- ITC - GEM MSc
- Application procedure
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
APPLICATION PROCESS
- 1.1. What background do I need?
Applicants should have a first or upper second class (2.1) BSc honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognised 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. Ofcourse 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. - 1.2. Can this programme be done online?
No, the programme cannot be online, you need to be there for the full duration in person.
- 1.3. Where can I find more information on the courses of each study track?
You can find the detailed Programme Guide for all study tracks at all partners universities here.
- 1.4. Is there any age limit?
No, there is no age limit, not for the study nor the scholarship
- 1.5. Am I eligible for the course with a Lower Second class (2.2) BSc degree?
No. The requirement is a First class or Upper Second (2.1) class BSc degree or equivalent.
- 1.6. Is work experience considered vital for selection ?
These are definitely not vital but can be useful
- 1.7. I do not have a degree or diploma (yet), can I still apply?
If you are finalizing your bachelor degree studies before 1st of September 2022, you can apply at an earlier stage indicating clearly the expected period when the official bachelor degree and complete transcript will be uploaded. Please note for application, a letter of the present university stating your status, finalization date and the transcript of courses followed and your grades should be uploaded before the deadline of 14th of January.
- 1.8. Do I need a proficiency test in English?
Yes. 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.
Please refer to the admission requirements for more information on the English proficiency prerequisite.
- 1.9. Can we submit an online/digital English test?
An English digital test is not acceptable, unfortunately. Here you can find more information about English Profciency: https://www.gem-msc.eu/application-procedure/admission-and-eligibility/
However, a computer based official TOEFL/IELTS is acceptable!
- 1.10. What type of IELTS test do I need?
You will need to take the IELTS Academic test, either paper based or computer based.
- 1.11. Which countries are exempted from English language testing?
If you are a national of one of the following countries, we will not ask you to provide evidence of an English language test.
For the list please check: The list of countries with exemptions.
- 1.12. Is a computer-based IELTS acceptable in GEM?
Yes, it is acceptable.
- 1.13. Can I send my English Proficiency Test outcome after the deadline?
If you are applying for the Erasmus+ Scholarship we need all documents before the deadline of 14 January 2022.
If you are self-funded we need it at least 3 months before the start of the course.
Sometimes it is also dependent on the situation and needs to be determined on a case by case basis. In that case contact us in time if you think you will have this problem.
- 1.14. What should I describe in my (provisional) research topic?
A description of your provisional research topic is used to check if you are academic capable to join the GEM course.
You can change your research topic during the course, if desired.
The description of the provisional research topic is to contain a concise description of the research you propose.
This should not be more than about 1000 words (about 1 to 2 pages of standard text). - 1.16. Do I have to submit a recommendation/reference letter?
No, it is not needed to provide a recommendation/reference letter.
- 1.17. I have applied for one track but I am interested in more. May I apply for another track simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple tracks, but if you are accepted for those courses you will be asked to choose 1 track before the start of the course as you can only follow 1 track at a time.
Also consider that you need to submit a research proposal for each of the tracks you will select. - 1.18. Why did I not receive a confirmation of my new account after I created my personal profile when I registered for the GEM course?
First check your spam or junk mail and if you still have not received please contact the GEM Education Support office via email : gem-msc-itc@utwente.nl
- 1.19. Does a proposal need to be detailed or specific for each of the tracks ? Is it possible to submit proposal combining one or two tracks ?
No, for each track you need to write a separate research proposal and motivation letter.
- 1.20. Could it be possible later to change research topic sent during the application after joining the GEM programme?
Yes, it is possible. It is important to consider that the research proposal in your application is to highlight your skill to propose a subject but your GEM courses will clearly drive your final choice for the master thesis.
- 1.21. How many *Erasmus+ Scholarships are awarded each year?
Approximately 15 EM scholarships are awarded each year.
- 1.22. What is the deadline for submitting my application?
registration before 14th of January 2022 will be considered for an Erasmus+ Scholarship.
