The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Groundwater and Global Change: Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCh) offers around 15 scholarships for the 2027-2029 intake, covering participation costs and paying €1,400 per month for 2 years of study in Lisbon, Delft and Dresden. The scholarship deadline is 03 January 2027 for Partner Country applicants. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the programme's admission, application and scholarship pages and set out every condition below.
The Programme at a Glance
📌 Programme: Joint Master Programme in Groundwater and Global Change: Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCh)
🌐 Framework: Erasmus Mundus programme to face SDGs 2030
🗓️ Next edition starts: September 2027
🔓 Applications open: 1 October 2026
⌛ Duration: 2 years, 4 semesters
🎖️ Scholarships: Around 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 2027-2029
💶 Monthly allowance: €1,400
🏫 Coordinator: IHE Delft
🗣️ Language of instruction: English
🎓 Degree: Joint degree, Master of Science in Groundwater and Global Change: Impacts and Adaptation
Four Semesters Across Three Countries
📍 1st semester, Lisbon (September to February): Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal, the largest and most prestigious school of engineering in Portugal, gives participants the Environmental Engineering perspective.
📍 2nd semester, Delft (March to July): You study at IHE Delft, the Netherlands, the largest international graduate Water Education Institute in the world, which has provided graduate education to more than 15,000 water professionals from over 162 countries.
📍 3rd semester, Dresden (September to February): TU Dresden, Germany, is one of the 10 largest and best universities of engineering and technology in Germany. It offers renowned expertise in climate and hydrology, with a well-matched combination of engineering, geo and natural sciences.
📍 4th semester, Research Thesis (March to August): To complete the programme, students accomplish their MSc thesis at any of the three programme universities or at associated partners, in both the private and public sector.
What the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Includes
The scholarships all include the following:
🏛️ The students' participation costs, including the tuition fee, library and laboratory costs, full insurance coverage and any other mandatory costs related to participation in the Master
💶 An allowance of €1,400 per month for subsistence, student travel and installation costs, for the entire 2 years of the study programme
♿ Students with disabilities may receive a contribution to individual needs up to a certain maximum, if they fulfil the general eligibility conditions set in the grant agreement
If you are new to these degrees, our guide on what Erasmus Mundus is and what the scholarship covers explains the model.
How Many Scholarships and Places Are Available
🔢 Around 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships are offered for 2027-2029
🧮 Besides these, there are about 10 places for non-Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders, which include scholarships with reduced tuition fee
🥇 Those places are offered to the first candidates from whom financial confirmation is received
📆 Scholarships are available for four intakes over four years, in total about 60 scholarships for the intakes starting in the period 2024-2027
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Partner Country or Programme Country: Which One Are You?
Scholarships are available for Partner and Programme Countries, and your nationality decides your category.
Programme Countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye.
Partner Countries: All other countries.
Students with a double nationality, of a Partner and of a Programme Country, must specify the nationality under which they submit their scholarship application in the application form, and upload both passports as 1 PDF. The nationality filled in on the online application, together with the uploaded passport, decides the category.
Who Cannot Receive the Scholarship
Students who have benefitted from an EMJM scholarship before are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship.
Academic Admission Requirements
🎓 Proof that you have successfully accomplished a first degree of higher education equivalent to a B.Sc., equivalent to 180 ECTS credit points
📊 A good final mark, shown by a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least B/B+ (US system) or a classification of at least 2nd upper (UK system)
🌋 A bachelor degree or comparable in geologic, hydraulic, civil, environmental or agricultural engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, climate sciences, geography, geology or any other similar subject
➗ Sufficient academic knowledge of mathematics
📝 Evidence of qualification in one of the internationally recognised English language tests
Applying Before You Finish Your Bachelor's
Applications may already be submitted before the first degree is finished, if at least 120 ECTS of the programme have been successfully completed. If you meet all other admission requirements, admission can be granted on the condition that the first degree is successfully finished no later than 15 August of the year the programme starts.
In that case, upload with your online application:
📜 A statement of your university confirming that you are in the last year of your BSc study and stating when you are expected to graduate
📑 Your academic transcript, showing the subjects followed and the marks and ECTS obtained so far
English Language Requirements
The language of instruction is English, and all students must possess adequate English skills as a requirement for admission.
🕐 If you do not have your English test results available before 03 January 2027, you can still upload them before 01 February 2027 at the latest
✔️ If you submitted your application before 03 January, it will still be considered for a scholarship if you provide sufficient English test results
🌐 Citizens from certain countries are exempted from taking an English language test
🗺️ Candidates from countries where English is the language of instruction in higher education, but which are not on the list of exempted countries, always need to upload the English test results
Language Support During the Master
Additional language courses are provided at IHE for improvement of English speaking, understanding and writing skills. A dedicated English teacher tests all students upon arrival on their English proficiency and, for those who need it, additional courses are organised. Other than English, students have the opportunity of learning Dutch, German and Portuguese during their stay in the respective countries.
