FAQ
The frequently asked questions and answers listed are divided into questions about the MSc programmes, fellowships, the PhD programme, short courses and online courses.
For more information, click on the topic of choice:
MSc Programmes
What are the admission requirements?
The admission requirements are:
- A Bachelor degree in a field related to the programme you would like to join.
- Preferably, applicants should have about three years of practical or research experience since graduation. All applications are, however, considered on their individual merits.
- The English language requirements for all of IHE Delft's educational programmes.
When is the yearly application deadline?
The application deadline for the Delft-based MSc programmes starting on the third Thursday of October is 1 August of the same year. The application deadline for the other programmes may vary, please see the respective programme or specialization pages. Please keep in mind that in case you wish to apply for financial assistance, the application deadline for a fellowship is usually much earlier. Applications can be sent throughout the year.
When is the deadline for confirmation of financial support?
The deadline for confirmation of financial support for the Delft-based MSc programmes starting on the third Thursday of October, is 1 August of the same year.
What happens after I have applied for an MSc Programme?
On arrival of the application you will receive a confirmation of receipt by email. The application process can take up to four weeks. You will be informed about the outcome by email.
What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
We prefer one recommendation letter from your current employer (if available) and another one from the university you graduated from. Recommendation letters have to have an official letterhead and need to be signed and dated.
What are the requirement for the motivation letter?
In maximum 500 words (1 page) clearly explain why you are applying for admission to the choosen programme. We are not looking for an overview of your academic background and/or work experience! Make sure that your motivation is unique and impresses the reader.
What if I am not able to find funding for the academic year I am admitted to?
Your academic admission is valid for 3 years, but you need to create a new application for the same programme next academic year making use of your existing user account.
Can I apply for multiple programmes at the same time?
In principle you can not apply for more than one programme per academic year at the same time. However, if you apply for an Erasmus Mundus eligible programme you can also apply for another programme as long as it is not also an Erasmus Mundus eligible programme.
What are the costs for an MSc Programme at IHE Delft?
More information on programme fees can be found here.
How do I pay the invoice I have received?
You can pay your invoice by transferring the mentioned amount directly to our bank account.
Name of the bank:ING Bank N.V.
Address of Bank:Phoenixstraat 28, 2611 AL, Delft, The Netherlands
Account name:Stichting IHE Delft
Bank account number:65.57.014
SWIFT-code beneficiary bank:INGBNL2A
IBAN:NL33INGB0006557014
Make sure you indicate the invoice number and keep in mind that remittance should be free of bank charges to the receiver.
Within what time frame should the invoice be paid?
The paid before date or time frame is mentioned on the invoice. Usually it is within 14 days.
Can I pay in installment?
Please contact your fellowship officer if you would like to request payment in installments.
- For a joint/ double degree programme: Mrs. Ineke Melis at
- For single degree/ Delft-based programme: Mrs. Marlies Baburek at
Without prior arrangements it is not allowed to pay in installments!
Do I have to apply for the visa and resident permit myself?
No. Once your admission to one of our programmes has been finalized we will send you documentation for the visa and resident permit application. The documentation has to be completed and returned to IHE Delft. You need to have a residence permit if you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country or Switzerland and you would like to stay in the Netherlands for a period of more than three months.
A residence permit will generally be issued for the duration of your study programme, provided that you obtain 50% of your study credits every year. As mentioned above, if you want to keep your permit, you need to get at least 50% of your study credits each year. However, you may have a reason to be unable to get that 50%. Whether that is an illness, homesickness or any other reason, please do not hesitate to contact your student counsellor. Together with your counsellor you can find out whether your reasons are valid enough to be excluded from the 50% credits rule. Please do not be afraid to ask for help because if you do not and you will end the year with less than 50%, you will be sent home.
Is your MSc degree recognized by other universities?
