Explore Europe with our partner universities in this joint bachelor programme. In a world shaped by rapid urbanisation, both cities and rural areas are vital for a sustainable future. The Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, designed by the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance, offers an innovative, interdisciplinary education to tackle these challenges.
You will gain skills in environmental science, urban sustainable development, policy-making, and research. Customise your learning path, explore diverse landscapes, and build on expertise to become a leader in sustainability. Join us to shape a greener future!
The programme is currently ongoing European Approach Accreditation procedure. More details will be updated soon to this site.
Key information
- Level of degree: Bachelor's degree
- Programme duration: 3 years full-time / 180 ECTS credits
- Language of instruction: English
- Next application period: Feb-March 2025 (to be confirmed)
- Programme start: September 2025
- Tuition fee: EU/EEA nationals no tuition fee; non-EU/EEA nationals 10,000 €/academic year.
- Tuition waivers available
- Study campus: Joensuu and exchange periods at YUFE universities
Why study with us?
- Passionate about sustainability? The international, Joint Bachelor Programme in Urban Sustainability Studies at YUFE is your route to driving change!
Studies
YUFE Urban Sustainability Studies is a three-year undergraduate programme divided into six semesters.
During three dynamic years, you'll shape your learning journey to match your strengths and interests. The first year covers essential skills at your chosen starting university. In the second and third years, you'll personalise your studies through YUFE Minors and study at a minimum of two different universities across Europe. The programme culminates in completing a bachelor thesis to showcase your expertise.
Throughout your studies, you will work internationally to address real-world issues in a creative and interactive setting. With input from 10 European universities, each a YUFE partner, the programme offers a diverse curriculum that explores sustainability issues from urban to 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.
In your first year with YUFE, you’ll complete your bachelor’s studies at your 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 select courses, integrate YUFE minors and electives, and work towards your program goals - all tailored to support your unique academic journey.
As you progress through your studies, 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 span one semester (autumn or spring). You’ll choose three minors, with at least two completed at partner universities, giving you the opportunity to travel and study at a minimum of two different institutions. This creates a truly unique and diverse learning experience. To support you, YUFE will help organize your exchanges, and Erasmus+ financial aid is available for up to 12 months per degree.
You’ll round off your academic profile with a bachelor's thesis and your choice of elective courses at your starting university.
The YUFE Bachelor of 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.
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.
How to apply
Application and documents
In order to check the eligibility of an applicant for the programme, the applicant has to submit an application and the following application documents:
- Certification of completed secondary education degree
- Certification of English language skills
Secondary education certification
You need to have (at least) a 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.
- Accepted language tests: TOEFL, IELTS, ITACE, Cambridge English or PTE.
- 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 language test certificate.
- Applicants who completed an English-taught programme elsewhere are also exempt from providing an additional language test certificate, provided the language of instruction is clearly stated on the educational documents.
Accepted language tests
A valid language certificate, not older than two years at the time of application, with the following minimum scores:
TOEFL iBT (test center only): 80
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
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. Th eligibility and authenticity of educational certificates for all applicants will be assessed.
You start your admission procedure by applying at the YUFE Virtual Campus within the application period. You specify your preferred starting university and prove that you fulfil the entry requirements.
The programme is currently ongoing European Approach Accreditation procedure.
More information on application procedure will be provided on YUFE's webpage
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.
Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for tuition waiver during the university application process. 30 % tuition fee waiver is available to all accepted students who are liable to pay tuition fees.
Application period
Applying for the programme happens online at YUFE's Virtual Campus. More detailed information on the application and enrolment process will be announced upon the completion of the accreditation procedure of the programme.
The application period will be updated soon.
Contact us
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
