Advanced Mineral Resources Development, AMRD

International Master of Science (EN)

Sustainability in mining - New perspectives for a resource-conserving world

Mineral Resources are the basis of modern technologies, renewable energy systems and resource-efficient infrastructure. However, their extraction must be forward-thinking, efficient, and sustainable to ensure a long-term balance between economic development and environmental responsibility.

The international Joint Master's programme Advanced Mineral Resources Development (AMRD) provides you with the opportunity to address precisely this challenge. By integrating natural sciences, engineering, and economics, you will acquire the knowledge and competencies required to work in environmentally responsible mining from a business-oriented perspective. Help shape a sustainable raw materials industry and become part of the future!

What to expect from the study programme?

This Master's programme is conducted in English and is designed for graduates of relevant Bachelor's degrees as well as professionals looking to expand their qualifications and enhance their career prospects.
Your studies will span four semesters across three renowned universities:

  • The first semester takes place at the Technical University of Leoben (Austria),
  • The second semester at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany),
  • The third and fourth semesters at one of our partner universities in China, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, Kenya, Uzbekistan, or Kazakhstan.

Studying in multiple countries fosters the development of intercultural competencies and prepares you optimally for an international career. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications. You will deepen your expertise in resource extraction, modern exploration methods, sustainable resource management, and innovative technologies for mine rehabilitation. Additionally, the programme covers project management, risk analysis, and legal frameworks. Practical experience is gained through laboratory work, excursions, and applied research projects.

  • Bachelor degree in
    Mineral resources engineering
    Mining
    Mine surveying or
    Mineral processing

Students with a BSc degree from outside of the core field of mining and mineral resources engineering (e.g. Geotechnical Engineering, Tunnelling, Safety Engineering, Applied Geology, Industrial Engineering, etc.) have to take part at a tutorial course prior to the beginning of the programme. The decision about that will be made by the international selection committee during the admission process.

  • Proof of English language proficiency by means of a recognized language test (TOEFL or IELTS)
  • Application Form (only relevant for international applicants)
    Please fill in the form completely!
     
  • Proof of academic degree (BSc certificate) and study records (Transcript of Records)
    In case the academic degree was not completed at one of the AMRD partner universities, diplomas and study records are to be certified in compliance with the national legislation where the application is submitted.
     
  • Proof of English language proficiency by means of a recognised language test (TOEFL, IELTS)
    TOEFL with an internet based score of at least 80 points (minimum: Listening 20, Reading 18, Speaking 17, Writing 16) or a paper based score of 550.
    IELTS with an overall band score of at least 6.0 (minimum: Reading and Listening 6.0, Writing and Speaking 5.5).
    The test should not be older than two years!
    Applicants who are English native speakers or graduated from a degree programme with English as the language or instruction are exempt from this regulation!
     
  • Letter of Application
    Description of the specific motives for the application for the master programme. One page maximum.
     
  • CV
    Include any subject-relevant work experience and extracurricular activities (two pages maximum)
     
  • Chinese and Vietnamese applicants need to submit an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) along with the application for admission

Applicants from AMRD Partner Universities

Technical University of Leoben
Birgit Knoll
amrd(at)unileoben.ac.at

 

International Applicants

TU Bergakademie Freiberg
Zulassungsbüro
Akademiestrasse 6
09599 Freiberg
GERMANY

(TU Bergakademie Freiberg only accepts applications which are sent by post and arrive not later than January, 31st. Do not apply by e-mail!)

Students will be screened for eligibility by an international committee. The international committee consists of two representatives from each partner university.

The committee will award the maximum number of programme places available for the respective academic year to applicants who meet the admission requirements:

  • Type of previous studies: students with a focus in the field of mining are given priority
  • Specific motives for the application
  • Subject-relevant work experience and extracurricular activities

The applicants are informed about the result of the admission procedure at the latest by April 31st.

Living costs (per month)

Technical University of Leoben, Austria € 860,-
TU Freiberg, Germany € 600,-
China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, China € 450,-
National Mining University Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine € 400,-
Amirkabir University of Technology € 250,-
Instituto Superior Técnico of the Universidade de Lisboa € 800,-

Fees (Tuition, Misc. Fees)

Technical University of Leoben, Austria:

  • Student Union Fee (obligatory for every student): € 24,70/semester
  • Tuition (only for non-EU citizens1! EU citizens and students from AMRD partner universities are exempt): € 726,72

TU Bergakademie, Freiberg:

  • Enrollment Fee (obligatory for all 4 semesters): € 97,-/semester
  • Tuition: None

China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, China:

  • Registration Fee: RMB500 yuan
  • Tuition (only for international students! Students from AMRD partner universities are exempt): RMB14400 yuan/semester

National Mining University Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine:

  • Tuition (only for international students! Students from AMRD partner universites are exempt): € 1000,-/semester

Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran:

  • Tuition (only for international students! Students from AMRD partner universities are exempt.): € 750,-/semester

Instituto Superior Técnico of Universidade de Lisboa:

  • Enrollment Fee: € 25,-
  • Insurance: € 1,15/year
  • Tuition: € 1.063,47 for Portugese and EU students, € 7.000 for Non-EU students2

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1 Exemptions: Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Yemen, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Kiribati, the Comoros, Congo (Democratic Republic), Laos (Democratic People's Republic), Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, the Maldives, Mali, Mauretania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, the Solomon Islands, Zambia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania (United Republic), Timor-Leste, Togo, Chad, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Central African Republic

2 Non-EU students can apply for a scholarship equivalent to 50% of the tuition fees

After you have been selected for the joint master programme a staff member of the Technical University of Leoben will contact you to assist you in preparing your stay in Austria.

START PREPARATIONS EARLY!
Contact the Austrian representative authority (embassy, consulate-general) in your home country and apply for a D-Visa.
The application will be sent to Austria and the decision has to be awaited on in one’s home country (therefore the application should be submitted about three months before the intended arrival in Austria).

Make sure that your application is complete; if the Austrian authority needs to get back to you for further information, the application process might be delayed.

Please provide contact details (phone number, e-mail address) to guarantee that communication from Austrian authorities will get through to you.

You will have to apply for a respective German visa for your second semester at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Austria. The International Relations Office (MIRO) at the Technical University of Leoben will provide all the necessary information and assist you in that matter.

What are your career opportunities?

With the internationally recognised Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Mineral Resources Development, numerous career pathways become accessible. You will be well-equipped to assume leadership positions in the raw materials industry, environmental and sustainability management, or international organisations.

Possible fields of work:

  • Exploration and assessment of mineral deposits
  • Planning of mining projects
  • Management of mining operations
  • Sustainable mine rehabilitation and environmental engineering
  • Project management in the raw materials and energy sectors
  • Research and development in innovative raw material technologies
  • Strategic consulting for corporations and government institutions

Due to the intercultural profile of this Master's programme, attractive career opportunities open up in mining companies, public administrations, and international organisations. You will be ideally prepared to contribute to sustainable solutions in the raw materials sector and actively shape a resource-efficient future.