Frequently asked questions
The frequently asked questions and answers listed are divided into questions about the MSc programmes, PhD programme, on-campus short courses and online courses.
MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development
What is the difference between the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development?
The MSc Progamme in Water and Sustainable Development (68EC) is for students who seek a science-based MSc degree that is anchored in, and prepares them for, professional practice.
The Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development (120EC) is a much more individually tailored programme with taught and self-guided study components. It demands an intrinsic research motivation and will equip and prepare students for a career in research, academia or to pursue a PhD.
Can I apply for admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development?
Applicants can only submit an application to either the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development or the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.
First study all information published on this website about both programmes and then decide which one suits you best with regard to your academic background, work experience and career aspirations.
Please note that in addition to the regular or research master, applicants can apply for admission to an Erasmus Mundus programme for which Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available.
What are the admission requirements?
Please find the admission requirements here.
What are the English language requirements?
The English language requirements can be found here
When is the yearly application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 July, but please note that applicants who seek financial assistance may have to apply much earlier – please see the fellowship page. The Delft-based MSc programmes start every year in October. Please note that application deadlines for joint master programmes vary, check the joint programme page.
What happens after I have applied for an MSc Programme?
Applicants first receive an automatic email confirmation. Up to four weeks later, applicants receive another email to inform whether they are admitted. Applications are assessed using the criteria for the profile and track the applicants listed as their preferred choices - therefore, although it is possible to change profiles and tracks after admission, it is still important to choose suitable options in the application.
Students definite choice of profile will be agreed after confirmation of financial support and an online meeting with their IHE Delft coach. Please note that not all profiles and track combinations are possible – please check the website. A tip: study the information on the track and profile content to ensure you pick what is best for you.
What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
All applicants need two letters of recommendation. They should be written by persons who are qualified to evaluate applicant's potential for graduate study. Applicants who work could ask their current (or recent) employers. Senior academic members of staff working at the institution where you studied or performed academic work also are suitable letter authors.
The letters need to include the referees’ title, their relation to the applicant including how long they have worked together. The letters should refer to examples of applicant's work and explain why the referee feels the applicant is a fit for the specific programme.
Examples of valid referees or recommenders are:
- Managers or mentors in a superior position in the workplace
- Faculty, deans, or professors
- Academic advisors
- Immediate supervisors
- Research project managers
Recommendation letters must be dated and signed and preferably printed on official letterhead paper. Note that letters older than a year, and letters from family members, close friends, or non-superior colleagues are not accepted.
When are the application and financial confirmation deadlines?
- Application deadline (sponsors may require earlier applications): 1 July
- Financial confirmation deadline (the date by which students have to show how their studies will be financed): 1 August
- Deadline for online meeting with coach: 1 September
- Start academic year: every last Monday of October or first Monday of November
I was accepted to an IHE Delft MSc programme earlier, but haven’t started. Is my admission valid?
No. You will have to apply again for admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.
What are the specific admission requirements for each track/profile?
You can find the entry requirements for each track/profile here.
What are the advised preparatory courses for each track/profile and where can I find these?
You can find the advised preparatory courses for each track/profile here. Students are strongly encouraged to take preparatory courses for their track/profile. The courses have been made available on IHE Delft’s Open Education Platform .
What happens if I apply for a specific track/profile and IHE Delft evaluates that I do not have the required bachelor major?
In such cases, the admission officer will check if the applicants meet the criteria for another track/profile and ask them if they want to apply for that instead. Students admitted this way will receive an admission letter for the Master programme in Water and Sustainable Development, indicating that their provisional admission is based on the track/profile for which they meet the requirements.
After the students have confirmed their funding for the programme, they will discuss their study wishes with a coach. Under certain conditions, for example successful completion of preparatory courses, students can switch back to their first choice. Applicants who don’t fulfil the criteria for any of the tracks/profiles will be informed that they cannot be admitted.
I am interested in a track/profile combination which is not offered by IHE Delft. What should I do?
Choose the track/profile combination which best corresponds to your wishes and use the form’s comment space and the motivation letter to explain further. Applications will be evaluated on the preference indicated in the application form. Once admitted, students can discuss their wishes with their IHE coach, who will explore options to accommodate these.
