The Joint International Master in Sustainable Development presents a comprehensive educational opportunity for Bachelor's graduates who are eager to dive into the multifaceted world of sustainability.
As part of the master's programme, there is the unique opportunity for four students per cohort to obtain a Joint Degree between the Universities of Graz and Hiroshima or Leipzig and Hiroshima.
Possible study paths
Within the joint degree option you can choose one of the degree-awarding universities as your entrance university where you will be enrolled and a mobility university for your specialisation according to your academic background. Within this Joint Degree Programme you must complete 60 ECTS at one of the European partner universities (Graz or Leipzig University) and 60 ECTS at Hiroshima University. This allows you to highly specify on different modules and specialisation tracks that are of interest to you.
In the Joint Degree option, the following universities can be chosen as Entrance Universities:
If you choose the University of Graz or Leipzig University as your entrance university, you have to complete a mandatory mobility of 60 ECTS (two semesters) at Hiroshima University.
If you choose Hiroshima University as your entrance university, you have to complete a mandatory mobility of 60 ECTS (two semesters) either at the University of Graz or Leipzig University.
Check out the full structure of the programme
Modules & Tracks
You attend the module "Basics in Sustainable Development" (30 ECTS) in the first semester at your entrance university where you gain an overview of the concept of sustainable development and acquire a basic knowledge.
The specialisation track (second semester, 30 ECTS) includes a specific number of courses that provide you with theoretical depth and a solid foundation in research methodology, techniques and skills. The "Integration Module" (30 ECTS) in the third semester aims to put disciplinary insights and approaches into the right context while learning to work in teams on assigned projects. Elective courses further deepen this knowledge. You spend your second and third semester at your mobility university.
The independent final research Master's thesis comprises 30 ECTS credits. A research internship can be part of this final thesis (after consultation with the academic coordinator and/or supervisor). You attend the fourth semester at your entrance university.
For details, please see the Website of the Joint International Master in Sustainable Development
How to apply
Those interested in the Joint Degree Programme and Hiroshima University as their entrance university must submit the relevant application to Hiroshima University directly. Further information can be found on the university's website.
If you are interested in applying for the Joint Degree option within the Joint International Master in Sustainable Development and would like to select Graz or Leipzig as your entrance university, please follow the standard application procedure, which is explained in more detail on the programme website.
The call for applications for the academic year 2026/27 runs from 10 December 2025 until 10 March 2026 (23:59 CET).
