Apply now for the Erasmus Mundus International Scholarships Joint Master in Groundwater and Global Change 2026–2028. Study in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany with a fully funded scholarship. Deadline: January 5, 2026 (non-EU) / February 2, 2026 (EU).
Study Groundwater and Global Change Across Europe – Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Master’s
Applications are now open for the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme in Groundwater and Global Change – Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCh) for the 2026–2028 intake.
This fully funded international Master’s programme brings together three of Europe’s leading universities in water science and engineering:
- Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Lisbon, Portugal
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands
- Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), Germany
Designed for highly motivated students who want to tackle water scarcity, climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management, the GroundwatCh programme provides a world-class education in groundwater hydrology and environmental engineering, combined with real-world research experience and cross-cultural learning.
Programme Overview
About the GroundwatCh Programme
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Groundwater and Global Change – Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCh) focuses on one of the world’s most critical environmental and social challenges: the sustainable management of groundwater resources in a changing climate.
This two-year interdisciplinary programme prepares future water professionals to understand the impacts of global change on groundwater systems and to design adaptive strategies that support communities, agriculture, and ecosystems worldwide.
Programme duration: September 2026 – August 2028
Application opens: October 1, 2025
Scholarship deadline:
- Non-European applicants: January 5, 2026
- European applicants: February 2, 2026
Mode: Full-time, in-person
Degree awarded: Joint Master’s Degree from all three universities
Why Choose the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Programme?
- Earn a joint MSc degree from three world-leading institutions in water and environmental science.
- Receive a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
- Study in three European countries and experience unique academic, cultural, and research environments.
- Gain access to international networks, research centers, and employment opportunities.
- Focus on global water issues, climate adaptation, and sustainable groundwater management.
This program is ideal for students passionate about hydrology, climate science, sustainable development, or water governance who wish to become change-makers in the field of environmental management.
Programme Structure
The GroundwatCh programme consists of four semesters across three European countries, combining theoretical knowledge, field experience, and applied research.
Semester 1 – Lisbon, Portugal (September – February)
Host University: Instituto Superior Técnico (IST)
Focus: Environmental Engineering and Water Systems
Learn the fundamentals of environmental systems, groundwater flow, hydrogeology, and resource management in one of Europe’s oldest and most innovative engineering schools.
Semester 2 – Delft, Netherlands (March – July)
Host University: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Focus: Applied Hydroinformatics, Modelling & Water Resources Management
IHE Delft is the world’s largest international graduate water institute, with alumni from over 160 countries.
Students learn state-of-the-art tools for groundwater modeling, data analysis, and water resource management.
Semester 3 – Dresden, Germany (September – February)
Host University: Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)
Focus: Climate Impacts, Hydrology, and Environmental Systems
TU Dresden is renowned for excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and environmental research.
Students deepen their understanding of climate change impacts, risk analysis, and hydrological systems.
Semester 4 – Research Thesis (March – August)
Students complete their Master’s thesis at one of the three partner universities or with one of the program’s academic, research, or private-sector partners worldwide.
Previous thesis topics include:
- Climate-induced groundwater depletion in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Groundwater-surface water interactions in arid zones
- Modelling aquifer recharge under changing precipitation patterns
- Decision-support tools for sustainable groundwater use
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Benefits
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship provides full financial support for outstanding applicants.
Scholarship Coverage:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend for living expenses (approximately €1,400/month)
- Travel and installation allowance
- Health and accident insurance
- Visa and residence support
Scholarships are awarded to the top-ranked applicants from both EU and non-EU countries based on academic excellence, motivation, and professional potential.
Who Can Apply for Erasmus Mundus International Scholarships
The programme welcomes applicants from all nationalities who meet the academic and language requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in:
- Hydrology, Environmental Science, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / equivalent).
Priority Applicants
- Students from developing countries or regions affected by water scarcity are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Professionals with prior experience in water management, hydrology, or environmental consulting are also eligible.
How to Apply
Applications for admission and Erasmus Mundus scholarships open on October 1, 2025.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official website:
👉 https://www.groundwatermaster.eu - Review the programme details and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Two recommendation letters
- Submit your application before the respective deadline:
- Non-European applicants: January 5, 2026
- European applicants: February 2, 2026
Contact Information:
- Academic questions: Dr. Tibor Stigter – t.stigter@un-ihe.org
- Admissions and Scholarships: Admission Office – erasmusregistration-gw@un-ihe.org
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Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated on:
- Academic background and GPA
- Motivation and career goals
- English proficiency
- Reference letters
- Professional or research experience (if applicable)
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview.
Successful candidates are notified by April 2026, with studies starting in September 2026.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Programme are in high demand globally. They go on to work as:
- Groundwater and Climate Adaptation Specialists
- Environmental Consultants and Engineers
- Water Resource Managers
- Climate Policy Analysts
- Researchers and Academics in hydrology or climate science
- Project Managers in UN agencies, NGOs, and government institutions
Employers include international organizations such as:
- UNESCO
- UNDP
- World Bank
- European Commission
- National water authorities and consulting firms
Meta Description
Apply now for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Groundwater and Global Change 2026–2028. Study in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany with a fully funded scholarship. Deadline: January 5, 2026 (non-EU) / February 2, 2026 (EU).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Programme?
It’s a two-year international Master’s focused on groundwater, climate impacts, and adaptation — jointly offered by IST Lisbon, IHE Delft, and TU Dresden.
2. Who can apply for the scholarship?
Students from all countries with a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Separate deadlines apply for EU and non-EU applicants.
3. What costs are covered by the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, travel, insurance, and a monthly stipend.
4. When does the program start?
The 2026–2028 intake begins in September 2026.
5. What is the difference between admission and scholarship deadlines?
Both open on October 1, 2025, but scholarship deadlines are:
- January 5, 2026 (non-European students)
- February 2, 2026 (European students)
6. Can I apply without English test results?
You may apply, but you must provide proof of English proficiency before enrollment.
7. Where can I find more information?
Visit https://www.groundwatermaster.eu or contact:
- Academic queries: t.stigter@un-ihe.org
- Admissions: erasmusregistration-gw@un-ihe.org
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