All programmes > Programme > Course of study : Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance (Leuven et al)

Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance (Leuven et al) (120 ECTS) Master of Science

 

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

Please refer to the following website for more information on PIONEER.

After admission procedure

On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:

  • Bachelor handelsingenieur (Brussel, Leuven)
  • Bachelor handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de communicatiewetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de rechten (Brussel, Kortrijk, Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de rechten (Hasselt)
  • Bachelor in de toegepaste economische wetenschappen (Kortrijk, Leuven)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussel)
  • Bachelor of Business Engineering (Brussel)
  • Master handelsingenieur (Leuven)
  • Master handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica (Leuven)
  • Master in de Europese studies: transnationale en mondiale perspectieven (Leuven)
  • Master in de communicatiewetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de economie, het recht en de bedrijfskunde (Leuven)
  • Master in de economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: computerwetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de rechten (Leuven)
  • Master in de rechten (Hasselt)
  • Master in de sociologie (Leuven)
  • Master in de toegepaste economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de vergelijkende en internationale politiek (Leuven)
  • Master in het informatiemanagement (Leuven)
  • Master in het publiek management en beleid (Leuven)
  • Master of Business Administration (Antwerpen)
  • Master of Business Administration (Brussel)
  • Master of Business Economics (Leuven)
  • Master of Business Engineering (Leuven)
  • Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (Leuven)
  • Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society (Leuven)
  • Master of Economics (Leuven)
  • Master of Engineering: Computer Science (Leuven)
  • Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (Leuven)
  • Master of Information Management (Leuven)
  • Master of International Politics (Leuven)
  • Master of Law (Leuven)
  • Master of Management Engineering (Brussel)
  • Master of Sociology (Leuven)

Additional information

A.  Academic requirements

See above mentioned degrees, or similar degrees, obtained in the Flemish Community

Applications from candidates with a degree from other disciplines than the ones mentioned above, may be taken into consideration if professional experience in the field of study is demonstrated.

B.  Document requirements  

Admission decisions are based upon evaluation of a complete application file.

•  Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of academic records: all applicants must upload PDF scans of his/her original diploma(s) and original transcript(s) of academic records. If the applicant has not graduated yet at the time of his/her application, a proof of provisional graduation issued by the university and the intermediate official transcript(s) of records should be uploaded.
•  English Proficiency Certificate (or test registration; see ‘C. Language requirements’)
•  Proof of nationality: a scan of the identity page of your passport (for EEA citizens: a PDF scan of your national ID card will suffice)
• Motivation Letter: maximum 2 pages
•  2-minute video in which you explain why you apply to PIONEER
Annex of the application form (cf. template) with:
a)  Country case-study: a 1-page reflection text on the applicant’s country's innovation strengths and challenges. Candidates must read the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2023 and analyse the situation of their countries (or a country of their geographical region if they do not find theirs among the 162 ones). This should be in line with PIONEER’s goals.
b)  Motivational video: a 2-minute presentation video where applicants have to introduce themselves and talk about their motivation to join the PIONEER programme. They can be creative, and the most important is for the jury to get to know you better. Videos have to be uploaded on Dropbox.

C. English language requirements

As the Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance is taught in English, applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting an  English proficiency test. We only accept the following language certificates:
•   TOEFL, for which the minimum total score is 100 (for the internet-based test) with a minimum of 22 on the four different components.
•    Academic IELTS, for which the minimum total score required is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 on the four different components.
•    Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education, for which we accept a minimum score of 184 on  C1 Advanced, or  C2 Proficiency.
•   ITACE, for which level C1 is required.

Please note that no other English proficiency test is accepted.

Students who obtained their secondary school diploma or academic degree in English in one of the following countries can be exempted from this requirement: Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.

Test results of the language proficiency test can be provided within a maximum of one month after the official application deadline, but a test registration should already be uploaded onto the application form if the applicant has not yet received his/her test results at the time of the application.


