This programme is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
Designed for busy professionals, our blended learning approach combines live classes, collaborative projects and independent study to maximise both flexibility and learning outcomes.
Gain a Master of Science and develop in-depth expertise in areas such as sustainability strategy, ESG regulations, impact measurement, managing financial and operational trade-offs, and leading organisational change.
Learn from RSM, a top-ranked business school at the heart of European sustainability regulation, circular economy innovation and sustainable finance, wherever you are in the world.
Our participants report increased confidence and the ability to apply their learning immediately to their current roles, helping them create impact within their organisations from day one.
Welcome to the Online Master in Sustainability Management. Sustainability starts with a desire to make a positive difference. This programme is designed for professionals who are passionate about addressing environmental, social and economic challenges and want to turn that passion into meaningful action.
Throughout the programme, you'll learn how to transform sustainability ambitions into practical solutions that create impact within organisations and society. Through a hands-on, real-world approach, and insights from leading organisations such as Unilever, Schneider Electric and Siemens, you'll develop the management skills needed to drive sustainable change with confidence.
Watch the video below to discover the programme and meet the faculty.
Learn about the programme fees, available scholarships, and funding options to help you plan and finance your studies.
The tuition fee for the two-year part-time programme starting in September 2026 is €19,000.
To secure your place in the programme, a €3,000 non-refundable admissions fee is required upon signing the registration agreement. The remaining tuition can be paid in four instalments of €4,000 each.
| Date | Payment | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| When applying | Application fee | €20 |
| 5 working days of receiving the offer letter | Registration fee | €3,000 |
| 31 August 2026 | 1st instalment | €4,000 |
| 30 November 2026 | 2nd instalment | €4,000 |
| 31 August 2027 | 3rd instalment | €4,000 |
| 30 November 2027 | 4th instalment | €4,000 |
Is the financial aspect holding you back from applying? We offer financial support through scholarships to help applicants pursue their educational and career goals. The scholarships are available to all applicants and can range from €500 to €2000 off tuition fees. Choose the scholarship that best fits with you and then apply.
Scholarships available:
How to apply
1. To apply for any of the Online Master scholarships you must first ensure that you have completed your application, and submitted it. The application is completed in the RSM online application portal Embark.
2. After submitting your application, please record a short video no longer than three minutes addressing the following points:
3. Please send the video to us via e-mail to the Online Masters Team: onlinemasters@rsm.nl
With many students getting support from their employer, either in terms of financing or time, approaching your organisation is probably the first place to start when thinking about funding a master as a working professional.
We have sample Business Cases you can use to assist with requesting support from your company or organisation.
Apart from our Online Master Scholarships there are other additional scholarships you might be eligible to use to fund your master.
These can include merit‑based awards, need‑based funding, diversity scholarships, or grants offered by educational foundations and partner organisations. Each scholarship has its own criteria, deadlines and application requirements, giving learners multiple pathways to secure support.
This digital brochure includes detailed information about:
Join us in Rotterdam for two full days of activities designed to celebrate your achievements, strengthen your professional network, and bring your Online Master's experience to a meaningful close.
Unable to travel to Rotterdam? You can still celebrate this important milestone as part of our global learning community by attending the hybrid graduation ceremony.
The scope of the roles in the field of sustainability management is growing. Today, sustainability leadership spans multiple specialisations across industries, from climate strategy to ESG reporting and sustainable supply chains.
From day one of the master you can start to implement the learnings into your current role. It will also prepare you to be able to advance your career in sustainability management.
This master supports you to:
Graduates can move into roles such as:
Learn how to apply, explore upcoming application deadlines and discover what to expect during the admissions process.
Applying to the Online Master in Sustainability Management is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Follow the steps below to start your study journey:
Once your application has been submitted, our Admissions Team will review your profile. If you meet the programme requirements, you will be invited to a short online admissions interview.
Selected applicants are invited to a short online interview (15-30 minutes) as part of the admissions process.
The interview gives you the opportunity to discuss your academic and professional background, learn more about the programme, ask questions, and explore whether it aligns with your goals.
Interview format and duration are determined by the admissions team on a case-by-case basis.
