Frequently Asked Questions
Review this structured list of the most common questions asked by candidates applying for Copernicus Master in Digital Earth.
Most frequently asked questions
I have an Engineer’s degree in geomatic sciences and surveying. During the program I studied, I came across these courses : geodesy, geography, remote sensing, surveying and cartography, spatial analyses. Am I eligible to apply with a degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Forestry, Biology, Meteorology and Climate Science…
You are welcome to apply based on your listed courses/academic backgrounds, whether a selection is possible will be determined based on your submitted documents.
How can I document prior Geospatial learning?
The curriculum of your bachelor’s programme or previous degree has to include basic subjects covering the premises and foundations required for a Geoinformatics / EO*GI MSc. The transcript documents (list of completed courses), certificates of additional courses, work experience certificates, etc. shall be uploaded with your application documents.
Yes, you are eligible to apply for a study seat. However, the Selection Committee will give preference to junior applicants, it will be important providing detailed and a sound explanation in the application form why you would consider completing a second MSc programme.
Do you only accept TOEFL of IELTS certificates? I can’t get a date to take a test before the end of the registration period.
We accept all C1 or B2 level certificates, including online test completion/result certificates e.g. Duolingo. Please note, only applicants who will submit all required documents will be eligible for consideration.
I’ve taken a test 2019 and I would like to know if I can submit it for my CDE application?
We accept English test language certificates/results not older than 2 years, based on required C1 or B2 levels.
What is the difference between reference letters and a referee, can they be the same, and both tasks are compulsory?
It is compulsory to add information of at least two referees = contact details of e.g. former teachers, employers or managers are ok as well, who are able and willing to communicate in English. The Selection Committee directly contacts the referees as per need.
You may upload two reference letters, however, this is optional; the reference letter can be provided by a listed referee of your application. All documents must be uploaded, we do NOT accept any letters sent my email.
I have my foreign documents (university degree and transcript) in two languages, English is included, and I am not sure whether to get it certified in Application (Step 1) process?
At the time of application candidates shall provide a copy of their original English language certificates, there is no need for a certified translation, since the original includes the translation. However, after successful selection, for the visa application, you may need to certify all documents.
I have a problem understanding one of the required documents for the application process. What do you mean by residential registration form for the proof of current residency? Is it ok to upload my passport or identity card as proof of residence?
Please provide a document that confirms your current residence, your address. It must be a document that shows where you live, it can be from a service provider, letter of employment, residence permit, lease agreement, etc.; the document shall confirm the active use of your current address by showing your name.
For the student residence permit (visa application) most candidates will need to certify/legalize degree documents. Get further information on the website of the Austrian Embassy in your home country. The international Austrian representations with consular operation authenticate foreign documents provided all necessary requirements are fulfilled.
The apostille is a confirmation of authenticity. It is granted and issued in the home country by a designated authority of the country that signed the Hague Authentication Convention.
Study Programme
The academic year and lectures will start in October at Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, arrival of students week 3 in September for the Orienation Project.
CDE lasts for 2 year academic years (4 semesters).
Students start and study at Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria in year 1 and go to either University of South Brittany, France or Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic in year 2.
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a tool of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) for making studies and courses more transparent and thus helping to enhance the quality of higher education.
One academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits that are normally equivalent to 1500–1800 hours of total workload. Hours per credit in Austria 25, in France 29, in Czech Republic ~26.
As a CDE student, you should enroll for at least 30 credits every semester.
The academic title is conferred by three European Higher Education Partners: (1) Paris-Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS), (2) University of South Brittany (UBS), and (3) Palacky University Olomouc (UPOL).
No. All students spend the first academic year at PLUS in Salzburg, Austria in order to acquire a set of core Earth Observation, Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing competences.
At the time of application for admission, candidates select and prioritize at least one Specialization Track, GeoData Science – University of South Brittany (UBS) or Geovisualisation and Geocommunication – Palacky University Olomouc (UPOL).
Students will move to the selected joint programme specialization track partner for the second academic year.
No. Study must take place in at least two of the CDE programme country partner universities.
Yes, students may move to another mobility (HEI) partner in the final semester, in a Partner country. Students stay admitted at Programme Country universities, Please see list of CDE associated partners.
Yes, the CDE Study Programme consists of a compulsory internship/work placement at any organization or at an associated industry partner.
All MSc theses will be co-supervised by academic faculty from at least two different partner universities – depending on the chosen Specialization Track – , and/or mobility partner. This approach not only tightly connects faculty within the consortium, but also offers students a plurality of scientific views. This jointness aims at securing high quality Master Thesis research.
