Frequently Asked Questions

Course Contents

Eligibility

Application

Selection

Fees and Grants

Language

Assistance and practicalities

 

 

Course Contents

What is EuMAS?

EuMAS is a two-years MSc programme in Aerospace Engineering jointly offered by five European aerospace schools.

Which Universities participate in EuMAS?

The University of Pisa (Italy), the Technical University of Munich (Germany), the Poyitechnic University of Madrid (Spain), the École Nationale Supérieure de l'Aronautique et de l'Espace (ENSAE-Supaero) of Toulouse (France), and Cranfield University (United Kingdom).

What is the duration of EuMAS?

EuMAS is a two-year MSc programme.

How is the mobility scheme organized?

Each course cycle is hosted by two of the partner Universities. Students spend the first year of the programme at one partner location before moving to another for the second year. The end-of-study project is carried out normally at a third location (university, research center or industry).

Which are the course’s main topics?

The Masters Course includes two options: Aeronautical Engineering and Space Technology.

What type of degree will be awarded at the end of the course?

At the end of the Masters Course, the student will have acquired a level of instruction corresponding to the second degree in the Sorbonne-Bologna scheme (3 - 5 - 8), certified by the award of a double degree by the hosting Universities.

What is a double degree?

Successful EuMAS students are awarded two distinct MSc national degrees, one by each of the course-hosting Universities. This is done through mutual recognition agreements between the Universities - so-called "double degree agreements".

How does the credit system work?

Students are expected to successfully complete a total of 60 ECTS credits per year. All academic achievements are assessed using the European Credit-Transfer-Systems (ECTS): 60 credits have to be earned during the first year, 60 credits during the second year (including the completion of a Master Thesis).

Which is the grading scale used by EuMAS?

EuMAS uses a ECTS grading scheme with a six-point scale:

Descriptor Letter Grade
Excellent A
Good B
Satisfactory C
Poor D
Minimal Pass E
Fail F

How are the exams organized?

At the end of each course students have to undergo a written and/or oral examination.

What happens if one or more subjects are not passed?

Exams can be repeated two times. At the end of each year the EuMAS Board will decide if students that have not passed one or more subjects will be allowed to continue or not. If the judgment is positive students will have to repeat the exams in extraordinary sessions.

 

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply to EuMAS?

European and non-European graduate students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate education in an engineering discipline or in an applied science. Extensive undergraduate preparation in physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, mechanics, engineering and mathematics is required.

What happens if a student has yet to obtain his BSc Degree when applying?

As our students need to have completed at least three years of undergraduate education in an engineering discipline or in an applied science (which is usually the time required to obtain a BSc Degree), while we wait for the degree completion, we need from the student a certificate describing the status of his academic career.

 

Application

How can I apply to EuMAS?

The application file consisting of a completed application form, a word file with a list of all the courses attended during undergraduate studies and a CV should be sent either by e-mail (secretariat@aerospacemasters.org) or by fax (+39 050 2217244) to the EuMAS Secretariat by the deadline specified on the website. Application forms and instructions can be downloaded from the EuMAS website or can be obtained on request.

What documents are needed in order to apply to EuMAS?

No documents are required at the moment ofapplication level. Just the application form, the list of the courses attended and the CV.

Can European students enroll in an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course?

Yes, regardless of whether or not part of the course take place in their home countries.

 

Selection

What are the selection criteria?

Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, language skills and relevant work experience, if any. The Admissions Committee may also consider research papers, publications and other original work.

When and how will applicants know if they have been accepted by EuMAS and if they have been granted a scholarship?

Applicants will know if they have been accepted to attend EuMAS by at the beginning of March. They will know if they have been granted an Erasmus Mundus scholarship approx. at the end of June.

If a student is accepted by EuMAS does this mean he will receive an Erasmus Mundus grant?

No. The two things are indipendent. A student can be admitted even if he is not chosen to receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

What documents are needed in order to be enrolled in EuMAS?

Upon selection students are asked to provide transcripts or records of all courses, seminars, and examinations attended at each college or university including grades, scores, grading scales, and award of degrees, with complete translation in English (or other European language) , and TOEFL or equivalent test score certification. Documents also have to be legalized by a representative authority in the country of origin.

Can an applicant be rejected after having been selected?

Yes. In case enrollment documents to not reach the EuMAS office by the stated deadline or if any of them is missing (without a certified reason).

 

Fees and Grants

Does EuMAS charge tuition fees?

Yes. As of 2010/11 (EuMAS sixth cycle), tuition fees are 8,000 Euro per year for non-EU students and 4,000 Euro per year for nationals of the 25 EU Member States. This includes fees needed to register at the two hosting institutions of each cycle and use of all students services. Accommodation, insurance, books and other study material, living and travel costs are nor included.

Does EuMAS offer any scholarship for students?

Partial or total fee waiver grants may be awarded by the EuMAS consortium on the basis of merit. A number of grant opportunities for both EU and non-EU students are also available, based on sponsorship from the hosting Universities, the European Space Agency (ESA), European industry and other institutions. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are not available as of 2010/11.

 

Language

What is the official language of EuMAS?

Instruction is delivered in English.

Are all courses taught in English?

Yes.

Does EuMAS offer local language courses?

Yes. The students will have access to language courses, lectures and seminars delivered in the local language of the hosting University.

Will the local language course give credits within EuMAS?

Yes, usually 2-4 credits depending on the duration of the course.

Is there a basic requirement for the English language knowledge?

Yes. Students from non-English-speaking countries are expected to read, write, comprehend, and speak English in order to be admitted for graduate study. Satisfactory completion of the TOEFL or IELTS or equivalent certification is required. The documented insufficient ability of a student to express him/herself clearly in both spoken and written English can be a sufficient reason for exclusion from the Masters program.

Assistance and practicalities

How can students obtain a visa to study in Europe on the EuMAS course?

They have to apply to the representative authorities (Embassies, Consulates) in their country.

Will students be assisted in applying for their Visa/residence permit?

Upon admission they will receive from the EuMAS office documents to support the request (invitation letter, official letter from the European Commission, Insurance certificate; the last two just for EM granted students).

Is EuMAS in charge organizing and paying students’ travel arrangements?

No. Students will have to organize and cover their travel expenses indipendently.

Does EuMAS offer welcome facilities?

Students are picked up at the airport/station upon specific request or given instructions on how to reach their first destination.

Does EuMAS offer housing facilities?

If available at the hsoting University, students can apply to stay in the University residence hall. Otherwise they are assisted in finding alternative solutions.

Are all EuMAS students covered by an insurance scheme?

No, only those students who have been awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship (2009 and earlier). Personal insurance schemes can be arranged with the assistance of the hosting Universty EuMAS staff.