Applying for YUFE’s Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies (USS)* means you’ll begin by choosing one of the seven partner universities to start your degree. This will be your starting university, where you’ll spend most of your time during your studies. Please note that in semesters 3, 4, and 5, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of minors offered by all ten YUFE partner universities, meaning you’ll be studying at multiple locations across Europe. 

You can choose to start your YUFE Bachelor at one of the following starting universities:

1. University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
2. Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
3. Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
4. University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
5. University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
6. University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
7. University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

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*This programme has been officially approved by NVAO (Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders) following an external peer review under the European Approach for the Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes. National recognition of the programme is in progress in all countries of the degree-awarding partners. 

To enrol in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor, you’ll need to have: 

1. a secondary education degree
2. and a minimum of B2 level in English.

Be sure to visit the website of the university you wish to start your YUFE Joint Bachelor with for detailed information on the required documents, admission criteria specifications and deadlines.

While registering with the YUFE Virtual Campus is a mandatory step for all applicants, the rest of the application process may vary slightly depending on your preferred starting university due to national legislation. 

If you choose UNIRI as your starting university, please follow the next steps. 

Please note that the admission process for the YUFE USS at the University of Rijeka consists of two selection rounds. The first round is the primary admission phase, while the second round will only be conducted if there are remaining spots after the first round.

Each step of the procedure will clearly indicate the deadlines for both selection rounds.

Once you have reviewed the instructions on the application process, you can start your application on the YUFE Virtual Campus.  

Step 1 Register in the Virtual Campus

The application in the Virtual Campus is a mandatory part of the application and a prerequisite for considering a candidate for admission to the programme. 

The application in the Virtual Campus involves submitting the required documents and completing a short questionnaire on your motivation for joining the programme. 

The application period in the Virtual Campus for enrolment at UNIRI as a starting university is open from 3rd February until 10th July 2025. 

Register here: YUFE Virtual Campus 

Step 2 Upload the documents

Upload all the documents in the Virtual Campus by the respective deadlines:

• First-round deadline: 18th May 2025 
• Second-round deadline: 10th July 2025 

A secondary education degree 

Upload your four-year high school education diploma or its equivalent, which qualifies you for university admission according to the regulations in the country where you graduated. 

If you have completed a secondary school education programme in Croatia of at least four years’ duration and passed the state matura exam, you are eligible to enrol in the programme. 

If you are completing your 4-year secondary education in 2025, upload a confirmation of your study status. If you are taking your final exams after the designated deadline, this is a valid reason for submitting your certificate later (UNIRI will inform you about the procedure via email). 

If you are a non-EEA applicant, it is strongly advised that you submit your secondary education degree during the first-round application period, no later than 14th April 2025. This will enable UNIRI to conduct a preliminary assessment of your qualifications with the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education, the authority responsible for recognizing foreign qualifications. 

Proof of English language proficiency 

You can meet the English language proficiency requirement through one of the following: 

A—evidence of English language competence at level B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as documented in educational policy records from the relevant country or educational authority, or, 

B—a valid language certificate, not older than two years at the time of application, with the following minimum scores:  

→ TOEFL iBT (test centre only): 80 
→ IELTS2 Academic: 6.5 overall, 6.0 per component 
→ ITACE3: B2
→ Cambridge English: B2 First (score 176 or above) 
→ PTE 4 Academic: 59  

C—alternative qualifications and tests with equivalent scores may also be considered. 

Exemption from providing language proficiency proof is granted to applicants who have: 
A—obtained a diploma from an English-taught programme in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States; or
B—completed an English-taught programme elsewhere, provided the language of instruction is clearly stated on the educational documents. 

Copy of your passport or identity card (for EU citizens) 

Upload a scanned copy of the relevant passport pages showing your personal details and date, or a scan of your identity card (if you are an EU citizen). This is necessary as we have separate enrolment quotas for EEA and non-EEA students at some YUFE universities. 

