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This programme gave me more than just technical knowledge—it gave me a mindset.

"Choosing the Master’s in Sustainable Finance at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ was one of the most impactful decisions of my academic journey. What attracted me to the programme was its distinctive emphasis on connecting finance with sustainability and real-world impact—and it fully lived up to those expectations.

The curriculum addressed critical challenges facing today’s economy, from ESG investing and green finance to corporate finance and corporate responsibility. One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its flexibility—you can tailor your learning path to suit your interests and goals.

Courses were interactive and practical. The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in students’ development, which made the academic experience more rewarding. Frequent company talks, guest lectures, and real-life case studies provided valuable insights into how sustainability is transforming the financial sector.

Another standout feature was the international environment. Studying alongside students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds brought a global perspective to every classroom discussion, making the learning experience both enriching and collaborative.

This programme gave me more than just technical knowledge—it gave me a mindset. These insights proved invaluable during my internships at Rabobank, where I contributed to projects that balanced profitability with purpose."

Nahia Solbes (alumnus)

The finance professional of the future must not only know about sustainable finance, but also see it as an integral part of their work

"The Netherlands is at the forefront of the sustainable revolution, and Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ is following in the country’s footsteps. With specific courses on sustainability and relevant connections with institutions leading the transition, programmes like the Master’s in Sustainable Finance and Investments are necessary for the future of the planet.

New companies and initiatives that arise with a focus on positive impact require qualified partners with hands-on experience in the financial markets. Professionals who understand their differentiated value proposition, focused on creating shared value, are essential to ensure capital for their development. As an impact entrepreneur, I know that there is a significant gap in the market in this regard. Financial institutions are still highly focused on profit. We need professionals with a mindset aligned with the reality of a society that is surpassing all planetary boundaries, and who are ready to adjust the financial markets to this change.

The financial markets will undergo an important transformation concerning ESG, which will become part of the daily lives of financiers. The finance professional of the future must not only know about sustainable finance, but also see it as an integral part of their work – whether in risk x return analysis, valuation work or portfolio rebalancing."

Mathias Perobelli Schmidt (alumnus)

Combining finance with sustainability to achieve a sustainable financial market and society

"Sustainability has become a major topic in the financial sector, and financial institutions seek for approaches to implement sustainable finance and investments in a meaningful way. Currently, some take a finance-focus, trying to better understand and manage the financial profiles of their investments and lending portfolios using information on so-called material sustainability issues. Other financial institutions adopt more explicitly an impact-focus, seeking investments that instigate solutions to social and environmental challenges. This programme is built around the conviction that finance education on both fronts is relevant for students who aspire to promote sustainability through a career connected to the financial sector. We see today that policy makers demand from institutional investors and corporations that they better consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, and achieve more credible impact through their capital allocations. Such institutions benefit from finance graduates with an intrinsic interest in connecting finance to sustainability challenges, in different practical contexts. Therefore, next to academic knowhow and skills, students are equipped with real-world insights and perspectives through Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ’s network with sustainable finance pioneers."

Jeroen Derwall, Programme Director