YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies

Shape the world you want to live in.

180 ECTS6 Semesters of 30 ECTS each

3-Year ProgrammeTaught in English

10 UniversitiesStudy at up to 3 Universities

20+ YUFE MinorsTo tailor your curriculum

YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies

Academic Year 2026/2027

In a world shaped by rapid urbanisation, both cities and rural areas are vital for a sustainable future. The YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, designed by the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance, offers an innovative, interdisciplinary education to tackle real-life challenges head-on. Customise your learning path, explore diverse landscapes, and lead the way in urban sustainability across Europe with YUFE!

Over three dynamic years, you will shape your learning journey to match your strengths and interests. The first year covers essential skills at your starting university. In the second and third years, you personalise your studies through YUFE minors and study at two to three different universities across Europe. The programme culminates in a dissertation to showcase your expertise. You finish the Bachelor with a degree awarded by seven European Universities.

Throughout your bachelor’s programme, you work internationally with students, teachers, and businesses to address real-world issues in a creative, international and interactive setting. With input from 10 European universities, each a YUFE partner (seven Degree Awarding Partners and three Mobility Partners), the programme offers a diverse curriculum that explores sustainability issues in urban and rural settings.

Study across Europe, create your own journey!

Cutting-edge Knowledge & Skills in European Urban Sustainability.

In Year 1, you will focus on developing the essential skills you need, starting at one of the 7 universities of your choice.

But here is where it gets exciting! In years 2 and 3, you get to personalize your degree. You will select from YUFE minors across 10 universities, study at 2-3 different cities around Europe, and get the real-world experience you are craving.

Oh, and do not forget the Bachelor Thesis that wraps it all up, showcasing the expertise you have built throughout the programme.

1st Year

Common Foundation

60 ECTS

Start in 1 of the 7 Degree Awarding Universities.
Build a common foundation in urban sustainability through on-site and online courses.
Courses can vary depending on the university at which you start.

2nd Year

Tailor your Degree with the YUFE Minors

60 ECTS

Personalise your curriculum by choosing 2 Minors (30 ECTS each)
You can take part in student mobility at up to two of our partner universities

3rd Year

Final Project

60 ECTS

The last semester will be taken at the starting university:

Bachelor Thesis Project (30 ECTS)
3rd Minor (30 ECTS)

YUFE Bachelor academic calendar 2025/2026

By the time you graduate, you will earn a recognized degree awarded by 7 top universities, giving you a standout credential that is respected across Europe.

The Joint Degree is a bachelor’s degree equivalent to:

licencjat (Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun)
graduado/a (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)
yhteiskuntatieteiden kandidaatin tutkinto (University of Eastern Finland)
baccalaureus (University of Rijeka)
Bachelor of Science or Arts (Maastricht University, University of Essex, and the University of Antwerp).

The coordinating university running this Joint Bachelor Programme will give you one document, a joint diploma, on behalf of all the Degree Awarding Partners. This will show that you’ve completed the programme and earned the Joint Degree, following the rules in place.

In semesters III, IV and V, you will get the chance to shape your academic path by choosing three YUFE minors, which are key to the programme’s flexible, open curriculum.

Minors are 30 ECTS study modules with a thematic focus, offered in a blended format. The in-person part is taught by one of the 10 Partner Universities as part of the Joint Bachelor Programme. These minors combine courses from your Host University and online options from other Partner Universities. While the total number of courses in the Minor goes beyond the 30 ECTS requirement, this gives you the flexibility to customize part of your Minor. The Erasmus mobility funding covers two semesters (12 months during your degree programme).

Each minor includes a challenge course worth 6 to 8 ECTS. These courses are all about applying and connecting the knowledge you have gained through the minors. You’ll work in small teams to tackle real-world challenges that matter to the community around your host university. It’s not just about theory – this is hands-on learning that also helps show you’ve mastered the skills of the minor.