The IHE Delft MSc degrees are accredited under the Dutch law and are as such legally registered at the Central Register for Higher Education Programmes (CROHO) in The Netherlands. The Ministry of Education is co-signatory on all the diplomas presented by the Institute, thus endorsing the academic standard of the degrees as comparable to those of the Dutch universities.
The MSc degree is recognised as a graduate level credit by all Dutch universities and many universities abroad. The MSc degree gives automatic access to the PhD programmes of those universities. Normally no extra entrance examinations or course requirements are needed.
Candidates who fulfilled the requirements for obtaining the MSc degree are given a diploma as well as a diploma supplement describing the programme and an overview of the results obtained.
What are certified copies?
Authenticated or certified copies are copies with an official stamp to verify that the copies are true copies of original documents. This official stamp may be from one of the following: a solicitor/notary, the educational institution from where you gained the diplomas or the local council/local authority/local government office.
Are the programmes accredited?
Yes, they are accredited with the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) according to a standard assessment protocol.
To what internal policies do the MSc Programmes adhere?
The criteria to which the Institute's MSc Programmes comply are described in the Policy Note MSc Programmes offered in Delft.
Does the Institute have mechanisms in place to acertain that the quality of its programmes is safeguarded?
Yes, the main vehicle to ensure quality is the external accreditation by the NVAO. The internal protocol used for evaluating programmes and components thereof is described in the 'Policy Note Evaluation'.
MSc Fellowships
Which fellowships are available to me?
More information on fellowships can be found at Nuffic's grantfinder. The various possibilities mentioned on our website are just a few options for financial assistance. IHE Delft is open to any kind of fellowship as long as it covers the total costs of the programme. Please keep in mind that each fellowship has its own application requirements, rules and regulations. Finding funding is solely the responsibility of the applicant.
NETHERLANDS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME (NFP)
What is needed for nomination for NFP Fellowship?
1) Provisional academic admission and 2) an Employers' statement and a personal motivation for NFP Fellowship nomination in prescribed format (download the templates here).
What is the deadline for sending documents for nomination for NFP?
31 January 2017, 23.59 CET
How will I know if my application meets the requirements for possible nomination for NFP?
If you have a provisional academic admission and IHE Delft has confirmed receipt of your employers' statement and personal motivation for NFP Fellowship nomination, you meet the requirements for nomination.
When will I know if I have been awarded the NFP scholarship?
At the end of May 2017
What are my chances for being awarded an NFP scholarship?
The more you meet the NFP aim and the priorities of the ministry of foreign affairs and the eligibility criteria of the embassy, the more chance you have. It is very important that your personal motivation is unique and makes impression. Nevertheless all applicants are advised to look for funding from other sources as well.
Will I be able to check on my status after submitting my documents and before the outcome of the selection?
No, this will not be possible. You will have to wait for the outcome and in the meantime apply for other funding.
What are the four main focuses of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Water, Food Security, Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women and Safety and Justice. Besides this each embassy may have its own country focus. You can find this here
How can I best prepare my candidature?
The embassy will evaluate if your candidature fits the goal of development of human capacity through development of your organisation and your country and how this is related to the study programme for which you wish to be nominated for fellowship. Your personal motivation needs to be unique. If your background belongs to one of the embassies priorities, then pay attention that this is clearly shown in your motivation and the employers' statement. Prepare your motivation and employers' statement carefully.
Which countries need to upload a government statement, besides the employers' statement?
Check here if for your country a government statement is required
Where can I find more information about the NFP programme?
Visit our webpage about the NFP programme for more information.
PhD Programme
How do I apply for the PhD programme?
The application procedure for IHE Delft's PhD programme is described here.
What are the admission requirements?
