Are you passionate about solving global water and sanitation challenges? The IHE Delft Scholarship 2026 offers exceptional opportunities for international students to pursue a fully funded masters degree at the world’s largest graduate water education facility in the Netherlands. With multiple scholarship options including the prestigious Rotary Scholarship and Delft Blue awards, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education provides pathways for water professionals from developing and emerging countries to gain world-class training. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
About IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world, dedicated to advancing water science, engineering, and management to address global water challenges. Located in Delft, Netherlands, the institute has been at the forefront of water education since 1957 and operates under the auspices of UNESCO.
The institute is fully integrated into the Dutch higher education system, with programs accredited by the Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO), ensuring international recognition of all qualifications. IHE Delft complies with the quality control standards of the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science.
IHE Delft offers several scholarship programs to support talented water professionals from around the world, with a particular focus on candidates from developing and emerging countries. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like The Rotary Foundation, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various international bodies, IHE Delft has awarded hundreds of scholarships to deserving students.
The flagship 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. Students can choose between the one-year regular masters (68 ECTS) or the two-year research masters (120 ECTS).
IHE Delft Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host Institution | IHE Delft Institute for Water Education |
| Level of Study | Masters (MSc) |
| Eligible Programs | MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (Regular and Research) |
| Scholarship Types | Rotary (Fully Funded), Delft Blue (Partial), OKP, SIDS, and others |
| Tuition Fee | €20,700 (Regular MSc) / €36,500 (Research MSc) |
| Living Costs | Approximately €1,220 per month |
| IELTS Requirement | Minimum 6.0 (Regular) / 6.5 (Research); 6.5+ recommended |
| Eligible Regions/Nationalities | All countries (varies by scholarship type) |
| Application Deadline | 1 April to 1 June 2026 (varies by scholarship) |
| Program Start Date | November 2026 |
| Category | Fully Funded and Partial Scholarships |
Types of IHE Delft Scholarships Available
IHE Delft offers multiple scholarship programs to support international students. Here is a comprehensive overview of the main scholarship opportunities:
1. Rotary Scholarship for Water and Sanitation Professionals (Fully Funded)
The strategic partnership between The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and IHE Delft aims to tackle the world’s water and sanitation crisis by increasing the number of trained professionals. Since 2012, approximately 150 scholarships have been awarded through this program.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend (€1,220 per month)
- International travel costs
- Visa and residence permit fees
- Health insurance
Eligible Tracks:
- Water Supply Engineering
- Sanitation Engineering
- Water Quality Management
- Water Resources Management and Governance
- Flood Risk Management
- Land and Water Development
2. Delft Blue Partial Scholarships
IHE Delft offers partial scholarships to self-paying students with excellent academic backgrounds who lack sufficient financial means.
Regular Delft Blue Scholarship:
- 25% reduction of tuition fees
- Available on rolling basis (first come, first served)
- Approximately 30 scholarships available annually
Water Leader Scholarship:
- 50% reduction of tuition fees
- For candidates with exceptional academic background
- Application deadline: 1 June 2025
Top Water Scientist Scholarship (Research MSc):
- 50% reduction of tuition fees
- For Research MSc candidates with outstanding profiles
- Application deadline: 1 June 2025
3. Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, OKP scholarships support professionals from eligible countries.
Coverage:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
4. SIDS Scholarships (Small Island Developing States)
The IHE Delft Water and Development Partnership Programme provides scholarships to nationals from Small Island Developing States.
Eligible Countries Include: Belize, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated State of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and others.
