IHE Delft Institute for Water Education is the largest international graduate water education institute in the world. Since 1957, at our location in Delft, the Netherlands, we have provided multidisciplinary education and training to more than 23,000 water professionals from 190 countries.
We strongly believe that capacity development, in partnership, is key to addressing today’s water challenges. Through education, research and innovation, and institutional strengthening, IHE Delft aims to make a tangible contribution to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals in which water is key.
Working closely with Dutch and international partners, we provide tailored, high-quality education to practising water professionals. Our programme offers accredited Masters and Doctorate degrees, as well as customised training programmes and online courses, within a uniquely international and interdisciplinary educational environment. The beneficiaries of our activities include engineers, scientists, practitioners, consultants and decision-makers working in water and the environment.
The Institute works with many partners throughout the world, including operational project partners, joint education providers, strategic partners as well as donors and alumni. We work together with water professionals across the spectrum - from government bodies at all levels to NGOs and private sector organisations. Our commitment to partnerships provides mutual learning and strengthened capacity development wherever needed for the water sector.
IHE Delft works under the auspices of UNESCO and is a member of UN-Water and the UNESCO Water Family. We have a recognised impartial status in the water and development sector. We play a dynamic role in the international water community, both in an advisory capacity and during stakeholder-driven or policy-related research. We also play an active role in standard-setting for education and training for water-related institutions, universities and other education and training agencies in the water sector. These factors make us a respected participant in networking and partnership building among knowledge centres, public and private sector organisations.
We enjoy more than 60 years of experience in developing capacities in the water sector. And many of the Institute's staff members are world-renowned experts in their field. IHE Delft truly is an international and vibrant hub – a place where the water world meets.