FACULTY OF GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE

1
AND EARTH OBSERVATION

ITC

Master’s
Programme
GEO-INFORMATION
SCIENCE AND EARTH
OBSERVATION
ACADEMIC YEAR 2017 _ 2018

SPECIALIZATIONS:
- Applied Earth Sciences
- Geoinformatics
- Land Administration
- Natural Resources Management
- Urban Planning and Management
- Water Resources and
Environmental Management
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 2

“Geo-information is a rapidly growing industry worldwide. Geographical

­information systems and remote sensing tools can be used for solving
­real-­world ­problems and complex issues ­concerning healthcare,
food ­security, climate, ­water, u­ rban planning, security and land ­scarcity.”

TOM VELDKAMP, DEAN

 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 3

CONTENTS
INTRODUCING ITC
4 Chart the future
6 Change the world
7 Get your hands dirty
UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE
10 High Tech, Human Touch
11 Rankings
THE NETHERLANDS AND ENSCHEDE
12 The Dutch touch
OUR MASTER’S PROGRAMME
14 Become a Master of Science
15 Applied Earth Sciences - Geological Remote Sensing
16 Applied Earth Sciences - Natural Hazards, Risk and Engineering
17 Geoinformatics
18 Land Administration
19 Natural Resources Management - Forestry, Agriculture and Environment
20 Urban Planning and Management
21 Water Resources and Environmental Management
22 Additional options at ITC
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
29 Be prepared for a great career
PRACTICAL MATTERS
30 How do I get in?
31 Study in English
32 What about the money?
34 Get ready. Get set. Apply!
35 Alumni
36 You’ve been admitted, congratulations! Now what?
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 4

CHART
THE FUTURE

THE UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE’S ITC FACULTY:

GEO-INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, WORLDWIDE AND INNOVATIVE.
Ready to get a Master of Science degree in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, and busy
­scanning the globe for a university offering you the perfect programme and environment? Allow us to
­introduce one of the most exciting options available in today’s world.

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and
Earth Observation (ITC) at the University of
Twente provides international postgraduate
education, research and project services
in the field of geo-information science and
earth observation using remote sensing
and geographic information systems (GIS).
Our faculty is recognized worldwide for its
achievements in teaching, research and
capacity development. We concentrate on earth
observation, generating spatial information,
and developing data integration methods. We
also provide tools designed to support planning
and decision-making processes aiming at
sustainable development and poverty alleviation
in developing countries and emerging
economies. The key words characterising our
activities are geoinformation management,
worldwide and innovative.
Tackling one of man’s greatest challenges
As an ITC student, you will be uniquely
equipped to tackle one of mankind’s greatest
challenges: balancing the development of
natural resources with the preservation of
our earth by providing geo-information and
geo-information management tools. You will
learn to take a multidisciplinary approach to
problem solving, benefiting from the University
of Twente’s pioneering position in an exciting
new field of research: the interaction between
new technologies and society. As a Master’s
student at ITC, you will be encouraged and
trained to break through existing academic
boundaries. Study with us and become a savvy,
internationally confident professional, capable
of developing new knowledge and translating it
into practical solutions for real-world problems.
With capacity building and institutional
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 5

development at the heart of our activities and

plenty of fieldwork, we offer you the perfect
environment for preparing yourself to go out and
make a difference.

Top-Class award
For the second year in a row our Master’s
programme in Geo-information Science and
Earth Observation has been awarded the
honourable designation ‘Top Rated Programme’
in the Dutch University Guide: Keuzegids
Masters 2016. This Master’s selection guide
compares all of the Master’s programmes
available in the Netherlands.

WHY STUDY AT ITC?

10 GOOD REASONS
1 Is to help you become a professional, capable of acquiring knowledge in geo-
information science and earth observation
2 Translating it into practical solutions for real-world problems. But there are many
more reasons for choosing ITC as your launching pad for a career in this field
3 Tap into our globally acclaimed achievements in teaching GIS and remote
sensing
4 Get stuck into fieldwork abroad, which is a part of almost all of our courses
5 Study in a multicultural environment with people from over 30 countries
6 Gain valuable international experience
7 Expand your academic network through our strong ties with universities in China,
Indonesia, India, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and many other countries
8 Graduate with a thriving network of global contacts
9 Benefit from being centrally located in Europe, just hours away from Amsterdam,
Brussels, Paris, London or Berlin
10 Enjoy modern, comfortable accommodation.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 6

CHANGE
THE WORLD
REMOTE SENSING AND GIS ARE BIG IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Developing countries are often hit hardest by the global challenges we face today. In our
programmes, ­we will equip you to take a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in the
context of international development, placing a strong emphasis on remote sensing and GIS.

The rise of remote sensing Geographical information systems (GIS)

Remote sensing is the collection and analysis
of scientific data about phenomena at, above or
below the earth’s surface without coming into
physical contact with them. There are many
ways of collecting such data, for example by
using conventional aerial photography, radar
and airborne electronic scanning devices.
Satellites have also gained a prominent position
in this field. Remote sensing techniques and the
images they produce are playing an increasingly
important role in meeting many of mankind’s
complex and often disturbing challenges, such
as climate change, population growth, food,
water and energy security, health and land and
housing needs.
The potential of remote sensing is huge. And
the huge quantities of data produced by these
techniques pose yet another challenge. This is
where the geographical information systems
(GIS) come in. Central to every GIS is the
database, which stores the data on which the
eventual output depends. Designing software
to apply these data to real-world problems
is another part of the game. Software gives
users access to the database and transforms
and manipulates the data for such purposes as
studying trend patterns, examining environmental
issues and simulating the outcomes of project
proposals or planning procedures. Throughout
our programmes at ITC, we cover the full range
of disciplines involved in this field. Studying at
ITC will equip you to take your place in the field of
international development.
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 7

GET YOUR
HANDS DIRTY
WAITING AT THE VILLAGE PUMP
Fieldwork is an option in almost all of ITC’s programmes. As an ITC student, you can get out
and roll up your sleeves in real-life situations relevant to your field of study. Besides giving you
direct input for your MSc thesis, fieldwork offers you first-hand insight into current practices in
developing countries. On these pages, you can read about two field projects our students are
engaged in.