Demonstrate your motivation

As part of the application process, in addition to submitting the required documents and selecting your starting university, you will need to complete a motivation questionnaire in the Virtual Campus. This will give you the chance to explain why you are interested in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor. Your responses will help us assess whether this programme, offering exceptional freedom, student autonomy, and the flexibility to study across multiple universities, is a good fit for you. Additionally, candidates’ responses may be used as a criterion in selecting students for specific starting universities, if needed. 

Each answer should be no longer than 700 characters. You will be asked about how you adapt to new cultures and travel, your experience collaborating to solve problems, your goals for the programme, and your academic and career aspirations. 

After submitting your application, we will check that you are eligible for the programme. This means that UNIRI will verify whether your application form is complete, whether you have provided all the required documents, and whether you meet the admission criteria. 

If you met the eligibiluty requirements, you will receive an eligibility notice through the YUFE Virtual Campus:

• First-round eligibility notice: 19th May 2025 
• Second-round eligibility notice: 11th July 2025 

Please note that this does not mean you have been accepted into the programme yet – it simply confirms that you meet the eligibility requirements, and we can proceed with the next steps in the admission process (which may include selection). 

The maximum number of students admitted at USS in year 2025/2026 at UNIRI is 20 (of which 5 for non-EEA students).  If the number of applicants exceeds the available spots, a selection process will be conducted. 

The selection process will be based on the evaluation of your responses to the motivation questionnaire, using pre-established guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency for all applicants.   

If you are not selected, you will be directed to other YUFE universities you listed as your priority choices in the application.  

The second round of selection will only take place if the quota remains unfilled after the first round. 

Admission offer  

If you are selected, you will receive an admission notification via email:

• First-round admission notification: 27th May 2025 
• Second-round admission notification: 15th July 2025 

You will then need to confirm your intention to enrol at the University of Rijeka. At this point we will begin preparing everything for your enrolment!  

If you completed your high school education abroad, your diploma must be recognized in Croatia to be eligible for enrolment. The Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education is responsible for this recognition, but we will submit the request on your behalf.  

To proceed, we will need you to complete some additional forms and send us validated copies of your high school report cards, graduation certificate/diploma, and proof of citizenship by priority mail by the following deadlines:

• First-round deadline: 18th June 2025 
• Second-round deadline: 17th July 2025 

All documents must be notarized, and if you are from a non-EU country, they must also be translated into Croatian or English and validated by a certified court interpreter. Detailed instructions regarding this procedure will be provided to you as part of the admission notification. 

Important for non-EEA students: 
Due to the late enrolment period and the imminent start of classes, the second-round selection is not recommended for non-EEA applicants. The confirmation of enrolment required for visa applications would be issued quite late, making it very challenging to complete the visa process in time.

At the conclusion of the admission procedure, UNIRI will inform you via email about the outcome. 

The annual tuition fee for enrolling in the YUFE Bachelor programme in Urban Sustainability Studies at UNIRI is €2,500 for EEA students and €5,000 for non-EEA students. 

The enrolment fee for the academic year 2025/2026 will be determined by UNIRI and is expected to be approximately €60. 

Students are required to pay the tuition fee and enrolment fee for each academic year throughout their study. 

Enrolment will take place online:

• First-round enrolment: 17th–18th July 2025 
• Second-round enrolment: 25th–26th August 2025  

Once you enroll in the programme, we will send you a confirmation of your student status, which is necessary for obtaining the visa.

Candidates are responsible for securing their own visa. 

Please make all necessary arrangements in advance (visa, accommodation, etc.). Delays in obtaining a visa will not postpone the start of classes. 

In Year 1, you’ll focus on developing the essential skills, starting at one of the seven universities of your choice. After that, it gets even more exciting – in years 2 and 3, you get to fully personalize your degree. You will select from 18 YUFE minors across ten universities, study at different locations around Europe, and get the real-world experience you need. Oh, and don’t forget the final thesis that wraps it all up, showcasing the expertise you’ve built throughout the programme. 

More details on the courses and Minors running in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor programme can be found on the YUFE Virtual Campus. 

