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See ITC - GEM MSc

Frequently Asked Questions

Application process

  • 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-coronavirus

    University of Tartu
    Link to information on COVID: https://www.ut.ee/en/corona

    Université 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 15th March 2021.

    If you are self-funded we need it at least 3 months before the start of the course.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • What is the time schedule of the selection progress?

    In April/May the GEM consortium has to send to the EU, the list with the candidates, and reserve candidates, who are provisionally accepted and recommended for an Erasmus + Scholarship.  You can expect to hear about the scholarship results in May/June 2021.

  • 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

  • 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.
  • How many scholarships are awarded each year?

    Approximately 15 EM scholarships are awarded each year. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Do I have to submit a recommendation/reference letter?

    Yes it is mandatory to provide at least 1 recommendation/reference letter.  

Upon arrival

  • Do I have to arrange all the visas by myself?

    Yes, but we will assist you wherever possible. The visas required for your second year will be handled once you start the GEM course.

  • 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.

  • What are the typical costs to live in the 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.

  • Can I start the course at a different time of the year?

    No. The course starts in September every year.

  • 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.

During my studies

  • Is this course fully taught in English?

    Yes

  • Do I need to speak another language during the course?

    No, the entire programme is taught in English. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What degree will I receive?

    Successful graduates are awarded a multiple MSc degree in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation with a specialisation in environmental modelling and management.