Tanzania’s SEMA project is a great example Human sensors

of some of the fieldwork we engage in
at ITC. SEMA is an integrated research
programme of the University of Dar es Salaam
and the University of Twente, funded by
the Netherlands Organization for Scientific
Research (NWO/WOTRO).
SEMA is an acronym for Sensors, Empowerment
and Accountability. In Kiswahili, the word ‘Sema’
means ‘report’. Yola Georgiadou, Juma Hemed
Lungo and their teams in Tanzania and the
Netherlands have given this name to a so-called
Human Sensor Web they are putting in place: a
combination of social media, mobile networks
and geo applications, that will give ordinary
citizens the opportunity to report problems with
public services – and have them quickly solved.
This is where the Human Sensor Web has
bridged the gap. The tool connects geo and
other web applications – including Google
Maps, new and traditional media – with ordinary
citizens and their mobile phones (they are
the ‘human sensors’). Using the applications,
citizens can access public service locations,
such as water boards and healthcare, and report
failing services simply by using their mobile
phones. The best part: if a supplier is in default,
his failing service is marked with an icon on a
digital map for everyone to see – and the icon
remains visible until the problem has been
solved. Experience shows the public visibility
of problems significantly raises the rate of
response.

Picture yourself at the pump

Picture yourself standing at the village pump
with your jerry cans in rural Tanzania, unable
to draw water – or finding the water polluted –
for the third day in a row. In the old days, you
would have had to file a complaint with your
village elder, who would then have had to work
his way up along the traditional lines of official
bureaucracy to the suppliers of your water. You
had no way of knowing when, or whether, the
providers would take responsibility. In 2004, the
World Bank published a report arguing for ‘short
lines’, enabling ordinary citizens to demand
immediate social accountability from their
suppliers. Now that 79 percent of the population
in developing countries has access to a mobile
phone, such short lines are technically within
reach, but how can the technology be harnessed
to solve the actual problem?
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 8

KEEPING LAKE NAIVASHA CLEAN

Several of our MSc programmes involve fieldwork at Kenya’s Lake Naivasha – a source of great ­economic
growth – and equally great challenges with regard to water and environmental m­ anagement.

Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Rift Valley is a strong

economic driver. The horticultural industry
around the lake is promoted as an example of a
successful economic growth path to be copied by
other African countries. Flower exports from here
sustain an economy previously hampered by low
employment and low wages.
But the environmental cost of rapid economic
growth is high: factors like population growth,
water abstraction for irrigation, changing land use
and inflow of agrochemicals are leading to water
shortages and pollution, placing severe pressure
on the ecosystem and society as a whole.

An innovative approach
The problems surrounding Lake Naivasha are
likely to worsen in the near future, as policies
have so far failed to provide an integrated
solution. The key issue: water management. In
our fieldwork, we focus on how earth observation
and derivative geo-information may help to
overcome societal clashes in a collaborative
stakeholder setting within Kenyan society.
The innovation we apply is to couple earth
observation with integrated assessment. Earth
observation provides data that are so detailed,
that combined with standard secondary data,
they enable us to perform the physical and social
analyses necessary to allow stakeholders to
deliberate about their common future. Our earth
observation site at this location is part of a global
network: the Global Earth Observation System of
Systems (GEOSS).
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
INSURANCE SCHEME FOR ETHIOPIAN FARMERS AGAINST DROUGHT
A systematic and synergetic approach for financial inclusion, promotion of investment in
agriculture, broker sustainable production methods and risk transfer tools.
GIACIS is a public-private partnership, aiming
at expanding financial service delivery to all
smallholder farmers living in the highlands
of Ethiopia. Focus is on geodata-driven
riskmitigation (insurance) products that offer
a basic safety net to protect them against the
occurrence of weather related perils.
Caught in a poverty trap
The majority of farmers in Ethiopia have
less than 0.5 ha of land. That makes them
very vulnerable to risks caused by perils like
droughts. This vulnerability results in ­­risk-
avoiding behavior, which means that farmers
have a natural aversion to invest and to adopt
the use of recommended management and
inputs. Hence, farmers are caught in a poverty
trap even though proper investments could
substantially increase their yields and income.
Secure farmers against investment losses
ITC is a main partner in the GIACIS project ­
(Geo-data for Innovative Agricultural Credit
Insurance Schemes), that launched its first
9
agricultural micro-insurance product this year.
The remotely sensed driven scheme aims to
secure farmers against investment losses that
are at peril due to droughts. Around 200,000
Ethiopian farmers will be reached this year,
potential rising to 15 million within five years.
ITC provided the technological input for the
satellite-based geo-data application.
Reduce risks
Once insured at grass-roots level, farmers will
experience less risks when deciding on the
purchase of needed investments for growing
their crops. Thus this agricultural ­micro-
insurance product aims to lower the barriers to
investment and stimulate economic ­
decision-making by farmers, which in turn
will result in easier adoption of improved
management techniques.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME
HIGH TECH,
HUMAN TOUCH
ITC is a faculty of the University of Twente. W
­ hile relatively
small-scale, the University of Twente is one of the world’s
leading universities.
Our tagline, ‘High Tech, Human Touch’, reflects how our
students and faculty members engage not only in developing
pioneering technologies, but also in combining them with
behavioural research, social sciences and economics. This
interdisciplinary approach is one factor that makes the
University of Twente stand out from other universities – and
makes our graduates the problem-solvers of the future. We like
students and staff who have the ambition to make a difference
in the real world, using the latest technological insights to tackle
the challenges people and societies are facing today.
utwente.nl/en
10
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
AND A FABULOUS CAMPUS
As an ITC and University of Twente student,
you have access to an exceptional range of
facilities – and a beautiful, vibrant campus just
down the road from the ITC building.
Our academic facilities include a library and a
geoscience laboratory. As a student, you will
have full access to our advanced computer
resources, while our specialized offices will
address almost every need you may run
up against − from getting medical care to
obtaining a residence permit.
Outside study hours, you can relax with other
students in the Schermerhorn Lounge at
the ITC International Hotel (IIH), enjoy social
events and exchange cultural experiences. We
frequently arrange excursions to major tourist
attractions in the Netherlands and neighbouring
countries.
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 11

Campus vibes
Just ten minutes cycling from the ITC building,
you will find one of the University of Twente’s
greatest assets: the campus. The university’s
other four faculty and research buildings are
grouped together here, along with all the
facilities needed for some 9,500 students and
3,000 staff to live, work and study together –
from lecture halls, libraries and labs to shops,
restaurants and sports facilities. Located on
146 hectares of beautifully landscaped and
sustainably managed parkland, the UT campus
offers you the perfect setting for engaging
in sports, arts, culture, fun and challenging
student events. It is a place where exploration
meets inspiration. Where professional and
personal growth merge.