Will it still be possible to change my chosen track/profile after the meeting with the IHE Delft coach?
Yes. Changing the track/profile is possible until the end of the first module.
What are the costs of the programme?
More information on the cost can be found here.
I cannot finance the cost of my study myself. What are the possibilities for scholarships?
Information about financial aid can be found here.
Can I submit documents in another language than English?
If any of your documents is not in English, you need to have it translated into English by a sworn translator, and upload both the original as well as the certified English translation.
What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is a duplicated version of an original document that has been verified by an authorized individual being a true copy of the original.
Can I apply for multiple programmes at the same time?
Applicants can only submit an application for either the regular (68EC) or the research (120EC) master programme in Water and Sustainable Development. However, they can in addition also apply for an Erasmus Mundus programme for which Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available.
Can I pay in instalments?
No, the full amount must have been transferred to IHE Delft at least 2.5 months before the start of the programme.
Do I have to apply for the visa and resident permit myself?
No. Successful applicants will receive documentation for visa and resident permit applications to complete and return to IHE Delft. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need residence permits.
Is an MSc degree awarded by IHE Delft recognized by other universities?
The IHE Delft MSc degrees are accredited under the Dutch law and are registered at the Central Register for Higher Education Programmes (CROHO) in The Netherlands. The Ministry of Education is co-signatory on all the diplomas presented by the Institute, thus endorsing the academic standard of the degrees as comparable to those of the Dutch universities.
The MSc degree is recognised as a graduate level credit by all Dutch universities and many universities abroad. Normally no extra entrance examinations or course requirements are needed to apply for PhDs after the course.
MSc graduates receive a diploma and a diploma supplement that describes the programme and provides an overview of the graduate’s results.
The MSc Programme is accredited by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) according to a standard assessment protocol.
Why does IHE Delft not appear on global university rankings like Times Higher Education or QS?
IHE Delft does not appear on most rankings because it is not classified as a university but operates as an institute under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Rankings typically prioritize universities with a broad range of programs and research fields, whereas IHE Delft’s focus on water-related studies limits its visibility in such general evaluations. Nonetheless, the quality of IHE Delft's MSc programmes is considered on par with those of top Dutch universities, which consistently rank highly.
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.
Professors at IHE Delft hold dual appointments at Dutch universities, allowing them to maintain academic links and supervise PhD research. PhD degrees are awarded jointly with partner universities like Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, the University of Amsterdam, and Twente University.
IHE Delft also works closely with other Dutch academic institutions through its membership in the Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment Research School (SENSE), an academic network for integrated environmental and sustainability research and multidisciplinary PhD training, collaborating with universities such as VU Amsterdam, Utrecht University and Leiden University.
For more information about research at IHE Delft, visit our page on ResearchGate.
Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development
What is the difference between the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development?
The MSc Progamme in Water and Sustainable Development (68EC) is for students who seek a science-based MSc degree that is anchored in, and prepares them for, professional practice.
The Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development (120EC) is a much more individually tailored programme with taught and self-guided study components. It demands an intrinsic research motivation and will equip and prepare students for a career in research, academia or to pursue a PhD.
Can I apply for admission to the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development?
Applicants can only submit an application to either the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development or the Research MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development.
First study all information published on this website about both programmes and then decide which one suits you best with regard to your academic background, work experience and career aspirations.
Please note that in addition to the regular or research master, applicants can apply for admission to an Erasmus Mundus programme for which Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available.
What are the admission requirements?
Please find the admission requirements here.
Where can I find the IHE Delft academic departments and themes?
You can find them here: Academic Departments and Themes
What are the English language requirements?
The English language requirements can be found here
When can I apply?
The application deadline is 1 July, but please note that applicants who seek financial assistance may have to apply much earlier – please see the scholarship page. The Delft-based MSc programmes start every year late October or early November.
Application deadlines for joint master programmes vary, please see the joint programme page.
What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
All applicants need two letters of recommendation. They should be written by persons who are qualified to evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate study. Applicants who work could ask their current (or recent) employers. Senior academic members of staff working at the institution where you studied or performed academic work also are suitable.