Documents to Prepare
🏅 Certified copy or copies of academic diploma(s), if applicable in the original language and translated in English by a sworn translator
📋 Certified academic transcript(s) or mark sheets, if applicable in the original language and translated in English by a sworn translator, including grades obtained and showing the average mark, with an explanation of the grading system
👤 Curriculum Vitae including work experience and research record, if any
🖊️ Answers to five motivation questions in the application form
✉️ Two letters of recommendation, not older than six months
🧪 Results of an English language test proving you comply with the programme's language requirements
Authenticated or certified copies are copies with an official stamp to verify that they are true copies of the original documents. The stamp may be from a solicitor or notary, the educational institution from where you gained the diplomas, or the local council, local authority or local government office.
Only PDF files with a maximum size of 2 MB per file are accepted.
The Five Motivation Questions
1️⃣ Why are you applying for this programme? (max 600 characters with spaces)
2️⃣ What are the specific challenges, issues or problems, in your country, region or worldwide, that you would like to address once you have completed this study? (max 1000 characters with spaces)
3️⃣ How will this programme enable you to address the above mentioned challenges, issues or problems? (max 1000 characters with spacing)
4️⃣ What are your most relevant qualifications and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 1000 characters with spacing)
5️⃣ Where do you see yourself 5 years after you have graduated? (max 1000 characters with spaces)
Your motivation is an important criterion for selecting you for admission and scholarship, so prepare these answers well in advance. The programme asks you to use your own words and avoid AI tools such as ChatGPT: it says it can easily detect writing with AI tools, will deduct points for obvious use, and keeps the option open to interview candidates in case of doubts or to clarify background and motivation. Our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter can help you plan what to say.
What the Recommendation Letters Must Contain
The two letters must come from two university teachers, or from one university teacher and one employer, or from internationally recognised scientist(s). The contact details of the referee should be shown on the letter. The letters should refer to:
🔍 Academic and scientific qualifications and potential of the candidate with regard to the programme
💼 Professional qualifications and/or potential of the candidate
🌱 Personal qualifications and/or potential of the candidate
How to Apply for Admission and the Scholarship
📂 Collect the documents you need to upload before you start to apply online
💻 Complete and submit the online application form for admission and Erasmus Mundus scholarship
☑️ At the question on how you are going to finance your study, select: Erasmus Mundus scholarship
🛎️ There is no separate application procedure for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship
👀 Follow the status of your application via the online application system, which explains the different statuses
All Application Dates
🌎 03 January 2027, 23:59 CET (Dutch time): Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, applicants from Partner Countries
🇪🇺 07 February 2027, 23:59 CET (Dutch time): Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, applicants from Programme Countries
🧷 01 February 2027: Last date to upload English test results, if the application was submitted before 03 January
💳 15 April 2027: Application and financial confirmation for those considered for a reduced tuition fee scholarship or coming with other funding
🛂 30 April 2027: Application and financial confirmation for self-payers who need a visa
🏠 31 July 2027: Application and financial confirmation for self-payers who do not need a visa
Applications submitted after 03 January (Partner Countries) or 07 February 2027 (Programme Countries) are considered solely for academic admission, without eligibility for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. If vacancies remain, they may be considered for a reduced tuition fee scholarship. Later applications can be considered under certain circumstances, and you can email the Admission Office to ask whether seats are still available.
How Applicants Are Shortlisted
A first control of eligibility for admission is performed by the student admission office of IHE Delft, as coordinator of the programme. Legalised documents accepted by the coordinating institution are automatically recognised by the other universities within their competences. The minimum Grade Point Average depends on the country of study, as defined by IHE Delft.
After the eligibility check, the programme coordinator and the admission office build a shortlist of around 100 applicants eligible for a scholarship, based on:
📘 The relevance and grade of the obtained Bachelor degree and followed disciplines
🏆 The ranking of the university
🌐 The number of applicants per country
📨 The letter of motivation
How the 100 Points Are Awarded
The shortlist is distributed over the three full partners of the consortium, and each partner evaluates all applicants, so each applicant receives three evaluations:
🥇 Maximum 25 points: Overall grade of the previous degree (Bachelor or equivalent) and ranking of the university in the country
🥈 Maximum 40 points: Marks of relevant study subjects during the previous degree, previously obtained Master degree, number of years since last graduation, relevant extra-academic qualifications, and added value of a fellowship for the applicant and their career
🥉 Maximum 25 points: Letter of motivation
🏅 Maximum 10 points: The two letters of recommendation
The scores for BSc mark, university ranking and years since completion of study are calculated objectively. The three universities send individual ratings to the JOMC chairperson, who combines them based on the absolute scores and relative rankings given by each partner. Importance is further given to rankings by each of the referees, to overcome biases due to subjectivity.
