Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences)
Field of Study:
$33,336 /Yr
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences is a four-year, on-campus degree in tropical agriculture and environmental science. International students pay USD 16,896 per semester (INR 16,08,648 per semester) plus USD 340 semester fees. Intakes are Fall (February 1 deadline) and Spring (September 1 deadline). Minimum qualifications: TOEFL 61 iBT or IELTS 7.0, GPA 3.0 equivalent. No audition required. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, this program trains pest management, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture specialists.
The programme focuses on integrated pest management, invasive species control, and tropical environmental science. Students master biological control, cultural practices, and ecologically sound strategies to protect natural and agricultural ecosystems. The curriculum blends hands-on field work in Hawaii’s unique tropical habitat with classroom learning in plant pathology, entomology, and soil science. Ideal candidates are environmental science enthusiasts, agricultural professionals, or conservation-focused students seeking expertise in tropical ecosystems and pest management.
- Hands-on learning in tropical agriculture; field work across Hawaii’s diverse ecosystems.
- STEM-designated TAE programme with career pathways in agriculture, environmental consulting, and government agencies.
- Smaller cohort sizes; close faculty mentoring and internship opportunities in Pacific region.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 02 February 2026 (passed; Spring 2027 opens September 2026).
Indian applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and transcripts through the Common Application or UH online portal. WES credential evaluation takes 2-4 weeks; apply by December 2025 for spring intake or by January 2026 for fall intake to allow processing time.
Also Check: University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Admission
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Fees and Living Costs 2026
International tuition and mandatory fees for the Bachelor of Science in Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences total USD 17,236 per semester (INR 16,42,281 per semester).
| Fee Component | Per Semester (USD) | Per Semester (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (International) | USD 16,896 | INR 16,08,648 | USD 33,792 | INR 32,17,296 |
| Campus-Based Fees | USD 340 | INR 32,371 | USD 680 | INR 64,742 |
| Total per Semester | USD 17,236 | INR 16,41,019 | USD 34,472 | INR 32,82,038 |
| 4-Year Total | — | — | USD 137,888 | INR 1,31,28,152 |
International tuition covers classroom instruction and core labs. Campus fees include student services, library access, technology, and recreation. Books, supplies, and lab materials estimated at USD 1,200 annually. Health insurance for international students approximately USD 2,000 annually.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Key insight: Four-year total cost approximately INR 1.31 Crore (tuition + fees only). Budget additional INR 19-26 Lakhs for books, supplies, and health insurance over four years.
Cost of Living in Honolulu for Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Students
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed or shared) | USD 900–1,100 | INR 85,689–1,04,731 | USD 10,800–13,200 | INR 10,28,268–1,25,577 |
| Food & Groceries | USD 350–450 | INR 33,323–42,844 | USD 4,200–5,400 | INR 3,99,882–5,14,134 |
| Transport & Local Travel | USD 150–200 | INR 14,281–19,042 | USD 1,800–2,400 | INR 1,71,378–2,28,504 |
| Utilities & Phone | USD 100–150 | INR 9,521–14,281 | USD 1,200–1,800 | INR 1,14,252–1,71,378 |
| Personal & Miscellaneous | USD 300–400 | INR 28,563–38,084 | USD 3,600–4,800 | INR 3,42,756–4,57,008 |
| Total Monthly | USD 1,800–2,400 | INR 1,71,378–2,28,504 | USD 21,600–28,800 | INR 20,56,536–2,74,048 |
Tip for Indian students: Honolulu cost of living is 20% above the US national average. Budget INR 21-23 Lakhs annually for rent, food, and transport. Many students share apartments or live on-campus (residence halls: USD 700–900/month) to reduce costs.
Read More: Cost of Living in Hawaii and Major US Cities
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Admission 2026
International student admission deadlines: Fall intake closes February 2 (now passed); Spring 2027 intake closes September 1. Intakes occur in August (Fall) and January (Spring).
| Requirement | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GPA (cumulative) | 3.0 out of 4.0 | Evaluated from secondary school transcript; Indian 12th standard grades converted by WES evaluator. |
| Secondary School Transcript | Required | Official transcripts in English or certified translation; WES credential evaluation (2-4 weeks processing). |
| English Proficiency Test | TOEFL 61 iBT OR IELTS 7.0 | Required if English is not primary language; TOEFL valid 2 years; IELTS valid 3 years. |
| Audition | Not required | Science-based programme; portfolio or test scores not required. |
| Application Fees | USD 50 (undergraduate) | Paid online; non-refundable. |
University of Hawaii at Manoa is a Carnegie Classification R1 research institution globally ranked #351–400 (QS World Rankings 2025). While the Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences programme itself is not subject-ranked, the university’s Agriculture and Forestry division ranks #34 in the US and #151–200 globally (QS 2024). STEM designation supports F-1 visa CPT and OPT eligibility.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
All international students must demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS. Scores below the minimum require completion of a university-approved English bridge programme (8-12 weeks, additional cost USD 3,000–4,000).
