MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program in European Forestry

The MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program in European Forestry is a distinguished, interdisciplinary two-year double-degree Master’s programme delivering outstanding academic education in sustainable forest bioeconomy and resource management. Administered under the Erasmus+ framework as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), this programme combines a curriculum with a strong European dimension and a focus on the future of forest-based bioeconomy

Over the years, it has garnered strong recognition—having been awarded EMJMD status repeatedly from 2004–2014, 2016–2019, and 2019–2023. As of the latest update, the programme continues with EMJMD status with scholarships slated for students starting in autumn 2026. The MSc EF is deliberately structured to furnish graduates with both theoretical insight and practical skills, preparing them for roles in national and international agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and industries connected to forestry, timber, paper, and pulp sectors

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 31-10-2019
• End date 30-10-2025
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master

Description of the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

The MSc EF Erasmus Mundus programme is a two-year, interdisciplinary, course-based double-degree Master’s offering from a consortium of top-tier European forestry universities. It emphasizes sustainable forest bioeconomy, European integration in forest management, and applied forestry solutions across multiple countries The programme’s design meets employer demands for professionals conversant in both technical forestry sciences and the European business environment.

Key Features of the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

• Double-degree awarded by two participating universities depending on second-year host institution
• Accredited according to the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes
• Extensive international mobility: field course across Europe, internships globally (Europe, Canada, Brazil, China)
• High employability: graduates valued by agencies, public bodies, industries worldwide
• Offers cultural and language exposure—students may study language courses (Finnish, French, German, Romanian, Spanish) and gain exposure in diverse forestry practices

Mobility Tracks of the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

• Year One (Autumn & Spring): First semester (autumn) and part of spring take place in Joensuu, Finland, including foundational modules and electives. Spring continues with a major field course across Austria, France, Germany, Romania, and Spain, followed by an Applied Period (internship) either within Europe or at associated partners globally.
• Year Two: Conducted at one of the consortium universities (Austria, France, Germany, Spain, or Romania), with Wageningen University joining from 2026. Students pick a study track aligned with their interests, such as resource economics, silviculture, modelling, decision support systems, or ecosystem services; there is also a “Global” Track+ with studies in Canada, Brazil, or China.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus program must typically provide:

• A Bachelor’s degree in forest sciences or a closely related field.
• Official academic transcripts from all previous higher education institutions.
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic and professional background.
• A strong Motivation Letter explaining interest in the program and career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• A valid passport or identification document for mobility purposes.

How to Apply for the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

• Visit the official application portal
• Prepare and submit required documents: CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, degree certificate (or proof of expected graduation), passport, and proof of English proficiency.
• Submit the complete online application before the deadline
• Applications are reviewed, and shortlisted candidates are notified during spring.
• Final results and scholarship decisions are released by early summer.
• Confirm your study place and complete enrollment to secure admission.

Tips to Win the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Prepare early: academic transcripts, motivation letter, references.
2. Highlight your fit: show genuine interest in bioeconomy and sustainable forestry.
3. Emphasize mobility readiness: adaptability for field courses and international internships.
4. Reflect interdisciplinarity: showcase both scientific acumen and cross-cultural competencies.
5. Apply for scholarships early: EMJMD scholarships are highly competitive—prepare all supporting documents in advance.

Application Timeline

• Opens: December
• Deadline: January
• Enroll: Starting September following selection

Curriculum Structure of the MSc EF Erasmus Mundus Program

Year One (First Academic Year):

• Module 1 (13 ECTS) in Joensuu: foundational courses (research methodology, academic skills, trends in European forestry, etc.) plus at least 30 ECTS of elective courses
• Module 2 (17 ECTS): European Forestry Field Course (8 ECTS)—practical field training across Europe; Applied Period in Forest Institutions (9 ECTS)—two-month internship, often arranged by the secretariat

Year Two (Module 3):

• Advanced courses (30 ECTS) at host institution based on chosen track.
• Master’s thesis + online thesis seminar (30 ECTS).
• Electives, language courses, track-specific specializations.
• Participation in graduation and the European Forestry Forum for networking and ceremonies

Coordinator Contact

• General Email: secretariat(at)europeanforestry.eu
• Coordinator: Dr. Marjoriitta Möttönen
  email. marjoriitta.mottonen(at)uef.fi
  tel. +358 50 442 3031

Alumni Feedback

“I would truly recommend the programme for anyone who is open minded and wants to learn about different cultures, while gaining a solid academic foundation.”

~Simon Fleckenstein

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)