To level up your experience and meet the programme’s mobility requirement, you will need to choose at least two minors from one or two different partner universities within the alliance (aside from your starting university). This ensures you get exposure to different environments and ways of learning.

Check out this indicative list of Minors running in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies:

Fall Semester

Minor Urban Health & Wellbeing

Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland

Minor Urban Ecology in Europe: public policies, cultural narratives

Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France

Minor Design and Perspectives on Heritage

University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Minor Natural Sciences for Sustainability

University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

Minor Economic Development

University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Minor Urban Environmental and Sustainability Education

University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Minor Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture

University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Minor Energy Sustainability in the Cities

University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Minor Borders, Europe & Russia

University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland

Minor Urban Sustainable Development

Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherland

Minor Urban Inequality

University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Minor Driving Change: Activism, Engagement and Communities

University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Minor Societal Issues in a Contemporary World

University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Minor Sustainable business

University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland

Basics Studies for Sustainable Forestry

University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland

Spring Semester

Minor Cities of Dreams and Nightmares

University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Minor Sustainable Tourism

Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland

Minor Heritage and Perspectives on Design

University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Minor Cities & Urbanisation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Minor Urban Ecology

University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Minor Urban Sustainable Development

Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Our programme’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in urban sustainability. Covering economics, business, urbanism, engineering, environmental sciences, and the humanities, our interdisciplinary approach bridges professional fields and fosters a global perspective.

With a strong focus on critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning, you will enjoy diverse options and flexibility in your learning journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for various roles in making cities sustainable and resilient.

Enhance your employability and become a leader in urban sustainability!

An international outlook, with strong language proficiency in other languages, such as English, further strengthens your position. As the programme sets a leading example in international joint education, it also prepares you to grow in international collaboration. As a graduate of Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, you will have already built an international network with students, teachers, and businesses across Europe.

Starting University

Applying for YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies*, means you will begin by choosing one of the 7 partner universities to start your degree. This will be your starting university, where you will spend most of your time during your studies.

Please note that in semesters 3, 4, and 5, you will have the chance to choose from a range of Minors offered by all 10 YUFE partner universities, meaning you will be studying at 1-2 other YUFE partner universities across Europe.

You can choose to start your YUFE Bachelor at one of the following starting universities:

Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Application through the YUFE Virtual Campus

The university you wish to start your YUFE Bachelor with will describe the application process in detail. This will entail registration with the YUFE Virtual Campus, with the starting university, and sometimes with a national study registration system.

Make sure to carefully read the instructions from the starting university you are interested in. Keep in mind that each of the 7 starting universities have its own application deadline, so be sure to check their website and submit your YUFE Joint Bachelor application before the deadline.

Once you have gone through the instructions, you can start your application on the YUFE Virtual Campus. There, you will also choose the starting university you are interested in (see the application manual).

If you need to upload certain documents at a later stage, make sure to send in your application first and upload the documents later. Always make sure to do this before the indicated application deadline of the starting university of your interest.*

*You can also indicate one alternative starting university in the Virtual Campus application form, if you’re considering it as your starting university.

*Please note that you can send in only one application and that applications in the Virtual Campus cannot be edited after submission.

Apply Now - Virtual Campus

Application Manual

Admission contact

Follow the Application Process in 5 Easy Steps

Choose one of the 7 partner universities to start your degree

Visit the university website and find out about all the details.

Submit your YUFE Joint Bachelor Application before the deadline.

Create your account on the Virtual Campus and start your application. Keep in mind that each of the 7 starting universities has its own application deadline.

Eligibility check

In case you are eligible, you will receive a notification on the Virtual Campus, moving forward to the next step.

Admitted Students Notification

Once the starting university confirms your admission to YUFE’s Joint Bachelor, you will need to accept the offer and secure your spot in the programme.

Tuition Fees

You may need to register through a national system and pay tuition fees.

