In a world shaped by rapid urbanisation, both cities and rural areas are vital for a sustainable future. The 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 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. The application period is open online at YUFE's Virtual Campus from January until 31 March 2026 for studies beginning in September 2026.
The programme has been officially approved by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders) following an external peer review under the European Approach for the Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes.
Key information
- Target degree: Bachelor in Social Sciences
- Programme duration: 3 years full-time / 180 ECTS credits
- Language of instruction: English
- Next application period: 7.1.-31.3.2026
- Programme start: September 2026
- Tuition fee: EU/EEA nationals no tuition fee; non-EU/EEA nationals 10,000 €/academic year, with 30% tuition fee waiver available
- Study campus: Joensuu and exchange periods at YUFE universities
Shape the world you want to live in
- Passionate about sustainability? The international, Joint Bachelor Programme in Urban Sustainability Studies at YUFE is your route to driving change!
Join our webinar 11 December!
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Register nowStudies
YUFE Urban Sustainability Studies is a three-year undergraduate programme (180 ECTS) divided into six semesters.
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.
The programme sets a leading example in international joint education, preparing students to excel in global collaboration. As a student of the programme, you will start building your network with students, teachers and businesses all over Europe.
Read more: YUFE alliance wepbage
Degree giving universities:
- Nicolas Copernicus University (Torun, Poland)
- Antwerp University (Belgium)
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain)
- University of Essex (United Kingdom)
- University of Eastern Finland (Finland)
- Maastricht University (Netherlands)
- University of Rijeka (Croatia)
Mobility partners (minors offered during student exchange):
- Sorbonne Nouvelle University (Paris, France)
- University of Cyprus (Cyprus)
- University of Bremen (Germany)
With input from 10 European universities, the programme offers a diverse curriculum
YEAR ONE (Semester 1 & 2) - at UEF
You’ll begin your bachelor’s studies at UEF (or another chosen university), building a strong foundation in urban sustainability through a blend of on-site and online courses. With guidance from your own academic advisor, you’ll work towards your program goals - all tailored to support your unique academic journey.
YEAR TWO (Semester 3 & 4) - at YUFE partner universities on exchange
You’ll have the flexibility to personalize your curriculum by selecting from over 20 minors. A minor is a 30 ECTS thematic study module offered across YUFE universities that last one semester (autumn or spring). YUFE will help to plan your mobility periods, and Erasmus+ funding provides financial aid during exchanges. (Erasmus+ funding is vailable up to 12 months per degree).
YEAR THREE (Semester 5 & 6) - at UEF
You’ll complete your third minor during the autumn semester. In the spring you will round off your academic profile with a bachelor's thesis and your choice of elective courses at UEF.
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The programme includes three minors, studied during semesters 3, 4 & 5. At least two minors are completed at YUFE partner universities, giving you the opportunity to travel and study at a minimum of two different universities. This creates a truly unique and diverse learning experience.
During semesters 3, 4 & 5 students complete minors of their choice. Selecting a minor of personal preference is the key to the programme’s flexible, open curriculum.
AUTUMN SEMESTER MINORS
Borders, Europe & Russia (University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland)
Design and Perspectives on Heritage (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Driving Change: Activism, Engagement and Communities (University of Essex, United Kingdom)
Economic Development (University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain)
Natural Sciences for Sustainability (University of Bremen, Germany)
Societal Issues in a Contemporary World (University of Essex, United Kingdom)
Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture (University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain)
Sustainable Business (University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland)
Urban Ecology in Europe: public policies, cultural narratives (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France)
Urban Environmental and Sustainability Education (University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus)
Urban Health & Wellbeing (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland)
Urban Inequality (University of Rijeka, Croatia)
Urban Sustainable Development (Maastricht University, The Netherlands)
SPRING SEMESTER MINORS
Basics Studies for Sustainable Forestry (University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland)
Cities of Dreams and Nightmares (University of Essex, United Kingdom)
Cities & Urbanisation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Heritage and perspectives on design (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Sustainable Forestry (University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland)
Sustainable Tourism (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland)
Urban Ecology (University of Rijeka, Croatia)
Urban Sustainable Development (Maastricht University, The Netherlands)
YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies offers you the opportunity to explore insights from a wide range of fields, including social sciences (economics, business, geography, history, and sociology), natural sciences (such as environmental engineering, biology, and ecology), technical sciences (like civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligence), and the humanities. You can select minors that best match your personal interest and support your professional development.
The programme focuses on developing a deep understanding of how urban and rural areas impact natural resource use, and how this is connected to economic development, social inclusion, and sustainable growth. Students will develop abilities to analyze complex issues from a variety of perspectives. They will also gain skills to connect diverse cultural and disciplinary viewpoints, essential in a globalized world. The programme prepares students to become professionals who can lead and innovate in the evolving field of urban sustainability.