APPLICATION PERIOD and PROCEDURES
The annual application period will be open from November to December for E+ scholarship, self-funded (self-paying) applications – selection and nomination of students until March at the latest.
The spring application window (April to June) is for NON-scholarship candidates, self-funded/self-paying candidates – assessment on a continuous basis.
The application procedure is divided into three steps: (1) Application, (2) Selection of Candidates, and (3) Registration for Admission. For Self-Funded Students the same procedure shall apply as for funded students.
STEP 2 – Selection of Candidates. The selection procedure aims to guarantee transparency and an equitable treatment of individual applications. Information to an appeal procedure will be available to all applicants.
STEP 3 – Registration for Admission/student enrolment. The Programme Office together with partner universities admission offices will facilitate admission as degree-seeking students.
The selection procedure is as follows: Applications are checked for eligibility, and if they meet all criteria. Based on the eligible application shortlisting will be implemented. Initial filtering and ranking is used as one measure to ensure that applicants are considered from multiple perspectives. The Selection Committee evaluates and ranks complete applications based on academic merits, the online interview, scores and [funding] regulations.
Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview will be contacted by Selection Committee members. By this time the selection has not been finished yet, and final information to applicants will be communicated according to the timetable published in the call – after the online interviews. Final information on selection status will be communicated in March.
Admission and Application Criteria
The Consortium will only accept online applications for the Copernicus Master in Digital Earth (CDE) programme. You can apply as a self-funded student or you can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship.
Yes, an applicant for admission shall hold the equivalent of an academic bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic higher education institution, corresponding to at least 180 ECTS (6 semesters), or a master’s or diploma degree with excellent grades in a ‘spatial’ discipline (see below: Which disciplines are eligible to apply for admission?) and computer science.
You already have completed an undergraduate degree (like a Bachelor or equivalent) or will shortly graduate. You are wondering, if the discipline of this degree qualifies for admission?
Clearly, the answer is – ‘it depends’ 😉
The curriculum states as a requirement ‘a bachelor’s degree in a geospatial discipline or from an equivalent programme at an internationally recognised tertiary educational institution‘. A ‘geospatial discipline‘ is where you do a lot of work with maps, spatial data, measuring/analysing/planning the real world – if your degree is from Geography, Cartography, Surveying/Geodesy, Environmental or Resouces Management, a Planning discipline or even Geoinformatics or Remote Sensing, you should give an application further consideration.
In addition, you are expected to have done substantial coursework with digital geospatial technologies – like Geographic Information Systems, Computer Cartography, Data Acquisition and Remote Sensing Image Analysis. Plus, some programming experience will be an essential asset.
A first degree in Computer Science might be eligible as long as you have experience in geospatial applications like GIS, visualisation or remote sensing image analysis; or are working towards building this background.
In short – you need to be prequalified in a ‘spatial perspective’ and ‘digital tools’. The name of your first degree only allows a limited assessment, we therefore will consider your full transcript of prior studies together with your motivation for a career orientation with ‘Copernicus’ and ‘Digital Earth’ as guiding lights.
First degrees in any geospatial discipline or closely related programme from an internationally recognised tertiary educational institution, such as: Geography, Geoinformatics, Geology, Computer Science, Data Science, Cartography, Remote Sensing, Ecology and Conservation, Surveying and Mapping, Agriculture, Resource Management, Urban/Regional/Landscape Planning, Public Administration, Infrastructure Management, Civil Engineering; this is an indicative list.
As far as you outline your prior qualifications, these would in principle meet the expectations between a background in a ‚spatial‘ discipline. Please be aware that this does not preempt any assessment and decision by the selection committee based on your complete application. You are definitely encouraged to apply once this process is opened.
Yes, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. However, the Selection Committee will give preference to junior applicants. It will be important providing detailed and a sound explanation why you would consider completing a second MSc programme.
Can you please share whats the minimum CGPA or Percentage required for admission?
There are no GPA or similar thresholds relevant for admission. However, student selection is made by the Selection Committee on the basis of the academic qualifications and merits shown in the application documents.
No. Erasmus+ scholarship holders cannot at the same time be beneficiaries of a grant for student or staff mobility in the framework of other higher education programmes funded by the EU budget, and vice versa.
Once you have submitted your application the Selection Committee checks it is:
- admissible (complete and properly put together) and
- eligible.
