Annabel Jeuring
Chang’an University (CAU), Xi’an, China and the faculty ITC of the University of Twente have developed a double degree Master’s Geo-information Science and Earth Observation exposing course participants to developments in geo-information science and earth observation.
Specialisations
As a Master’s student of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation at ITC you will focus on a specific field of interest, with multiple specialisations to choose from, including creating your own tailor-made pathway. Each specialisation contains a number of core courses that reflect its central concerns and a Master’s thesis project that reflects the specialisation’s inherent nature. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a wider selection of (elective) courses.
Who can enroll?
Students enrolled in Chang’an University Master’s can apply for this double degree programme as part of their 3-year Master’s at Chang'an University.
About your diploma
Upon successful completion of this programme you are entitled to the degree Master of Science. You will receive an (Academic Education) Diploma in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation from the University of Twente.
Along with your diploma you will receive a Diploma Supplement, providing the name of the specialisation, the description of the nature, level, context, and status of the study completed.
Admission requirements
Academic level and background
Applicants for the Master’s and Postgraduate diploma in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (MSc) should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.
The basic requirements per country can be found on our website.
The following average scores apply:
- A 3.0 or higher Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) on a 4.0 scale, or
- Upper Second Class standing or higher
NOTE: a Lower Second Class standing may be accepted based on evidence of relevant professional experience and/or other further academic development.
Documentation
The faculty accepts transcripts, degrees, and diplomas in the following languages: Dutch, English, and German. It is at the discretion of the faculty to require additional English translations of all documents in other languages as well.
Language skills
Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Therefore, prospective students with an international (other than Dutch) degree must meet the English language requirement. As proof that you meet this requirement, you will be asked in the application procedure to upload one of the requested language certificates:
- IELTS (academic) with an overall band score of at least 6.5 with a minimum sub-score of at least 6.0 on each section and certificates not older than two years. The IELTS Online test, IELTS Indicator test, IELTS One Skill Retake, and IELTS General Training are not accepted by the University of Twente.
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) before January 2026, certificate not older than two years, with an overall score of 80 and a minimum sub-score of 20 on speaking and writing.
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) after January 2026, certificate not older than two years, with an overall score of 4.0 and a minimum sub-score of 4.0 on speaking and writing. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test. By exception, you can also take the TOEFL iBT (Special) Home Edition test (only valid for the September 2026 intake). This is only the case when you cannot use a regular language test as listed in this table, because the on-site language test centre is closed due to unsafe situations in your country.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Formerly known as; Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), obtained with an A, B or C grade.
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency Formerly known as; Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) obtained with an A, B or C grade.
- PTE Academic certificate, not older than two years, with an overall score of at least 63, and a minimum score on each section of 59 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Only the standard PTE Academic test is accepted. The PTE Core and PTE Academic Online are not accepted by the University of Twente. Please note: PTE Academic is accepted from the September 2026 intake onwards.
- LANGUAGECERT Academic certificate, not older than two years, with an overall score (band score/minimum score) of 70, and minimum subscores of 65 in Reading and Listening, and 70 in Speaking and Writing. Only the standard LANGUAGECERT Academic (in-person) test is accepted.
Only these internationally recognised test results are accepted. Without a valid certificate, we cannot process your application.
Other requirements
- If you take the test after the application deadline, or you do not have the official English certificate before the application deadline, the University of Twente will not process your application. Therefore, make sure to do the test in advance, as it will take time for you to get the official certificate.
- When applying for a scholarship, the language requirements may be different because scholarship providers may have different requirements.
Exemptions
You are exempt from the English language requirement if you hold:
- a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution in the Netherlands
- if you are a national of one of the countries in this list (PDF)
- a three-year bachelor's degree in Australia, Canada (English-speaking part), Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA. When your awarding institution is in one of these countries but your teaching institution is not, you are not exempt. The same rule applies to distance (online) education.
Computer skills
You are expected to be familiar with basic computer skills. Basic knowledge of and skills in working with GIS and spatial data are strongly recommended.
Notebook requirements
When you study in an ITC programme, you should have a notebook computer that meets ITC's technical notebook requirements.
If you do not own a notebook that meets the minimum requirements, you could consider buying one through our Notebook Project. The Notebook Project offers discounted notebooks that meet our standards and have the peripherals needed to connect to the ITC networks.
Technical requirements for online education and assessment
For online education, we formulated guidelines to guarantee optimal performance. For online oral exams and proctoring during online assessments, the webcam and headset requirements need to be met.
More information
For more information about this programme please contact:
Mr. Chang Zheng, China Representative for University of Twente – ITC
T: + 86-1370 1390 177 | E: china-office@utwente.nl | WeChat: 微信公众号
Dr. Zhang Wei, Deputy Dean, International Education School, Chang'an University
Nan Er Huan Zhong Duan, Xian City 710064 China
T: +86-29-8233 4165 | F: +86-29-8233 7373 | E: zhangwei@chd.edu.cn | www.ies.chd.edu.cn