Get an OMV scholarship and study for a Master s in Petroleum Engineering:

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1 Get an OMV scholarship and study for a Master s in Petroleum Engineering: Q&A for students 1. Master s Program & University 1.1 General Information Where can I study for an internationally recognised master s in petroleum engineering? The master s in petroleum engineering is provided by the Leoben University of Mining and Metallurgy in Austria (MUL) and is strongly supported by OMV. General facts about MUL. The university is the central European leader in petroleum engineering studies with the highest rankings in several disciplines. It s a prominent university in Austria and students come from all over the world to study petroleum engineering. At the moment there are more than 75 different nationalities studying at the university, of which 25% are women. The university provides a modern campus with an excellent research infrastructure. Can I apply if I have a bachelor s degree from a university other than MUL? Yes, however, the university has the final decision on acceptance and may stipulate the requirement to complete a number of additional prerequisite courses. For further information please contact the university. Is there a specific uniform to wear? No. Is there a study fee to pay? Yes, but it s included in the OMV Scholarship package and will be paid by OMV in addition to the allowances and salary you will receive; the details of which are outlined further down in the Q&A. 1.2 Program International study in petroleum engineering How long is the program? The new master s program is designed to be completed over 4 terms/semesters. 1 st term: advanced fundamentals 2 nd & 3 rd term: specialization (well construction, reservoir engineering, production engineering) 4 th term: practical experience (includes internship, project work, master s thesis) Where can I find the curriculum for the master s program? You can find the curriculum on the university homepage. Any change in the curriculum does not affect the validity of the OMV scholarship agreement. The university homepage can be found at the following link: Is there a possibility of going abroad during the master s program? Yes, the University offers the possibility to study abroad during both the bachelors and the master s programmes. The partner universities are listed on the homepage of the Leoben University. For further information please contact the university. 1

2 Can I do a double degree? Yes, however it is not possible to enroll onto a double degree program in the 2014 academic year. The university intends to foster international relationships with different universities; and in particular with UPG in Romania to implement the double degree program in the future. If the double degree program is implemented students with an OMV scholarship will have to enroll onto the double degree program. Is the whole master s program taught in English? Yes, as the master s program is an international program, all lectures as well as all exams and master s thesis are in English. How many people attend the master s course per term? The program will increase in size from 2014 to 2016 when new state of the art classroom facilities will be available at MUL. Exact numbers are not yet known as this depends on how many students apply and qualify for the program. However, it is expected that approx. 50 students will enrol in the 2014 program. This is planned to increase to between 70 and 100 students per study year on future courses. Do exams have to be organised individually or is it done by the university? The dates for the exams are set by the university. Students then have to register for the exams through the university. What about the master s class system and the unique PE teaching offices? The master s class principle is an integral part of the IPA study program. Learning is supported through the comprehensive caretaking of students by professors and assistant professors/lecturers, and supported by the optimised layout of the university lecturing facilities. Every student is granted a permanent teaching office space for learning and individual & group work during the second and third terms. These facilities contain state of the art IT equipment and visibility of the lecturing area. Students will also be able to store study material within the classroom at any time. This combination will ensure a unique atmosphere for optimized learning efficiency by facilitating interdisciplinary project work (within PE disciplines and Petroleum Geoscience disciplines) and the ability to communicate with training/internship and other offsite contacts. The complete infrastructure of PE teaching offices will be available as of the summer term in The first generation of students will be supported through the use of temporary facilities. Is an internship obligatory? Yes, an internship during the master s program is obligatory. Students must complete an internship lasting at least 40 days. During the internship the student must maintain a log book, which s/he must obtain from the secretary of the special department. This serves as proof of attendance on the internship, and will serves as a record of all activities performed during the internship. This must in turn be signed off by the line manager of the organisational unit where the internship takes place. Furthermore the student must plan to complete the internship between the 2 nd and 3 rd terms. What requirements are there for the master s thesis? The master s thesis must be done in one of the following specialist fields: Drilling Engineering Petroleum Production Engineering Reservoir Engineering. Students can propose a master s thesis subject to the university or select a subject from an approved list. Students must align their proposed topic and their project work with a field of interest for OMV. Their thesis must be finalised within 6 months. Further requirements regarding the master s thesis are available from the 2