Admission criteria

To enrol in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor, you will need to have a secondary education degree and a minimum of B2 level in English. Be sure to visit the university website where you wish to start your YUFE Joint Bachelor for detailed information on the required documents and admission criteria specifications.

Your Motivation

As part of the application process, along with submitting the necessary documents for admission and selecting your starting university, you will also be asked to explain why you are interested in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor.

This will help us see if you get that this programme gives you more freedom and flexibility to study at multiple universities, way beyond what a regular Bachelor offers. In addition, your answers will also be used in case we need to select students for a specific starting university.

The questions you will need to answer are part of the application form on the YUFE Virtual Campus (max. 700 characters per answer). You will be asked about how you adapt to new cultures and travel, your experience working with others to solve problems, your goals for the programme, and your academic and career plans.

You might need to register through a national system and pay tuition fees.

Please check the website of your chosen starting university for more details on this process and the applicable fees:

We want to hear from you!

In case you have any questions, you can always reach out to the YUFE's Admission contacts at the 7 starting universities.

Are you willing to become a YUFE student in need of disability support?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with the YUFE team in your starting university.

Maastricht University: [email protected]
University of Antwerp: [email protected]
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń: [email protected]
University of Eastern Finland: [email protected]
University Carlos III of Madrid: [email protected]
University of Rijeka: [email protected]
University of Essex: [email protected]

Student support

Check out this guide for an overall overview of student support across our 10 YUFE Partner Universities.

register here - vc!

Application Manual

Admission contact

Student Services

Ready to start your adventure?

Through the YUFE Virtual Campus

Discover our 10 Partner Universities

7 Degree Awarding Partner Universities

Nicolaus Copernicus University

Poland

NCU is a leading Polish university with a strong focus on research and international collaboration.

A captivating medieval town with a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant student life

University of Antwerp

Belgium

Through its free and innovative research, student-centered academic teaching, and targeted service to society, the UAntwerp aims to have a valuable impact on developing, disseminating, and using scientific knowledge.

Antwerp is a historical gem renowned for its diamond trade, artistic legacy, and charming canals.

Maastricht University

The Netherlands

Maastricht University has more than 22,000 students, 57% of whom are foreign students. The university, which is known for its teaching method of problem-based learning (PBL).

A city brimming with history, art, and exquisite architecture.

Universidad Carlos III De Madrid

Spain

UC3M's mission is to contribute to improving society through teaching of the highest quality and cutting-edge research. It has more than 24,000 students, 20% international students.

Madrid is a dynamic metropolis offering world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and a passionate spirit.

University of Eastern Finland

Finland

With nearly 100 major subjects to offer UEF is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. UEF’s 16,000 degree students from 110 nationalities from an international community.
Finland is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty, serene lakes and vast forests.

University of Rijeka

Croatia

UNIRI prioritizes scientific, artistic, and developmental research aligned with Croatia's strategic interests, emphasizing sustainable community development.

Rijeka is a captivating coastal city boasting stunning architecture, a rich maritime history, and a vibrant cultural scene.

University of Essex

England

The UEssex community is one of the most international academic communities in the world, delivering a transformational education to more than 17,800 students.

Colchester is a city steeped in Roman history, offering historical landmarks and a lively student atmosphere.

3 Mobility Partner Universities

Sorbonne Nouvelle University

France

The Sorbonne Nouvelle is an autonomous university specialising in the Arts, Languages, letters, and Social Science.

Paris, the city of Lights, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, world-renowned museums, and rich cultural tapestry.

University of Cyprus

Cyprus

The University of Cyprus aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution, achieving international scientific recognition in European higher education, becoming a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro-Mediterranean region.

Nicosia is a historical city blending diverse cultures, where ancient ruins meet modern life.

University of Bremen

Germany

UBremen is one of the largest universities in northern Germany, with around 23,500 students and employees from 115 countries.

Bremen is a city known for its maritime history, innovative spirit, and stunning Town Hall.