IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (IHE Delft)

IHE Delft was established 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 the largest graduate water education facility in the world.

Contributing to solving global water problems

IHE Delft’s mission is to work in partnership to strengthen capacity in the water sector to achieve global sustainable development. The Institute does this by offering graduate education programmes, short and online courses, including a growing number of MOOCs and tailor-made training. In addition, we perform demand-driven research activities and carry out numerous institutional strengthening projects, to increase the capacity of governments and decision-makers in developing countries. The main focus of the education programmes are mid-career professionals from Africa, Asia and Latin-America. However, in recent years an increasing number of students come from OECD countries, many of whom are self-payers. Students are attracted to the international, interdisciplinary character of the programmes offered at IHE Delft. Drawing on practical examples from projects that are largely carried out in the Global South and often led by staff members, the education and research programmes acquire relevance for water-related issues worldwide. In addition, around 120 PhD fellows work together with other researchers from many countries, dealing with topics related to water and the environment.

After graduation, the vast majority of students coming from the Global South return to their home country to continue working in a water-related or environmental field, in the public and private sector, as well as for NGOs and international organizations.

Alumni

As of 1 January 2017, IHE Delft (formerly UNESCO-IHE) operates as a Foundation under Dutch law, working under the auspices of UNESCO. Since 1957 the Institute has provided graduate education to more than 23,000 water professionals from over 190 countries. They form the Institute’s alumni community, the largest global network of water professionals in the world. Numerous research and capacity development projects are carried out, in partnership, to strengthen capacity in the water sector worldwide. Through our overarching work on capacity development, IHE Delft aims to make a tangible contribution to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals in which water is key.

Partners in industry

Below are some examples of our partners in different sectors:

Nauta Dutilh,
Rabo bank,
Vitens Evides International,
Nestle,
Rand Water South Africa,
ADAN Corporate,
Coca Cola,
Danone.

Education partners in the global south

Asian Institute of Technology – Thailand
Universidad del Valle – Colombia
Hohai University – China
University for Peace – Costa Rica
Makerere University – Uganda

Projects

IHE Delft has projects in almost all countries in Asia, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-saharan Africa.

Donors

Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rotary, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank.

UN organisations

IHE Delft works mainly with UNESCO, FAO, UNICEF and UNIDO, but also to lesser extent with UNDP and UNEP