The deadline for registration for other scholarship holders / self-funded Non-EU students is 1st June 2022 and for EU students it is 1st July 2022.
- 1.23. What tuition fee do I need to pay?
- European citizens pay € 18,000 tuition fee for the whole course.
- Non-European citizens pay € 18,000 tuition fee for the whole course.
- 1.24. Where can I find the current Covid information for each university?
University of Twente, ITC
Link to information on COVID: https://www.utwente.nl/en/service-portal/topics/coronavirus/University of Lund
Link to information on COVID: http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-lund-university/universitys-handling-coronavirusUniversity of Tartu
Link to information on COVID: https://www.ut.ee/en/coronaUniversité catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
Link to information on COVID: https://uclouvain.be/en/discover/mesures-prises-a-l-uclouvain-dans-le-cadre-de-la-covid-19.html - 1.25. Can I apply within GEM for a study or internship through the Erasmus Mundus Exchange programme?
We are sorry, but as we are not an initial Master’s program, we cannot participate in the Erasmus Exchange program.
- 1.26. Is there a format for the provisional research topic? Do you have any advice?
There is no specific format or template for the research topic. The ideas and logic in the proposal is more important then the format. Perhaps the proposal/research for your BSc study could be used.
- 1.27. What is the time schedule of the selection process?
For the time schedule of the selection process, please visit the Scholarships and Finances page here .
- 1.28. What are the job prospects after getting the degree?
Many students end up in Academics or in professional organisations or end up starting their own companies. For an idea, please visit the testimonials page on our website.
- 1.29. What is the requirement for the length of the motivational letter?
The requirement for the motivational letter is that it should be 1 or 2 pages max or a max of 1000 words.
- 1.30. Can I apply to more than three Erasmus+ programs?
While there is no formal restriction on the number of applications a student might submit, we generally recommend to potential applicants to choose carefully the master courses based on the preconditions/selection criteria described on the websites of the respective EMJMDs.
UPON ARRIVAL
- 2.1. Do I have to arrange all the visas by myself?
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 a Schengen visa, this enables you to travel/study in all Schengen countries of which all of the universities are part of. - 2.2. Can I bring my partner while I participate in the course?
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.
- 2.3. What are the typical costs to live in EU countries?
The cost of living in the EU varies slightly from country to country. As an example, accommodation and living costs in the Netherlands are estimated at a minimum of € 850 per month.
- 2.4. Can I start the course at a different time of the year?
No. The course starts in September every year.
- 2.5. Do I need to bring my own laptop?
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 as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
Computer access and facilities with desktops are provided, and the opportunities to download the needed softwares into your personal laptops (free). Also Open Source softwares is used often.
DURING MY STUDIES
- 3.1. Is this course fully taught in English?
Yes
- 3.2. Do I need to speak another language during the course?
No, the entire programme is taught in English.
- 3.3 Can I work during my study period in the EU?
Yes, this is allowed. However, the GEM MSc is a programme of full-time study.
- 3.4. Can I do my fieldwork outside Europe?
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. If you are an Erasmus+ scholarship holder and the fieldwork takes place in a partner country for more than three months, then you will face a deduction in the grant towards your subsistence costs. Information on partner countries can be found here.
- 3.5. Why should you follow a 120 ECTS MSc course instead of a 60 ECTS MSc course?
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.
- 3.6. What degree will I receive?
Successful candidate will be awarded with two MSc Degrees depending on the Tracks below :
- Track 1: MSc (Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society) and MSc Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation with specialisation in environmental modelling and management
- Track 2: MSc (Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society) and Master in Agriculture and Bio-industries, Professional focus: GIScience & EO for Environmental Modelling and Management
- Track 3: Master Program in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management and MSc Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation with specialisation in environmental modelling
- Track 4: Master Program in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management and Master in Agriculture and Bio-industries, Professional focus: GIScience & EO for Environmental Modelling and Management
- 3.7. Is the internship duration part of the two year period?
Yes, within the two year study you will be doing an internship
- 3.8. What types of software would we learn?
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 then learning the software in detail/in a technical form