3 MUL institutes for Drilling Engineering, Petroleum & Geothermal Energy Recovery and Reservoir Engineering. Who will be my supervisor for my thesis? Students can propose a supervisor for the master s thesis, but if not a supervisor will be nominated by OMV. The master s thesis needs to be approved and aligned with the respective institute at MUL. The master s thesis should be aligned with OMV. Is there a final test prior to receiving the master s degree? Yes, after submitting and passing the master s thesis and all modules from the course curriculum, student will sit one final exam. The exam focuses on the defense of their individual master s thesis. Which academic degree do I receive after finishing the master s program? After the final test, students will receive the academic grade Diplom-Ingenieur or rather Diplom- Ingenieurin, abbreviated to either Dipl.-Ing. or DI, which is similar to the MSc. 1.3 Other issues master s program & university Do I get a VISA from the university? No, however the university will assist students in the preparation of VISA applications and all related documents. Can I take relatives with me? Yes, however OMV will not pay for any of their related costs, and the university will not assist. Therefore VISA applications etc. will need to be organised and funded by students themselves. How can I get to university from my home country? Who organises my travel? Students will need to book flights themselves. The university can assist with any questions on this. OMV will pay a travel lump sum. The amount depends on the country of origin of the student. The university will also assist in finding accommodation and other administrative requirements prior to the start of the course. Do I have to arrange insurance for the duration of the course, and if so who pays? Yes, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage (e.g. medical insurance, which is obligatory in Austria). The university can assist in procuring the required insurance. The insurance should be purchased in Austria if it cannot be procured by the student in their home country. All insurance related costs have to be paid for by the student. What if I fall ill during my studies? As medical insurance is obligatory in Austria, it is best for students to arrange insurance prior leaving their home country. If however this is not possible insurance can be arranged in Austria. This will ensure that you are able to go to a doctor or into hospital if medical care is required. Am I allowed to visit my home country and who pays for it? Student may make as many journeys home within their study leave as they wish. However OMV will only pay a lump sum, depending on the students country of origin, for one home visit per year. Furthermore OMV will pay for travel costs at the start and end of the course. Is there a degree awarding ceremony at the university? Yes, there will be a ceremony at the university, the details of which will be provided by the university closer to the time. 2. Scholarship 2.1 Application procedure 3

4 Which criteria are required to be awarded an OMV scholarship? Bachelor degree in petroleum engineering Acceptance of the applicant by MUL Strong academic achievements in past studies TOEFL certificate (computer test minimum of 90pts or written test 550pts), Internationally oriented Strong soft skills Share OMV values (Partner, Professional, Pioneer) Committed to starting an international career in OMV Which documents do I need for the application Cover letter CV Proof of the university entrance qualification bachelor s degree Birth certificate (original) or copy of passport National Insurance number Is there a deadline for the application? Yes, applications can be submitted from now until mid-september 2014, but must be received no later than the 22 nd of September by OMV. Who do I contact for more information on the application process? The OMV Recruiting Team, scholarship contact: Birgit Hönigmann. 4

