Admissions Requirements
ISU is open to applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of ethnicity, country of origin, gender, or disabilities/different abilities.
Master's degree program: Space Studies
Academic background:
1. Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the Master’s degree program: Space Studies, including 3 years of studies as a minimum.
2. Advanced degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD) are considered an asset and will be factored into the admission evaluation scores.
English level:
3. Applicants must be proficient in English in all of the following language competences: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing.
4. Applicants, with the exceptions listed in 5. below, are required to provide an English proficiency certificate:
- a TOEFL-IBT test (with a minimum score of 80) or IELTS test (minimum score: 6.5).
- other tests, such as a Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), Cambridge English Qualifications can be considered in exceptional cases.
5. English Language Proficiency Certificate exceptions: the following applicants are exempt from providing a language certificate:
- native English speakers
- or applicants having completed / are completing an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized English language university located in a country where English is the primary language
- or applicants having lived and been employed for at least 3 consecutive years in a country where English is the primary language.
The ISU Admissions Committee assesses applicants to the Master’s degree program: Space Studies based on quantitative weighted evaluation criteria. These criteria include:
- Academic qualifications: Degree earned (PhD holding the highest weight, followed by MSc and then BSc) and academic performance (all Master’s degrees are weighted equally, as are all Bachelor’s degrees).
- Professional experience: The committee also considers relevant professional experience and any voluntary activities you may have participated in.
- Reference letters: Strong recommendations are important. You will need to submit at least two reference letters from previous academic supervisors. A third letter from a professional supervisor is optional but may be considered.
- Interview: All shortlisted candidates will participate in a remote interview with two ISU faculty members. This is your chance to showcase your passion and suitability for the program.
- Motivational essay: A well-written motivational essay (around 500 words) is required. This essay should explain your motivations for pursuing this program and your career goals.
It’s important to note that nationality and professional background are not factors in the initial selection process. No applicants are denied admission into the program based on these aspects.
Appealing a rejection: If your application is not initially successful, you have the opportunity to appeal this decision by contacting the Admissions office. When evaluating an appeal, the Admissions Office will again utilize the results of the quantitative weighted evaluation criteria that were applied during the initial selection process.
Space Studies Program
Applicants are assessed on the basis of their academic and professional qualifications and their achievements, as well as on their proficiency in English. The decision on admission is made by the ISU Admissions Committee.
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent by the start of the SSP, including 3 years of studies as a minimum, awarded by an accredited university. Information on academic qualification equivalencies may be obtained from the ISU Admissions Office.
Under exceptional circumstances, appropriate professional experience in fields relevant to the main academic content of SSP could be considered by the Admissions Committee as contributing to achieving the equivalence of the required academic qualification.
Preference is given to applicants holding higher academic degrees and to applicants with professional experience in industry, government agencies or academic institutions.
Reference letters for the SSP should be provided by current or former academic supervisors or employers.
The essay (about 500 words) should explain the candidate’s motivation to attend the program.
Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program
Applicants are assessed on the basis of their academic and professional qualifications and their achievements, as well as on their proficiency in English. The decision on admission is made by the ISU Admissions Committee.
This program is designed for professionals in the industry, government and defense services, graduate researchers and undergraduate students having completed at least 2 years of university studies.