The letters need to include the referees’ title, their relation to the applicant including how long they have worked together. The letters should refer to examples of applicant's work and explain why the referee feels the applicant is a fit for the specific programme.
Examples of valid referees or recommenders are:
- Managers or mentors in the workplace
- Faculty, deans, or professors
- Academic advisors
- Immediate supervisors
- Research project managers
What needs to be done between applying and starting, and by when?
Deadlines for the Delft-based research master programme in Water and Sustainable Development:
- Application deadline (sponsors may require earlier applications): 1 July
- Financial confirmation deadline (the date by which students have to show how their studies will be financed): 1 August
- Start academic year: every last Monday of October or first Monday of November
What preparatory courses are available for each track/profile?
Students are strongly encouraged to take preparatory courses for their track/profile. You can find them on the IHE Delft’s Open Education Platform.
What happens if I apply for a specific track/profile and IHE Delft evaluates that I do not have the required Bachelor major?
In such cases, the admission officer will check if the applicants meet the criteria for another track/profile and ask them if they want to apply for that instead. Students admitted this way will receive an admission letter for the Master programme in Water and Sustainable Development, indicating that their provisional admission is based on the track/profile for which they meet the requirements.
After the students have confirmed their funding for the programme, they will discuss their study interests with a coach. Under certain conditions, for example successful completion of preparatory courses, students can switch back to their first choice. Applicants who do not fulfil the criteria for any of the tracks/profiles will be informed that they cannot be admitted.
I am interested in a track/profile combination which is not offered by IHE Delft. What should I do?
Choose the track/profile combination which best corresponds to your wishes and use the form’s comment space and the motivation letter to explain further. Applications will be evaluated on the preference indicated in the application form. Once admitted, students can discuss their interests with their IHE coach, who will explore options to accommodate these.
Will it still be possible to change my chosen track/profile after the meeting with the IHE Delft coach?
Yes. Changing the track/profile is possible until the end of the first module.
I cannot finance the cost of my study myself. What are the possibilities for scholarships?
Information on scholarships can be found here.
Can I submit documents in languages other than English?
No, this is not possible. If your academic transcript is not in English, you need to have it translated into English by a sworn translator, and upload both the original as well as the certified English translation.
What are the costs of the programme?
More information about the costs of the can be found here.
Can I pay in installments?
For more information about installments, contact Ms Ineke Melis (i.melis@un-ihe.org)
Do I have to apply for the visa and resident permit myself?
No. Successful applicants will receive documentation for visa and resident permit applications to complete and return to IHE Delft. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need residence permits.
Is an MSc degree awarded by IHE Delft recognized by other universities?
The IHE Delft MSc degrees are accredited under the Dutch law and are registered at the Central Register for Higher Education Programmes (CROHO) in The Netherlands. The Ministry of Education is co-signatory on all the diplomas presented by the Institute, thus endorsing the academic standard of the degrees as comparable to those of the Dutch universities.
The MSc degree is recognised as a graduate level credit by all Dutch universities and many universities abroad. Normally no extra entrance examinations or course requirements are needed to apply for PhDs after the course.
MSc graduates receive a diploma and a diploma supplement that describes the programme and provides an overview of the graduate’s results.
The MSc Programme is accredited by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) according to a standard assessment protocol.
After I have applied, how do I know if my application has been received?
After successful submission of your application you will receive an automated e-mail message. You can also check the status of your application in the tab called “My applications”.
My transcript is four pages transcript and I cannot upload them because there is only one field
You can merge several separate PDFs into one PDF. You can do so online or in your preferred PDF-reader. In Adobe Acrobat reader for example, you will find it under: File, combine, add files.
My PDF is too big to upload because the maximum size is 2MB
You could open your document in Adobe Acrobat, click Document and then Reduce File size. Another option is reducing the size of the document by printing it to PDF. There are plenty of tips online about this.
I have created an account, but I did not receive my activation mail
It may not be in your inbox but in a different folder. Please check all folders in your mailbox.
I am completing my online application, but it is not clear to me how I have to select the Research MSc study
After you have filled in your personal data, education and work experience, you need to scroll down to the bottom of your page with personal information. There is the option to select the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development.