RANKINGS
The University of Twente ranks among the top 1%
of universities worldwide, according to a range of
reputable rankings.

Up there with the best

The University of Twente is included in different
reputable rankings and places itself among the top
1% of universities worldwide. Below is an overview
of leading (2015) rankings that include UT.

126 CWTS LEIDEN RANKING

149 TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION (THE)
188 QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
301-400  S HANGHAI WORLD RANKING
(ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES, ARWU)
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 12

THE DUTCH
TOUCH

The Netherlands is known for its capital city, Amsterdam, as much as for its bikes, dikes and tolerance.
But what is it really like to study in this small country in north-west Europe? And what secrets
are there to discover in our university city, Enschede?

As many international students will tell you, Most Dutch people understand English
one of the great benefits of studying in the The Netherlands is a small country and home
Netherlands is that it can help you develop to almost 17 million people. Many European
an open mind and a more international capitals are within easy reach: Brussels is two
perspective. We have many thousands of hours away by train and a short flight from
internationals studying and working here and Amsterdam will take you to London, Paris,
the Dutch education system is interactive Madrid or Berlin. Most Dutch people speak,
with an exceptional focus on teamwork and or understand, English. Public transport is
independent, proactive thinking. well-organized and safe. To travel the Dutch
way, of course, get a bicycle (we actually have
International student associations more bikes than people in the Netherlands).
All Dutch universities have their own network
of student-run associations that bring students
together for academic activities, sports and
recreation. Three of the larger international ones
are active at the University of Twente: AIESEC,
AEGEE and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
SAB is our faculty student platform and UniTe
is the Universities own student platform for
internationalization and integration.
These associations will assist you with everyday
situations and help you settle in and make friends.
GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 13

Enschede, a typical student city

The city of Enschede, located in the east of
the Netherlands near the German border, has
a population of 158,000 – one third of whom
are students. The city boasts colourful weekly
markets, bustling shopping streets and well-
tended parks – in fact, it is one of the greenest
cities in the Netherlands, with a 52-kilometre
walking and cycling route winding right through
its green belt. But its student population gives
the city its unique flair. Every day, you’ll see
students biking to their classes, reading on the
banks of Rutbeek Lake or making merry in the
Old Market pubs. Enschede is home to three
higher education institutions: the University of
Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences
and the ArtEZ Institute of the Arts.

DON’T MISS
THESE EVENTS!
BATAVIEREN RACE
In the spring, about 7,500 students take part in the Batavieren Race, the largest relay
race in the world. It ends on our campus, climaxing in Europe’s largest student party.

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EVENING

Leading actors in this international and colorful show are the ITC students and their
families. They display their talents in dancing, singing and making music. The various
acts will lead you from the inland of Africa to the exotic Philippines Islands.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS DAY

The annual sports day brings together competitors from all the international education
institutes throughout the Netherlands.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

During the international food festival, students prepare traditional gourmet dishes for
anyone within the ITC community to try.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 14

BECOME A
MASTER
OF SCIENCE

On the following pages, we’d like to give you an overview of our Master of Science Geo-information
Science and Earth Observation and the specializations and many other options for studying at ITC.
Accreditation
Our Master of Science programme leads to the
title Master of Science and is accredited by the Start your Master’s
Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands
and Flanders (NVAO). The NVAO awarded our studies without
master with the ‘Distinctive Quality Feature for
Internationalisation’. This accreditation is an leaving home
external recognition of the internationalization We now offer you the option of completing
efforts of ITC. The NVAO was established the first modules of our Master’s programme
by the Dutch and Flemish governments as through e-learning. Our e-learning distance
an independent accreditation organization course is entitled “Geo-information Science
tasked with providing an expert and objective and Earth Observation: a Systems-based
assessment of the quality of higher education Approach”. It consists of three separate but
in Flanders and the Netherlands. connected modules (the first of which starts
in February 2017:
• GI Science and Modelling
DEGREE  MASTER OF SCIENCE • Earth Observation
DIPLOMA (ACADEMIC EDUCATION) DIPLOMA IN GEO-INFORMATION •D ata integration: Principles, approaches
SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION and user perspectives
CREDITS 118
itc.nl/distance
PROGRAMME DURATION 18 MONTHS
START DATE SEPTEMBER
TUITION EURO 21,000 FOR THE FULL PROGRAMME
URL ITC.NL/MASTER-OF-SCIENCE-DEGREE
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 15

EXPLORING
EARTH’S
RESOURCES
TO SECURE
OUR FUTURE

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Applied Earth Sciences Career perspectives

Geological Remote Sensing
The sustainable use of land and earth resources is a key factor in
economic development. We are continuously confronted with
instances in daily life that have direct links with earth resources and
related processes – from the buildings in which we live and the food
that we consume to the smart phones that we use. Geothermal
resources provide energy for the production of electricity and the
heating of our houses.
The search for these earth and geothermal resources relies on the availability
of up-to-date geological knowledge, conceptual models of mineral deposits
and geothermal systems, and modern exploration technologies. Geological
investigation and mineral exploration, hyperspectral remote sensing, thermal
infrared spectroscopy, geophysics, earth structure and dynamics, and surface
deformation are among the themes emphasized in this course.
An MSc degree in Geo-information Science
and Earth Observation provides a good basis
for international employment. Our graduates
have found positions in research institutes
and universities, in national and international
agencies dealing with the exploration of
earth resources and monitoring of the natural
environment, and in the private sector
(engineering, consultancy, insurance).
For excellent students with research ambition
this Master of Science course is a good starting
point for PhD research with an academic
research group in Europe or worldwide.
itc.nl/geological-remote-sensing

Implementing new techniques

Name: Abigail June Agus (Philippines)
Position: Supervising Geologist at Mines
and Geosciences Bureau XI
Student at ITC: Applied Earth Sciences 2009-2011

My stay at ITC has been one of the most beautiful, memorable and
enriching experiences in my life both academically and personally.
For those who are in ITC or planning to go to ITC, enjoy your time and
learning to the fullest. I know it will be one of your most unforgettable
experiences too!
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 16

MANAGING
DISASTER
RISK WITH
SPATIAL
INFORMATION

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Applied Earth Sciences Career perspectives

Natural Hazards, Risk and Engineering
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather events are ­
well-known triggers for natural hazards in many parts of the world.
But we are also increasingly affected by the effects of climate
change, urbanization, environmental degradation and unsustainable
land use practices.
An MSc degree in Geo-information Science
and Earth Observation for Natural Hazards,
Risk and Engineering provides a good basis
for international employment. Our graduates
have found positions in research institutes
and universities, in national and international
agencies dealing with disaster risk mitigation
and civil protection, and in the private sector
(engineering, consultancy, insurance).