We operate multiple application rounds for each intake. Places are allocated throughout the admissions cycle and cohorts may reach capacity before the final application round. For this reason, we strongly encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place in your preferred intake and allows more time to prepare for the programme.
March 2027 intake
September 2027 intake
A minimum of three years of work experience is required. However, work experience in the field of sustainability is not necessary.
A bachelor's degree or higher or an undergraduate degree that is comparable in level with an academic bachelor's degree obtained at a Dutch research university (WO).
A strong command of the English language (read, write, speak). If you are a non-native English-speaking student, you may be required to provide proof of your proficiency in the English language.
In your online application you will need to attach the following documents:
1. Motivation letter.
Your motivation letter is a key part of your application. It is your opportunity to showcase your background, passion for sustainability and career aspirations while demonstrating your alignment with the programme's objectives. We would love to hear about what inspires you, your reasons for choosing this programme, and how you envision your future in this field.
The motivation letter should include a paragraph about:
your individual motivations for studying the course
your suitability to study at the master level
how you feel you can add value to your cohort and contribute as a student
2. Your CV.
Which shows information about your professional work experience.
3. Education degree (i.e. university).
Any relevant transcripts, in both the local language and an English translation can be uploaded during your application or shared at a later stage after you have submitted your application.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, or whether the Online Master Sustainability Management aligns with your career goals, we invite you to take advantage of our complimentary pre-admission assessment. Simply share your LinkedIn profile with us, and we will provide guidance on your Online Master study options.
Take the pre-admission assessment and find out if the Online Master in Sustainability Management is the best fit for you.
We're a diverse and dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting students throughout their learning journey.
RSM is one of Europe’s leading business schools and offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals.
At RSM, our mission is to be a force for positive change in the world. Want to know more about what this means in practice?
This programme is a great fit for you if you are looking to:
You do not need prior experience in sustainability to apply. However, applicants are required to have a minimum of three years of overall professional work experience.
We operate multiple application rounds for each intake. Places are allocated throughout the admissions cycle and cohorts may reach capacity before the final application round. For this reason, we strongly encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place in your preferred intake and allows more time to prepare for the programme.
September 2026
February 2027 intake
September 2027 intake
From day one of the master you can start to implement the learnings into your current role. It will also prepare you to be able to advance your career in sustainability management.
Graduates can move into roles such as:
As a learner, you are expected to commit to around 19 hours of studying a week during the lecture periods.
Yes, we offer different ways to finance your master, such as payment plans.
There is also a wide range of scholarships and incentives now available for applicants (which can range from €500-€2000 off your tuition fees).
Please click here to read more about financing your online master.
Are online master’s graduates eligible for the Orientation (search) year permit in the Netherlands after graduation?
Yes, Online Master’s learners may be eligible for the orientation (search) year permit in the Netherlands. This permit allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation to look for employment.
Please note that applications for the orientation (search) year permit are submitted directly to the IND. As a result, the university is unfortunately unable to support graduates with this application process.
For further details and official requirements, please visit: Residence permit for orientation year | IND
Check all the FAQs and have all your questions answered.
Explore our 10-week standalone courses from the Online Master Sustainability Management and find the topic that best matches your professional goals. Once you've selected your preferred course, simply contact us to register and secure your place.
If you decide to later apply and successfully enrol for the full Online Master in Sustainability Management programme, you will be able to skip the completed course and have a tuition fee reduction.
This master is a great choice for organisations who are looking to upskill employees and build in-house expertise to navigate and meet ESG requirements, reduce risk, and drive measurable progress toward sustainability goals, while strengthening long-term business resilience.
We understand developing your people is a strategic investment. That's why we offer flexible financial arrangements to help you maximise your Learning and Development budget while ensuring your team accesses world-class education.
We can establish tailored agreements that may include corporate tuition arrangements, volume-based pricing for multiple participants or multi-year partnership frameworks.
Whether you’re exploring learning options, preparing an application, or simply have a question you can contact the Online Masters Team us via email, WhatsApp or via an online call. We aim to reply to your enquiry within three working days.
See the different options of how you can contact the Online Masters team.
We regularly host webinars packed with fresh insights, real-world ideas and special guest speakers.
Think of them as a sneak peek into what you’ll dive into in the master programme. You can catch all the full recordings on YouTube!