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

Αpplications for the 2025 intake of the Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master Degree Program in Islands and Sustainability (acronym: ISLANDS) are now open.

How to apply

To submit your application, click the ‘Apply’ button located at the end of this page: https://islandsmaster.eu/application-form/ which opens the application form. All applicants are required to submit the following documents to the Admissions Office:

• Bachelor’s diploma/A document indicating the name of your qualification in the original language (and if applicable, Master’s diploma)
• List of grades/transcript of records of your Bachelor’s degree (and if applicable, Master’s degree)
• Motivation letter, which should include:
  • A clear expression of your interest in studying Islands and Sustainability.
  • A demonstration of your drives and enthusiasm to become a researcher in this field.
  • An explanation of your reasons for choosing one of our island universities for your compulsory mobility periods where you wish to spend your two mobility periods as part of your programme.
• Detailed CV
• One or two reference letters, preferably academic
• A scanned copy of your passport
• Bachelor’s diploma/A document indicating the name of your qualification in the original language (and if applicable, Master’s diploma)
• Use of Generative AI in applications
  • As part of the ISLANDS Master’s programme, we value authenticity, honesty, and the unique perspectives that each applicant brings. While we recognise the role of AI in today’s world, we encourage applicants to focus on conveying their genuine motivations and personal experiences in their applications. By crafting original and thoughtful letters, you help us gain a clear and meaningful understanding of your aspirations and your fit for our programme. If you choose to use AI tools as part of your process, please be open about it – transparency is an important part of our admissions process.

Key Application Dates
Scholarship applications are open from November 1st until the application deadline on January 15th for the upcoming autumn semester. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be conducted in February and March.
Self-funded candidates can apply until April 1st 2025 each year, with the intention to start in the autumn semester of the same year. Interviews for these candidates may be held in April and May.
Make sure to prepare and submit all the required documents within the specified deadlines to ensure a complete application.

Entry Requirements

Students will be shortlisted and selected based on the criteria listed below.

Previous Education
Applicants should hold an academic bachelor degree (of comparable level to a Dutch academic bachelor degree obtained at a Dutch Research University) in fields such as geography, urban/regional planning, environmental science/engineering, economics, tourism, political science or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of at least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge is required.

Grade Avarage 
Strong academic performance is a key factor. Applicants should typically have excellent study results with high grades at the university level (A range), usually within the top 10%. This is comparable to the Dutch grading system, with an average grade of at least 7.0 and at least 7.5 for a Bachelor thesis.

Language Test
English on Dutch VWO level or one of the following equivalents:

• IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.5 on each section
• TOEFL internet based: Overall: 90 Reading: 21 Listening: 21 Speaking: 21 Writing: 24
• Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the Admissions procedure
• Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
• European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2

Alternatively, you can request an exemption from the Admissions Board after you have been admitted to the programme.

Automatic exemptions are available for native speakers or students with (to be) completed undergraduate programmes in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (English speaking provinces/territories), Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Assessment Interview
Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview as part of the admission procedure, during which their attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a career in (scientific) research are evaluated. The interview will be scheduled after the Admissions Board has received and reviewed the required documents.

Professional Experience
Professional experience is not a mandatory requirement for admission. Professional experience can also not substitute for not meeting the academic requirements in terms of level of the previous education.

Financial Information

The participation fees include enrollment and participation in all teaching activities, along with full insurance coverage by AON for the enrolled students. However, they do not cover other expenses such as accommodation, living costs, travel expenses, or additional insurance policies.

Participation fees for students from EU Member States and programme countries
€ 4500 per year

Participation fees for students from non-programme countries
€ 9000 per year

The ISLANDS consortium may offer a partial waiver to selected self-funding students, unless they already have a scholarship that fully covers the tuition fees and living costs. The decision to grant a partial waiver to selected students will be based on the information provided in a waiver application form, which will be sent to individually selected students.

The AON insurrance that is included in the participation fees is the AON ICS Complete. 
It provides coverage for medical expenses, emergency assistance, loss of or damage to personal belongings, personal liability, legal assistance and any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health care and/or emergency hospital treatment or death. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, benefits are payable to the beneficiary, as stated in the policy conditions, up to the maximum benefits as shown on the policy that will be provided. 

Scholarships

Applicants can apply for an Erasmus scholarship by indicating their interest in the application form (please be aware that the deadline for scholarship applications is January 15). An Erasmus Mundus scholarship is valued at EUR 1400 per month and covers a total duration of 24 months. This scholarship will contribute to the costs incurred by the students, including travel, visa, accommodation installation, and subsistence costs. Additionally, the participation fees for scholarship recipients are waived.

An AON insurrance is included in the scholarship: AON ICS Complete.
It provides coverage for medical expenses, emergency assistance, loss of or damage to personal belongings, personal liability, legal assistance and any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health care and/or emergency hospital treatment or death. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, benefits are payable to the beneficiary, as stated in the policy conditions, up to the maximum benefits as shown on the policy that will be provided. EU-funded scholarships will be available annually for on average 15 students. Admission to the degree programme and scholarship awards are determined by the Joint Admissions Board, which includes a representative from each university, with the Joint Programme Coordinator serving as the chairperson. It is important to note that, in accordance with the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme requirements, there is a residential eligibility criterion for scholarship applications. This criterion states that the study period must include at least two study periods in two different countries, which must be different from your country of residence when you apply. This criterion specifically applies to potential applicants who are currently residing in the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, or Iceland.
For more information on the Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, please visit the official website of the Erasmus Mundus EU programme.    

Please note: students who have already obtained an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) scholarship or are former Erasmus Mundus Master/Doctoral Course scholarship holders are not eligible for an additional scholarship under the EMJMD action. Students benefiting from an EMJMD scholarship cannot benefit from another EU grant while pursuing their EMJMD studies.

More information here