Candidates for the PhD programme should have a IHE Delft MSc degree with high qualification. An MSc degree from another university or institute - equal to IHE Delft's standards - may also be acceptable. If a candidate is not yet in the possession of an MSc degree, but has an interesting research proposal and proven track record, he or she may be admitted to IHE Delft's MSc programme first, as part of and in preparation for the PhD research. PhD candidates will only be accepted after their research proposal has been approved by IHE Delft’s Academic Board. IHE Delft's PhD degrees are awarded jointly with a relevant university, ensuring that it is embedded in the prevailing higher education legislation.
Click here for the English language requirements for all IHE Delft programmes.
What happens after I have applied for the PhD Programme?
After we have received the documents mentioned above, we will first send your diplomas and transcripts to Nuffic for validation. If your diplomas are found to be adequate, we will send your documents to one of IHE Delft's professors, who will review your academic qualifications and research proposal and decide whether to approve or decline your application. If your application is rejected you will be provided with a brief justification for the decision. In the case of approval, you will receive an unconditional admission letter. However, if you still need to submit the results on an English test, the admission letter will be conditional. On average this process will take 6 to 8 weeks.
How can I get in contact with a supervisor/professor?
It is common that prospective students will have already identified a potential promoter based a comparison of their interests and the professor's area of expertise. It is not a requirement, however, that you find a professor yourself. An admissions officer will contact the most suitable professor, based on your research proposal. The name and email address of the professor will be mentioned in your admission letter.
How can I apply for a fellowship?
Please click here for more information on possible fellowships or scholarships.
What are the costs of a PhD study?
Please click here for more information about costs.
What is the application deadline?
We do not have an application deadline, you can always apply. After you have obtained your admission and funding, and after the approval of your professor, you can start the programme.
How many years is my academic admission valid?
Your academic admission is valid for 3 years. This time is available to you to secure the necessary financing or complete any other needed preparations. The programme may not be started until full financial support is acquired.
Why is the PhD degree awarded jointly with a Dutch university?
IHE Delft is not an official Dutch university. Therefore IHE Delft can not issue a PhD degree. Your professor is registered at a Dutch university and you will be registered at the same university. The logo of that university and of IHE Delft will both appear on your diploma.
Short Courses
Where can I find more information about the short courses?
You can find information about every short course here. After selecting a course, you can find more specific information regarding the course content, the dates, the prices, the deadlines and a possibility to apply for the online course.
What is the workload of a short course?
A short course has around six to eight hours of study per day.
Do I receive credit points for finishing a short course?
Almost all our short courses have the option of taking an exam: It is possible to receive 5 ECTS Credit Points by successfully passing this exam at the end of the course (cost of the exam is € 250).
Who do I contact for more information about the application procedure?
If you cannot find your answer among the FAQs, you are welcome to send an email to:
Who do I contact for more information regarding the course content?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting a course, under 'More Info' you can find the email address of a specific course's coordinator.
What are the costs of a Short course?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting a course, you see the cost of the course.
How many years is my academic admission valid?
Once you have been academically accepted this admission remains valid for three years.
What is the application procedure?
You can find information about all short courses here. After selecting the course of your interest, under 'More Info' you can find the possibility to apply: "Click here to apply for this course". After receipt of your application, we will assess your file and inform you regarding the outcome within ten working days.
When is the application deadline for a short course?
IHE Delft's application deadline for online courses is 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Which documents do I need for applying for a short course?
After filling out the application form, you have to attach your curriculum vitae.
What are the entry requirements?
You should at least have a Bachelor of Science degree, some years of working experience and a good command of the English language.
Why do I not receive an admission letter?
You will receive the outcome of your application by email as for several fellowships it is no longer necessary to hand over an admission letter. In case you do need a letter for your sponsor, we will provide you with this letter upon request.
When is the payment deadline for a short course?
Before the start of the course we should have received your payment in our bank account.
Am I entitled to a discount?
Discounts on the tuition fee of online courses apply to the following persons:
30%: IHE Delft alumni
10%: UN family staff members
10%: groups of 5 or more (provided that the online course starts at the same time and a group application has been sent)
Can I pay with credit card?