Our exposure and vulnerability to landslides, floods, erosion and other For excellent students with research ambition
natural hazards and the corresponding disaster risk are continuously this master’ course is a good starting point for
changing. They also influence the way we try to minimize the possible PhD research with an academic research group
impact of natural hazards and to reduce risk. For example, what is a good in Europe or worldwide.
combination of societal adaptation and (geotechnical) mitigation measures?
The modelling and assessment of natural hazards and disaster risk, and the itc.nl/disaster-management
use of spatial information in risk reduction and disaster preparedness
planning, post-disaster damage assessment and remediation are among the
themes emphasized in this course.

Predicting earthquakes
Name: Efthymia Pavlidou (Greece)
Position: PhD Candidate at Faculty ITC -
Department of Earth Systems Analysis
Student at ITC: Applied Earth Sciences 2011-2013

I chose ITC because it’s the best institute, or one of the best
institutes, for studying remote sensing worldwide. I focus
on earthquakes. I became fascinated by this subject during
my Master’s programme. Ultimately, I hope that we can
use the method I am developing to predict earthquakes, but
otherwise there are many other applications for my work.

 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 17

STATE-OF-THE-
ART ­COLLECTION,
­ANALYSIS,
­PRESENTATION
AND USE OF
GEO-SPATIAL DATA

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Geoinformatics
Geographical and earth sciences are relying increasingly on digital
spatial data acquired from smart phones, social media API’s and
remotely sensed images, analysed by geographical information
systems (GIS) and cloud-based applications, distributed through
complex infrastructures, and visualised by and for an ever-increasing
variety of users. The technologies supporting these processes are at
the core of geoinformatics.
Career perspectives
An MSc degree in Geoinformatics provides
a good basis for international employment.
Our graduates work in advisory, operational,
technical and executive positons related to
geoinformatics in for example geoinformatics
centres, governmental organizations, and the
private sector. They are employed as consultant,
GIS research manager, project manager, GIS
engineer, department head, (university) lecturer.

Technological skills alone, however, are not sufficient for organisations For excellent students with research ambition
involved in the production and management of such geo-information. Owing this Master of Science course is a good starting
to the rapid changes and developments in geo-information acquisition, point for PhD research with an academic
analysis and dissemination, these organisations require scientific staff that can research group in Europe or worldwide.
keep pace with and validate the relevancy of developments and the quality of
the - nowadays - Big Geo Data, processes and geo-information. To tackle the itc.nl/geoinformatics
challenges, you will learn to design and develop algorithms, models, and tools
that can process the geo-spatial data into trustworthy, actionable information.

Using data to rescue kids from HIV/AIDS

Name: Mosa Moseme (Lesotho)
Position: Strategic Information and Evaluation Advisor
at Elizabeth Glazer Paediatric AIDS Foundation
Student at ITC: Geoinformatics 2010-2012

 osa Moseme’s decision to follow her dream of further education

M
changed her life – and many otherpeople’s lives, too. She uses her
knowledge and skills to battle HIV/AIDS and to help others reach
higher. ‘Because of my studies at ITC, I feel I have become very
helpful to my peers and our community at large’.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME
Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for
Land Administration
Land is at the basis of all societies. A well-functioning land administration,
and in particular its land administration information system, is one of the
main instruments for governments to implement their land policies.
Information on land tenure and property rights, value, and use of land are
crucial to offering tenure security to all, implement land reform, support the
land market, poverty reduction, levy land taxes for economic growth, food
security, preserve the environment and nature conservation. Land information
management becomes even more urgent in post-conflict or post-disaster
contexts, in areas under the pressure of large-scale land acquisitions, and in a
fast-growing urban metropolis.
This course provides theoretical and practical knowledge about cadastral data
acquisition, database and geo-information modelling for land administration,
land information systems and 3D cadastre. At the same time, it offers
courses on securing land tenure and property rights, land policy and land
management, organizing land administration and innovative approaches for
land administration. Responsible land governance and fit-for-purpose land
administration are the guiding principles in the programme.
Managing land in a sustainable way
Name: Shanti Basnet (Nepal)
Position: Chief Survey Officer, Ministry of Land Reform
and Management
Studied Land Administration: from 2010-2012
Shanti Basnet obtained a Master’s degree in Geo-Information
Science and Earth Observation for Land Administration at ITC.
She now helps Nepal’s government manage land in a sustainable way.
‘ITC helped me become more self-reliant as a professional’.
18
A CRITICAL
SUCCESS FACTOR
IN ECONOMIC
GROWTH, FOOD
SECURITY, NATURE
CONSERVATION
AND POVERTY
REDUCTION
Career perspectives
Are you a young and mid-career professional
interested in a career in a national cadastre
or a land registry, a ministry or a land office, a
municipality or a land NGO? Or are you intending
to start your own company in land administration
and land information services? If so, then the
Master of Science in Geo-information Science
and Earth Observation for Land Administration
is the course for you. For related professionals,
such as land surveyors, land economists or
real estate valuers, land use planners and land
lawyers, completion of this course will broaden
your career perspectives.
For excellent students with research ambition
this MSc course is a good starting point for PhD
research with an academic research group in
Europe or worldwide.
itc.nl/land-administration
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 19

SUSTAINABLE
MANAGEMENT
OF EARTH’S
RESOURCES
IS EVERYONE’S
CONCERN

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Natural Resources Management Career perspectives

With their acquired knowledge and skills in
Forestry, Agriculture and Environment the spatial sciences, graduates of the Natural
Resources Management courses are well
The world’s population is expected to reach nine billion people by the qualified to work in government departments,
year 2045. Although the majority will live in cities, the demand for food NGOs and commercial companies operating
and other resources will nevertheless place unprecedented pressure in the fields of forestry, agriculture and the
on the Earth’s natural environment. Not only increasing population but environment.
also growing welfare leads directly, or indirectly, to problems such as
deforestation, overgrazing, and the contamination of land and water Others return to or obtain teaching positions in
resources. institutes for higher education. Approximately
one in five MSc graduates proceed to undertake
Developments in remote sensing technology have enabled us to observe the PhD research.
Earth’s surface in great detail and almost continuously. Never before has it
been so easy to monitor and map our natural environment. Yet to understand itc.nl/natural-resources
the complexity of factors involved in such processes as deforestation, land use
change and environmental degradation, environmental managers must not
only collect relevant data but also interpret and analyze them to obtain useful
information to support decisions that can lead to more sustainable use of natural
resources. In carrying out these tasks, environmental managers collaborate with
professionals from a wide range of disciplines. Geo-information technology − in
particular modeling and decision support systems − plays an important role in this
rewarding multidisciplinary work.