The unique nature of our program is best suited for candidates eager to develop the following qualities further:
Intercultural Competence
Embrace diversity with open-mindedness and respect for different perspectives, values, and ways of life. Strong language skills are a plus.
Critical and Analytical Thinking
Navigate complex challenges with a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing problems from multiple perspectives and integrating knowledge from diverse fields.
Commitment to Sustainability
Demonstrate a proactive attitude toward fostering sustainable solutions and addressing global challenges.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Thrive in a dynamic, international, and multidisciplinary educational environment by embracing change and adjusting to new contexts.
Teamwork and Communication
Collaborate effectively with others, contribute constructively to group efforts, and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
Curiosity and Creativity
Innovate and think outside the box, bringing fresh perspectives to complex problems and crafting novel solutions.
The graduates of the programme will have built an international network with students, teachers, and businesses across Europe during their studies.
This innovative and open program prepares aspiring professionals with a unique blend of specialized knowledge and the ability to integrate diverse disciplines and cultural perspectives—skills essential for navigating the complexities of a globalized world.
The program emphasizes developing both disciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise in urban sustainability, equipping graduates to address challenges on local, regional, and global scales. Graduates are skilled in analyzing sustainability issues, employing a range of methods and theoretical frameworks.
With a broad worldview and adaptability to international and intercultural settings, graduates excel in collaborating with diverse stakeholders on development projects. They possess the expertise to design and evaluate sustainable development strategies, combining critical thinking with creativity.
Program graduates emerge as interdisciplinary experts, ready to tackle complex future challenges and deliver innovative, impactful solutions for sustainable development.
How to apply
Application and required documents
During the application period, applicants must submit an electronic application form. Application happens thru the YUFE Virtual Campus. Required documents should be uploaded as scanned copies to the online application. In order to check the eligibility of an applicant for the programme, you have to submit an application and the following documents:
- Certificate of completed upper secondary education (or higher education degree)
- Certification of English language skills
- Motivational online questionnare
Upper secondary education certification
You need to have (at least) the upper secondary school degree which entitles you to enrol in a bachelor programme in a university of the country in which the degree was conferred.
Language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate strong English language skills when applying to degree programmes taught in English. Accepted methods of proving English proficiency are listed below.
Applicants must either (1) achieve the minimum required language test scores or (2) prove language skills with previous education conducted in English.
(1) Accepted language tests: TOEFL, IELTS, ITACE, Cambridge English or PTE.
(2) Previous education in English
- Applicants who have previously obtained a diploma in an English-taught programme in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and/or the United States of America are exempt from providing an additional proof of language proficiency.
- Applicants who completed an English-taught programme elsewhere in the world must prove the language of instruction. The medium of instruction must be clearly stated on the educational documents. If your documents do not explicitly mention English as the medium of instruction, you must provide an additional official statement issued by a representative of your educational institution confirming this.
Accepted language tests
A valid language certificate, not older than two years at the time of application, with the following minimum scores:
TOEFL ibt: 80 (total score)
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, 6.0 per component
ITACE (Interuniversity Test of Academic English for Students): B2
Cambridge English: B2 First (score 176 or above)
PTE Academic: 59
Matriculation examinations
You can prove your language skills with the following examinations:
- Finnish matriculation examination*, English language (A-language, advanced syllabus) completed with a minimum grade of magna cum laude approbatur (M)
- International Baccalaureate degree (IB):
- diploma completed in English,
- successful completion of A level English exam (literature / language and literature / literature and performance),
- completion of B level English exam, minimum grade of 5 (good).
- European Baccalaureate (EB) degree:
- L1-language (English) completed successfully
- L2 – or L3 language (English) completed with a minimum grade of 7.
- Reifeprüfung (RP) or DIA degree (German school of Helsinki) Satisfactory completion of:
- English A written scores completed successfully
- oral score being minimum of 8
*Applicants who prove their English language skills with the Finnish matriculation examination and have completed Finnish matriculation examination in or after 1990 do not need to upload the degree certificate as these are electronically available through Studyinfo
Motivational online questionnaire
You are be asked to explain why you are interested in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor. The questions you will need to answer are part of the application form. 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.
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Verification of educational documents for accepted students
Applicants will be conditionally accepted if their degree has been completed outside Finland. Accepted students are required to send the verified certificates/ diplomas of completed education degree to the university by the set deadlines. The eligibility and authenticity of educational certificates for all applicants will be assessed.
