NETHERLANDS
UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education
public · Founded 2001 · Languages: English
In short
UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education is the world's largest international graduate water education facility in the Netherlands, offering postgraduate programs exclusively in water-related disciplines with a strong global focus and numerous scholarship opportunities for its international student body.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2001
- Students
- 2,500
- International students
- 2,400
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €10–18k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Netherlands
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the world's largest international graduate water education facility, based in Delft, Netherlands. Originally established under UNESCO in 1957 and incorporated as an independent institution in 2001, it exclusively offers postgraduate education — MSc programmes, short courses, and PhD fellowships — across the full spectrum of water-related disciplines. With alumni from over 160 countries, it serves as a global hub for water sector capacity building.
Why study here
- Unique global focus: the only university in the world entirely dedicated to water, sanitation, and environment at postgraduate level
- Over 20,000 alumni in water-sector leadership roles across 160+ countries
- Direct UNESCO and Dutch government backing with strong UN agency partnerships
- Entirely English-taught with a near-100% international student body fostering a rich cross-cultural learning environment
- Proximity to TU Delft and Deltares enables joint research and access to world-class water-engineering expertise
Student life
The student body at IHE Delft is overwhelmingly international, creating a diverse and collegial community united by shared interest in solving global water challenges. Delft is a compact, bike-friendly Dutch university town with a vibrant café culture and easy rail access to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Students benefit from dedicated housing assistance and an active student association organising cultural and sporting events.
Fees
InternationalEUR 10,000–18,000 per year depending on programme and sponsorship status
HomeEUR 10,000–18,000 per year (EU/EEA students may qualify for reduced rates)
LivingEUR 900–1,200 per month in Delft including accommodation and transport
Many students receive fellowships from the Dutch NFP/Orange Knowledge Programme, World Bank, or their home governments covering full tuition and living costs.
Admissions
Bachelor's degreeBSc in a relevant field (civil/environmental engineering, water sciences, natural sciences, or related)
Work experienceMinimum 3 years of relevant professional experience preferred for most MSc programmes
Motivation letterRequired
Two academic or professional referencesRequired
CV / ResumeRequired
IELTS6.5
TOEFL iBT90
Cambridge C1 AdvancedPass
Rankings
ShanghaiRanking – Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (Water Resources)Top 50 globally
University scholarships
Orange Knowledge Programme (Dutch NFP)Full tuition + living allowance; open to professionals from eligible countries
World Bank ScholarshipFull funding for eligible applicants from World Bank member states
IHE Delft Internal FellowshipPartial tuition waiver for high-achieving applicants without external funding
Accreditation
Accredited by the NVAO (Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation); holds Special Category status as a UNESCO Category II Centre
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What types of programs are offered at UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education?
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UNESCO-IHE exclusively offers postgraduate education. This includes Master of Science (MSc) programmes, short courses, and PhD fellowships across a wide range of water-related disciplines.
What are the typical fees for international students at UNESCO-IHE?
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Fees for international students range from EUR 10,000 to 18,000 per year, depending on the specific programme and sponsorship status. Many students secure fellowships that cover full tuition and living costs.
Are there scholarship opportunities available for international students?
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Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities, including the Orange Knowledge Programme (Dutch NFP), World Bank Scholarships, and IHE Delft Internal Fellowships, which can cover full or partial tuition and living expenses.
What are the English language requirements for admission?
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Applicants typically need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 90, or a passing grade on the Cambridge C1 Advanced test to demonstrate English proficiency.
What academic background is usually required for MSc programmes?
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A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as civil or environmental engineering, water sciences, or natural sciences is generally required. Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience is also preferred for most MSc programmes.
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