5 Do I have to pass a test or assessment prior to receiving the OMV scholarship? Yes, in order to be awarded the OMV scholarship you must pass a selection process locally (in the country where you live). This includes: Interview Assessment day Final selection approval is held by MUL The selection of the candidates will be carried out at an OMV assessment center commission. The selection will be based on your previous academic achievements as well as a personality evaluation, conducted at the assessment center day. This will include your personal interview. Do I have to pass the TOEFL certificate before applying for the scholarship? No, but you must submit the TOEFL certificate prior to commencing study at MUL. When will I know if I ve been awarded a scholarship? OMV endeavours to give feedback as soon as possible, but the latest you will be informed is 2 weeks after attending the assessment day. 2.2 Student Benefits/Costs What are the benefits of the OMV scholarship? Allowance for living costs for the entire year including the summer break Allowance for meals Allowance for new accommodation expenses (to help with the associated costs of initially moving into your accommodation) University tuition fees paid in full Further educational expenses (books etc.) Laptop Travel expenses for international students Guaranteed internship place Close industry contact throughout your studies Are all costs covered by OMV? No, not all costs are covered by OMV. What costs are covered by OMV? Living costs: ~ 340* per month - to cover accommodation expenses; this amount is paid by the university to the students account for the entire year including summer break Other living expenses of ~ 200* per month Meal vouchers or money for the Mensa (university canteen): ~ 120* per month Vouchers or money for further meals outside university: ~ 270* per month Educational expenses (books, printing): ~ 150* per semester Study Fee: 744 per semester, paid directly by OMV to MUL Additional startup expenses at the beginning of the course: ~ 200* once, per study start at MUL Laptop: organized by university ~ 800* once per study start at MUL Travel expenses at the begin and end of study: ~ 800* (around 400 per flight, depending on country) 1 Home leave per course year: ~ 800* per year (2 home leaves per course) 5

6 * This amounts may vary due to different country regulations for study, tax and family allowances. We try to assure that no financial disadvantages occur from this scholarship. All costs which are not listed here will need to be covered by the student. Is the OMV scholarship guaranteed for the whole course or can I lose it? Yes, the OMV scholarship is guaranteed for the whole master s program as long as the student fulfills all of his/her obligations. Thus students must actively use the provided Petroleum Engineering teaching offices and ensure successful graduation within the agreed timeframe of 4 terms. Furthermore it is essential to obtain the minimum ECTS credits per semester (as required by university), and demonstrate a strong learning attitude at the university. The OMV scholarship can be lost if a student is found to be in breach of the scholarship contract (e.g. student aborts its studies, student holds no valid visa, no successful completion of each term etc.) Do I get the OMV scholarship during vacation time? Yes, the OMV scholarship is guaranteed for the entire calendar year up for up to two years of study. As such vacation time is included. During the internship students will receive their internship salary instead of the scholarship. Can I choose the laptop? Which laptop do I get? No, the laptop is chosen by the university and will be provided to all students with an OMV scholarship. Furthermore the university will ensure that the necessary computer licenses and programs are in place and available. The laptop remains the property of the university until the successful completion of the master s exam. At this point the laptop will be gifted to the student and regarded as their personal property. It can however be taken home by the student at any point during the course. What do the mentioned living costs include? The living cost allowance primarily covers the cost of accommodation. Furthermore a lump sum for other living expenses will be paid by OMV to partly cover costs for cleaning, socialising, toiletries etc. In addition to these allowances there is another financial award at the start of each year of study aimed to minimise the impact of the move into your accommodation. This will be paid by OMV via the MUL to you. Do I have to open a bank account in Austria? No, it is not mandatory but it is highly recommended that you do. 2.3 Obligations What are the obligations for the scholarship? Students must enrol onto the double degree MSc with MUL/UPG once the double degree is implemented and accredited by the Austrian & Romanian authorities. It is expected that this will be in place sometimes during Students must also fulfill all of the necessary prerequisites and study elements to receive a double degree Submit registration confirmation and all necessary certificates/documents during study at the university to OMV Fulfill internship and if possible also their master s thesis within OMV group Sign a payback clause of 3 years after graduation Accept any job offer put forward by OMV Complete and graduate from the program within 2 years Is the OMV scholarship a binding contract? Do I have to sign a payback clause? Yes, the OMV scholarship is bound to a fixed employment period of 3 years after graduation if OMV offers a suitable job. Therefore the scholarship agreement includes a payback clause and the possibility to work for Austria s largest listed industrial company. 6