Personalize your learning path / choose your starting university

You can begin your Urban Sustainability Studies programme at one of the seven degree-awarding “starting universities” within the YUFE Alliance. At each of these universities, you will receive a comparable learning experience, allowing you to progress through the programme in alignment with your personalized curriculum choices. However, there are specificities at each of the starting universities.

Below you can find details about the academic path you can start at the University of Rijeka, while for a full overview of the programme at all YUFE universities visit: https://www.yufe.eu/students/yufe-bach/.

First-year courses may vary depending on the selected starting university. The curriculum outlined below represents the academic path for students at the University of Rijeka.

COMPULSORY COURSES

ELECTIVE COURSES (a list to be expanded)

In semesters three, four, and five, you’ll get the chance to shape your academic path by choosing three YUFE minors, which are key to the programme’s flexible, open curriculum. 

Minors are 30 ECTS study modules with a thematic focus, delivered in a blended format. They combine in-person courses at the host university with online courses from other partner universities. While the total course offerings within a Minor exceed the 30 ECTS requirement, this flexibility allows you to tailor your Minor to align with your interests and goals.

Each minor includes a challenge course worth 6 to 8 ECTS. These courses are all about applying and connecting the knowledge you’ve gained through the minors. You’ll work in small teams to tackle real-world challenges that matter to the community around your host university. It’s not just about theory – this is hands-on learning that also helps show you’ve mastered the skills of the minor. 

To level up your experience and meet the programme’s mobility requirement, you’ll need to choose at least two minors from one or two different partner universities within the alliance (aside from your starting university). This ensures you get exposure to different environments and ways of learning. 

Check out this (indicative) list of Minors running in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies: 

Fall semester

Urban Health & Wellbeing
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland

Urban Ecology in Europe: public policies, cultural narratives
Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France

Design and perspectives on Heritage  
University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Natural Sciences for Sustainability
University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

Economic development
University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Urban Environmental and  Sustainability Education
University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Borders, Europe & Russia
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland

Urban Sustainable Development
Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherland

Urban Inequality
University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Driving change: Activism, Engagement and Communities
University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Smart cities for sustainable culture
University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Societal issues in a contemporary world
University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Sustainable business
University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland

Smart cities for sustainable culture
University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Spring semester

Cities of Dreams and Nightmares
University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom

Sustainable Tourism
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland

Heritage and perspectives on design  
University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Cities & Urbanisation: Interdisciplinary perspectives  
University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Urban Ecology: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change 
University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Urban Sustainable Development
Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

Academic Advisors

Upon enrolment, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to help you navigate your academic journey. Your academic advisor will assist you in selecting courses, integrate YUFE Minors and electives, and meeting your programme goals. Your advisor will guide you in refining your academic goals, understanding course inter connections, and exploring career paths, and preparing for master’s programmes.

Located in the vibrant coastal city of Rijeka, the University of Rijeka offers an exceptional academic and cultural experience. Nestled on the Adriatic Sea, Rijeka combines rich maritime heritage with a modern, multicultural atmosphere. The city’s strategic location allows easy travel to nearby Italy, Slovenia, and other parts of Central Europe, opening doors to diverse cultural and professional opportunities.

Rijeka is not just a place to study; it’s a city full of life. You’ll quickly embrace local traditions like long coffee breaks on sunny terraces while enjoying the welcoming and dynamic community. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty—from islands and national parks to pristine beaches and mountains—Rijeka offers endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

The University of Rijeka stands out for its high-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong ties between academic learning and practical application. As part of the YUFE Alliance, UNIRI provides a truly international experience, fostering collaboration and innovation. With a vibrant campus community and a focus on sustainability, UNIRI is the perfect place to shape your future.

Discover Rijeka—where academic excellence meets cultural richness.

For an overall overview of student support across our 10 YUFE partner universities, check out this overview (link). 

If you are a (prospective) UNIRI student, and in need of disability support, please contact us at  prilagodbe@uniri.hr. 

Contacts

In case you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us! 

For further information about enrolment at UNIRI, contact admission.yufe@uniri.hr.