From Final Decision to Invitation Letter
⚖️ The results are discussed and finalised among the three partners during a video-conference meeting
🗣️ In case of doubts, the added value of a fellowship for the applicant and their career is also considered, or the candidate can be interviewed
🖋️ A memo of the selection procedure is prepared, including day and place of final decision, and signed by the three country coordinators within the JOMC
📃 Two final lists are made for Partner and Programme Countries: applicants with approved grants, and applicants on a reserve list who may be entitled to a scholarship if an awarded applicant withdraws
📬 IHE's general Admission Office sends an invitation letter to awarded applicants, and once they have accepted, the Admission Offices of the other universities also admit them
🇪🇺 The final awarding of the scholarship depends upon the approval of the European Commission
When You Will Hear Back
If you indicated that you wish to be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you will be informed about the outcome of your application for admission and scholarship in April 2027, and you will not receive a reply before then. The status shown in the application system is provisional, and the final decision is made at the selection meeting in April.
If you indicated that you will cover the cost by other means, you will be informed within 4 weeks after submitting your application.
If You Are Not Selected for a Scholarship
Applicants who meet the academic admission criteria but do not receive a scholarship are academically accepted to the programme and motivated to search for alternative funding. You may still attend if you are able and willing to cover the cost via other means. Self-funded students are admitted if they satisfy the admission requirements.
The Appeal Procedure
If you do not agree with the decision of the Committee and feel that the consortium has not handled your application in line with the application and selection procedures described on the website, you can appeal:
⏰ Appeal within seven days following notification
📝 Write a letter addressed to the Committee stating why you disagree, with clear justifications
📧 Send the letter by email to the Admission Office
🔄 Your appeal is analysed by the Selection Committee and, if justified, your application is re-evaluated
🗓️ You are informed about the final decision within 14 days
The Degree You Receive
On successful completion of all components of the master course, you are awarded a joint degree, Master of Science in Groundwater and Global Change: Impacts and Adaptation. The joint degree is accredited at the European level through the respective authorities in each country.
Find more scholarships on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus scholarship cover?
It covers participation costs, including the tuition fee, library and laboratory costs, full insurance coverage and other mandatory costs. It also pays an allowance of €1,400 per month for subsistence, student travel and installation costs for the entire 2 years.
What is the deadline for the GroundwatCh scholarship?
The deadline is 03 January 2027, 23:59 CET, for applicants from Partner Countries, and 07 February 2027, 23:59 CET, for applicants from Programme Countries. Applications after these dates are considered solely for academic admission.
How many Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available for 2027-2029?
Around 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships are offered for 2027-2029. There are also about 10 places for non-Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders, which include scholarships with reduced tuition fee.
Where will I study during the GroundwatCh master?
You study in Lisbon at Instituto Superior Técnico in the first semester, in Delft at IHE Delft in the second and in Dresden at TU Dresden in the third. The fourth semester is your MSc thesis at any of the three universities or at associated partners.
Can I apply before finishing my bachelor's degree?
Yes, if at least 120 ECTS of the programme have been successfully completed. Admission is then conditional on finishing your first degree no later than 15 August of the year the programme starts.
Do I need an English test to apply?
Yes, unless you are a citizen of one of the exempted countries. If your results are not available before 03 January 2027, you can upload them before 01 February 2027 at the latest and still be considered for a scholarship.
Can I use AI tools for the motivation questions?
The programme asks applicants to use their own words and avoid AI tools such as ChatGPT. It states that points are deducted for obvious use, and it may interview candidates in case of doubts.
Which subjects are accepted for admission?
A bachelor degree or comparable in geologic, hydraulic, civil, environmental or agricultural engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, climate sciences, geography, geology or any other similar subject. You also need sufficient academic knowledge of mathematics.
Can I apply if I already had an Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
No, students who have benefitted from an EMJM scholarship before are not eligible to apply for an additional scholarship.
When will I know the result of my scholarship application?
Applicants considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship are informed about the outcome in April 2027. Those covering the cost by other means are informed within 4 weeks after submitting their application.
Is there a separate application for the scholarship?
No, there is no separate application procedure. You apply through the online application form and select Erasmus Mundus scholarship at the question on how you will finance your study.
Deadline
⏳ 03 January 2027
Links
🚀 Apply online: https://apply.un-ihe.org/application-process/master-of-science-erasmus
🌐 Programme website: https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/
📋 How to apply: https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/how-to-apply
🎓 Admission criteria: https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/admission-criteria
💶 Scholarships: https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/scholarships
🗣️ English language requirements: https://www.un-ihe.org/english-language-requirements
✉️ Admission, scholarships and application questions, and appeals (Admission Office): erasmusregistration-gw@un-ihe.org
📧 Academic content questions (Dr. Tibor Stigter): t.stigter@un-ihe.org
