The two year programme offers a comprehensive training in the different aspects of water resources management and engineering, with a focus on the use of numerical simulation tools in a framework of project based learning. It is designed for those who want to develop their knowledge of water resources engineering and who are willing to use this knowledge in developing countries or anywhere else in the world.

Programme outline

The programme is open to graduates (or equivalent) in engineering, agriculture, hydrology and other related subjects. Our main goal is to offer comprehensive training in water resources engineering to engineers and scientists from both developing and industrialised countries. The programme blends various basic and applied courses, hydrology and engineering sciences associated with water resources development with organisational and managerial skills. In the second stage, the programme consists of project-based learning, wherein simulation tools are used on real test cases. The first year of the study programme mainly takes place in Leuven (20km from Brussels), while the second year is primarily organised in Brussels.

Abridged programme

If you have already obtained a Master’s degree from an EEA university, you can be exempted from 60 ECTS, provided that you receive a positive evaluation of the Programme Committee. In that case, your Master thesis amounts to 30 ECTS, while you do not have to take the courses “Setting up a research project” and “Research methods for data collection and processing”. You may then also freely select 30 ECTS from the regular programme.

International career possibilities

Career possibilities in the water sector are excellent. All over the world, our alumni work in government agencies, drinking water companies, water treatment agencies, consultancy agencies, NGOs and in education and research institutes. Graduates of the Water Resources Engineering Master’s programme are primarily employed as academics or scientists at universities and research institutions and as engineers or managers in government agencies, drinking water companies, consulting companies or NGO’s. Water resources engineers play a decisive role in the development and management of aquifers and river basins. They’re the decision-makers and water managers of the future, capable of taking into account increased user demand and environmental needs through managing the limited water resources in a sustainable and responsive way

Admission based upon evaluation of your file

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geography, Geology, Biology, Chemistry or Sciences.

Language criteria

Prospective students can provide proof of sufficient knowledge of English as language of instruction by meeting one of the following criteria. Please find here an overview of the criteria.

Application deadline

Prospective students are advised to apply as soon as possible, even if they have not yet obtained their degree. For more info go to www.iupware.be

Tuition fees

All Flemish universities in Belgium are subsidised by the government, which results in relatively low tuition fees. A detailed overview of the tuition fees can be found on: www.vub.be/en/tuition-fees