YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies
Deadline for applications for non-EEA students: 14/06/2026 Deadline for applications for EEA students: 20/07/2026
In a world shaped by rapid urbanisation, both cities and rural areas are vital for a sustainable future. The joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, designed by the Young Universities for the Future of Europe Alliance, offers an innovative, interdisciplinary education to tackle real-life challenges head-on. Customise your learning path, explore diverse landscapes, and lead the way in urban sustainability across Europe with YUFE!
Over three dynamic years, you will shape your learning journey to match your strengths and interests. The first year covers essential skills at your starting university. In the second and third years, you personalise your studies through YUFE minors and study at two to three different universities across Europe. The programme culminates in a dissertation to showcase your expertise. You finish the Bachelor with a degree awarded by seven European Universities.
Throughout your bachelor’s programme, you work internationally with students, teachers, and businesses to address real-world issues in a creative, international and interactive setting. With input from 10 European universities, each a YUFE partner the programme offers a diverse curriculum that explores sustainability issues in urban and rural settings.
This programme has been officially approved by NVAO* following an external peer review under the European Approach for the Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes.
*NVAO is the quality‑assurance body responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher‑education programmes in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Meet the Partners
Programme Structure
In your first year with YUFE, you’ll begin your bachelor’s studies at the University of Cyprus to build a common foundation in urban sustainability through a mix of on-site and online courses.
As you continue your studies, you have the freedom to personalise your curriculum by choosing from 20 different minors. With this flexibility, you can select three minors, with at least two of them to be taken at other partner universities. This allows you to travel and study at a minimum of three universities, creating a unique and diverse learning experience.
You’ll round off your academic profile with a bachelor’s thesis project and your choice of elective courses at your starting university.
YEAR 1
Common Foundation 60 ECTS
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Start in 1 of the 8 Degree Awarding Universities.
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Build a common foundation in urban sustainability through on-site and online courses.
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Courses can vary depending on the university at which you start.
YEAR 2
Tailor your Degree with the YUFE Minors 60 ECTS
- Personalise your curriculum by choosing 2 Minors (30 ECTS each)
- You can take part in student mobility at up to two of our partner universities
YEAR 3
Final Project 60 ECTS
The last year will be taken at the starting university:
- Bachelor Thesis Project (30 ECTS)
- 3rd Minor (30 ECTS)
First Year @UCY
1st Semester Courses
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Subjects ECTS Cities and Citizens in European History 6 Introduction to Urban Sustainability 5 Comparative Politics of Developing Nations 6 Energy and Climate Change 5 Critical thinking for the Humanities 5 English Academic Writing 5 Total: 32 ECTS
2nd Semester Courses
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Subjects ECTS Contemporary Urban Developments 6 Greek Language and Civilization 6 Introduction to Economics 6 Introductory Mathematics and Statistical Methods 5 English for Academic Purposes – Advanced Level 5 Total: 28 ECTS
Available Minors for year 2 & 3
YUFE Minors Available
- Postgrowth Cities: From Theory to Practice
- Urban Mining
- Talking to the City
YUFE Minors Available
- Urban Policy and Governance
- Sustainable Tourism
YUFE Minors Available
- Economic Development
- Energy Sustainability in the Cities
- Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture
YUFE Minors Available
- Natural Sciences for Sustainability
YUFE Minors Available
- Urban Ecology in Europe: Public Policies, Cultural Narratives
YUFE Minors Available
- Borders, Europe & Russia
- Sustainable Business
- Sustainable Forestry
YUFE Minors Available
- Societal Issues in a Contemporary World
- Cities of Dreams and Nightmares
YUFE Minors Available
- Urban Inequality
- Urban Ecology – Transdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change
YUFE Minors Available
- Society, Power & Development
- Design and Perspectives on Heritage
- Heritage and Perspectives on Design
- Cities and Urbanisation – Interdisciplinary Perspectives
YUFE Minors Available
- Urban Environmental & Sustainability Education
Third Year @UCY
5th Semester Courses - Minor in Urban Environmental & Sustainability Education
Subjects Type ECTS Urban Environmental and Sustainability Education: From Theory to Practice Mandatory 6 Challenge: Confronting Climate Crisis in Urban Environments through Community-based Education and Participation Mandatory 8 Foundations of Environmental and Sustainability Education: An Introduction Elective 6 Environmental Politics Elective 6 Psychology of Motivation Elective 5 Globalization Elective 6 Human Rights and Reconciliation in Divided Societies Elective 6 International Organizations Elective 6 Spiritual and Psychological Approaches to Ecological Crisis: Fear, Care, and Hope Elective 5 Global Migration and European Identity Elective 5 * Online course offered by UEF
Total ECTS (Mandatories + Electives): 30 ECTS
6th Semester Courses
Subjects Type ECTS Bachelor Thesis Mandatory 20 Ecology Elective 5 Economic Growth Elective 5 Environmental Economics Elective 5 Business and Climate Change Elective 5 Theory of Urban Design Elective 5 Topics of the European Union Elective 5 Total ECTS (Bachelor Thesis + 2 Electives): 30 ECTS
Note: The elective courses listed above are indicative. Additional elective courses may be available, subject to departmental offerings and academic regulations.