D. Selection procedure

For students with a degree obtained in the Flemish Community

1. Applicants who have obtained a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree issued within the Flemish Community have to submit their application, which consists of all documents stipulated above by email directly to fsw.pioneer@kuleuven.be by 31 August.

However, if the applicant is a non-EEA national and wants to apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, he/she must follow the same procedure as students with a degree outside the Flemish Community.

2. The application will be transmitted electronically to the involved faculties of the three partner universities.

3. The Selection Committee assesses whether the application meets all admission requirements.

4. The programme coordinator will notify the applicant via email whether the application is considered successful.

5. In due time, an admission letter will be sent to the admitted student via email.



Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

Students who did not obtain their previous degree(s) at an institution of the Flemish Community should submit an application via the Admissions Office:   https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/.  

 
You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here:  (https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments

Diploma requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, political sciences, public administration, information systems, information science, informatics, engineering, business, law or an equivalent degree mentioned in the areas. Applications from candidates with a degree from other disciplines than those mentioned above may be considered if professional experience in the field of study is demonstrated. 

Language requirements

As the Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance is taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language and submit an  English proficiency test. We only accept the following language certificates:
•   TOEFL, for which the minimum total score is 100 (for the internet-based test) with a minimum of 22 on the four different components.
•    Academic IELTS, for which the minimum total score required is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 on the four different components.
•    Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education, for which we accept a minimum score of 184 on  C1 Advanced, or  C2 Proficiency.
•    ITACE, for which level C1 is required.

Please note that no other English proficiency test is accepted.

Students who obtained their secondary school diploma or academic degree in English in one of the following countries can be exempted from this requirement: Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.

Test results of the language proficiency test can be provided within a maximum of one month after the official application deadline, but a test registration should already be uploaded onto the application form if the applicant has not yet received his/her test results at the time of the application.

Additional requirements

Admission decisions are based on the evaluation of a complete application file. 
 
Applicants should fill out the online application form, accessible via the KU Leuven Admissions Office  website. Erasmus Mundus applicants are exempted from paying the 90 EUR application fee.
 
The applicant must submit the online application form together with the following documents (in PDF): 
 
1.   Annex of the application form (cf. template) with:
a)  A 1-page reflection text on your country's innovation strengths and challenges. Please read the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2023 and analyse the situation of your country or a country of your geographical region if you do not find yours among the 162 ones.
b)  A 2-minute presentation video. Please introduce yourself and explain your motivation for joining our program. Feel free to be creative. What matters most is that the jury gets to know you better.
a.  Record the video and label it ‘LASTNAME_Name_PIONEER25-27’.
b.  Upload your video here.
c.  Next, copy and paste the cover of your video (including your name and nationality) and a screenshot of the submission confirmation on page 3.
2. Copy of proof of exemption of payment of the application fee: Applicants for the PIONEER programme do not have to pay the application fee. Please find more information on the  webpage of Pioneer. (select "for prospective students", then "admission" and then "(non)EEA".)
 

Additional information

Non-EEA candidates who wish to compete for the limited number of scholarships should apply before 1 March 2025. Applications received after this deadline will be considered as Self-supporting applications until 1 June 2025. When submitting after the 1 March deadline, candidates are responsible for evaluating whether they can still travel to Belgium and register in a timely manner.

EEA candidates are urged to submit their application before 1 June 2025. These applications will be considered on a rolling basis until 31 August 2025.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship opportunities for Non-EEA students 

Non-EEA candidates will automatically be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship (covering tuition fees, travel costs and living expenses) provided they apply via KU Leuven's Admission tool before March 1. T The most promising non-EEA candidates will be  invited to an interview in the beginning of April with the PIONEER Selection Committee. Based on those interviews, the Selection Committee awards a limited number of scholarships.
In ranking candidate files, the Selection Committee takes the following into account:
·  Academic background and relevance for PIONEER studies (40%)
·  Methodological background (10%)
·  Honours or grade level in prior academic studies (10%)
·  Motivation  (30%)
·  Relevant prior professional experience, extra-curricular activities and/or summer schools (10%)
· Case study assignment (pass/fail)

Appeal procedure: applicants wishing to initiate an appeal against the decision of the selection committee can do so by writing the Programme Director of Political Sciences.

Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

Please refer to the following website for more information on PIONEER.

After admission procedure

On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:

  • Bachelor handelsingenieur (Brussel, Leuven)
  • Bachelor handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de communicatiewetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie (Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de rechten (Brussel, Kortrijk, Leuven)
  • Bachelor in de rechten (Hasselt)
  • Bachelor in de toegepaste economische wetenschappen (Kortrijk, Leuven)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussel)
  • Bachelor of Business Engineering (Brussel)
  • Master handelsingenieur (Leuven)
  • Master handelsingenieur in de beleidsinformatica (Leuven)
  • Master in de Europese studies: transnationale en mondiale perspectieven (Leuven)
  • Master in de communicatiewetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de economie, het recht en de bedrijfskunde (Leuven)
  • Master in de economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: computerwetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de rechten (Leuven)
  • Master in de rechten (Hasselt)
  • Master in de sociologie (Leuven)
  • Master in de toegepaste economische wetenschappen (Leuven)
  • Master in de vergelijkende en internationale politiek (Leuven)
  • Master in het informatiemanagement (Leuven)
  • Master in het publiek management en beleid (Leuven)
  • Master of Business Administration (Antwerpen)
  • Master of Business Administration (Brussel)
  • Master of Business Economics (Leuven)
  • Master of Business Engineering (Leuven)
  • Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (Leuven)
  • Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society (Leuven)
  • Master of Economics (Leuven)
  • Master of Engineering: Computer Science (Leuven)
  • Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (Leuven)
  • Master of Information Management (Leuven)
  • Master of International Politics (Leuven)
  • Master of Law (Leuven)
  • Master of Management Engineering (Brussel)
  • Master of Sociology (Leuven)

Additional information

A.  Academic requirements

See above mentioned degrees, or similar degrees, obtained in the Flemish Community

Applications from candidates with a degree from other disciplines than the ones mentioned above, may be taken into consideration if professional experience in the field of study is demonstrated.

B.  Document requirements  

Admission decisions are based upon evaluation of a complete application file.

•  Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of academic records: all applicants must upload PDF scans of his/her original diploma(s) and original transcript(s) of academic records. If the applicant has not graduated yet at the time of his/her application, a proof of provisional graduation issued by the university and the intermediate official transcript(s) of records should be uploaded.
•  English Proficiency Certificate (or test registration; see ‘C. Language requirements’)
•  Proof of nationality: a scan of the identity page of your passport (for EEA citizens: a PDF scan of your national ID card will suffice)
• Motivation Letter: maximum 2 pages
•  2-minute video in which you explain why you apply to PIONEER
Annex of the application form (cf. template) with:
a)  Country case-study: a 1-page reflection text on the applicant’s country's innovation strengths and challenges. Candidates must read the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2023 and analyse the situation of their countries (or a country of their geographical region if they do not find theirs among the 162 ones). This should be in line with PIONEER’s goals.
b)  Motivational video: a 2-minute presentation video where applicants have to introduce themselves and talk about their motivation to join the PIONEER programme. They can be creative, and the most important is for the jury to get to know you better. Videos have to be uploaded on Dropbox.

C. English language requirements

As the Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance is taught in English, applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting an  English proficiency test. We only accept the following language certificates:
•   TOEFL, for which the minimum total score is 100 (for the internet-based test) with a minimum of 22 on the four different components.
•    Academic IELTS, for which the minimum total score required is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 on the four different components.
•    Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education, for which we accept a minimum score of 184 on  C1 Advanced, or  C2 Proficiency.
•   ITACE, for which level C1 is required.