Before applications are ready for evaluation, they are checked for admissibility requirements, eligibility and for completness. Please note that we can only process duly completed applications. Eligibility checks include basic checkings: if they meet standard and eligibility conditions according to criteria.
Self-funded (self-paying) Students
All students not receiving an E+ scholarship within the MSc programme are considered as self-funded. This includes everyone either funding their own studies, getting financial assistance from family or friends, beneficiaries of scholarships other than Erasmus+, taking out a student loan etc.
The checklist for a “Residence Permit Student – Student” at the OeAD website provides details on actual proof of sufficient financial means to cover the living costs for Austria.
Explore different types of funding which may be suitable for you on our website, however, it will be your duty to apply for any grants.
Current Students
Applicants in their final year of Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.
The problem is that I don’t have diploma yet, because I graduate from university this summer. However, I heared that it’s possible in some EU universities to attach a proof that I do study (and I do graduate in this June) and send diploma later (after graduation). So it’s not clear to me if I’m eligible to apply.
Applicants in their final year of Bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply and are requested to provide current transcript of records and an official confirmation of enrolment, including graduation date in the relevant upload section of the online form. They might be offered an E+ scholarship or accepted as self-funded student, depending on their application’s evaluation results.
I am still in my final year for having my bachelor’s degree. As I was filling the information, I found I have to add my thesis info. Does it mean I have to graduate in order to be able to apply for it?
Please complete the application and add a comment or your proposed thesis topic/title. Current undergraduate students who have not yet a final degree certificate at the time of application are eligible to apply.
I am still in my final year for having my bachelor’s degree and will finish in June.
Current undergraduate students who have not yet a final degree certificate at the time of application are eligible to apply and shall submit their degree certificate until July 30 at the latest.
If you have completed your undergraduate studies but not yet received an official degree certificate, you should be able to provide a formal statement from your university confirming your degree result.
Can I use my unofficial transcript to apply? Because I will finish studies after the application deadline.
The Transcript of Records shall consist of a list of the courses taken, the exams you have passed and the credits gained. The university shall provide an official transcript, including your name, semester, data mentioned above and date of creation. You may attach a list of courses to be completed, including exam dates, then all courses will be listed.
A digital copy or confirmation of completed studies shall be submitted until June 30. The original has to be shown during the group admission in September.
European Students / Applicants
Erasmus+ EMJM scholarships are open worldwide, please learn more in the E+ programme guide.
All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting standardized English/instruction language test scores (C1 & B2 level euqivalent), or a certificate confirming completion of studies (at least four-semesters) in English language at a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
Specific criteria may apply for Austrian and German applicants, please contact msc-cde@plus.ac.at
To ensure the success of your application please check Q&A in the other sections!
Online Application Form
I have completed my entire education with English as medium of instruction. I have also attached a certificate issued by my university stating the same.
Do I need to give TOEFL scores?
No; if you marked yes for ‘English as language of instruction of prior degree’ in your online application, the attached document will serve as proof.
Yes, all applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting standardized English/instruction language test scores, if prior degree studies have not been entirely conducted in English language.
We accept a Certificate of Proficiency in English C1 or a higher level; B2 level shall be accepted as well; or a certificate of completion of at least four-semester study in English language at a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
My native language is English, and I have completed my entire education with English as medium of instruction. Which proof of language proficiency should I provide?
Please provide a certificate confirming completion of at least four-semester study in English language at a recognized post-secondary educational institution, and upload it to the online application form.
Candidates either upload a language certificate C1/B2 or a certificate confirming completion of at least four-semester study in English language at a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
I have completed my entire education with English as medium of instruction. Do I need to provide a TOEFL certificate?
Please provide a certificate confirming completion of at least four-semester study in English language at a recognized post-secondary educational institution, and upload it to the online application form.
About TOEFL, how mandatory is to have the minimum required?
All formal and language requirements have to be fulfilled; C1/B2 levels. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting standardized English/instruction language test scores, if prior degree studies have not been entirely conducted in English language.
Do you only accept TOEFL of IELTS certificates?
We accept all C1 or B2 level certificates. Check the comparision of CEF levels and scores for the various exams.
What is the difference between reference letters and a referee, can they be the same, and both tasks are compulsory?
It is compulsory to add information of at least two referees = contact details of e.g. former teachers, employers or managers are ok as well, who are able and willing to communicate in English. The Selection Committee directly contacts the referees as per need.
