Sweden · Master's
Uppsala University
MSc Sustainable Development
Uppsala University
Course Overview
Uppsala University's MSc Sustainable Development is jointly delivered by Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) — a unique interdisciplinary partnership that brings together natural science, engineering, economics, and social science teaching under one master's. Uppsala (founded 1477) is Sweden's oldest university and consistently ranks top-100 globally; SLU is Europe's leading agricultural and environmental science institution.
Sri Lankan applicants from environmental science, agriculture, engineering, geography, or development studies backgrounds (Peradeniya, Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura) use this MSc as a route into climate / sustainability / development careers — Sweden's policy and corporate leadership in sustainability (IKEA, H&M, Volvo, Vattenfall, Spotify all maintain large sustainability teams) plus the UN agencies in Geneva, Nairobi, and Bonn make it a strong launchpad. The two-year curriculum has four optional tracks: Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering — students choose a track based on their bachelor's background and tailor electives accordingly. Year 2 includes a substantial master's thesis often field-based.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS / 3 years) in a relevant discipline — natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, agriculture, geography, or environmental studies.
- check_circle Demonstrated coursework in sustainability, environment, or related topics (transcripts reviewed in detail).
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Peradeniya (Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Science), Sri Jayewardenepura, Sabaragamuwa, or Ruhuna with a first / upper-second class are competitive.
- check_circle CV, motivation letter (max 1 page), academic transcripts.
- check_circle GRE / GMAT not required.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Swedish not required — the MSc is taught 100% in English.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (SEK) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU/EEA) | SEK 130,000 | Rs. 4,160,000 |
| Living Expenses in Uppsala (12 months) | SEK 110,000 | Rs. 3,520,000 |
| Health Insurance & Residence Permit | SEK 20,000 | Rs. 640,000 |
| Books, Field Trips & Travel | SEK 18,000 | Rs. 576,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | SEK 278,000 | Rs. 8,896,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Uppsala Sustainable Development graduates qualify for Sweden's 1-year post-study job-search residence permit. Strong placement into Swedish sustainability corporates (IKEA Sustainability, H&M Climate Strategy, Volvo Sustainability, Vattenfall, Ørsted), consulting (Sweco, Ramboll, McKinsey Sustainability), Swedish government (Sida, Naturvårdsverket — Swedish EPA), and UN agencies (UNEP Nairobi, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNFCCC Bonn). Many graduates go on to PhDs at Uppsala, SLU, KTH, or Stockholm University. Sri Lankan returnees route into sustainability roles at MAS Holdings (sustainability is a brand pillar), Brandix EcoCentre, Hayleys, Dilmah Conservation, IUCN Sri Lanka, the World Bank Colombo, and UN Sri Lanka.
Related Programs
Master of Environmental Management and Development
Australian National University
Master of Renewable Energy
School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University
MMath Master of Mathematics
University of Waterloo (Faculty of Mathematics)
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