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 61 overall; Indian applicants typically score 65–75 (achievable in 6–8 weeks of focused prep); requires TOEFL iBT (not TOEFL ITP or DUOLINGO).
- IELTS Academic: minimum 7.0 overall; Indian applicants preparing for 6.5–7.5 band range in 8–12 weeks; separate Reading/Writing/Speaking minimums also apply (no band less than 5.5).
- Pathway option: If falling short of 61 TOEFL or 7.0 IELTS, students can enroll in the Shidler College of Business ESL pathway (12 weeks) before main programme start (available annually).
Honest take: IELTS 7.0 is moderately achievable for Indian science students with 4–6 months of structured prep. TOEFL 61 is slightly easier due to lower score thresholds. Aim for 1-2 point buffer above the minimum to strengthen admission odds.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Application 2026
Applications open August 1 for the following academic year. Most international deadlines fall in January–February (Fall intake) and September (Spring intake). No application essays are required; academic record and test scores drive decisions.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Status | Expected Decision Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | February 2, 2026 | Closed | By April 15, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | September 1, 2026 | Not Yet Open | By November 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | Expected February 1, 2027 | Not Yet Open | By April 15, 2027 |
Application steps: (1) Create an online UH System account. (2) Submit the Common Application or UH Manoa application with unofficial transcript, test scores, and proof of English proficiency. (3) Request official credentials from WES (credential evaluator) concurrently to avoid delays. (4) Pay USD 50 application fee. (5) Await decision notification (4–6 weeks after deadline).
Application tip: Indian applicants should initiate WES evaluation by December 2025 (for February 2026 deadline) to allow for transcript processing delays. Request transcripts from your school simultaneously—WES processing takes 2-4 weeks.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Scholarships 2026
UH Manoa awards merit-based scholarships to international undergraduates based on GPA and test scores. Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences majors are eligible for college-wide and department-specific scholarships.
International merit scholarship range: USD 2,000 to USD 5,000 per year (approximately INR 1,90,420 to INR 4,76,050 per year). Scholarship awards reduce annual tuition cost from USD 34,472 to USD 29,472–32,472. Full-ride scholarships (tuition + fees) are rare for international students; most awards are partial (USD 2,000–5,000 annually).
Application is automatic upon admission; separate scholarship application not required. Renewable annually provided minimum GPA 3.0 is maintained. Additional funding available through federal FAFSA (for eligible students), private loans, or employer sponsorship.
Scholarship reality: Budget for 75–85% of costs out-of-pocket (USD 26,000–32,000 annually). Scholarships reduce financial burden but rarely cover full attendance cost. Explore external funding from Indian NGOs, agricultural councils, or private sponsors.
Also Check: Scholarships Available for International Students in USA
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Salary 2026
Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences graduates work as agricultural scientists, pest management specialists, environmental consultants, and conservation officers. Average entry-level salary: USD 45,000–55,000 per year (approximately INR 4,28,445–5,23,655 per year).
| Career Role | Entry Salary (USD) | Entry Salary (INR) | Mid-Career Salary (USD) | Mid-Career Salary (INR) | Top Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Management Specialist | USD 42,000–48,000 | INR 4,00,782–4,57,008 | USD 62,000–75,000 | INR 5,90,302–7,14,075 | USDA, EPA, state agriculture departments |
| Agricultural Scientist | USD 48,000–55,000 | INR 4,57,008–5,23,655 | USD 70,000–90,000 | INR 6,66,470–8,56,890 | Genentech, AECOM, agricultural biotech firms |
| Environmental Consultant | USD 50,000–58,000 | INR 4,76,050–5,52,218 | USD 75,000–100,000 | INR 7,14,075–9,52,100 | Environmental engineering firms, NGOs |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025); UH Manoa graduate employment surveys (2024).
Take-home pay after federal income tax (12–22%), FICA (7.65%), and Hawaii state tax (0–8.25%) ranges USD 34,000–44,000 annually. Salary varies by employer (federal agencies typically pay higher; nonprofit NGOs lower). H-1B sponsorship availability is moderate for pest management and agricultural roles.
ROI reality: Four-year programme cost (INR 1.31 Crore) recovers within 3–4 years at mid-career salary (INR 5-9 Lakhs annually). Career ceiling (USD 90,000+) is modest compared to tech/finance but stable and recession-resistant in agriculture/environmental sectors.
Read More: Optional Practical Training and H-1B Visa for Post-Study Work in USA
USA Visa Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Students 2026
International students attend University of Hawaii at Manoa on an F-1 Student Visa. Post-study work is available through Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 12-month employment permit that allows full-time work directly related to your degree field.
- F-1 visa allows on-campus work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during official breaks (earning USD 15–18/hour, approximately INR 1,428–1,714/hour).
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) permits internships and co-ops during studies; agricultural and environmental consulting internships count as CPT.