I receive an error message when saving my input (personal data / work experience / education)
This error can occur when the page has timed-out. Log out of your apply.un-ihe.org account, close the browser and login again. The problem should be solved.
Another option is to remove cookies from your browser. See this link that explains how to clear cookies from different browsers: https://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/719
I have problems when filling my application on my mobile phone
We advise you to complete your application and upload documents on a laptop or desktop computer, and not on your mobile phone. Although it works on many mobile phones and tablets, we have not been able to make our website compatible with all brands and models. In case you complete the application on your mobile phone, you may need to scroll down to find the submit/resubmit/ complete button.
I experience problems in the application process and therefore cannot submit my application.
If you have run into a problem that is not described here, please let us know by sending a mail to: info@un-ihe.org mentioning: "Problem Applying". Please upload a screenshot of the error message (preferably of the full screen).
Why does IHE Delft not appear on global university rankings like Times Higher Education or QS?
IHE Delft does not appear on most rankings because it is not classified as a university but operates as an institute under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Rankings typically prioritize universities with a broad range of programs and research fields, whereas IHE Delft’s focus on water-related studies limits its visibility in such general evaluations. Nonetheless, the quality of IHE Delft's MSc programmes is considered on par with those of top Dutch universities, which consistently rank highly.
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.
Professors at IHE Delft hold dual appointments at Dutch universities, allowing them to maintain academic links and supervise PhD research. PhD degrees are awarded jointly with partner universities like Delft University of Technology, Wageningen University & Research, the University of Amsterdam, and Twente University.
IHE Delft also works closely with other Dutch academic institutions through its membership in the Socio-Economic and Natural Sciences of the Environment Research School (SENSE), an academic network for integrated environmental and sustainability research and multidisciplinary PhD training, collaborating with universities such as VU Amsterdam, Utrecht University and Leiden University.
For more information about research at IHE Delft, visit our page on ResearchGate.
PhD Programme
What are the admission requirements?
Candidates for the PhD programme should have a IHE Delft MSc degree with high qualification. An MSc degree from another university or institute - equal to IHE Delft's standards - may also be acceptable. If a candidate is not yet in the possession of an MSc degree, but has an interesting research proposal and proven track record, he or she may be admitted to IHE Delft's MSc programme first, as part of and in preparation for the PhD research. PhD candidates will only be accepted after their research proposal has been approved by IHE Delft’s Academic Board. IHE Delft's PhD degrees are awarded jointly with a relevant university, ensuring that it is embedded in the prevailing higher education legislation.
Click here for the English language requirements for all IHE Delft programmes.
What happens after I have applied for the PhD Programme?
After we have received the documents mentioned above, we will first send your diplomas and transcripts to Nuffic for validation. If your diplomas are found to be adequate, we will send your documents to one of IHE Delft's professors, who will review your academic qualifications and research proposal and decide whether to approve or decline your application. If your application is rejected you will be provided with a brief justification for the decision. In the case of approval, you will receive an unconditional admission letter. However, if you still need to submit the results on an English test, the admission letter will be conditional. On average this process will take 6 to 8 weeks.
How can I get in contact with a supervisor/professor?
It is common that prospective students will have already identified a potential promoter based a comparison of their interests and the professor's area of expertise. It is not a requirement, however, that you find a professor yourself. An admissions officer will contact the most suitable professor, based on your research proposal. The name and email address of the professor will be mentioned in your admission letter.
How can I apply for a fellowship?
Please click here for more information on possible fellowships or scholarships.
What are the costs of a PhD study?
Please click here for more information about costs.
What is the application deadline?
We do not have an application deadline, you can always apply. After you have obtained your admission and funding, and after the approval of your professor, you can start the programme.
How many years is my academic admission valid?
Your academic admission is valid for 3 years. This time is available to you to secure the necessary financing or complete any other needed preparations. The programme may not be started until full financial support is acquired.
Why is the PhD degree awarded jointly with a Dutch university?
IHE Delft is not an official Dutch university. Therefore IHE Delft can not issue a PhD degree. Your professor is registered at a Dutch university and you will be registered at the same university. The logo of that university and of IHE Delft will both appear on your diploma.
