Program Overview

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Introduction to the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance is a unique, interuniversity, and interdisciplinary program that empowers students to become specialists in public administration and public management with expertise in information systems and eGovernance. This program responds to the growing need for professionals in eGovernance and digitalization in the public sector.

About the Programme

The public sector needs interdisciplinary expertise to fully benefit from the potential of ICT and technological innovations. Within a context where ICT becomes increasingly important for the modernization and innovation of the public sector, the sector itself needs experts who can translate technological expertise into efficiency, effectiveness, performance, and user needs. The program aims to provide students with specialized competencies about public sector innovation and the role of ICT and technological evolutions in the innovation process.

Programme Strengths

• The program provides students with specialized competencies about public sector innovation and the role of ICT and technological evolutions in the innovation process.
• It is a unique Erasmus Mundus programme, subsidized by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission (EACEA).
• The program is interdisciplinary, combining the expertise of the fields of public administration, public management, information systems, and eGovernance.
• It is an international initial Master’s programme of 120 ECTS, jointly organized by three universities.

Organising Institutions

Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance (PIONEER)

The Master of Science in Public Sector InnOvation and EGovERnance (PIONEER) is a 120 ECTS joint master programme organized by the KU Leuven, the University of Münster, and Tallinn University of Technology.

KU Leuven (Belgium)

KU Leuven is Belgium’s leading university in both size and international rankings. Students are welcomed at the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute and the Faculty of Social Sciences.

University of Münster (Germany)

With a total of 44,000 students, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its extensive range of degree programmes, multifaceted research profile, and the atmosphere and quality of life in Münster, the University attracts students and researchers from Germany and around the world.

Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), the only technological university in Estonia, is the flagship of Estonian engineering and technology education. Here, the synergy between different fields (technological, natural, exact, economic, and health sciences) is created, and new ideas are born.

Admission and Application

Admission Requirements

All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community must submit an application via the Admissions office. Be sure to check out the specific admission requirements (diploma requirements, language requirements, and possible additional requirements).

Student Profile

• Are you looking to specialize and/or advance your knowledge in public sector innovation?
• Are you interested in the current and future challenges of the public sector?
• Do you want to become an expert in eGovernance and the digitalization of the public sector?
• Would you like to gain the necessary insight and competencies required to help tackle the challenges public administrations are facing today?
• Do you want to experience studying at three different European Universities?

Tuition Fees

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.

Scholarships

KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.

After Graduation

Career Perspectives

This intensive two-year programme is an excellent opportunity to build the in-demand expertise required by a broad range of public organisations at all levels of government (federal, local, or regional) and in European and international institutions. Graduates can also find careers in non-governmental organisations, consultancy companies, and the private sector. The programme can also be considered as a preparation for PhD research in the field of public administration or information systems.

Career Support

Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience but also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews.

Entrepreneurship

For students wanting to start their own business, KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.

Our Alumni Network

The Faculty of Social Sciences constantly aims at strengthening the contact between alumni as well as between alumni and current students.

Why KU Leuven

KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.

Our Campus in Leuven

The city of Leuven is home to the main and largest KU Leuven campus.

Life at KU Leuven

• Housing
• Meeting people
• Immigration and residence
• Welcome activities for new students

Faculty of Social Sciences

This programme is organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, with campuses in Leuven, Brussels, and Antwerp.