A guide for applicants
Learn more how CDE’s Selection Committee members read your application
EM CDE’s Selection Committee members read all applications and review all candidates and aim on a fair judgment on your application. Consider our application tips and visit also the FAQ page.
Admission to Copernicus Master in Digital Earth requires a qualification based selection process, based on a call for application. Candidates will be nominated for Erasmus Mundus scholarship or will be nominated for a participation cost fee waiver. Self-funded candidates will be nominated for a participation cost fee waiver only.
For more information please visit: WHO – HOW – WHERE
Eligibility criteria in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree programme consist of university general eligibility criteria – entry requirements, and programme-specific eligibility criteria, which specify and add information to the general criteria. Candidates must meet both to be considered eligible. At the time of application candidates select and prioritize one specialization track. Please ensure that you meet specialization track criteria.
For more information please visit: Eligibility Criteria. Hint – look at the list of requirements and take them during your undergrad or afterwards as a non-degree student.
We highly recommend that all candidates carefully select the EMJM course based on the stated preconditions and selection criteria, which are clearly outlined on our website. In the application form, you will be asked to elaborate on “If you apply to several Erasmus+ EMJM programmes, what is your specific motivation to apply for this one?” Your response should be authentic and tailored to the Copernicus Master in Digital Earth, avoid generic or automatically generated statements. Provide convincing arguments that reflect your genuine interest, previous knowledge, and relevant experience. In addition, several sections of the application form, such as the cover and motivation letters, offer further opportunities to demonstrate your commitment and alignment with the programme’s objectives.
Erasmus+ EMJM scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to excellent candidates, with priority given to those at an early stage of their academic journey. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are warmly encouraged to apply as self-funded students, as the programme provides unique academic, professional, and networking opportunities that extend well beyond a traditional degree. All selected students, including self-funded candidates, benefit from a fee waiver for participation costs, ensuring full access to the programme’s resources and opportunities.
Learn more about the structure of COPERNICUS MASTER IN DIGITAL EARTH in the curriculum. It offers an insight into: Overview of the degree programme and professional skills; Required courses and plan of study; Optional specialization tracks and mobility periods; work placements, etc.;
For more information please visit: Curriculum
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme is open world-wide, this includes also EUROPEAN applicants. Selected candidates holding a European passport or from third countries associated to the programme: North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Türkiye will receive an Erasmus+ EMJM scholarship per month for the entire period of studies (max. 24 months).
For more information please visit: Erasmus+ eligible countries
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme is open world-wide.
For more information please visit: Erasmus+ eligible countries
A content list is available on the website. Special hints:
- Read the call for applications!
- The Selection Committee reviews Geospatial experience based on your prior degree, transcripts, certificates, work experience, fulfilled requirements for the chosen specialization track, etc.
- For more information please visit: Completed application.
Please note, you can edit your application as long as you have not yet submitted your application.
Hint – the question marks provide additional information. The application handbook assists in preparing and completing the online application process.
We’ve released a YouTube video sharing practical application tips from members of the CDE Selection Committee Board. This means you’ll hear firsthand what truly matters, what strengthens an application, and how to present your profile in the best possible way.
please upload your academic degree certificate(s), you may add the notification of degree results; if you apply for admission to a MSc, it is always the BSc serving as a basis for judging admission criteria, however, please feel free adding any other certificates obtained, and diploma supplement if available. If you haven’t yet graduated, upload a university confirmation that you are currently studying.
A transcript of records is a proof of achievement from the university, it lists all completed courses, including electives; it states your name, grades, etc. and degrees conferred. If your university does not issue official transcripts, create a list of all the courses you have attended, per semester with credits and grades and have your attendance formally confirmed (e.g. by the dean’s office at your university). Current students: please upload an interim transcript. Hint: provide all transcripts to completely showcase your profile.
Put an emphasis on writing a cover and personal motivation letter that will make an impression! Both cover and motivation letters are an integral part of the application form. For the cover letter you will be asked 5 questions, 1000 characters each, the personal motivation letter is asking 4 questions, 1000 characters each; spaces are included.
The Selection Committee values authentic and personal expression over polished wording. Generic and artificially generated text leaves a poor impression and weakens your application, while genuine reflections on your own experiences stand out much more. Note that the use of AI to create the text will be detected.
The application form and uploaded documents enable the Selection Committee to efficiently review each candidate’s profile by consolidating all relevant information and ensuring a fair and consistent evaluation process. This structure allows candidates to present an outstanding and well-targeted application that aligns with CDE’s selection criteria. Applicants are strongly encouraged to write their own, personalized statements, generic or AI-generated text produced by chatbots is easily recognizable and will negatively affect the evaluation. A verification check for AI-generated content may be conducted. Your application should reflect your genuine academic background, prior work or research experience, competencies, and personal motivation in your own words.
Test your technology in advance (additional links and information will be provided in a timely manner), act professionally (be aware of your body language and dress for success), and create an appropriate setting (consider your background and minimize unforeseen distractions). Prior to the interview, candidates may be asked to provide proof of practical experience and completed project work (e.g., cartography or programming projects), which will be reviewed and discussed during the interview. Be prepared to answer technical questions related to the projects and experiences listed in your CV, clearly highlight your personal contributions, the methods or tools you applied, and the outcomes achieved. Finally, practice answering common interview questions, many helpful tips and best practices are available online to help you present your strengths with confidence.
The Selection Committee ranks applications according to five categories: Outstanding, Highly competent, Competent, Not yet competent, and Failed. Admission to the programme will be offered to outstanding applicants.
For more information please visit selection and definition of terms.
The SelCom chairs undertake final ranking and nominate short-listed candidates for an online interview. Be aware, an official nomination for interview through the CDE selection procedure will be a successful achievement. However, after careful review and consideration of a candidate’s application, candidates can be nominated to be a selected student or as non-selected applicant. Based on the impression of the interview, the Selection Committee might shift a candidate to the non-selected list. The final nomination, selection of candidates take into account all published selection criteria.
Prerequisites and application form is the same for everyone. Therefore, each candidate has the same opportunity to highlight individual skills.
Meet current students and alumni and connect with us on social media.
Review our newsletters, they include many application tips from students, alumni and Selection Committee chairs, especially issue 2024_05!
latest update: December 22, 2025