On-campus short courses
Where can I find more information about the short courses?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting a course, you can find more specific information regarding the course content, the dates, the prices, the deadlines and a possibility to apply for the online course.
What is the workload of a short course?
A short course has around six to eight hours of study per day.
Who do I contact for more information regarding the course content?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting a course, under 'More Info' you can find the email address of a specific course's coordinator.
What are the costs of a short course?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting a course, you see the cost of the course.
How many years is my academic admission valid?
Once you have been academically accepted this admission remains valid for three years.
What is the application procedure?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting the course of your interest, under 'More Info' you can find the possibility to apply: "Click here to apply for this course". After receipt of your application, we will assess your file and inform you regarding the outcome within ten working days.
When is the application deadline for a short course?
IHE Delft's application deadline for online courses usually is 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Which documents do I need for applying for a short course?
You will need to upload a scan of your passport, CV, BSc degree and transcript. Your BSc degree and transcript should be in English, French or Spanish. Your CV must be (translated in) the English language.
What are the entry requirements?
You should at least have a Bachelor of Science degree, some years of working experience and a good command of the English language.
Why do I not receive an admission letter?
You will receive the outcome of your application by email as for several fellowships it is no longer necessary to hand over an admission letter. In case you do need a letter for your sponsor, we will provide you with this letter upon request.
When is the payment deadline for a short course?
Before the start of the course we should have received your payment in our bank account.
Can I pay with credit card?
Paying with credit card is possible, currently only VISA and Master Cards are accepted. Please note that a fee of 1 (one) percent of the tuition fee will be charged for paying by credit card.
Can I pay in installments?
No. In order to participate in the course, it is necessary that we have the whole amount in our bank account before the course starts.
Does IHE Delft provide scholarships?
As of 2023, IHE Delft offers partial Delft Blue Scholarships, check our short course scholarship page
Where can I find possible scholarships?
For possible scholarships, check our short course scholarship page
Does IHE Delft provide housing?
Yes, basic student rooms might be available for € 50 per night. For more information about the type of room facility and availability you may contact: accommodation@un-ihe.org
Online courses
Do I receive credit points for finishing an online course?
This differs per course. After clicking on a specific course, it is mentioned under ‘Dates, Fee, ECTS’ how many ECTS Credit Points you can obtain.
Who do I contact for more information about the application procedure?
If you cannot find the answer to your question among the FAQs, you are more than welcome to send an email to: onlinecourseregistration@un-ihe.org
Who do I contact for more information regarding the course content?
The course coordinator can answer all your questions about course specific questions, for instance regarding the content. After selecting a course on our website, the contact details of the course coordinators are mentioned.
What are the costs of an online course?
On our website you can find information about our online courses. After selecting a course, you can find the cost of the online course.
How long is my academic admission valid?
Once you have been academically accepted this admission remains valid for three years.
What is the application procedure?
After selecting the course of interest on our website, under you can find the possibility to apply. After receipt of your application, we will assess it and inform you regarding the outcome within two weeks.
Which documents do I need for applying for an online course?
Before submitting the application form, you have to attach your curriculum vitae and a copy of your passport.
What are the entry requirements for an online course?
You should at least have a Bachelor in the relevant field and a good command of the English language.
When is the payment deadline for an online course?
Please make sure that we have received your payment in our bank account at least 3 weeks before the start date of the course.
Can I pay with credit card?
Paying with credit card is possible, currently only VISA and Master Cards are accepted. Please note that a fee of 1 (one) percent of the tuition fee will be charged for paying by credit card.
Can I pay in installments?
No. In order to participate in the course, it is necessary that we have received the entire tuition fee in our bank account before the course starts. As it is possible to pay just before the course starts, it seems unnecessary to transfer the fee in installments. Therefore, we recommend you to keep your money until you can transfer the whole amount. This way you also have to pay possible transfer costs only once.
Does IHE Delft offer scholarships for online courses?
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education usually does not grant fellowships for online courses. We advise you to search for other options for financial support such as your employer, your government, the EU, International funding agencies, etc.
Please note that the following discounts for online courses are available:
- (when invoiced to) employer organization that is a UN family member: online course tuition fee -10%
- IHE Delft diploma alumni: online course tuition fee -30%