- OPT (12 months) begins after degree completion; applied pest management or environmental consulting roles qualify; no STEM extension applies to Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (not STEM-designated by US government).
- H-1B (skilled worker visa) sponsorship is moderate; agricultural scientists and environmental consultants are in-demand occupations with sponsorship available from federal agencies and environmental firms.
Visa reality: OPT work authorisation allows 1 year of practical experience post-degree. PR/Green Card timelines are 5–10 years through employment-based sponsorship (EB-3 agricultural scientist pathway). Visa status does not expire after degree completion (60-day grace period); plan H-1B transfer or further study before grace period ends.
Check Out: F-1 Student Visa Requirements and Process for Studying in USA
University of Hawaii at Manoa Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences Ranking 2026
The Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences programme itself is not individually ranked by QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. However, University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Agriculture and Forestry division ranks #34 in the United States and #151–200 globally (QS World Rankings by Subject 2024). This places Hawaii’s agricultural sciences among the top institutions for applied agricultural research and education globally.
UH Manoa’s tropical agriculture advantage—proximity to the Pacific region, partnership with international agricultural organizations, and focus on invasive species and crop protection in tropical ecosystems—is a major differentiator. The university’s research output in tropical plant science and pest management is recognized by major funding bodies and agricultural agencies.
| Ranking Body | Metric | UH Manoa Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World Rankings by Subject (Agriculture & Forestry) | USA Rank | #34 | 2024 |
| QS World Rankings by Subject (Agriculture & Forestry) | Global Rank | #151–200 | 2024 |
| QS Overall World Rankings (University) | Global Rank | #351–400 | 2025 |
| Carnegie Classification | Research Institution | R1 (Highest Research Activity) | 2021 |
Source: QS World Rankings (2024, 2025); Mānoa Institutional Research Office; Carnegie Classification (2021).
Honest take: No programme-level ranking exists for Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences specifically. Rely on university-level ranking (#34 in US agriculture) and programme strength (tropical expertise, hands-on field research) rather than subject-specific scores. Comparable programmes at UC Davis and Cornell rank similarly in global agriculture rankings.
The Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences degree at University of Hawaii at Manoa is ideal for environmental science professionals, agricultural entrepreneurs, and conservation-focused applicants seeking Pacific Rim expertise. The programme combines solid agricultural science training with access to Hawaii’s unique tropical ecosystems and internship networks across the region. With manageable admission requirements (GPA 3.0, IELTS 7.0), affordable scholarships (USD 2,000–5,000 annually), and reliable post-study work pathways (OPT + H-1B in agricultural consulting), this programme offers strong career outcomes for Indian students committed to tropical agriculture or environmental protection careers.
Bachelor of Science Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences FAQs
Ques. Can Indian students with a 12th-standard science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) apply directly to the Bachelor programme?
Ans. Yes, but transcripts must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) credential evaluator to convert Indian grades to a GPA equivalent. A typical Indian 12th-standard aggregate of 75–85% converts to approximately 3.0–3.5 GPA. UH Manoa requires minimum 3.0 GPA; start WES evaluation by December to meet February deadlines.
Ques. Is IELTS 7.0 required, or can I take TOEFL instead if I have a lower IELTS band?
Ans. Either TOEFL 61 iBT or IELTS 7.0 satisfies the requirement—you choose one. TOEFL is often preferred by Indian test-takers because the threshold is lower (61 vs 7.0 band). IELTS 7.0 is achievable in 4–6 months for strong English speakers; TOEFL 61 in 6–8 weeks is typical. Submit scores directly to UH Manoa (institution code 9461 for TOEFL).
Ques. After graduation, can I stay and work in the USA on OPT, or do I need H-1B sponsorship immediately?
Ans. You have 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) to work directly related to your degree after graduation. You do NOT need H-1B immediately. Use OPT to gain US work experience, then apply for H-1B in the third year if your employer sponsors you. OPT is a bridge; H-1B sponsorship is available for pest management and environmental consulting roles but is not guaranteed by all employers.
Ques. What are the main career paths after the Bachelor of Science in Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences?
Ans. Graduates become pest management specialists (USD 42,000–48,000 entry salary), agricultural scientists (USD 48,000–55,000), environmental consultants (USD 50,000–58,000), or work for the USDA, EPA, state agriculture departments, and private environmental firms. Some pursue graduate school (MS/PhD in Entomology or Tropical Plant Pathology at UH or elsewhere). Mid-career salaries reach USD 70,000–100,000 in senior consulting or research roles.
Ques. Is a Bachelor from Hawaii in Plant Sciences recognised by Indian employers or government agencies like ICAR?
Ans. A US bachelor is widely respected by private agricultural firms, NGOs, and consulting companies in India. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) recognises US degrees for recruitment but may require additional certification. Employers value the specialisation in tropical pest management and environmental science. A US degree + 2–3 years of OPT experience is highly competitive for senior roles in India.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $33336 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $16668 |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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