Become a Master in Islands and Sustainability and Join ISLANDS – The Erasmus Mundus Joint Research Master’s Program!

Αpplications for the 2024 intake of the Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master Degree Program in Islands and Sustainability (acronym: ISLANDS) are now open.

ISLANDS is a unique Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program that connects the Netherlands, Greece, Iceland, and Spain, along with esteemed associated partners around the world. ISLANDS is jointly offered by the University of Groningen, the University of the Aegean, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the University of Iceland.

Applications for fully funded scholarships are open until 15 January 2024, and self-funded candidates have until 1 April 2024 to apply for the September 2024 intake.

Discover the world of islands and sustainability with ISLANDS!

.........................

ISLANDS is a new international joint research Master programme of the University of Groningen, the University of the Aegean, the University of Iceland and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It focuses on the development of knowledge on island particularities and the development of tools, skills and technology in order to reduce the gap between theory and practice concerning sustainability.

Students will be shortlisted and selected, based on the following criteria:

Assessment Interview: Generally, an interview with shortlisted applicants, in which attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a career in (scientific) research are evaluated, forms part of the admission procedure. The interview is scheduled after the required documents have been received and evaluated by the Admissions Board.

Grade Average: Excellent study results and high grades at university level (A range, typically top 10%); Comparable to Dutch grading system: average grade of at least 7.0, for Bachelor thesis of at least 7.5.

Language Test: English on VWO level; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (A, B or C) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (A, B or C); Minimum of 6,5 for the International English Language Testing System (Academic version) (IELTS). With a minimum of 6.5 on listening, reading, writing and speaking; Minimum of 90 on the internet based version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Minimum of 580 on the written version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Minimum of 237 on the interactive version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); ; Exemptions: native speakers or students with education from the US, Canada, Australia, New-Zealand, United Kingdom or Ireland

Previous Education: Academic bachelor degree in human geography and/or urban and regional planning or comparable qualifications, including at least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge.

Written Request: All applicants have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter and one or two reference letters to the Admissions Office

Finances

EU-funded scholarships will be available for on average 15 students every year. The scholarship grant covers the tuition fee, and also provides a travel and living allowance. Admission to the degree programme and decisions on the award of scholarships will be determined by the Joint Admissions Board, which has one representative from each university, and has the Joint Programme Coordinator as its chairperson.

Please note that in line with the requirements for Erasmus Mundus joint Master programmes there is a residential eligibility criterion for scholarship applications according to which the study period should comprise at least 2 study periods in 2 countries, which must be different from your country of residence when you apply. This is particularly relevant to potential applicants who are currently resident in the Netherlands, Greece, Spain or Iceland.

Scholarships

Applicants can also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship by indicating this in the application form (please note the deadline for scholarship applications is 15 January). An Erasmus+ scholarship has a value of EUR 1400 per month, for a total duration of 24 months. The scholarship will be a contribution to the costs incurred by the beneficiary students and shall cover travel, visa, accommodation installation and subsistence costs. In addition, the tuition fees for scholarship holders are waived.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for non-scholarship holders are listed below. The payment of these fees includes enrollment and participation in all teaching activities as well as full insurance coverage for the enrolled students. It does not include any other costs such as accommodation, living and travel costs, and any additional insurance policies.
Self-funded students can apply to the programme in an extra application round until the end of April.

Programme country € 4500 per year

Students originating from a programme country. Programme countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey.

More information here