On Wednesday, 7 May, final-year students from the general education tracks of the Juraj Dobrila Gymnasium and Vocational School in Pazin were introduced to an innovative undergraduate programme: Urban Sustainability Studies, set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic year.
This programme, developed within the European university alliance Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), was also presented in six other secondary schools in Rijeka and the surrounding area, attracting the interest of over 300 students. During the presentation, students actively posed questions about the programme’s content, the opportunities it offers in an international setting, and the challenges associated with the high level of autonomy it requires.
This is the first programme of its kind at undergraduate level in Croatia, and among the first in Europe. It enables students to earn a joint degree from seven European universities, including the University of Rijeka. Delivered in English, the programme is based on an interdisciplinary approach and problem-based learning, addressing real-life urban challenges. Over the three-year course, students will acquire knowledge and skills in fields such as urban planning, ecology, sociology, politics, economics, and other disciplines relevant to the development of sustainable cities.
Students responded with great interest to the prospect of studying abroad—one of the most appealing features of the programme. In the second and third years, students will spend part of their studies at a minimum of two partner universities in Europe, offering them the experience of studying in multicultural environments. They recognised the value of this opportunity, viewing it as crucial for accessing global career prospects in the future.
Another key feature of the programme is its high degree of flexibility—nearly two-thirds of the curriculum is elective, allowing students to tailor their studies by selecting courses and thematic modules (minors) from the offerings of YUFE partner universities. Pupils expressed enthusiasm about shaping their own educational pathways, alongside curiosity about how they would manage the autonomy and responsibility the programme demands. To support them, each student is assigned an academic advisor from the outset. These trained professionals, who also serve as lecturers, help students navigate the programme and strategically plan their studies according to their interests and aspirations.
Upon completion, students receive a joint degree from seven prestigious universities: Maastricht, Toruń, Madrid (Carlos III), Eastern Finland, Essex, Antwerp, and Rijeka. This degree provides an internationally recognised qualification, making graduates attractive candidates in the global job market and equipping them with a competitive advantage that opens the door to numerous career opportunities. Studying at up to ten different universities offers a rich and varied experience that will distinguish them from other candidates.
Applications for the first cohort of students are open until 10 July 2025. In addition to selecting the programme through the Postani student system, applicants must also apply via the virtual campus—the shared information system of the YUFE alliance—and submit the required documentation. To be eligible, candidates must have completed a four-year secondary education and demonstrate English language proficiency at the B2 level. Applicants are also required to complete a motivation questionnaire assessing their drive, adaptability to new cultures, and academic and professional goals.
Further information about the programme is available on the University of Rijeka’s website:
https://uniri.hr/en/yufe/yufes-joint-bachelor-in-urban-sustainability-studies.
For any questions or support during the admissions process, prospective students can contact: admission.yufe@uniri.hr.