Coverage (Full Scholarship):
- Tuition fees
- Insurance
- International travel costs
- Monthly allowance of €1,220 for living and accommodation
5. Additional Scholarship Opportunities
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
- OPEC Fund Scholarship
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Scholarship Programme
- Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation (for Egyptian students)
- ICETEX Scholarships (for Colombian students)
- Inlaks Scholarships (for Indian students)
- JN Tata Endowment (for Indian students)
- LPDP Scholarships (for Indonesian students)
Benefits of IHE Delft Scholarships
The benefits vary depending on the scholarship type. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:
Full Scholarship Benefits (Rotary, OKP, SIDS Full Awards)
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Complete coverage of €20,700 (Regular MSc) or €36,500 (Research MSc)
- Monthly Living Allowance: €1,220 per month for accommodation and living expenses
- International Travel: Round-trip airfare to and from the Netherlands
- Visa and Residence Permit: Coverage of all immigration-related costs
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage during the study period (approximately €54 per month)
- Laptop Access: Use of a laptop for each MSc student
- Internet Access: Free internet in IHE Delft rented accommodation
- Study Materials: Fieldtrips, introductory program, and course materials included
Partial Scholarship Benefits (Delft Blue)
- Tuition Fee Reduction: 25% to 50% reduction on tuition fees
- Early Bird Discount: Additional 10% discount for early payment (can be combined with partial scholarships)
- Laptop Access: Use of a laptop for each MSc student
- Study Materials: Fieldtrips, introductory program, and course materials included
Professional and Academic Benefits
- World-Class Education: Study at the largest international graduate water education facility
- NVAO Accreditation: Internationally recognized Dutch masters degree
- Expert Faculty: Learn from leading researchers and practitioners in the water sector
- Global Network: Connect with over 24,000 alumni working in water sectors worldwide
- Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research addressing global water challenges
- Career Development: Access to career services and professional networking
- Orientation Year Visa: Eligible for one-year post-study job search visa in Netherlands
Eligibility Criteria for IHE Delft Scholarships
General Academic Requirements
To be eligible for any IHE Delft scholarship, you must first meet the academic admission requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Level B/B+ (US system) or Upper Second Class (British system) in a relevant field from a recognized university
- Minimum GPA: 60% aggregate or equivalent
- Relevant Fields: STEM, Social Sciences, Economics, Law, or related disciplines
- English Proficiency: Meet IHE Delft’s English language requirements
- Motivation: Strong motivation to successfully complete the program
Exceptions may be made for candidates below the standard level who have substantial proven experience and strong motivation.
English Language Requirements
| Test | Regular/Joint MSc | Research MSc |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0+ (6.5 recommended) | Overall 6.5+ |
| TOEFL iBT | 80+ overall, 17+ writing | 90+ overall, 20+ writing |
| PTE Academic | 51.6+ overall, 62.2+ writing | 58.5+ overall, 74.1+ writing |
Exempted Countries: Nationals from Australia, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Ghana, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others may be exempt if previous education was in English.
Rotary Scholarship Specific Requirements
- Academic admission to IHE Delft MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development
- Sponsorship from a local Rotary Club in your home country
- Commitment to return to home country after studies
- Focus on water and sanitation professional development
SIDS Scholarship Specific Requirements
- Nationality from an eligible Small Island Developing State
- Living and/or working in one of the eligible countries
- Agreement to conduct MSc research in home country/region
- Employer statement confirming return to organization after studies
- Active participation in program seminars and learning networks
Required Documents for IHE Delft Scholarship Application
Prepare the following documents for your scholarship application:
Mandatory Documents
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all academic records
- Degree Certificate: Certified copy of bachelor’s degree/diploma
- English Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (within 24 months)
- CV/Resume: Updated curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
- Motivation Statement: Answers to 5-6 motivation questions (varies by program)
- Passport Copy: Valid passport identification page
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs
- Recommendation Letters: Two professional/academic references
Additional Documents by Scholarship Type
For Rotary Scholarship:
- Rotary Club nomination letter
- Completed Rotary/IHE Delft application form
- IHE Delft admission letter
For SIDS Scholarship:
- Employer statement confirming return commitment
- Evidence of connection to Water and Development Partnership Programme projects
For Delft Blue Scholarships:
- Proof of financial means to cover remaining costs
- Bank statements or financial documentation
Document Certification Requirements
- Copies must be certified/authenticated with official stamps
- Documents must verify that copies are true copies of originals
- Non-English documents require certified translations
Application Timeline for IHE Delft Scholarships
Understanding the timeline is crucial for successful application. Key dates for 2026 intake:
| Milestone | Date |
| Program Start | November 2026 |
| Rotary Scholarship: Admission Deadline | 1 April 2026 |
| Rotary Scholarship: Application Submission | 15 April 2026 |
| Rotary Scholarship: Selection Results | Before 15 May 2026 |
| Rotary Scholarship: Final Approval | 1 July 2026 |
| Delft Blue Water Leader Scholarship | 1 June 2026 |
| SIDS Scholarship Deadline | 1 June 2026 |
| SIDS Scholarship Results | 1 July 2026 |
| General Admission Deadline | 1 July 2026 |
Important Notes:
- If seeking financial assistance, apply much earlier than general deadlines
- Scholarship applications are processed on rolling basis for some awards
- Start searching for Rotary Club sponsorship early in the process
How to Apply for IHE Delft Scholarships
Follow this step-by-step guide for a successful application:
Step 1: Research and Select Your Track
Before applying, carefully review the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development:
Available Thematic Tracks:
- Water Supply Engineering
- Sanitation Engineering
- Water Quality Management
- Water Resources Management and Governance
- Flood Risk Management
- Land and Water Development
- Integrated Water Systems
Choose the track and profile that best matches your background and career goals.
