UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water

  • Founded: 2001
  • Address: Westvest 7 - Delft, Netherlands (Map)
  • Tel: Show Number

Email Admissions

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world and is based in Delft, the Netherlands. The Institute confers fully accredited MSc degrees, and PhD degrees in collaboration with partner universities.

Since 1957 the Institute has provided graduate education to more than 15,000 water professionals from over 162 countries, the vast majority from the developing world. Numerous research and capacity development projects are carried out throughout the world. The Institute offers a unique combination of applied, scientific and participatory research in water engineering combined with natural sciences, social sciences and management and governance. Since its establishment the Institute has played an instrumental role in developing the capacities of water sector organizations in the Global South, not least by strengthening the efforts of other universities and research centres to increase the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the water sector.

IHE Delft carries out educational, research and capacity development activities that complement and reinforce each other in the broad fields of water engineering, water management, environment, sanitation, and governance.

IHE Delft provides a wide range of services to a variety of target groups in developing countries and countries in transition, Education, training and scientific research – for water sector professionals, engineers, scientists, consultants and decision-makers working in the water and environment sectors. Water sector capacity development – for water sector ministries and departments, municipalities, water boards and water utilities, universities, training and research institutes, industries, non-governmental and private sector organisations. Partnership building and networking – among knowledge centres, public and private sector organisations. Standard setting for education and training – for water-related institutions, universities and other education and training agencies in the water sector. Policy forum on water – for UNESCO member states and other stakeholders.

The Institute offers a wide range of facilities Four modern teaching and research laboratories: aquatic ecology, microbiology process and analytical laboratories, A library with online connections to a worldwide network of libraries, and a reading room containing many international journals and magazines, Multifunctional lecture theaters and a fully equipped auditorium that seats 300, Extensive ICT facilities, including a studio with videoconferencing facilities, Innovative learning tools, including smart boards, WiFi and remote access to all digital resources, A restaurant offering a wide variety of meals and snacks, An in-house prayer and meditation room, Residential accommodation equipped with computers, internet connections and other facilities.

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education envisions a world in which people manage their water and environmental resources in a sustainable manner, and in which all sectors of society, particularly the poor, can enjoy the benefits of basic services.

The mission of IHE Delft is to contribute to the education and training of professionals, to expand the knowledge base through research and to build the capacity of sector organizations, knowledge centers and other institutions active in the fields of water, the environment and infrastructure in developing countries and countries in transition.

The Institute has three main goals:

  • Develop innovation, provide new knowledge, and promote the uptake of technologies and policies that will address the issues of the global water agenda, especially those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 6 (Ensure access to water and sanitation for all);
  • Seek, evaluate and facilitate responses for the sustainable management of water, to meet the needs of all sectors of society, particularly the poor;
  • Strengthen and promote principles of good governance that drive institutional and management change to support the sustainable management of water.

IHE Delft’s strategic plan recognizes that addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change and public health requires a strong foundation of knowledge to improve water management practices.

Where they work

  • IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
  • Delft University of Technology
  • Deltares
  • Ministry Of Public Work
  • The World Bank
  • UNICEF
  • National Water & Sewerage Corporation (NWSC)
  • Royal HaskoningDHV
  • Ghana Water Company Ltd.
  • Makerere University

What they do

  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Education
  • Operations
  • Community and Social Services
  • Business Development
  • Program and Project Management
  • Information Technology
  • Consulting
  • Administrative

Studied or Worked here? Share Your Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please do not post:

  • Aggressive or discriminatory language
  • Profanities (of any kind)
  • Trade secrets or confidential information

Thank you once again for doing your part to keep Edarabia the most trusted education source.

Community Reviews (18)

Studying in Delft has been a transformative experience; the commitment of the educators and the progressive learning atmosphere truly empower every student to reach their fullest potential.
By Amir Verma (Jul, 2024) |

Undoubtedly the best water resources engineering and management institute of Europe. Course are very precise. There are lot of Graduation course with in the institute. International courses are accredited with different scholarship programs to help the brilliant students around the globe to study and to procede research works here.
By Probir Kumar Goshwami (Feb, 2019) |

IHE Delft is a renowned institution among the institutions in the u union and also has much experience in the water sector because of this I prefer the IHE Delft.
By Mahbobullah Afaq (Jan, 2019) |

It was a great pleasure to have tailor-made courses at UNESCO IHE . One can hardly forget the warmest welcome and friendly atmosphere, not to mention the highly professional teacing staff.
By Bantalem Akalu (Jan, 2019) |

They have the right courses that addresses the current challenges facing our different conutries. What is even more amazing is the diversity of the IHE community which presents wonderful opportunities.
By Pamela Pamcy (Oct, 2018) |

It was a great pleasure to have tailor-made courses at UNESCO IHE . One can hardly forget the warmest welcome and friendly atmosphere, not to mention the highly professional teacing staff.
By Рузан Шагинян (Sep, 2018) |

I am study in there for 6 months at UNESCO-IHE and I found them very good in every thing , especialy the manger of Institute je is a very gentle and good man , and they were give us education in every thing in our life with science like cleaning amd arrangement and many good things ...it is a part of my life yet now and I canot forgrt it so it is a very good chance to study in there .. thanks for everythings.
By W.M. Jacob (Aug, 2018) |

UNESCO-IHE is one of the best institution in water education. Within 18 months (2006-2008) there had given me tremendous experience in the beautiful city of Delft. With marvelous environment; professional faculty and staff; had resulted an outstanding institution.
By Noordiah Helda (Aug, 2018) |

It is a real pride to be an ex-IHE student. I learned a lot while studying hidrology there. Right now I am working as a consultant for a new water supply system in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America. There is a large water shortage....and we are trying hard to partially solve the problem. I am enjoying it. The best of all for everyone,
By Nelson Larios Hernandez (Jun, 2018) |

One of the best Institutions to do a short course, they pack a lot of material and content in 2 weeks giving you as much practical information in that short span. Keep up the good work, IHE
By Louis Butamire (Mar, 2018) |