The SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus Programme in Sustainable Information Technologies for Societies is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree that prepares students to design, evaluate, and implement digital technologies that contribute to sustainable, equitable, and citizen-centered societies. This interdisciplinary programme emphasises artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, sustainability principles, and participatory design methods, blending academic rigour with real-world project-based learning. Graduates from the programme are equipped to operate at the intersection of technology, ethics, and society, ready to address complex challenges in digital transformation, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion across international contexts.

Developed under the Sustainable Information Technologies for Societies (SITeS) project, the SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus builds on collaborative strengths of leading European universities to foster inclusive quality education that reflects the European Skills and Digital Education Agendas. Students benefit from mobility across three countries and academic environments, learning through hybrid pedagogies, interdisciplinary modules, and engagement with industry and societal partners.

Key Details of the SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus

Feature	Details
Programme Name	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Sustainable Information Technologies for Societies (SITeS-JM)
Duration	2 academic years (120 ECTS)
Degree Type	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree
Language of Instruction	English
Study Model	Year 1 at Tallinn University and Tampere University, Year 2 at Lusófona University with interdisciplinary mobility
Scholarship Type	Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding and Consortium Scholarships
Academic Focus	AI and Data Science, Sustainable Digital Societies, Active Citizenship, participatory design methods

Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information

Item	Detail
Status	Ongoing
Start Date	31 October 2023
End Date	31 December 2029
Action Type	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM)

Universities and Countries Involved in SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus

University	Country
Tallinn University	Estonia
Tampere University	Finland
Lusófona University	Portugal

Programme Structure

Year	Location	Academic Components
Year 1	Estonia (Tallinn University) & Finland (Tampere University)	Core modules in AI, data science, sustainable digital societies and participatory design
Year 2	Portugal (Lusófona University)	Interdisciplinary project-based courses, professional placement and Master’s thesis
Optional Mobility	Additional semester or internship	Hybrid learning and research with real clients

Research and Industry Links

The SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus programme integrates academic learning with practical engagements through collaborations with societal NGOs, municipalities, and industry partners such as Citizen OS, Estonian Anthropocene Center, Lääne-Harju municipality, and Inspirators!, offering students opportunities to apply theory in real-world project settings that focus on sustainable digital solutions and participatory citizen engagement.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus must meet the following programme criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution
• Proficiency in English (evidence of test scores or equivalent)
• Motivation and interest in topics related to AI, sustainability, or digital society challenges
• Background in computing, social sciences, environmental studies, design, or related fields encouraged (but not strictly limited)
• Any additional criteria as specified on the official application portal

Required Documents

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and official academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter tailored to digital sustainability and societal impact
• Passport identification page
• Any other documents mandated by the program application portal

How to Apply – Step-By-Step

1. isit the official AISS programme website and open the application portal.
2. Complete personal, academic, and background sections.
3. Upload all required PDF documents in English.
4. Review and submit the application before the stated deadline.
5. If shortlisted, prepare for additional assessments or interviews as indicated by the programme.

Application Timeline 2025 and 2026 Intake

Stage	Timeline
Applications Open	December
Application Deadline	February
Selection and Review	March
Final Results Notification	April
Programme Start	September

Scholarship Benefits for SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus Applicants

• Erasmus+ scholarship covering tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend up to €1400 for 24 months
• Travel and installation allowance depending on eligibility
• Support for research, conferences and field-based activities
• Tuition fee waiver for scholarship holders

Guidance for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate your motivation for sustainable information technologies and societal impact.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking and project experience.
• Align your academic and professional goals with the programme aims in AI, data science, and digital citizenship.
• Ensure your documents are professionally presented and error-free.
• Highlight any relevant community, NGO, or research involvement.

Alumni Experience

Graduates of the SITeS-JM Erasmus Mundus programme describe the experience as highly enriching, emphasising the value of international exposure and the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum that bridges technology and societal needs. Alumni often move into roles involving ethical AI design, digital inclusion strategy, sustainable innovation, or continue academic research in AI and society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)