Joint Master in Green Economy and Sustainable Future

This programme promotes green transition and sustainable development. It builds a future-oriented, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. We focus on sustainability management, circular economy, digital transformation, and applied research in an international context.

This joint master’s features a unique blend of Dual studies – work-integrated learning. This prepares you for leadership roles in sustainability management worldwide.

Next intake: September 2027
Applications open: 01 October 2026
Applications close: 31 July 2027

18 months
An intensive international learning journey
90 ECTS
A full European Master’s programme at EQF Level 7
Taught in English
Designed for international students
Dual studies
Work-integrated learning, connect academic knowledge with real applied challenges

80 places · Guidance for mobility and pre-arrival procedures

A European Joint Master developed within the EU4Dual Alliance

The programme is developed by EU4Dual partner universities and connects students with academic, industrial and regional ecosystems across Europe.

EU4Dual Alliance

DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION
Université des sciences appliquées de Savonia
Finland
DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION
FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences
Austria
DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION
PAR University of Applied Sciences
Croatia
DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION
Université Mondragon
Spain
OTHER ACADEMIC PARTNERS

ESTIA ⋅ MCAST

Quick facts

90 ECTS
18 months
English
80 spots available (40 places per location)
International, dual, blended and work-based learning
EQF Level 7
Business and Management (with Sustainability / Green Economy focus)
Master of Business Administration / Master of Arts in Business
Sustainability management, circular economy, digital transformation, and applied research in an international context

A Master's for a sustainable future

This programme promotes green transition and sustainable development. It builds a future-oriented, resource-efficient, and competitive economy.

We focus on sustainability management, circular economy, digital transformation, and applied research in an international context.

This joint master’s features a unique blend of Dual studies – work-integrated learning, which prepares you for leadership roles in sustainability management worldwide.

Students choose whether to study their first semester at Savonia University of Applied Sciences or at FH JOANNEUM, and their second semester at PAR University of Applied Sciences or Mondragon Unibertsitatea. For the third semester the students will relocate to their selected thesis university.

Designed for employability, built on work-integrated learning

This Master’s prepares students to support the green transition and sustainable development of organisations and society from a business and management perspective.

Students will develop the ability to connect sustainability, digitalisation, applied innovation and organisational development with real-world challenges through work-integrated learning.

After completing the programme, students will be able to:

Why choose this Master’s?

A European programme for the green transition

The programme focuses on green economy, sustainability, circular economy and digitalisation — key priorities for Europe’s transition towards a sustainable and resource-efficient future.

Applied sustainability and management focus

The programme develops competences in sustainability management, value chains, sustainable finance, organisational resilience and applied research, preparing students to address complex sustainability challenges.

Strong academic and industry relevance

The curriculum integrates theory with application, combining sustainability knowledge with real‑world problem solving, interdisciplinary teamwork and project‑based learning.

A dual learning approach

Students combine academic learning with practical, work‑integrated experiences. Industry collaboration is embedded in the programme, and students work on real‑world sustainability challenges with organisations.

International by design

The programme is delivered by EU4Dual partner universities and connects students with academic, industrial and regional ecosystems across Europe, with studies taking place in at least two countries.

Connected to the EU4Dual ecosystem

Students benefit from an alliance supporting joint education, research, mobility, innovation and collaboration with working life partners.

The student journey

The Master’s is structured around 90 ECTS and combines foundational studies in green economy and sustainability, international mobility and work-based learning.

First Semester

Transversal foundations

Students build a common foundation in green economy and sustainability, combining on-campus, blended and mobility-based learning formats.

Main areas:

Green economy & sustainability European green economy Digital transformation Sustainable technologies Interdisciplinary sustainability solutions Research & innovation foundations

Choose your starting university:

Finland

Finland

OR

Austria

Austria

Second Semester

Advanced sustainability management

Students deepen their expertise in sustainability management within an international and applied learning environment.

Choose your second-semester university:

Croatia

Croatia

OR

Spain

Spain

Third Semester

Master's thesis & work-based learning

The thesis phase allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world sustainability and organisational challenges.

+

Research & work-based learning

Finland · Austria · Spain · Croatia

After graduation

Career opportunities

The programme prepares students for international and applied roles supporting the green transition and sustainable development of organisations and society.

Sustainability management

Design and manage sustainability strategies across environmental, social and economic dimensions.

Sustainable finance & value chains

Evaluate and improve organisational practices, including value chains, finance and circular economy models.

Innovation & organisational development

Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to solve sustainability challenges in real-world contexts.

Research & PhD

A foundation for further academic development, including doctoral studies, subject to national and institutional requirements.

The dual difference: learning through academic and work-based experience

EU4Dual’s dual model connects academic learning with practical experience in real professional environments.

Students apply knowledge to organisational and sustainability challenges, working across borders and disciplines.

Work-based learning conditions, including possible remuneration, depend on the host organisation, country, format, and applicable regulations.

Key elements of the dual model

A European learning journey

The programme connects students with several EU4Dual partner ecosystems across Europe.

Mobility is designed to support international learning, academic collaboration and exposure to different regions.

Main locations connected to the programme:

Additional EU4Dual mobility opportunities may involve other alliance partners, depending on the programme structure and academic planning.