You may upload two reference letters, however, this is optional; the reference letter can be provided by a listed referee of your application. All documents must be uploaded, we do not accept any letters sent my email.
Do we need to upload scanned copies of reference letters from teachers or do they have to upload a personalized like some of the other programs is ERASMUS?
Reference letters are not mandatory. We do not provide a template; if you wish to provide letters, a pdf version has to be uploaded by yourself – as you have seen we request contact details in the online form in order to get in touch with referees as needed.
I understand uploading reference letter is optional and admission committee directly contacts the referees as per need . My main concern is, do all three referees whose general information is to be provided in online application form have to be academic references (Eg. formal / current teachers) or can formal/current employers advocate and write recommendation describing the character and roles/responsibilities of applicant ?
There is no need to exclusively name academic references, eg employers or managers are ok as well.
The “Duration Until” field under the “Current Work Experience” field only accepts a date. How does one fill in the field if the current job is full time and permanent?
In this case you can enter a current or future (if allowed) date, primarily we are looking for past work experience, not for any contractual status. You can always reflect this in more detail in your CV if desired.
In the attachments section, you ask for a “signed declaration”, what is it exactly?
You will generate this declaration in the online form; confirming correctness and understanding.
I am having some issues with my application. One of my referees is willing to send the recommendation letter directly to the CDE consortium. But in the application portal, I only find fields with the option to upload the recommendation myself. Is there any procedure for using which my referee can send/upload his recommendation by himself?
Unfortunately, this possibility does not apply. The Selection Committee will review applications based on the documents provided and attached to the application form.
I’ve submitted my online application. Do i need to send documents by post?
No, we do not require sending documents. If selected as a student you’ll need to take all your original documents to Salzburg.
In the online application form, do I have to submit the legalized document or upload my original document for Step I of the application? I have my foreign documents (university degree and transcript) in English and I am not sure whether to get it certified in Application (Step 1) process.
Original German and/or English language documents are eligible.
My original Bachelor diploma has been issued in two languages (English as second language), do I have to get the certified English translation for it?
There is no need for a certified translation, since the original includes the translation.
My original transcript comes in two languages (Chinese and English), do I have to get the certified English translation for it?
There is no need for a certified translation, since the original includes the translation.
I have my foreign documents (university degree and transcript) in English and I am not sure whether to get it certified in Application (Step 1) process.
At the time of application candidates shall provide a copy of their original English language certificates. After successful selection, for the visa application, you may need to certify all documents.
Candidates submit either a copy of their original German or English language documents.
Original foreign language documents (except for English-language documents) must be accompanied by certified English translations which were carried out by court-certified translators. Translators must attach the original documents to the translation so they cannot be separated. If the translation is not carried out in Austria, the translator must be authorised by the responsible Austrian Embassy. Please note: You have to distinguish between legalization and translation of documents. We only accept documents in languages other than German or English if a certified interpreter (translator) has translated them into English language.
Is a copy of the certificate an original eligible?
No, only a verified copy of the original document which has been signed and dated by someone who can confirm that it’s the same as the original.
When I try to upload my ” signed Declaration of correctness and understanding uploaded” it shows one of the entered fields have too many characters, please re check.
Be sure to use ‘short’ file names in pdf format.
About age restriction, is there any limit for application in this specific program?
There is no age limit to participate in any Erasmus+ mobility activity. However, you will need to fulfill the selection criteria.
I’ve submitted my online application but I was not prompted to submit any application fee. Is there no application fee for this course?
No, we do not charge an application fee.
Is there a maximum word count for the cover letter and the personal motivation letter?
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.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Austria for those meeting certain criteria. The CDE Consortium covers the health insurance costs for all scholarship students. Self-funding students should arrange their own health insurance. Erasmus+ approved insurers such as EXPAT & Co, Marsh or IPS-Lippman are recommended to obtain the minimum health and accident insurance coverage.
Researchers and students from third countries will only get a residence title for staying for more than six months if they can provide proof of having a “health insurance covering all risks”. Please note, this will be provided to E+ scholarship holders only.
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, need the European Health Insurance Card.
Visa and Residence Permit
To enter Austria for study purposes, one might need a visa and/or a residence permit – depending on your nationality and your duration of stay. Learn more: www.oead.at/entry
Depending on your nationality you might need a Residence Permit – Student (for stays longer than six months). See also: https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/visa-c-or-visa-d/
What is a Schengen visa? A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to TRAVEL to any members of the Schengen Area.