Influencer with a broad horizon

Name: K.C. Bhawana (Nepal)
Position: Forestry and Climate Change Expert at the
Multi Stakeholder Forestry Programme
Studied Natural Resources Management: 2013-2015

When it comes to the management of Nepal’s natural resources,

Forestry and Climate Change Expert K.C. Bhawana is an influencer with
a wide reach. Her studies at ITC intensified her impact. ‘Studying at ITC
strengthened my role in natural resources management in Nepal’.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 20

­ NDERSTANDING
U
URBAN ­PROCESSES
AND ­CONTRIBUTING
TO ­SUSTAINABLE
­URBAN
­DEVELOPMENT

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Urban Planning and Management Career perspectives

The magnitude and dynamics of urbanization place an enormous
burden on organizations responsible for the planning and management
of urban regions. The core objectives of urban planning and
management are seen as understanding dynamic urban processes and
developing effective interventions that contribute to the development
of competitive, compact, sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.
geo-information and geo-information technology play a vital role in
supporting these objectives.
The MSc degree course in urban planning and management integrates
knowledge of, and skills in, geo-information technology with current themes in
the field of urban planning and management. Themes include urban poverty,
urban transport, infrastructure and public services, disaster preparedness
and mitigation, urban environmental planning, land use and land tenure,
participatory GIS, and spatial planning and decision support systems.
Graduates of the Urban Planning and
Management course will be able to work in
advisory, operational, technical and executive
functions related to urban and regional planning.
This includes functions such as town planner,
transport planner, consultant for metropolitan
development, policy advisor, public service
administrator, local government officer,
community development worker, environmental
manager or government social research officer.
For excellent students with research ambitions
this master course is a good starting point for
PhD research with an academic research group
in Europe or worldwide.
itc.nl/urban-planning

Urban developer with a heart for people

Name: Bolatito Dayo-Bababtunde (Nigeria)
Position: Development Control Officer
at the Abuja Department of Development Control
Studied Urban Planning and Management: from 2013-2015

Bolatito Dayo-Bababtunde manages land use and urban development

in Nigeria’s capital city. Studying at ITC was a major step in managing
her own development as a female professional. ‘I hope that someday
in my country we will be able to use old, abandoned buildings and
factories to create solutions that will benefit the community’.
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 21

IMPROVING WATER
MANAGEMENT
THROUGH SPATIAL
INFORMATION
ON WATER
­RESOURCES

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Water Resources and Career perspectives

Environmental Management This course provides a unique opportunity
for hydrologists, water resources managers,
decision makers and practitioners to combine
Security and sustainable development of our water resources is one of their experience and (field) knowledge with
the key problems of the 21st century. Improved water management can recent advances in the use of space technology
make a significant contribution to achieve the Sustainable Development and computational methods for water resources
Goals related to availability and sustainable management of water and environmental management.
resources. Many international initiatives such as the Global Earth
Observation System of Systems have identified earth observation as the Knowledge gained in the courses can directly
key to helping to solve the world’s water problems. support activities in the area of water resources
management, environmental monitoring,
The availability of spatial information on water resources will enable closure of the environmental security, disaster management
water budget at river basin scales to the point where effective water management and sustainable development.
is possible. More and more trans-boundary River Basin Organizations use satellite
derived information for water management purposes. Floods, droughts, water itc.nl/water-resources
quality, water-ecosystem and soil-water-climate interactions, and the sustainability
of water resources are important issues in water resources management and
hydrology. Course participants are exposed to developments in geo-information
science and earth observation for assessment, monitoring and prediction purposes in
the fields of water resources, hydrology and environmental management.

From professor to student to change leader

Name: Prof. Dr. Derrick M. Denis (India)
Position: Professor and Dean at Vaugh School
of Agricultural Engineering and Technology
Student at ITC: Water Resources and
Environmental Management 2011-2013

When Derrick M. Denis of Allahabad, India, first sat down in an ITC

lecture hall in the Dutch city of Enschede, he had some adjustments
to make. Later, he became an agent for change himself. ‘ITC’s global
outlook taught me that together we can combat poverty, hunger, drought
and disasters with the hope of one day overcoming them’.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 22

ADDITIONAL
OPTIONS AT ITC
In addition to our Master of Science programmes, we offer a variety of complementary
­options, such as a Diploma and Postgraduate diploma programme, short courses –
with a duration ranging from 3 weeks to 3 months – distance education courses and joint
­degree programmes. Read all about these opportunities on the following pages.

Postgraduate diploma
Our Postgraduate diploma programme caters to young and mid-career professionals
who need increased proficiency in applying geo-information science and earth
observation in their field of interest, analyzing problems and applying new methods
and techniques, as well as managing (multi)disciplinary scientific teams. The
Postgraduate diploma programme results in the same end qualifications as the first
part of the Master of Science (MSc) programme. If you have successfully completed
the Postgraduate diploma programme, you are eligible for entering and will be
exempted from the first part of the MSc programme.

Specializations
• Geoinformatics
• Land Administration
• Natural Resources
Management
• Urban Planning
and Management
• Water Resources
and Environmental
Management
DIPLOMA 
(ACADEMIC EDUCATION) POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ­
GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
CREDITS 62
PROGRAMME DURATION 9 MONTHS
START DATE SEPTEMBER
TUITION EURO 10,500
URL ITC.NL/POSTGRADUATE-DIPLOMA
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 23

Diploma
The Diploma programme is designed for staff at technological level in geo-
information production organizations whose prime concern is to execute daily
operational tasks, including acquisition, analysis, processing and dissemination
of geographical data. These technologists coordinate digital production
processes, implement work procedures, and supervise groups of operators.