Unfortunately we do not accept cheques sent to IHE Delft nor credit cards.
Can I pay in installments?
No. In order to participate in the course, it is necessary that we have the whole amount in our bank account before the course starts.
Does IHE Delft have scholarships available?
Unfortunately, IHE Delft does not provide any scholarships.
Where can I find possible scholarships?
For possible scholarships, use Nuffic's grantfinder.
What is an NFP scholarship?
Please find more information regarding the NFP scholarship on NUFFIC's website.
Is my country eligible for an NFP scholarship?
For all information regarding the NFP scholarship, please visit NUFFIC's website.
How do I apply for an NFP scholarship?
You have to apply to a short course first. If you meet the academic admission requirements you will be informed by the admission and fellowship officer about the next step that you have to take if you wish to be nominated for NFP scholarship.
Does IHE Delft provide housing?
Yes, student rooms might be available for € 50 per night. For more information about the type of room facility and availability you may contact :
Online Courses
Where can I find more information about the Online Courses?
On our website you can find information about every online course. After selecting a course, you can find more specific information regarding the course content, the dates, the prices, the deadlines and a possibility to apply for the Online course.
What is the study load of an Online Course?
A typical course covers a four-month period, and requires around eight hours of study per week (total study load 140 hours).
Do I receive credit points for finishing an Online Course?
Momentarily, there are four Online courses for which ECTS Credit Points can be obtained: Biological Waste Water Treatment (6 ECTS) and for the following three courses 5 ECTS can be earned: Integrated River Basin Management, Cleaner Production and the Water Cycle, and Solid Waste Management.
Who do I contact for more information about the application procedure?
If you cannot find the answer to your question among the FAQs, you are welcome to send an email to:
Who do I contact for more information regarding the course content?
The course coordinator can answer all your questions about course specific questions, for instance regarding the content. After selecting a course on our website under 'More Info' you can find the email address of the course coordinator.
What are the costs of an Online Course?
On our website you can find information about every Online course. After selecting a course, you can find the cost of the Online course.
How long is my academic admission valid?
Once you have been academically accepted this admission remains valid for three years.
What is the application procedure?
After selecting the course of interest on our website, under you can find the possibility to apply. After receipt of your application, we will assess it and inform you regarding the outcome within two weeks.
When is the application deadline for an Online Course?
IHE Delft's application deadline for Online courses is two weeks before the start of the course.
Which documents do I need for applying for an Online Course?
Before submitting the application form, you have to attach your curriculum vitae.
What are the entry requirements for an Online Course?
You should at least have a Bachelor in the relevant field and a good command of the English language.
Why do I not receive an admission letter?
You will receive the outcome of your application by email as for several fellowships it is no longer necessary to hand in an admission letter. In case you do need a letter, we will provide you with this letter upon request.
When is the payment deadline for an Online Course?
Before the start of the course we should have received your payment in our bank account.
Am I entitled to a discount?
Discounts on the tuition fee of Online courses apply in the following situations:
30%: IHE Delft alumni
10%: UN family staff members
10%: groups of 5 or more (provided that the Online course starts at the same time and a group application has been sent)
Can I pay with credit card?
Unfortunately we neither accept cheques sent to IHE Delft nor credit cards.
Can I pay in installments?
No. In order to participate in the course, it is necessary that we have received the entire tuition fee in our bank account before the course starts. As it is possible to pay just before the course starts, it seems unnecessary to transfer the fee in installments. Therefore, we recommend you to keep your money until you can transfer the whole amount. This way you also have to pay possible transfer costs only once.
Does IHE Delft have scholarships available?
Unfortunately, IHE Delft does not provide scholarships.
Where can I find possible scholarships?
For possible scholarships, use Nuffic's grantfinder.
Can I obtain an NFP Fellowship for an Online Course?
For online courses starting in 2017 onwards, it is not possible to obtain an NFP Fellowship.