How the fees work. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester.
About this programme
Master in Environmental Systems Sciences / Climate Change and Transformation Science is a master’s programme at University of Graz in Graz, taught in English. It runs for 2 years (4 semesters) and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Graz as the campus town. It lists the academic degree as Master of Science, MSc. University of Graz is a public university in Styria.
How it compares
Master in Environmental Systems Sciences / Climate Change and Transformation Science is one of 7 English-taught Science programmes at master’s level in the register, offered by 4 institutions. 7 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists EUR 1,453 a year. 7 are at a public university, where EU, EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters.
What you will study
The Master's in Environmental Systems Sciences / Climate Change and Transformation Science at the University of Graz is a full-time, two-year programme (4 semesters, 120 ECTS) taught in English. It leads to a Master of Science (MSc). The programme starts in the summer term.
What you study
The programme combines scientific training with interdisciplinary work. You choose one of two specialisations:
- Physical climate science
- Transformation science
Whichever you pick, you also take foundational courses in the other field, so you learn to read and understand the other side's research problems and approaches. A cross-cutting module brings students from both specialisations together to work on interdisciplinary challenges such as climate risks and resilience. In a practical module you tackle real-world problems in interdisciplinary teams with students from different academic backgrounds. A broad elective subject lets you deepen your specialisation, look further into the other field, or broaden your knowledge beyond the two.
The programme sits inside the Field of Excellence Climate Change at the University of Graz, where more than a hundred researchers study climate change, its risks for ecosystems and societies, and the economic, social, political and legal changes needed for a climate-resilient society.
How the programme is organised
It is a full-time degree over four semesters, worth 120 ECTS. Teaching is in English. The structure moves from your specialisation and its complement in the other field, through the cross-cutting module, to the practical module where you work in mixed teams. The elective subject gives you room to shape your profile.
You can also turn the master's into a Master's Plus: over two semesters you work intensively on a future topic of your choice through the master's modules.
After graduating, the Doctoral Programme of Natural Science at the Faculty of Environmental and Regional Sciences and Education offers a route into research.
Who it suits
This is for students with a strong interest in either the physical science of climate change or the science of societal transformation, and the curiosity to work across disciplinary boundaries on climate risks and the shift to a climate-resilient society. You should enjoy analytical thinking, discussing with teachers and fellow students, and getting your hands on complex mathematical problem solving and modelling.
Graz itself is a student city with many international students, the Alps close by for excursions and the Mediterranean not far away.
Admission, language and next steps
You need a completed first degree in a relevant subject area, for example Environmental Systems Sciences. The curriculum gives the detail on what counts as relevant. The teaching language is English.
There is no central application portal: you apply directly to the University of Graz, and its admissions page gives the application period and procedure. As a public university, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters; other students pay a fee per semester.
Check the curriculum (available in English and German) and the programme website for modules and entry requirements before you apply.
What the register says
The master's programme "Environmental Systems Sciences / Climate Change and Transformation Science" (ESS/CCTS) provides the necessary research-oriented qualification for dealing with natural and social science aspects of climate change and the transformation towards a sustainable, climate-neutral and climate-resilient society. This subject-specific orientation is complemented by interdisciplinary and systems science skills, with particular emphasis on the application of research-oriented methods. This is rounded off with a self-directed environment-oriented module that allows for an individual focus.
Text as the Austrian national register publishes it. Some entries are in German. For the current content and structure, use the official programme page.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Climate and environmental research
- Teaching
- Governmental organisations
- Non-governmental organisations
- Private sector
- Industrial sector
Before you apply
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Graz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entrance examination, as the register states it: No. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). Fees are in euros as the register lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and dates with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Environmental Systems Sciences / Climate Change and Transformation Science taught in English?
Yes. The register’s study finder lists English as the language of instruction at University of Graz. Confirm the language of the examinations and the thesis with the institution.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years (4 semesters) of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Graz as the campus town for this programme at University of Graz.
How do I apply?
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Graz. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page.
Is there an entrance examination?
The register gives: No. Details of any admission or aptitude procedure are on the programme page at University of Graz.
What does it cost?
EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester. Fees are in euros as the register lists them; confirm the amount for your intake with University of Graz.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). The OeAD, the Austrian agency for international education, publishes the official information for international students at studyinaustria.at. The programme page at University of Graz is linked from this page so you can compare.