1 Select your starting university
Applying for YUFE’s Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies starts by choosing one of the seven partner universities a your starting university. This will be the place where you start your studies and where you will spend most of your time during your degree. If you are interested in other starting universities besides UEF, please read more https://www.yufe.eu/yufe-bachelor and visit the YUFE universities own websites to find out more.
2 Check the admission requirements and gather your documents
Ensure you meet the admission criteria and prepare your documents. If your educational documents are in a language other than English, Finnish, or Swedish, include official translations. The documents are added as electronic copies or scanned attachments along with your online application. Paper copies are not required during the application period.
3 Submit your application at YUFE's Virtual Campus
Create your personal account on the YUFE Virtual Campus and start your application. Application period for University of Eastern Finland is 7.1.-31.3.2026. Please note: application periods vary according to the starting university. You can submit one application form, which allows you to select your starting university and list two other choices in the order of your preference. Please note: If your documents do not explicitly mention English as the medium of instruction, you must provide an additional official statement issued confirming this. Read more under language requirements.
The student selection begins only after the application period for UEF has closed; admittance is not based on rolling admission.
4 After submitting your application
Please note: Applications cannot be edited after submission. You will receive a notification and the admission team will start checking the applications after the application window closes. We will assess the eligibility and authenticity of educational certificates and documentation for language proficiency for all applicants.
5 Verification of educational documents
After you have been accepted, you must remember to verify your documents. This process includes verifying information with previous educational institutions. Please learn more about the verification process.
The programme has been officially approved by NVAO following an external peer review under the European Approach for the Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes.
Questions?
Please do not hesititate to contact: [email protected]
During the application period
Scanned high quality documents of the original educational documents are required at the application stage; paper copies are not necessary. You must upload scans of your educational documents, proof of language proficiency and answer motivational questions on your electronic application. It not possible to add documents or to edit your application after submission.
There are certain standards for uploading electronic documents:
- We accept high quality scans of the original degree certificates, along with translations when required.
- Please scan original documents carefully, always in color, and include all pages. Blurry, discolored, or flawed scans will not be accepted. PDF format is recommended to ensure compatibility across all operating systems.
- Recommended file types: PDF or JPEG; max. file size: 1.0 GB.
After receiving the acceptance letter
All newly accepted students must verify the educational documents submitted with their application. Admission personnel will evaluate the eligibility and authenticity of your certificates. There are several ways to submit documents for verification:
- Educational documents shared through electronic credential services
- Electronically signed or verified educational documents
- Educational documents sent by e-mail by the awarding institution
- Educational paper documents sent by post
Read the general instructions on verification process. Please note: preparing your educational documents may take time, so it's important to start the process early.
Your verified educational documents must be submitted to the University of Eastern by 12th of June 2026. If the verification is not completed in the required manner by this deadline, the conditionally granted study right will be canceled. If you are graduating in the spring, please refer to instruction for "not graduated as yet".
Please note that educational documents are not returned to the applicants.
Students graduating after the application period
Applicants who are in the final semester of their upper secondary education are also eligible to apply. The programme will also conditionally accept applicants who have not graduated by the end of the application period. Conditionally accepted applicants are required to:
1) submit the latest official transcript of records by the end of the application period and indicate their expected graduation date in their application
2) provide the final officially certified degree certificate to the University of Eastern Finland within the set deadlines.
Submission timelines for students who have not yet graduated (Applicants graduating in 2025 must meet the following deadlines):
- For comparable upper secondary educational qualifications awarded by foreign institution that provide eligibility for university-level bachelor’s studies in your home country: Submit the most recent grades with translations during the application period. Final grades with translations must be submitted by 30 July 2026.
- For bachelor’s degrees awarded by a foreign institution: Submit the most recent grades with translations during the application period. The final certificate with translations must be submitted by 30 July 2026.
- For International Baccalaureate (IB) and European Baccalaureate (EB) diplomas: Predicted grades must be submitted by 1 April 2026. Final grades are due by 10 July 2026.*
- For the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA) diploma: Final grades must be submitted by 30 April 2026.
- For Finnish matriculation examination: Grades from your organization will be submitted electronically directly to UEF.
*Applicants receiving an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in spring 2026 must apply for a Transcript of Grades from the IB organization to be submitted electronically directly to UEF by 10 July 2026. The IB organization will submit the final grades electronically.
If educational documents are issued in a language other than English, Finnish, or Swedish, official translations into one of these languages are required.
The annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is 10,000 EUR. There are no tuition fees for students who are citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. 30 % tuition fee waiver is available to all accepted students who are liable to pay tuition fees.
Please read more on Tuition fees and waivers
Application period
Applications for the program are submitted online via YUFE's Virtual Campus.
The next application period: 7.1. - 31.3.2026. (For studies starting in September 2026)
Contact us
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected]