Specializations
• Geoinformatics DIPLOMA 
(TECHNOLOGIST) DIPLOMA IN GEO-INFORMATION
SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
CREDITS NONE
PROGRAMME DURATION 9 MONTHS
START DATE JANUARY
TUITION EURO 10,500
URL ITC.NL/DIPLOMA

FACULTY OF
LIFELONG LEARNING

Short certificate courses

For candidates with a specific request for up-to-date education in (applications
of) geo-information science and earth observation, ITC offers a number of short
courses. If you decide to follow a full Postgraduate or MSc programme at ITC, you
will be exempted from the modules you followed successfully as a short course.

DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE
CREDITS 5 EC PER 3 WEEKS
PROGRAMME DURATION VARIOUS DURATION (3-12 WEEKS)
START DATE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
TUITION EURO 1,000 (3 WEEKS) - EURO 3,231 (12 WEEKS)
URL ITC.NL/CERTIFICATE
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 24

Short distance courses

For candidates with a specific request for up-to-date education in (applications
of) geo-information science and earth observation, ITC offers a number of short
distance courses. The courses combine self-study with online support by ITC
staff. The general approach is task-based learning that blends theory and practice.
If you decide to follow a full Postgraduate or MSc programme at ITC, you will be
exempted from the modules you followed successfully as a distance course.

DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE
CREDITS 5 EC
PROGRAMME DURATION VARIOUS DURATION (6-9 WEEKS)
START DATE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
TUITION ODA EURO 808, NON-ODA EURO 1,615
URL ITC.NL/DISTANCE

Master’s programme
spatial engineering
Major multi-level spatial problems (so called wicked problems) require
multidisciplinary solutions and broad thinking. The Master’s programme
Spatial Engineering prepares you to address them with a combination of
technical and socio-economic knowledge, with a strong basis of spatial
data analysis and modelling

Why a spatial engineering programme?

The solutions for large-scale, spatial problems takes more than technical
expertise. Think, for example, of the distribution of limited natural resources,
water, energy or food security, catastrophic consequences of natural and man-
made disasters, or the unplanned development of mega cities.

In the Master’s programme Spatial Engineering you will learn to:

• design and analyse scenarios;
• anticipate wider spatial implications in terms of environmental impact,
economy and society;
• work with a range of software platforms that combine data from various
sources, from crowd sourcing to satellite imagery;
• develop integrated approaches and solutions that help stakeholders to meet
their goals.

This programme will equip you to be an expert who is aware of local and
societal contexts, and able to cooperate and communicate with experts
representing other disciplines. With a degree in Spatial Engineering, you will
be an engineering professional with a helicopter view and an expert in spatial
information science.

Right for me?

Key words in this Master’s programme are GIS and remote sensing. Do you
have a strong affinity with technology and systems and are you are inspired
by large-scale, complex challenges? Are you a creative thinker willing and
able to look beyond the obvious solutions? Are you eager to engage with
what is happening in the world and to use your skills to make our planet
more sustainable? If so, the Master’s programme in Spatial Engineering at the
University of Twente may be just up your street.
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 25

Career opportunities
With a degree in Spatial Engineering you will have plenty of job opportunities as
a spatial engineer or project manager in consultancy, or with the government,
NGOs or international organizations. You could get involved in water
management – for instance, designing flood risk strategies in rapidly growing
cities – developing renewable energy, environmental remote sensing and many
other exciting fields.

EXPECTED TO START IN 2017

This new Master’s programme is planned to start in September 2017 (subject to the
NVAO’s accreditation).If you would like to be kept informed of when more information is
available and registration to this programme is open we invite you to send an e-mail to
education-itc@utwente.nl or visit the webpage utwente.nl/go/se regularly.

CREDITS 120 EC
PROGRAMME DURATION 2 YEARS
START DATE SEPTEMBER
TUITION EU/EEA NATIONALITIES 2,006 NON-EU/EEA 14,000
URL UTWENTE.NL/GO/SE
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 26

Joint programmes
Different cultures and scientific approaches
Are you interested in different cultures and scientific approaches? Then our
following joint degree programmes might be of interest to you! Joint and
double programmes have an integrated curriculum and are coordinated and
offered jointly by prestigious higher education institutes from all around
the world. Upon completion, you will have gained either a joint, double or
multiple degree.

Joint programme’s leading to a single or double MSc degree in

Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

PARTNER UNIVERSITY (COUNTRY) DIPLOMA
Chang’an University (China) Single (Changán) and double MSc degree
Beijing Normal University (China) Double MSc degree
Capital Normal University(China) Double MSc degree
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) Double MSc degree
Indian Institute for Remote Sensing (India) Single (ITC) MSc degree
Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia) Double MSc degree
Technical University Bandung (Indonesia) Double MSc degree
University of Iceland (Iceland) Double MSc degree
Warsaw University (Poland)
Lund University (Sweden)
University of Southampton (United Kingdom)

itc.nl/joint-education
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 27

Joint programme leading to a joint MSc degree in

Cartography
PARTNER UNIVERSITY (COUNTRY) DIPLOMA
Vienna University of Technology (Austria) Joint degree
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
Technische Universitat Dresden (Germany)

cartographymaster.eu

Joint programme (e-learning) leading to a single MSc degree in

Geographical Information Management and Applications

PARTNER UNIVERSITY (COUNTRY) DIPLOMA
Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) Single (Utrecht University) degree
Utrecht University (The Netherlands)
Wageningen UR (The Netherlands)

msc-gima.nl

Joint programme leading to a single MSc degree in

Geographic Information Systems and Earth

Observation for Environmental Modeling and
Natural Resource Management
PARTNER UNIVERSITY (COUNTRY) DIPLOMA
Lund University (Sweden) Double degree

igeon.eu
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 28

Joint programme’s leading to a

(Technologist) diploma or course certificate
PARTNER UNIVERSITY (COUNTRY) DIPLOMA
Ghana School for Survey and Mapping (Ghana) (Technologist) Diploma
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) Certificate
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (Kenya) Certificate
Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen (The Netherlands) Certificate
Ardhi University (Tanzania) (Technologist) Diploma

