GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Joint Master 2027–2029

GroundwatCh is an international joint master's programme focused on the impacts of global change on groundwater resources and the adaptation strategies needed to secure water for people, ecosystems, and economies. The next edition starts in September 2027.

• Duration: 24 months (4 semesters), Erasmus Mundus Joint Master

• Degree: MSc in groundwater science and global change adaptation

• Cohort size: ~15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships plus ~10 non-scholarship places per edition

• Focus SDGs: 3 (Good Health), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water)

Related: Browse more fully funded scholarships on OHUB.

Around 15 Erasmus Mundus scholarships are offered for the 2027–2029 edition. Under the standard Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship package, recipients receive:

• A monthly allowance (currently €1,400/month under Erasmus Mundus rates — confirm current figures on the official scholarships page)

• Coverage of participation costs — tuition and programme fees

• Coverage of mandatory costs directly associated with participation, per Erasmus Mundus rules

If you're not selected for a scholarship, you may still attend if you can cover costs via other means — and late applicants may be considered for reduced tuition fee scholarships if places remain.

Only PDF files, maximum 2 MB per file will be accepted.

• Certified copy/copies of academic diploma(s) — if applicable in the original language, plus certified English translations by a sworn translator

• Certified academic transcript(s)/mark sheets — original language plus sworn English translation; must include grades obtained and show the average mark, plus an explanation of the grading system (as part of the transcript or attached). "Authenticated/certified" means an official stamp from a solicitor/notary, the issuing institution, or a local council/authority

• Curriculum Vitae — including work experience and research record (if any)

• Five motivation questions answered in the application — character limits:

  1. Why are you applying for this programme? (max 600 characters with spaces)

  2. What specific challenges, issues or problems (in your country, region or worldwide) would you like to address once you have completed this study? (max 1,000 characters)

  3. How will this programme enable you to address the above-mentioned challenges? (max 1,000 characters)

  4. What are your most relevant qualifications and experiences that make you a suitable candidate? (max 1,000 characters)

  5. Where do you see yourself 5 years after graduating? (max 1,000 characters)

• Two letters of recommendation, not older than six months — by two university teachers, or one university teacher + one employer, or internationally recognized scientist(s). Letters must show the referee's contact details and address your:

  • Academic and scientific qualifications/potential

  • Professional qualifications/potential

  • Personal qualifications/potential

• English language test results — proving compliance with the programme's requirements

CRITICAL — NO AI-WRITTEN MOTIVATION: The programme explicitly warns that they can easily detect AI-generated text (e.g., ChatGPT) and will deduct points for obvious use. Interviews may be scheduled to verify background and motivation. Write in your own words — they want to know you, not well-structured sentences.

• A BSc degree in a relevant field (e.g., earth sciences, environmental/civil engineering, hydrology, geology, water resources — check admission requirements for the full list)

• Final-year BSc students may apply with a university statement confirming expected graduation before 15 August of the programme's start year

• English proficiency proven by test results — check the official requirements at un-ihe.org/english-language-requirements

• Exemptions: citizens of certain countries are exempted from the English test (see the admission requirements). However, candidates from countries where English is the language of instruction in higher education but which are NOT on the exempted list must always upload English test results

Step 1: Review the English language requirements and admission requirements

Step 2: Prepare all documents — certified diplomas + sworn translations, transcripts with grading system, CV, five motivation answers (in your own words!), and two recommendation letters

Step 3: Book your English test if required — results can be uploaded until 1 February 2027 if your application was submitted before 3 January 2027

Step 4: Submit your online application via the official application system (link on the how-to-apply page) — indicate that you wish to be considered for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship

Step 5: Await the outcome in April 2027 (scholarship applicants)