7 How much money do I have to pay back according to the payback clause? In the event that a student breaches the scholarship contract or any of its obligations, the student has to pay back all scholarship payments including all additional allowances. If a student is unable to finish the study program within 4 terms, the scholarship payments will cease and it will be decided on an individual basis if the student needs to pay back all or part of the funding received. Am I allowed to work beside the scholarship? Yes, the student is allowed to work within summer breaks. The student needs to make sure that no tax disadvantages will occur from the additional income. 2.4 Internship (summer, when the university is closed) Where can I get further information about the scholarship? Is it possible to do an international internship at OMV? OMV will offer international internships for the best students. These will be considered and offered on a case by case basis. Can I choose between different internships at OMV or is there no choice? There is no guarantee that you will be awarded your internship of choice, but OMV will try to find suitable and interesting internship places for all students. OMV prefers that students do their internship in their home country if possible. Furthermore the best students have the opportunity to do a unique international internship. Do I have to do the internship at OMV or can I choose another company? Yes, OMV will offer internship places to OMV scholarship students. As such the respective OMV affiliate will provide an internship place. Only in exceptional cases will scholarship students be considered for an internship outside of OMV. If I receive the OMV scholarship do I have to apply for an internship? The internship is an obligatory part of the master s course at MUL and for OMV scholarship students the details will be defined by OMV. Details about your application or necessary documents will be provided in time by OMV and the university. 7

8 Do I get the scholarship during my internship? No, during your OMV internship you will receive an internship salary and the scholarship funding will pause for that time. A separate internship agreement will be entered into for this period. Will I receive a salary for the OMV internship? Yes, the OMV internship includes a salary of around 1400/month. Over and above this there are additional allowances for accommodation, travel and field trips. How long is the internship? The duration of the compulsory internship is 40 shifts, so around 8 weeks. Where can I see recent internship offers from OMV? You can find recent internship offers from OMV here: rnship/internship_impressions What are the benefits of the Internship? Working in an international and technically competent environment Developing insight / knowledge of specific areas Access to experienced and competent technical experts Social networking through mentors Access to cutting edge oil and gas technologies Opportunities to participate in elements of projects which will bolster your CV An open door for professional opportunities 2.5 Other scholarship issues Who is the contact person within OMV? Please contact: Birgit Hönigmann Trabrennstraße Wien Phone: +43 (1) birgit.hoenigmann@omv.com Which role does OMV play during the master s program? OMV stays in close contact with their scholarship students. If any questions, problems or other topics arise, students are encouraged to contact OMV directly. How many students will receive a scholarship? At MUL: up to 20 scholarships are allocated. From 2015 this is planned to grow to 15 Austrians and 18 International scholarship students. At UPG: up to 20 scholarships are allocated. From 2015 this is planned to grow to approximately 60 scholarships. Is the scholarship need-based or academic based? The scholarship is academic based. Is the scholarship open to both men and women? 8

9 Yes, OMV is an equal opportunities employer and students are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the minimum educational requirements. Is there an age limit? No, there is no specific age limit. 3. Job Possibilities after Graduation Do I get a fixed contract offer from OMV after my graduation? Successful completion of the master s program does not automatically result in employment, but the best graduates will receive a fixed job offer. OMV will try to offer as many suitable jobs as possible according to qualifications & personal requirements. Who are the best graduates? The best graduates are those ones who pass the exams in the given time frame, achieving the best academic results and have shown a desire to learn as well as having displayed soft skill abilities throughout both their studies and their internship. What career opportunities are available within OMV? In OMV you will have the opportunity to get international assignments early on in your career. Moreover OMV roles will provide you with responsibilities and interesting job perspectives throughout your career. If you have any further questions please visit the OMV website. Can I work in Austria after graduating? After your graduation most students will be expected to start work in their home country where possible. However, OMV wants to encourage young engineers to work internationally, and as such there are many possibilities to work abroad. 9