Please note that no other English proficiency test is accepted.

Students who obtained their secondary school diploma or academic degree in English in one of the following countries can be exempted from this requirement: Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. . In line with this requirement, we also accept students from Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia or St Vincent and the Grenadines without a language certificate.

Test results of the language proficiency test can be provided within a maximum of one month after the official application deadline, but a test registration should already be uploaded onto the application form if the applicant has not yet received his/her test results at the time of the application.


D. Selection procedure

For students with a degree obtained in the Flemish Community

1. Applicants who have obtained a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree issued within the Flemish Community have to submit their application, which consists of all documents stipulated above by email to FSW PIONEER by 31 August.

However, if the applicant is a non-EEA national and wants to apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, he/she must follow the same procedure as students with a degree outside the Flemish Community.

2. The application will be transmitted electronically to the involved faculties of the three partner universities.

3. The Selection Committee assesses whether the application meets all admission requirements.

4. The programme coordinator will notify the applicant via email whether the application is considered successful.

5. In due time, an admission letter will be sent to the admitted student via email.



Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community

Students who did not obtain their previous degree(s) at an institution of the Flemish Community should submit an application via the Admissions Office:   https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/.  

 
You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here:  (https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments

Diploma requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, political sciences, public administration, information systems, information science, informatics, engineering, business, law or an equivalent degree mentioned in the areas. Applications from candidates with a degree from other disciplines than those mentioned above may be considered if professional experience in the field of study is demonstrated. 

Language requirements

As the Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance is taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language and submit an  English proficiency test. We only accept the following language certificates:
•   TOEFL, for which the minimum total score is 100 (for the internet-based test) with a minimum of 22 on the four different components.
•    Academic IELTS, for which the minimum total score required is 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 on the four different components.
•    Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education, for which we accept a minimum score of 184 on  C1 Advanced, or  C2 Proficiency.
•    ITACE, for which level C1 is required.

Please note that no other English proficiency test is accepted.

Students who obtained their secondary school diploma or academic degree in English in one of the following countries can be exempted from this requirement: Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.

Test results of the language proficiency test can be provided within a maximum of one month after the official application deadline, but a test registration should already be uploaded onto the application form if the applicant has not yet received his/her test results at the time of the application.

Additional requirements

Admission decisions are based on the evaluation of a complete application file. 
 
Applicants should fill out the online application form, accessible via the KU Leuven Admissions Office  website. Erasmus Mundus applicants are not obliged to pay a non-refundable application fee of 90 EUR.
 
The applicant must submit the online application form together with the following documents (in PDF): 
 
1.  Diploma(s) and transcript(s) of academic records: all applicants must upload PDF scans of their original diploma(s) and original transcript(s) of academic records. If the applicant has not graduated yet at the time of his/her application, proof of provisional graduation issued by the university and the intermediate official transcript(s) of records should be uploaded. 
2.  Translation of diploma(s) and transcript(s) of records: if the documents are not in English, French, Dutch or German, these documents are to be translated by a registered translator. These documents must also be certified by the educational institution that issued them or by a national authority. 
3.  English Proficiency Certificate (or test registration; see ‘Language Requirements’) 
4.  Letter of motivation: a one-page letter motivating your interest in the programme 
5.  CV 
6.  Proof of nationality: a scan of the identity page of your passport (for EEA citizens: a PDF scan of your national ID card will suffice) 
7.   Annex of the application form (cf. template) with:
a)  Country case-study: a 1-page reflection text on the applicant’s country's innovation strengths and challenges. Candidates must read the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2023 and analyse the situation of their countries (or a country of their geographical region if they do not find theirs among the 162 ones). This should be in line with PIONEER’s goals.
b)  Motivational video: a 2-minute presentation video where applicants have to introduce themselves and talk about their motivation to join the PIONEER programme. They can be creative, and the most important is for the jury to get to know you better. Videos have to be uploaded on Dropbox.
8. Copy of proof of exemption of payment of the application fee: Applicants for the PIONEER programme do not have to pay the application fee. Please find more information on the  webpage of Pioneer. (select "for prospective students", then "admission" and then "(non)EEA".)
 

