Applications open on 15 November and close on 15 January!

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

Αpplications for the 2026 intake of the Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master Degree Program in Islands and Sustainability (acronym: ISLANDS) are now open.

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:

1. Bachelor’s diploma/A document indicating the name of your qualification in the original language (and if applicable, Master’s diploma)
2. List of grades/transcript of records of your Bachelor’s degree (and if applicable, Master’s degree)
3. Motivation letter (max two pages), which should include:
4. A clear expression of your interest in studying Islands and Sustainability.
5. A demonstration of your drives and enthusiasm to become a researcher in this field.
6. 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.
   Please address why you are the most suitable candidate and how the programme connects to your past and your future ambitions.
7. Detailed CV
   Please note that we only accept applications with a Europass CV 
8. One or two reference letters, preferably academic
9. A scanned copy of your passport

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

First Application Round – Self-Funded Candidates
Applications open on 15 November and close on 15 January for admission to the upcoming autumn semester. Admission is on a rolling basis, with potential interviews held in late January or early February. Applicants who apply by 15 December can expect a decision by 1 February.

Second Application Round – Self-Funded Candidates
If places remain after the first round, a second round may open. In that case, applications will be accepted until 1 April. This second round will only take place if spaces are still available.

Please ensure you prepare and submit all required documents before the relevant deadlines to complete your application.

Note: No Erasmus Mundus scholarships will be available for the 2026/27. We aim to secure funding for future intakes and will provide updates here when new information is available.

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 IBT: Overall: 90 Reading: 21 Listening: 21 Speaking: 21 Writing: 24
• Pearson Academic: Overall: 66 Reading: 64 Listening: 58 Writing: 70
• LanguageCert Academic: Overall: 70 Reading: 70 Listening: 70 Writing: 70
• Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
• European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2

Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores and IELTS one-skill retakes are not considered in the Admissions procedure

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), Malta, 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
No Erasmus Mundus scholarships will be available for the 2026-27. We aim to secure funding for future intakes and will provide updates here when new information is available.

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. 

More information here