The International Joint Master of Science on Islands and Sustainability is a two-year, 120-EC research master jointly offered by universities in the Netherlands, Greece, Iceland and Spain. It combines research training in spatial, social and environmental sciences with the study of sustainability challenges specific to islands.
Students spend semesters at the University of Groningen and choose one island partner in Mytilene, Reykjavík or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for two compulsory mobility periods. Graduates receive a Research Master degree from Groningen and a degree from their selected island university.
Benefits & funding
- The 2027/28 intake has no Erasmus Mundus scholarships and is open only to self-funded applicants.
- Participation fees are €4,500 per year for students from EU member states and programme countries, and €9,000 per year for students from other countries.
- Fees cover enrolment, teaching activities and AON student insurance, but not accommodation, living costs, travel or additional insurance.
- Exceptional self-funded candidates may be considered for a partial tuition-fee waiver; Erasmus+ exchange support may also be available for one mobility semester.
Eligibility
- Applicants need an academic bachelor’s degree comparable to a Dutch research-university degree in geography, urban or regional planning, environmental science or engineering, economics, tourism, political science or a related field.
- Prior study must include at least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge.
- Selection expects excellent university results, typically an A-range or top-10% profile, with Dutch-equivalent benchmarks of at least 7.0 overall and 7.5 for the bachelor thesis.
- English requirements include IELTS 6.5 in every component, TOEFL iBT 90 with the published component minima, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, or an accepted exemption route.
- No professional experience is required, and the official pages state no nationality, residency, age or gender restriction for admission.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Prepare the bachelor diploma, transcript, passport scan, Europass CV and one or two reference letters, preferably academic.
- 2Write a motivation letter of no more than two pages covering research interest, preferred island university, programme fit and links to past experience and future plans.
- 3Submit the documents through the Apply button on the official application page.
- 4If shortlisted, complete an interview assessing research attitude, motivation, orientation and competence.
Program timeline
Most recent first-round application deadline.
Jan 15, 2026
Applications for the 2027 academic year open.
Nov 15, 2026
Early-decision submission point.
Dec 15, 2026
First-round application deadline under the published annual schedule.
Jan 15, 2027
Potential interviews.
Late January or early February 2027
Decision target for applicants who submitted by 15 December.
Feb 1, 2027
Conditional second-round deadline if places remain.
May 1, 2027