Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

First, check your spam or junk mail, and if you still have not received it, please contact the GEM Education Support office via email: gem-msc-itc@utwente.nl.

For the time schedule of the selection process, please visit the page: How to Apply. 

No, it is not necessary (anymore) to provide a motivation letter / reference letter / provisional research topic. 

Applicants should have a first or upper-second class (2.1) BSc Honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a discipline related to the course.

There is no specific type of background that is needed for the course, it can be technical, social, or computing background. Of course it helps if your background is in the area of the topics within the programme, but applicants that have a different background are welcome too.

No, there is no age limit.

These are definitely not vital but can be useful.

No. The requirement is a First class or Upper Second (2.1) class BSc degree or equivalent.

If you are finalizing your bachelor's degree studies before the 1^st of September 2024, you can apply at an earlier stage clearly indicating the expected period when the official bachelor's degree and complete transcript will be uploaded. Please note that for application, a letter from the present university stating your status, finalization date and the transcript of courses followed and your grades should be uploaded before the application deadline. 

Yes, you are welcome to apply when you already have a second degree.

Yes, we will invite a small number of applicants to submit a recorded video interview as part of the selection process for the Erasmus+ Scholarship.
Please note that this will not be a live interview, and not all applicants will be selected for this step.

Please refer to the admission requirements page for more information on the English proficiency pre-requisite.

Please check this page for more info: https://www.gem-msc.eu/application-procedure/

Please check this page for more info: https://www.gem-msc.eu/application-procedure/

We need all documents before the deadline mentioned on the home page or application page.

The programme is fully taught in English, there is no need to learn or speak another language. 

If your country is not on the list of exempted countries, you need to submit the results of a recognized English test, e.g. British Council/IELTS.

Yes, but we will assist you wherever possible.

However, the visas required for your second year will be handled once you start the GEM course.

Also, since you apply for an Intra EU mobility student visa, this enables you to travel/study in all EU countries of which all of the universities are part of. 

We strongly advise you not to bring your partner for the full duration of the whole course.

The scholarship will not cover the costs for your spouse.  Should you insist to bring your spouse/partner, then the programme/hosting university is not responsible for any arrangements regarding visa/logistics/finances. 

No. The course starts in September every year.

Participants are required to have a laptop/notebook that meets the foundation year university requirements.

Course participants can either bring their own laptop/notebook or purchase one from other sources if they meet the minimum requirements.

Computer access and facilities with desktops are provided, and the opportunities to download the needed software into your personal laptops (free). Also Open Source software is used often.

You have to apply for your own accommodation. However, the hosting universities will assist you wherever possible

Yes. Fieldwork can take place in any country providing that the research proposal is approved by your host university and that the fieldwork can be conducted safely.

Note - If you are an Erasmus+ scholarship holder and the fieldwork takes place in your country of residence, then you will face a deduction in the grant towards your subsistence costs. Information on partner countries can be found here.

You gain more knowledge and expertise because you are studying more topics in greater detail.

120 ECTS MSc is required for entry to many European PhD programmes, as well as increasingly by industry and government.

Not all EU and International employers consider a 60 ECTS Master as a university degree.

Yes, you will do an internship during the two-year programme.

There will be many types of software depending on the track you choose. Examples are: GIS, Python, R, QSL, Matlab. Important to note is that the course is more aimed to learn about the methods and use the software as tools, rather than learning the software in detail/in a technical form

Yes, the programme is set up to provide basic introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for those who do not have it yet. 

No, the programme cannot be done online, you need to be physically present for the full duration of the course. 

Courses are combined with students from other studies at the university. Classes will have different numbers of students. Elective courses may be as few as 5-10 students whereas some introductory courses could be with many more students.

Check this page for more information: https://www.gem-msc.eu/about-gem-msc/.

You can find the detailed Study Guide for all study tracks at all partner universities on this page: https://www.gem-msc.eu/about-gem-msc/programme-structure/.  

No, it is not possible to apply for multiple tracks and keep in mind that it is not allowed to change track during the course!

We advise you to check our website and the study guide carefully to decide which track you find most applicable for yourself. You should be able to decide which track is most suitable for you.  https://www.gem-msc.eu/about-gem-msc/programme-structure/  gives you more information on the different tracks. 

To check your eligibility, we recommend submitting a complete application. You can find all admission requirements here. Eligibility depends on several factors, and we can only assess this once your full application is reviewed.

No, it is not permitted to change tracks.

Many students end up in academics or professional organisations or end up starting their own companies. For an idea, please visit the testimonials page on our website.

Please visit this page for the information: Finances

The cost of living in the EU varies slightly from country to country. For more information, please visit our Student Handbook.

Yes, it is allowed. Many students take up part time jobs to supplement their income from scholarships or other sources. However, the GEM MSc is a programme of full-time study and study remains your main purpose.  Part-time work should be a reasonably small time commitment to be in balance with your study load.

Yes, this is possible—but only if you have not previously received Erasmus+ funding. Please check with the relevant university to explore your specific options.

Please visit this page for more information:  Finance