IHE Delft Institute for Water Education: Shaping the Future of Water Management

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, located in Delft, Netherlands, stands as the largest international graduate water education facility globally. Dedicated to advancing water science, engineering, and management, the institute addresses pressing global water challenges through education, research, and capacity building. Since 1957, IHE Delft has been instrumental in providing water education and training to over 23,000 professionals hailing from more than 190 countries, predominantly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

A Legacy of Excellence

IHE Delft's history traces back to 1957, when a postgraduate diploma course in hydraulic engineering was first offered to practicing professionals from developing countries. This initiative responded to inquiries from numerous developing nations seeking to train their engineers in hydraulic engineering in the Netherlands. Over the years, IHE Delft has evolved into a leading institution for water education, offering fully accredited MSc and PhD degrees in collaboration with Dutch partner universities. As of January 1, 2017, the Institute operates as a Foundation under Dutch law, working under the auspices of UNESCO.

Educational Programs

IHE Delft offers a diverse array of educational courses in the field of water. In addition to MSc Programmes and a PhD Programme, the Institute provides a range of short and online courses tailored to specific needs, broadening and deepening the expertise of those already working in the water sector or those interested in studying the topic. The Institute welcomes students who wish to change their career path, provided they meet the eligibility requirements, recognizing that a wide range of skills and backgrounds is beneficial for the water sector.

Master's Programmes Offered

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education offers several Master's programmes, each designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills:

Coastal Hazards, Risks, Climate Change and Adaptation: A 24-month, full-time, on-campus Master's programme.
Flood Risk Management (FloodRiskMaster): A 24-month, full-time, on-campus M.Sc. programme.
Groundwater and Global Change: A 24-month, full-time, on-campus M.Sc. programme.
Water and Sustainable Development: A 12-month, full-time, on-campus M.Sc. programme.
Water and Sustainable Development (Research): A 22-month, full-time, on-campus M.Sc. programme.
Environmental Technology and Engineering (IMETE): A 24-month, full-time, on-campus Master programme.

The MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills to tackle complex water issues in a rapidly changing world. The programme offers four thematic tracks: Water and Health; Water Resources and Ecosystem Health; Water, Food and Energy; and Water Hazards, Risks, and Climate. Combining technical, environmental, and social sciences, it prepares graduates to lead sustainable solutions for water security, climate resilience, and equitable resource management.

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Research and Capacity Building

The IHE Delft laboratory is an internal service unit that supports the Institute’s educational, research, and capacity building activities, with a focus on education and research. Numerous research and institutional strengthening projects are carried out in partnership to strengthen capacity in the water sector worldwide. Through its overarching work on capacity development, IHE Delft aims to make a tangible contribution to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals in which water is key.

Campus Life and Facilities

IHE Delft's campus is located in the center of Delft. The premises, comprising three interconnected buildings, cover an area of 14,000 square meters, extending from the main entrance of the new building on Westvest 7 to the historic buildings along one of Delft’s main canals.

Housing Services

IHE Delft provides fully furnished accommodation in Delft for all students of the Institute’s Delft-based programmes. The accommodation is intended for MSc students to live in by themselves throughout the course of their MSc programme. Students will either live in a self-contained studio apartment, or share their bathroom and kitchen with one or two other IHE Delft students of the same gender. Each student has their own bedroom with a desk and closet, providing a place to sleep, study, relax, and keep belongings. Monthly rent ranges from €500 to €900 and includes all expenses from repair services to internet and electricity.

Library Services

IHE Delft’s library provides access to over 25,000 titles and is equipped with on-line connections to a worldwide network of libraries. There is also a reading room offering many international journals.

Sports Facilities

From October to April, IHE Delft arranges free facilities to actively practice a number of sports, such as indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton on a regular basis. Staff members and students volunteer as coaches for these sports. Every year, IHE Delft aims to organize some sporting competitions for students. One main annual event is the ‘International Education Sports Day’ when teams from different institutes for international education compete.

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Student Association

The objectives of the IHE Delft Student Association Board (SAB) are to represent the Institute's MSc students in all IHE Delft related matters and to discuss views and suggestions on course matters and the welfare of the students with the IHE Delft management. All IHE Delft students who follow courses with a minimum duration of 6 months become members of this Association. All members have the right to elect their representatives and to participate in all activities organized by the Association.

Accreditation and Recognition

IHE Delft is integrated into the Dutch higher education system. Its programmes adhere to Dutch legislation, and the MSc degrees are accredited by the Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO), which ensures international recognition of the qualifications. The institute fully complies with the quality control standards of the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. The Dutch higher education system is renowned for its creativity, independence, and international outlook, preparing graduates to succeed globally. IHE Delft’s integration into this system ensures the high quality and international relevance of its programs.

Key Statistics and Highlights

Ranking: #1049
Masters: 6
Scholarships: 82
Academic Staff: 140
Students: 200
International Students: 200
Female Students: 100
Type: Public Institution

Top Reasons to Study at IHE Delft

Global Reputation: IHE Delft is a world leader in water education, partnering with UNESCO and top institutions for cutting-edge research and innovation.
Diverse Network: Students study with experts and peers from 100+ countries, gaining a global perspective and building connections for international career opportunities.
Guaranteed Housing: All students get housing in Delft, ensuring a smooth transition to studying in a safe, comfortable, and well-connected student environment.

Vision and Mission

VISION

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education envisions a world free of poverty and injustice, in which people manage their water and environmental resources sustainably and equitably.

MISSION

IHE Delft works in partnership to strengthen capacity in the water sector to achieve global sustainable development.

Exhibitions and Experiences

IHE Delft provides various exhibitions reflecting water-related issues:

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Water improves life photo exhibition: Showcases photos from the DUPC2 project on a weekly basis, illustrating the impact of the project on people's lives and improved water security.
Alumni in Action photo exhibition: Features interviews with alumni from Bangladesh, Colombia, and Kenya on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of IHE Delft.
Turning up the voice of youth: Interview with alumna Tatiana dos Santos Silva about entrepreneurship in the slums of Brazil.
Explorations on gender in the world of water: Interview with professor of water governance Margreet Zwarteveen and two female hydrologists from India.
Sanitation alumni leave no one behind: Article dedicated to SDG 6.2 on access to sanitation.
#EverydayNile: photos and journalism in water conflict and cooperation: Blog on water conflict and cooperation on the occasion of Nile Day.
Water is Key photo exhibition by Gil Garcetti: Tells the story of how clean water in villages in West Africa changes the lives, health, education, and destiny of the people there, especially that of women and girls.

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