Additional information

1. Students submit an online application at the KU Leuven Admissions Office, which primarily consists of the application form and the documents stipulated above.
2. Formal review of the application documents will be done by the KU Leuven Admissions Office (verification of the authenticity of transcripts, certificates and English tests, etc.), in cooperation with the other international offices at the University of Münster and Tallinn University of Technology.
3. The application will then be transmitted electronically to the involved faculties of the three universities.
4. The Selection Committee assesses whether the application meets all admission requirements.
5. The Selection Committee assesses whether the candidate is eligible for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and invites him/her for an online interview. After the interview, the Programme Coordinator will notify the scholars by email. Depending on the number of applicants, all the other candidates will be notified of the interview outcome (whether they are admitted to the programme or not).
6. The Programme Coordinator will inform the KU Leuven Admissions Office about the final decision of the Selection Committee via updates in the online tool.
7. The KU Leuven Admissions Office will notify the applicant. As soon as the decision is entered into the system, the student will see the changed status of the application as ‘Admitted’ or ‘Rejected’.
8. In due time, a letter of admission will be sent to the admitted student via email (PDF-version). It will also be sent to the embassy in case the student needs a visa, along with further instructions.

Disclaimer: all non-EEA candidates who submit their application before the deadline will automatically be considered for an EM scholarship (i.e., no application must be filled out separately).
Appeals procedure: applicants wishing to initiate an appeal against the decision of the selection committee can do so by writing prof. Arnim Langer.

Non-EEA candidates will automatically be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship (covering tuition fees, travel costs and living expenses) provided they apply via KU Leuven's Admission tool before March 1. After formal admission to the programme (see 'Selection procedure' below), the most promising non-EEA candidates are invited to a second round interview with the PIONEER Selection Committee. Based on those interviews, the Selection Committee awards a limited number of scholarships.

Selection procedure

Application files are assessed on a rolling basis and follow the following steps:

1. Students submit an online application at the KU Leuven Admissions Office, primarily consisting of the application form and the documents stipulated above.

2. Formal review of the application documents will be done by the KU Leuven Admissions Office (verification of the authenticity of transcripts, certificates and English tests, etc.) in cooperation with the other international offices at the University of Münster and Tallinn University of Technology.

3. The application will then be transmitted electronically to the involved faculties of the three universities.

4. The Selection Committee assesses whether the application meets all admission requirements.

5. The programme coordinator will inform the KU Leuven Admissions Office about the final decision of the Selection Committee via updates in the online tool.

6. The KU Leuven Admissions Office will notify the applicant. As soon as the decision is entered into the system, the student will see the changed status of the application as 'Admitted' or 'Rejected’.

7. In due time, an admission letter will be sent to the admitted student via email. It will also be sent to the embassy in case the student needs a visa, along with further instructions.

8. [Only applicable to Non-EEA students that apply before March 1] At the end of March, the programme coordinator will inform all candidates about whether or not they are selected to compete for the limited Erasmus Mundus scholarships. In ranking candidate files, the Selection Committee takes into account:

· Academic background and relevancy for PIONEER studies (40%)
· Methodological background (10%)
· Honours or grade level in prior academic studies (10%)
· Motivation to start out PIONEER (30%)
· Relevant prior professional experience, extra-curricular activities and/or summer schools (10%)

Selected candidates will be invited to a follow-up interview with the Selection Committee at the beginning of April.

9. [Only applicable to Non-EEA students that applied before March 1 and were selected for the follow-up interview]. Mid-April, the programme coordinator will inform all candidates that participated in the follow-up interviews with the Selection Committee about whether or not they have been awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

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