feasibility study completed in June 2026 indicated a high degree of structural and content alignment between the two curricula. The proposed programme will integrate HSWT’s strengths in applied farm management with the advanced research capabilities of Khon Kaen University in agricultural and environmental sciences. The two institutions will next draft specific agreements and host curriculum mapping workshops. Once finalised, this will stand as the first international double degree programme for the Faculty of Agriculture.
Associate Professor Jothityangkoon stated:
“This collaboration reflects the vision of the Faculty of Agriculture to drive internationalisation. By building networks with leading European universities, developing joint curricula, enhancing student and staff mobility, and elevating research capabilities, we are preparing a competent workforce ready to respond to future shifts in the agricultural and food systems.”
This partnership underscores the commitment of Khon Kaen University to expanding its international network with leading higher education institutions. By enhancing education, research, and human resource development, the university continues to support green agriculture and sustainable development goals nationally and regionally.
As a premier agricultural institution in Northeast Thailand, the Faculty of Agriculture at Khon Kaen University offers 19 academic programmes and manages over 1,200 rai of experimental land. This area functions as a “Living Lab” for learning, research, and innovation in smart and sustainable agriculture. The operations of the Faculty align closely with Thailand’s BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economic model and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported by active academic partnerships across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