Study across Europe, create your own journey!
About the Programme
1. Secondary Education Certification
To enrol in the bachelor’s programme, an applicant must have a secondary school diploma recognized by the appropriate education authority of the country.
- The programme may grant conditional admission to those who have not yet graduated by the end of the application period. Conditionally admitted applicants must submit a certification of expected graduation from their school.
2. English Language Proficiency Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an adequate command of the English language as part of the admission process. This requirement can be fulfilled in one of the following ways:
2.1 Proof of English Language Competence
Applicants may submit one of the following:
a. CEFR Certification
Evidence of English proficiency at B2 level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as documented by the relevant country's educational authority or official educational records.
b. Valid English Language Test Results
A recognized language certificate, issued within the last two years, with at least the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (test center only) | 80 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, 6.0 per component |
| ITACE | B2 |
| Cambridge English | B2 First (176 or above) |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
c. Equivalent Qualifications
Other comparable tests or qualifications may also be considered.
2.2 Exemptions
Applicants are exempt from submitting English language test results if they have:
- Completed a diploma in English in one of the following countries: Australia, English‑speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
- Completed an English‑taught programme in another country, provided that the language of instruction is clearly stated on the official educational documents.
3. Motivation
Applicants will be asked to explain their motivation for the YUFE Joint Bachelor. The application form includes questions about adapting to new cultures and travel, working with others to solve problems, goals for the programme, and future academic and career plans.
4. Criteria
If an entrance exam is required in the applicant’s home country, the exam results will be considered, e.g. minimum grade 16/20 in Pancyprian or similar exams.
Admission based on international examinations is possible if the candidate fulfils the following requirements:
- GCE/IGCSE examinations: GCE A Level in three subjects with minimum grades of B, B, B.
- International Baccalaureate: 31 points in the IB. Three Higher Level subjects with grades 6, 5, 5.
- French Baccalauréat: Minimum grades of 14, 13, and 13 in three subjects.
Step 1 - Start admission at the Virtual Campus
You begin your application by applying through the YUFE Virtual Campus, where you can select the University of Cyprus as your preferred starting university. You will be asked to submit your secondary education diploma, English language competence and present your motivation.
Visit YUFE Virtual Campus
Step 2 - Continue your admission at UCY
UCY will contact you to complete an institutional application form for this programme and provide the additional documents required for the selection process.
Once all your documents are submitted, UCY will check your eligibility. If you meet the requirements, you will receive an eligibility notice via the YUFE Virtual Campus within 7 working days.
Step 3 - Admission Offer
If you are selected, you will receive an admission notification by email. You will then be asked to confirm your intention to enrol at the University of Cyprus.
Non‑EU students can find information on the visa process here:
Visa Information for Non‑EU Students
Annual Fee
The annual fee for this programme is €5,300.
Academic Advising and Student Support
Upon enrolment, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will support you throughout your academic journey. Your advisor will help you select courses, integrate YUFE Minors and electives, and ensure that your study pathway aligns with your programme goals.
They will guide you in refining your academic objectives, understanding the connections between courses, and exploring potential career paths. Your advisor will also assist you in preparing for future opportunities, including applications for master’s programmes.
Information for Incoming International Students
The International Students and Staff Office at the University of Cyprus is here to assist you as you prepare for your arrival at our university. Whether you have questions about accommodation, visas, registration, or settling in Cyprus, their team is ready to support you.
You can find more information and contact details through the link below:
Visit International Students Office
Mobility, Housing, and Living Costs
As you will be studying at a minimum of two YUFE partners in Europe, you will need to consider the costs and logistics associated with your stay abroad. Housing options, availability, and living expenses during your YUFE Minors will vary depending on the mobility partners involved.
However, all YUFE partner universities are strong players in the field of internationalisation and are well equipped to assist international students. They will provide support to help you get settled, organised, and informed regarding accommodation, daily life, and local procedures.
Financial Support
All YUFE bachelor’s students are eligible to apply for Erasmus+ funding to support their mobility periods. The Erasmus funding will be approved provided the Erasmus eligibility criteria are met.
About the YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies
The YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies is a brand-new, innovative programme launching at the University of Cyprus in the academic year 2026–2027. As one of the first students to join, you will be among the pioneer graduates of this international and multidisciplinary programme.
The programme’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in the field of urban sustainability. Spanning economics, business, urbanism, engineering, environmental sciences, and the humanities, our interdisciplinary approach bridges professional fields and enhances your global perspective.
With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning, you will enjoy a flexible and diverse learning journey. This ensures you are well prepared for a wide range of roles aimed at making cities more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready.
By joining the programme, you will enhance your employability and develop the confidence to become a leader in urban sustainability. An international outlook and strong language proficiency — particularly in English — further strengthen your profile.
As the programme serves as a leading example of international joint education, it prepares you to grow professionally through international collaboration. Upon graduation, you will already have built an international network with students, teachers, and businesses across Europe — a valuable asset for your future academic and career pathways.
Last Updated on June 4, 2026
