IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the largest
international graduate water education facility in the world. IHE Delft Institute for Water Education has 3 subjects ranked in the 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, with its best ranked subjects being Water Resources (#101-150), Atmospheric Science (#201-300) and Environmental Science & Engineering (#201-300).
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education continues the work that was started in 1957 when a postgraduate diploma course in hydraulic engineering was first offered to practicing professionals from developing countries. Today, IHE Delft has developed into one of the largest graduate water education facilities in the world.
Education
IHE Delft offers a wide variety of educational courses in the field of water. In addition to the MSc Programmes and the PhD Programme, the Institute also offers a range of short and online courses tailored to specific needs.
Research
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.
Career
IHE Delft helps enhance the careers of those who are already working in the field of water, or interested to study the topic, by giving them the chance to broaden or deepen their expertise. As, increasingly, a wide range of skills and backgrounds is beneficial for the water sector, the Institute also welcomes students who wish to change their career path, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Top reasons to study here
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 – 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.
IHE Delft Institute for Water EducationKey Statistics & Highlights
#1032Ranking
140Academic Staff
200Students
200Students (int'l)
100Students (female)
Housing services
IHE Delft provides fully furnished accommodation in Delft for all students of the Institute’s Delft-based programmes. Our accommodation is intended for our MSc students to live in by themselves throughout the course of their MSc programme. You will either live in a self-contained studio apartment, or you will share your bathroom and kitchen with one or two other IHE Delft students of the same gender.
You will always have your own bedroom with a desk and closet, so that you have a place for yourself where you can sleep, study, relax and keep your 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.
Campus life
IHE’s campus is located in the centre of Delft. The premises, comprising three interconnected buildings, cover an area of 14,000 square metres, extending from the main entrance of the new building on Westvest 7, to the historic buildings along one of Delft’s main canals.
Sports facilities
From October to April, IHE Delft arranges free facilities to actively practise a number of sports, such as indoor football, 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..
Student clubs
The objectives of the IHE Delft Student Association Board (SAB) are the following:
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 will become member of this Association. All members have the right to elect their representatives and to participate in all activities organized by the Association.
Accreditation
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.
IHE Delft Institute for Water EducationOverview
IHE Delft Institute for Water EducationRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 9%Netherlands
Top 22.5%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1032
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 17 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2024
2025
2026
1008
1049
1032
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
IHE Delft Institute for Water EducationStudent Reviews & Awards
4.6
Based on 13 reviews
5 Star
8 Reviews
4 Star
5 Reviews
3 Star
0 Reviews
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
0 Reviews
5/5
Smooth Application Process
So far, my experience with the application and admission process has been very positive. The information provided about the programme was clear and helpful, and the application process was straightforward. I also appreciate the communication and support received during my admission process. I am excited about the opportunity to begin the programme and look forward to gaining valuable academic and professional experience.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromNov 2025 - Oct 2027
Posted onMay 2026
5/5
Good
The experience so far has been so good and nicely.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromNov 2025 - Oct 2027
Posted onMar 2026
4/5
Overall, it's a good niche institute
The specific focus by introducing tracks and profile was great. It's strong links to Multilateral Development Banks and UN is an added advantage for students.