itc.nl/joint-education
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
BE PREPARED
FOR A GREAT CAREER
A MSc degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation will enable y­ ou to put your skills
and expertise to excellent use, opening up exciting and challenging career perspectives.
Geo-information is a rapidly growing industry
worldwide. Geographical information systems
(GIS) and remote sensing tools can be used for
solving real-world problems and complex issues
in areas such as healthcare, food security, climate
change, water management, urban planning,
security and land scarcity. The potential uses
of geo-information are almost endless – and
many of them have already slipped into even the
simplest everyday activities, such as checking
Google Earth, rating a local restaurant on your
mobile phone or posting a location-based photo
on Facebook.
Skilled professionals in high demand
Formerly, geo-information and GIS techniques
were mainly used by governments, ministries,
research institutes, provinces and municipalities.
In recent years, however, they have spread
throughout society, gaining a place in almost
every organization using spatial information
− from public service corporations and
telecommunications companies to water
authorities and retailers. Experts who
29
can effectively manage the information
and opportunities provided by these new
developments are in high demand – skilled
professionals with a drive to use the latest
technologies for making the world a better place.
itc.nl/boost-your-career
ITC Graduate School
On completion of your Master of Science
programme, you can opt for a career in
research. Junior researchers studying for a PhD
degree at the faculty ITC are registered in the
ITC Graduate School. Each graduate student
carries out a PhD project embedded in one of
the themes of the research programme under
the supervision of one or more ITC professors.
There are around 150 graduate students at
ITC. Most graduate students are full-time PhD
students aiming to gain their PhD degree.
Depending upon the fellowship, full-time PhD
students have between three and four years
to complete their thesis. ITC also hosts
so-called ‘sandwich PhD students’, who spend
a considerable time carrying out research in
their home countries.
itc.nl/research
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 30

HOW DO I GET IN?

If you’re interested in joining us at ITC, check the information about admission,
finances and other details on the following pages. We look forward to meeting you!

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

These are the general requirements for admission to our Master of Science programme:

1 A relevant Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a university or other accredited academic
institution in a discipline related to our programme, preferably combined with working experience in a
relevant field;

2 Sufficient command of English;

a Academic IELTS, overall band score of at least 6.0;
b TOEFL, internet based (TOEFL-iBT) of at least 79-80;
c T  OEFL, paper based (TOEFL-PBT) of at least 550;
d C  ambridge CPE/CAE.

itc.nl/admission-requirements-MSc-degree
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 31

MOST STUDENTS STUDY

IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE
STUDENTS IN HOLLAND
STUDY IN ENGLISH
Holland or the Netherlands? Referring to the same country, both names have been
used interchangeably throughout history. For centuries, Holland has been known for
its international orientation and open-minded culture.

Its ties to other parts of the world have

brought many foreigners to settle in
Here are some short phrases to get you started:
the Netherlands, bringing their own
ideas and cultures. Even though most Hello Hallo/hoi
people in Holland speak English, What’s your name? Hoe heet je?
you may want to learn some Dutch. I am… Ik ben ...
You also might be surprised to learn How are you doing? Hoe gaat het met je?
how many Dutch words have been I am fine Het gaat goed met mij
borrowed by other languages. The Bye Doei
Dutch word baas (boss), can be traced
back in 57 languages spread over all
continents and is therefore the most
widely adopted Dutch word. Want to
know more about Holland, the Dutch
and their language?
studyinholland.nl/about-holland
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 32

WHAT ABOUT
THE MONEY?

The tuition fee mentioned below includes all expenses necessary to offer
you a comprehensive educational experience from the beginning to the end
of the course you select. These include registration fees, course materials,
­excursions and access to research data and equipment. Fieldwork is paid
for out of general resources, as well as student personal funds, and varies per
­specialization.

TUITION FEE € 21.000

RESIDENCE PERMIT € 320
INSURANCE COVER € 740
MINIMUM LIVING ALLOWANCE € 15.750

Payment conditions
The tuition fee and additional costs are to be fully paid in advance. You can opt
to pay in two instalment periods by requesting this at the time of admission.

PAYMENT ONE 50% OF TUITION

DUE DATE 1 JUNE
PAYMENT TWO 50% OF TUITION
DUE DATE 1 MAY

itc.nl/tuition-fees-and-costs
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Are you eager to study at Faculty ITC of the University of Twente but still ask yourself questions like:
-H ow am I going to pay for living and studying?
- Am I eligible for a scholarship?
Well, good news! Courses offered by ITC
are eligible for a variety of scholarships!
Below we have listed the three largest scholarship
programmes for our Master’s programme
Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation.
More sholarship programmes can be found on
our website.
itc.nl/fellowship
Start early!
Most scholarship providers require you to submit
a provisional admission letter from ITC. You may
receive this admission letter when you apply
via our online application system and are found
eligible. Applying for a scholarships can be a
quite an endeavor so start early. We hope this
information will be supportive in realizing your
ambition to study at ITC. We wish you good luck
with your application and we are here if you need
help during the application process!
NFP
The Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP)
promote capacity building within organisations in
33
51 countries by providing fellowships for training
and education for professionals.
The NFP is initiated and fully funded by the Dutch
Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the budget for
development cooperation.
itc.nl/NFP-MENA-scholarship-programme
JJ/WBGSP
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate
Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is open to ­
mid-career professionals from developing
countries with a history of supporting their
countries’ development efforts.
itc.nl/JJ-WBGSP-scholarship-programme
ITC Scholarship Programme
ITC offers a number of partial scholarships
for intake in its Master’s programme. In a
competitive procedure, scholarships will be
allocated to students with excellent previous
study results.
itc.nl/ITC-scholarship-programme
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME
GET READY.
GET SET. APPLY!
Our application procedure
Your application starts by filling in our online
application form. Please submit your online
application for admission as soon as possible. ­
If you intend to apply for a scholarship
and require confirmation of admission for
scholarship application, you should apply two
months before the scholarship programme’s
application deadline.
Before you start, make sure you have the
following documents:
- Your official college/university transcripts;
- Result of English language tests;
- Valid passport or national ID card.
You will also be asked to supply information
about your:
-e ducational background;
- employment background (if applicable);
- motivation for attending the course.
Make sure that you meet all the requirements
and submit all additional documents as soon as
possible and before the following deadlines.
34
Application deadlines
Your application must be completed before
1 July.
It should be noted that candidates who intend
to apply for some form of sponsorship (e.g.
Netherlands Fellowship Programme, Joint
Japan/World Bank Scholarship Programme,
International Fellowship Programme of the
Ford Foundation, STUNED, European Union)
will be required to adhere to the deadlines
imposed by the sponsor, which may be as
early as nine months before course
commencement.
Notice of admission
When your complete application has been
received by our Admission Office, it will be
evaluated by our Educational Admission
Committee. You will be informed of the
outcome as soon as possible.
itc.nl/online-application
 GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 35

ITC ALUMNI:
A GLOBAL NETWORK
It may be one, 10 or even 60 years since they left, but ITC’s former students still have a
strong bond with the Faculty, Enschede and the Netherlands, and still keep in touch
with ITC and friends from their student days.