Step 2: Apply for Academic Admission
- Visit the IHE Delft Application Portal
- Create an account and complete the online application
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Wait for academic admission decision
Step 3: Apply for Scholarship
For Rotary Scholarship:
- Search for your nearest Rotary Club using my.rotary.org/en/search/club-finder
- Approach the club and request nomination for a Rotary scholarship
- Complete the Rotary/IHE Delft application form together with the club
- The sponsoring Rotary Club submits application to rotary.ihescholarship@gmail.com
- Copy application to District Governor and District Rotary Foundation Chair
For Delft Blue Scholarships:
- Download the scholarship application form from the IHE Delft website
- Complete all sections including financial documentation
- Submit before the deadline
- Await selection decision
For SIDS and OKP Scholarships:
- No separate application form required
- Automatic consideration after academic admission if eligible
- Ensure employer statement is included in recommendation letters
Step 4: Await Results and Confirm Enrollment
- Receive notification of scholarship decision
- Accept scholarship offer within specified timeframe
- Complete financial confirmation process
- Meet with IHE Delft coach to finalize study trajectory
- Apply for Dutch residence permit and visa
- Arrange travel and accommodation
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Start the process 6-12 months before program start
- Contact Rotary Early: Build relationship with local Rotary Club well in advance
- Strong Motivation: Clearly articulate your commitment to water sector development
- Relevant Experience: Highlight professional experience in water-related fields
- Return Commitment: Demonstrate clear plans to contribute to home country
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all documents are properly certified
- English Proficiency: Take language test early; aim for IELTS 6.5+
FAQs about IHE Delft Scholarships
Who is eligible for IHE Delft scholarships?
International students from any country who meet the academic admission requirements for the MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development are eligible. Specific scholarships may have additional criteria such as nationality requirements (SIDS), Rotary Club sponsorship (Rotary Scholarship), or financial need (Delft Blue).
Is IELTS required for IHE Delft admission?
Yes, non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum IELTS score is 6.0 for the regular MSc (6.5 recommended) and 6.5 for the Research MSc. Nationals from English-speaking countries with education in English may be exempt.
Can I apply for multiple IHE Delft scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. However, if awarded an IHE Delft partial scholarship and later receive a full scholarship (e.g., Rotary, OKP), the partial scholarship will be withdrawn and any paid fees refunded. You can only receive one scholarship at a time.
What is the difference between the Regular MSc and Research MSc?
The Regular MSc (68 ECTS) is a one-year program focused on professional practice, while the Research MSc (120 ECTS) is a two-year program with significant self-study and individually supervised research components, preparing students for careers in research or academia.
How competitive is the Rotary Scholarship?
The Rotary Scholarship is competitive, with approximately 150 scholarships awarded since 2012. Success depends on academic qualifications, motivation, Rotary Club support, and commitment to water and sanitation sector development.
Can I work while studying at IHE Delft?
The program is full-time and intensive. While limited part-time work may be possible, the demanding curriculum requires full commitment. Scholarship recipients typically focus solely on their studies.
Final Thoughts on IHE Delft Scholarships
The IHE Delft Scholarship 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for water professionals and aspiring researchers to gain world-class education at the world’s largest graduate water education facility. With multiple scholarship options ranging from fully funded Rotary awards to partial Delft Blue scholarships, there are pathways for talented individuals from around the globe.
The MSc Programme in Water and Sustainable Development provides interdisciplinary training that prepares graduates to tackle some of the world’s most pressing water challenges. With over 24,000 alumni working in water sectors worldwide, IHE Delft graduates join a powerful global network of water professionals making real impact.
Whether you are an early-career water professional seeking to advance your knowledge or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your expertise, IHE Delft offers the training, credentials, and connections to accelerate your career and contribution to global water sustainability.
Remember to start your application early, especially if seeking Rotary Club sponsorship or other funded scholarships. The investment of time and effort in preparing a strong application can open doors to transformative educational and career opportunities.
Apply Now
Submit your application before the deadline closes. Do not miss this opportunity to study in the Netherlands at the world’s leading water education institute.
Official Link: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
Application Portal: Apply to IHE Delft
Need Help With Your Application?
Applying for international scholarships can be complex and competitive. ScholyHub Consultancy offers expert support to help you succeed with:
- Application strategy development
- Statement of purpose and motivation letter writing
- Document preparation and review
- Rotary Club approach guidance
- Interview preparation
Visit ScholyHub Consultants to request professional consultancy services and maximize your chances of success.