Mobility arrangements, available destinations and grant eligibility may depend on academic pathway, institutional agreements and Erasmus+ rules.

Connected to industry and applied innovation

The Master’s has been designed with strong attention to industry relevance.

Students engage with organisations through projects, work-based learning and thesis activities.

The programme prepares graduates to contribute to sustainability and organisational transformation.

Degree-awarding institutions and partners

The Joint Master‘s is developed within the EU4Dual Alliance.

THE JOINT DEGREE IS AWARDED BY:
Université des sciences appliquées de Savonia
Finland
FH JOANNEUM
Austria
Université Mondragon
Spain
PAR University of Applied Sciences
Croatia

The programme is also connected to the wider EU4Dual network through mobility, academic collaboration and alliance activities.

Students choose whether to study their first semester at Savonia University of Applied Sciences or at FH JOANNEUM, and their second semester at PAR University of Applied Sciences or Mondragon Unibertsitatea. For the third semester the students will relocate to their selected thesis university.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS) and at least 2 years of work experience after the degree.

English proficiency (B2) required.

For access to doctoral studies, students may need to reach 300 ECTS depending on their previous studies and national regulations. Applicants should check the specific requirements in the country where they intend to pursue doctoral studies.

Typical requirements

How to apply

1
STEP 1

Prepare your documents

Collect your academic transcripts, degree certificate, employment certificates, proof of English proficiency and any additional documents required.
2
STEP 2

Submit your application

Complete the online application form before the official deadline. Applicants from outside the EU are recommended to apply by January to allow sufficient time for the residence permit application.
3
STEP 3

Academic review

Your application will be assessed according to the admission criteria and programme requirements.
4
STEP 4

Motivation video

Students are selected on the basis of a motivation video. Instructions for creating the motivation video will be published before the application period begins.
5
STEP 5

Admission decision

Successful applicants will receive information about enrolment, mobility, tuition fees and next steps.
6
STEP 6

Pre-arrival preparation

Students receive guidance on mobility, documentation, visa-related procedures where applicable and general arrival preparation. Please note that the process may differ slightly based on student’s selection of which partner they will start their first semester at.

Tuition fees & funding

Tuition fees, mobility funding and possible work-based learning conditions will be communicated clearly before enrolment.

Erasmus+ mobility support

Students may be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility support depending on the mobility period, destination, institutional rules and individual eligibility.

Work-based learning conditions

Work-based learning is included as part of the programme’s dual learning approach. The format and conditions depend on the host organisation, country, arrangement, and applicable regulations.

Visa, accommodation and pre-arrival information

Students receive guidance and general information on pre-arrival procedures.

Visa and residence

This may include information on:

Accommodation options

This may include information on:

Country-specific requirements​

Specific requirements depend on nationality, country of study and local regulations. Non-EU students are strongly encouraged to check visa and residence requirements as early as possible.

Career opportunities

The programme prepares students for international and applied roles supporting the green transition and sustainable development.

Graduates may pursue career pathways in areas such as:

Sustainability management
Circular economy
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
Sustainable finance
Innovation and organisational development

The programme also provides a foundation for further academic development, including doctoral studies, subject to national and institutional requirements.

Applied research and innovation

The Master’s connects education, organisations and applied research.

Students engage with real-world sustainability challenges in organisational and societal contexts, supporting the development of practical and evidence-based solutions.

Through the Master’s thesis and applied learning activities, students are encouraged to work on real-world sustainability challenges related to green economy, organisational development and digital transformation.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The programme is a European Joint Master.

The joint degree is awarded by Savonia University of Applied Sciences, FH JOANNEUM, Mondragon Unibertsitatea and PAR University of Applied Sciences.

The programme has 90 ECTS and is designed as an EQF Level 7 Master’s degree.

The programme is taught in English.

The programme offers 80 places, with 40 places per location.

Yes. The programme follows a dual learning approach, connecting academic learning with practical work-based learning experiences.

The specific format, host organisation and conditions may vary depending on the country and availability.

The programme follows the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes and provides official documentation to support recognition processes.

Recognition may depend on national regulations and the intended use of the degree.

Graduates may be eligible for doctoral studies depending on national regulations and their previous academic background.

In some countries, access to PhD programmes may require a total of 300 ECTS, so students with a 180 ECTS Bachelor’s degree may need additional credits depending on the country and institution.

Students receive guidance and general information on pre-arrival procedures, including visa-related processes and accommodation options where applicable.

Specific requirements depend on nationality, country of study and local regulations.

Yes. The programme is open to international applicants who meet the academic and language requirements.

Non-EU students should check visa, residence and documentation requirements as early as possible.

The programme includes international and blended learning components.

Students are expected to study in at least two countries as part of the programme structure.

Students may be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility support depending on the mobility period, destination, institutional rules and individual eligibility.

Funding conditions will be communicated clearly before enrolment.

Ready to build a sustainable future?

Join a European Joint Master designed to support the green transition and sustainable development of organisations and society.

Study in English, engage in international learning and work‑based experiences, and connect your academic learning with real‑world sustainability challenges across the EU4Dual ecosystem.

Next intake: September 2027
Applications open: 01 October 2026
Applications close: 31 July 2027