ITC alumni belong to a worldwide There are many reasons for alumni to stay
community of over 20,000 individuals, in touch with ITC and fellow alumni, and the
who together form an extensive opportunities to do so are many and various:
network of international contacts, a • Expand your knowledge with refresher courses
network that includes United Nations and short tailor-made training
organizations, universities, research • Find fellow alumni in the online alumni
groups, resources survey and map database
production services, and various • Attend our social and business events
international professional associations. throughout the world
itc.nl/alumni • Join an ITC alumni associations in your home
country
• Access our (digital) library
• Use your life-long @alumni.itc.nl email address
to communicate with fellow alumni and ITC.

Iceland
Sweden Finland
Norway
United Denmark Latvia
Kingdom Russia
Lithuania
Canada Netherlands Poland
Ireland Germany Byelarus
Belgium Czech
Republic Ukraine
Luxembourg Austria Kazakhstan
Switzerland Hungary Moldova
Mongolia
France Slovenia Croatia Romania
Monaco Bosnia Serbia
Macedonia Bulgaria Georgia Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan
Spain Italy Albania Turkey
Portugal Tajikistan Japan
Greece
United States of America Cyprus Syria South Korea
Malta Iraq
Lebanon Afghanistan China
Tunisia Israel
Morocco Gaza Strip
Jordan Kuwait
Libya Egypt Iran Nepal
Algeria Bahrain Pakistan Bhutan
The Bahamas Saudi Arabia Qatar Taiwan
United Arab Bangladesh
Cuba Turks and Caicos Islands Emirates Hong Kong
Mexico Macau
Haiti Dominican Republic Laos
BelizeJamaica British Virgin Islands Oman Myanmar
Puerto Antigua and Barbuda Cape Verde Senegal Mali Eritrea India (Burma)
Honduras Rico Niger Chad Thailand
Guatemala St. Lucia The Gambia Burkina Yemen
Nicaragua St. Vincent Barbados Vietnam
El Salvador Grenada Guinea- Guinea Faso Benin Sudan Cambodia
Panama Bissau Togo
Trinidad and Tobago Philippines
Costa Rica Venezuela Sierra Leone
Ivory Nigeria Ethiopia
Malaysia Brunei
Liberia Coast Ghana Somalia Maldives Sri Lanka
Guyana Cameroon
Colombia Suriname Uganda Singapore
Ecuador Kenya
Democratic Rwanda
Republic Seychelles Papua New Guinea
of Burundi Indonesia
The Congo
Solomon Islands
Brazil Tanzania

Peru Angola Malawi Western Samoa

Zambia Mozambique
Fiji
Cook Islands
Bolivia Zimbabwe Mauritius
Namibia Madagascar Tonga
Australia
Paraguay Botswana
Swaziland

Lesotho
Chile South Africa
Uruguay
Argentina

New Zealand

1 10 25 50 100 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500

 MASTER’S PROGRAMME
YOU’VE BEEN ADMITTED,
CONGRATULATIONS! NOW WHAT?
After admission
Once you have been admitted to the Master
of Science programme, you will receive an
Entrance Acceptance Form (EAF). As soon as
you return this form, several of our services will
start to work to help ensure that you have a
smooth arrival and stay at ITC.
Entry Visa and Residence Permit
Our Student Affairs Office assists all students
requiring an (entry) visa, residence permit
and/or Change of Purpose. If you require an
entry visa or residence permit, you will be
sent an email after your admission outlining
all necessary procedures. Keep in mind that,
by Dutch law, students cannot apply for a visa
themselves.
36
Housing
ITC provides accommodation in well-furnished
rooms at the ITC International Hotel as an
integral component of a study at ITC.
- Located in downtown Enschede
- Close to the ITC main building, the railway
station, the main shopping centres, the open-
air market and the post office
- 24-hour reception
- Self-service laundry
- A bar operated by the student union, and
other recreation areas
- Rooms with internet connection
- An internet café
itc.nl/iih
GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION 37

Insurance Learning Dutch

You need to make sure that you are properly
insured during your stay. By law, you have
to have healthcare insurance. However, it is
also recommended that you take out a liability
insurance.
The Dutch are known for their good
conversational skills in English, but you may
still find it useful – and fun! – to learn some
Dutch yourself. Check this link for more details
studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/learn-dutch.

Introduction Days
ITC organizes an introduction period for new
students before the start of the academic
year. This introduction period gives you the
opportunity to meet your fellow students and
get to know Enschede and its surroundings.
We also help you sort out official arrangements
such as registration with the municipality of
Enschede during this period.

Support structure
It’s exciting and fun to study abroad, but
there may be times when you can use some
extra help. ITC and your fellow students have
organized a support structure, or Student
Affairs, Coaching & Counselling. They can
help you manage your expectations, deal with
feelings of loneliness or struggles in keeping
up with your studies while adapting to life here
in the Netherlands. Whatever issue you are
dealing with, you are always welcome to ask for
support.
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 38

Code of Conduct
The University of Twente is a co-signatory
of the Code of Conduct for the recruitment
of foreign students. Information about the
code and the relevant complaints procedure
is available at internationalstudy.nl/en

Disclaimer
Although this brochure was compiled with
the utmost cares, no rights can be derived
from its contents.
39
 MASTER’S PROGRAMME 40

UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE
FACULTY OF GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION (ITC)
PO Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)53 487 44 44
F: +31 (0)53 487 44 00
E: info-itc@utwente.nl
I: www.itc.nl and www.utwente.nl/en

INFORMATION ON STUDYING AT ITC

Faculty ITC - Student Registration
Office hours: 9:00 am - 17:00 pm (Central European Time) Monday to Friday
T: +31 (0)53 487 44 44
F: +31 (0)53 487 44 00
E: education-itc@utwente.nl

More detailed information about studying at ITC

can be found on our web pages at:

itc.nl/study
facebook.com/itc.utwente