From European University Alliance to Joint Master

E³UDRES² Anchors European Collaboration in Higher Education in Joint Study Programmes

First students of Joint Master in Applied XR (Credit: USTP/Christoph Böhm)

St. Pölten (pts022/14.10.2026/14:00)

The European University Alliance E³UDRES² has achieved a new milestone of European cooperation at the university level: For the first time, two collaboratively developed Joint Master programmes have been launched. This gives students the opportunity to study across several European universities, work in international teams, and develop solutions to real societal challenges. USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten coordinates the alliance and has designed the new study programmes together with partner institutions in the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.

Since September, a total of 36 students have been enrolled in the two new Joint Master programmes: 21 students from 17 countries have begun the Applied XR: Gamified Reality Applications for Real-world Challenges and Experiences (GRACE) programme, while 15 students from 13 countries are enrolled in the Joint Master in Digital Health: Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care. The programmes, which were jointly developed and are managed by several European partner universities, are the first joint study programmes offered by the European University Alliance E³UDRES².

The alliance coordinated by the USTP thus goes beyond cross-border networking: For the first time, the partner universities are jointly offering complete degree programmes. Students study at multiple European universities, work in international teams, and develop solutions to concrete challenges.

Two Study Programmes, One European Model

The Joint Master in Digital Health: Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care is carried out by USTP, Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The programme combines technological, health, and social perspectives on the digital transformation of healthcare and social systems. The first semester takes place at USTP, the second at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and the third at JAMK University of Applied Sciences. For their individual specialisation and writing their master thesis in the fourth semester, the students choose one of the three locations.

The Joint Master in Applied XR: Gamified Reality Applications for Real-world Challenges and Experiences (GRACE) is offered by USTP, Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in Latvia. It combines extended reality, gamification, and project-oriented working. Following their first semester at USTP, the students continue their studies at the two partner universities. They form international teams to develop XR applications for specific areas of use- such as education, healthcare, industry, or culture.

Both English-language degree programmes cover four semesters and are worth 120 ECTS credits. The mandatory switch between the partner universities is an integral part of the curricula. The universities thus not only collaborate on individual courses but also offer complete degree programmes across national borders.

Foundation for Further Joint Educational Offers

The experiences gained from the two Joint Master programmes are supposed to be integrated into the development of further joint programmes within E³UDRES² in the future. The alliance thus creates a basis for gradually expanding its educational offers beyond the borders of universities and countries.

Further information

• Joint Master in Applied XR: Gamified Reality Applications for Real-world Challenges and Experiences (GRACE): www.ustp.at/mgr
• Joint Master in Digital Health: Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care: www.ustp.at/mcd

About E³UDRES²
E³UDRES² stands for "Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions". The European University Alliance connects nine higher education institutions from small and medium-sized towns in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Latvia, and the Netherlands. Together with 36 associated partners from business, society, and the regions, E³UDRES² develops European solutions to regional challenges, thus strengthening regional innovation ecosystems. The alliance was founded in October 2020 and is coordinated by USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten.
Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions | E³UDRES²

Aussender:	USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten
Ansprechpartner:	Eva Schweighofer
Tel.:	+43 2742 313 228 360
E-Mail:	eva.schweighofer@ustp.at
Website:	www.ustp.at