1. When is the next round of MASTET Admissions?

The next round of MASTET admissions will be determined by the Management Board of the project and communicated on the website. There is no pre-determined date for launching the admission process.

2. After applying for admission into a MASTET programme, does one need to also apply to the host university?

For Stellenbosch University, this is obligatory. MASTET can only admit a student who has already been offered admission into Stellenbosch. Applicants must apply through the online admissions portal of Stellenbosch University.
Although this is not mandatory for the other partner universities, applicants are advised to also apply to the host universities.

3. For master credit-seeking mobility, does the applicant need to have a research project and a supervisor at the home university before applying for mobility?

This is highly recommended to enable the student to continue working on the research topic while on mobility. It also enables Professors at the host university to make inputs into the research project.

4. How can interested candidates apply for degree-seeking mobility in the MASTET project?

Application is made via the online portal under the “Apply Now” menu on the Home Page of the MASTET website: https://intra-frica-mastet.org/public/mastet/apply_now

Complete applications should include:

• Personal contact information of the candidate
• Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of nationality
• Fulfilment of relevant requirements for different Target Groups and mobility
• Proof of sufficient knowledge of the tuition language at the host university
• Choice of study programme and preferred MASTET host institution

All applications are submitted electronically and distributed to all universities in the MASTET consortium.

5. What are the criteria for selecting candidates into MASTET programmes?

The selection process involves two stages: pre-selection and final selection.

Pre-selection: Done by partner universities based on their specific selection criteria.

Final selection criteria:

• Ranking of applicants (excellence)
• Gender
• Target Group
• Broad representation of African countries

This is a multi-parameter optimization process, without points assigned to each criterion. For example, female candidates may be selected over higher-ranked male candidates for gender balance, provided they meet a minimum ranking threshold. Representation from diverse African countries is also prioritized.

6. What are Expert Groups and what role do they play in the MASTET project?

Expert Groups are committees of specialists in specific engineering domains:

• Power Systems and Renewable Energy
• Civil, Environmental and Water Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering

Roles of Expert Groups:

• Guarantors of quality assurance: Define core content and critical skills for students
• Monitoring of project implementation: Ensure implementation guidelines are followed
• Co-supervision of thesis: Professors from different universities co-supervise students

7. What should students admitted for degree-seeking mobility expect when they arrive in the host universities?

Logistical Support includes:

• Pre-arranged accommodation
• Introduction to the local MASTET team (focal point, assistants, finance officer)
• Visit to student welfare services (International Students’ Office, student reps, campus restaurants)

Academic Support:

An orientation session is organized by the focal point, involving Heads of Departments, Professors, and project assistants. The session covers academic procedures, teaching, evaluation, and includes a guided tour of facilities.

8. What is the difference between Target Group 1 and Target Group 2?

Target Group 1: Students and staff from MASTET partner institutions. This includes alumni who obtained degrees from a partner university.

Target Group 2: Students from African HEIs not in the partnership but based in AU member states. They must also be nationals and residents of an AU member country.

9. How is the budget for the organization of mobility allocated to the partner universities?

Each partner university, including the technical partner, receives €20,000. Of this, €15,000 is disbursed directly to the university, and €5,000 is retained in a central pool.

The central pool (€30,000 total) covers common project activities such as:

• In-person partner meetings
• Design and hosting of the project website
• Development of the online admission portal

10. In credit-seeking mobility, how are the credits earned from the studies at the host universities recognized when students return to their home universities?

Two categories of students:

• First-year Masters students: Spend one semester (6 months) at the host university. All credits are transferred back based on an Equivalence Certificate issued before mobility.
• Research students (2nd year Masters or PhD): Do not take coursework at the host university. They work on their research but defend their thesis at the home university. Credits for the thesis are granted by the home university.

The contribution of the host university is reflected in the quality of the thesis.