Depending on your citizenship and other categories you might need a visa that grants you with the permission to enter the Schengen Area. Read more on ‘Who Needs and Who Doesn’t Need a Schengen Visa to Travel to Europe?‘
A Visa C permits you to enter all Schengen countries and to stay in those countries for a total period of 90 days within 180 days provided that you fulfil the general entry conditions.
A Visa D entitles you to ENTER and STAY in Austria. It can be granted for a duration of 91 days up to 6 months. Holders of a Visa D also enjoy freedom of movement to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per half year provided that they fulfil the general entry conditions.
Learn more: https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/visa-c-or-visa-d/
I want to find out when will be the ideal time to start the Residence Permit application process?
If all necessary documents have been submitted, the residence authority will process your application within 90 days. Get in contact and check at/with Austrian Representations world-wide if you are entitled to submit your application in Austria.
In the Student_handbook, I realised that we are to apply for a Residence Permit and a Schengen Visa but on the new updated information under the “Pre-arrival Tip: Visa application” we are asked to apply for a VISA D after a positive decision from the “Residence Permit-Student” application. I will humbly appreciate a clarification on this.
That’s correct, you need to apply for a residence permit, and ….If the residence authority in Austria decides to grant you the residence permit, you have to apply for a Visa D at the representative authority to be able to enter and stay in Austria. The representative authority will issue the Visa D for a validity period of four months. https://oead.at/en/to-austria/entry-and-residence/residence-permit-student-no-mobility-programme/
Visa types ‘Visa D’ is the national Schengen visa allowing you to enter and stay in Austria…… A (national) D visa that is issued by Austria or another Schengen state in combination with a valid travel document entitles the visa holder to move freely across the other Schengen states’ territory for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days…https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/355/Seite.1206001.html. Residence visa D (Aufenthaltsvisum D) take the duration into account!
I don’t need a Schengen visa to enter Austria, do I need to apply for a residence permit?
Students who are entitled to enter Austria without requiring a visa (check ‘Who Needs and Who Doesn’t Need a Schengen Visa to Travel to Europe?‘) submit their application for a “Residence Permit – Student” at the locally competent residence authority in Salzburg, Austria.
In Austria it is compulsory to register with the municipal authorities (Meldeamt: Gemeindeamt, Magistratisches Bezirksamt) within three working days of entering the country.
EU/EEA nationals need neither a visa nor a residence title. They, however, have to register with the authority in charge of residence within three months of entering Austria. see https://studyinaustria.at/en/living/entry/
Housing
Apply for a student accommodation in Salzburg as soon as possible. The University of Salzburg itself does not own any dormitories or guest houses for students. Therefore, if you want to stay in a student dormitory, it is your duty to contact the dormitory(ies). Check information provided in the Student Handbook.
Duration of stay in Salzburg: Mid-September to Mid-July (academic year 1), departure will depend on your internship arrangements.
Arrangements for housing in Vannes and Olomouc will be supported by UBS’ and UPOL’s International Offices during semester 2.
The security deposit is a sum, usually in the form of money, that a tenant agrees to pay to a landlord before taking possession of and moving into a rental unit. The deposit is usually based on the monthly rent.
Student’s Responsibilites and Duties
Yes there are! Students must:
- sign an acceptance letter. Successful candidates receive a letter of acceptance and are requested to respond with a confirmation. Offers of ERASMUS+ SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS are communicated separately and are subject to immediate confirmation by the recipient. The acceptance letter sets out all rights and duties concerning full admission and scholarship conditions; it includes a grant payment table. Duties e.g. include that students shall report on their activities as agreed upon individually (e-portfolio). All periods of absence must be reported to the host institution and the coordinator, etc.
- sign a student agreement. The student agreement is describing the programme of study. This document defines all classes and credits to be taken during the study period, any teaching obligations as well as research to be done. Furthermore. selected candidates must:
- commit themselves to actively participate in the planned course activities,
- study according to the CDE curriculum in at least two different Programme Countries of the consortium, and spend the minimum of agreed months at the host institution,
- undertake an internship,
- contribute, after their studies, to the promotion and dissemination of Erasmus+, and the CDE study programme in particular by joining the Erasmus+ Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association and other activities.
E+ Scholarship Holders receive:
- a scholarship, monthly allowance cost contribution to travel and living costs and any other costs related to study
- health and accident insurance.
They are awarded a fully recognised double degree (comprising a Joint Diploma Supplement) after having successfully completed their master.
latest update: December 11, 2023