The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program in Groundwater and Global Change – Impacts and Adaptation is a prestigious two-year international graduate program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand, assess, and manage groundwater resources in the context of global environmental change. Developed through a collaboration between three leading European institutions—Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal), IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), and Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)—the program integrates scientific, technical, and policy perspectives to address the increasing global challenges facing water sustainability.
GroundwatCh offers a unique multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes hydrogeology, climate change adaptation, integrated water management, and environmental policy. Through a carefully structured mobility track, students complete coursework across three different universities and conduct a research-based thesis at one of the partner institutions or associated organizations worldwide. The program not only fosters academic excellence and cross-cultural competence but also prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, policy-making, and the water sector on a global scale.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-10-2023
- End date 30-11-2029
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program enables students to study at leading European universities, focusing on groundwater management, climate change impacts, and sustainable adaptation strategies.
| Instituto Superior Técnico |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education |
| Technische Universität Dresden |
| Portugal |
| Netherlands) |
| Germany |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program equips students with critical skills to study groundwater as a dynamic system influenced by surface water, climate, and human activity. Through this joint master’s, students learn to assess, model, and propose adaptation strategies in groundwater-dependent environments.
Key features of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
- Four-semester structure across three European hubs + thesis period
- Covers hydrogeology, climate modeling, policy, data and systems thinking
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships (~15–20/year), covering tuition, insurance, monthly stipend (€1,400), and travel
Mobility tracks of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
- 1st Semester (Sept–Feb): Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon
- 2nd Semester (Mar–Jul): IHE Delft, The Netherlands
- 3rd Semester (Sept–Feb): TU Dresden, Germany
- 4th Semester (Mar–Aug): Research thesis at any of the three universities or partner organizations globally
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s in geologic, hydraulic, civil, environmental or agricultural engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, climate sciences, geography, geology, or any other similar subject.
- B.Sc. degree equivalent to 180 credit points according to the European Credit Transfer System
- Sufficient academic knowledge of mathematics
- Evidence of qualification in one of the internationally-recognised English language tests.
- Supporting documents include:
- CV
- 2 recommendation letters
- Motivation letter
- English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy & certified transcripts
How to apply for GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit groundwatermaster.eu and navigate to “Apply Now”
- Complete online form, indicate Erasmus Mundus scholarship
- Upload required documents
- Applicants are screened by IHE Delft, reviewed by consortium, shortlisted (~100), then ranked
- Final results delivered by April 2025 (scholarship & admission)
Tips to win the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
- Tailor your motivation letter: Demonstrate passion and relevance—how groundwater connects to climate, society, and your career goals
- Showcase technical skills: GIS, hydrological modeling, statistics, programming
- Highlight soft skills: international communication, adaptability (you’re gonna live in three countries!)
- Strong references: Choose referees who can speak to both your academic and extra‑curricular merits
Application Timeline
- Opens: January
- Deadline: February
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (Lisbon): Environmental engineering foundations, groundwater basics, climate impacts
- Semester 2 (Delft): Advanced water education, modeling, policy integration
- Semester 3 (Dresden): Climate-hydrology skills, hydrological modeling, adaptation frameworks
- Semester 4: Individual master research thesis, often in collaboration with public institutions or industry
Coordinator Contact
- Dr. Tibor Stigter (Programme Coordinator): t.stigter@un-ihe.org
- Admission Office: erasmusregistration-gw@un-ihe.org
Alumni Feedback
GroundwatCh introduced me to the world of water science and engineering, and helped me build a solid foundation in groundwater exploration and modeling. The courses were taught by industry experts and renowned hydrology specialists from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany. On top of living and breathing in three beautiful countries, this programme allowed me to gain valuable practical experience through intense fieldwork in France and an insightful summer internship.
~Shafkat Sharif
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
No, work experience is not mandatory, but It’s a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s across Lisbon, Delft, and Dresden focusing on groundwater–climate interactions and adaptation., internships, or academic projects related to AI or vision are highly valued.
Who can apply for GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
BSc grads (or final‑year students) in engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, climatology, etc.
Does the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program offer scholarships?
Yes, the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program offers Erasmus+ scholarships to selected students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend, insurance, and travel expenses.
What documents are required to apply for the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, a diploma or certificate of enrollment, a CV, a motivation letter, two reference letters, proof of English proficiency, and a copy of a valid passport.
How competitive is the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of fully funded scholarships awarded each year based on academic excellence, motivation, and relevance of prior experience.
