A thorough training with an international scope
Do you want to learn how to manage fresh water resources and safeguard the water needs of future generations? Do you want to study in an international environment, with students from all over the world? Do you want to enrol in one of the best International Course Programmes of Flanders? Do you want to study at two universities, one in the capital of Europe and one with a tradition of more than 750 years? If so, the Interuniversity Programme in Water Resources Engineering (IUPWARE) is perfect for you.
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.
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Public info on the quality of the programme
Information on the educational quality of each programme is public, e.g. describing its strengths and actions. For this interuniversity programme, this information is provided by the partner institution.
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Educational Quality
Transparency is key. Here at VUB we put great care and effort in the quality of our education. Find out more on how we go about it.
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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.
AFTER GRADUATION
A master degree opens doors in many different branches and sectors. You will be able to work in the private sector, (non-) governmental organisations, or continue your academic career as a PhD researcher. Not sure what your next step should be? The VUB helps you with your first steps on the job market.
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
Careercenter
THE VUB HELPS YOU TO MAKE YOUR FIRST STEP IN THE JOB MARKET WITH WORKSHOPS, NETWORKING EVENTS, JOB FAIRS, TIPS ‘N TRICKS FOR JOB INTERVIEWS. ALL AN AMBITIOUS STUDENT NEEDS!
First step in the market
Phd?
IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER, YOU CAN APPLY FOR A PHD POSITION AT THE VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL. ALL YOU NEED IS A PROMOTER, RESEARCH SUBJECT AND SUFFICIENT FUNDING. ARE YOU UP FOR THIS CHALLENGE?
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Peter Strickx, Chief Technology Officer at FEDICT, the ICT service of the Belgian federal government
” I came to Belgium having worked as an engineer in Uganda. I planned to return to my country after my studies, and continue my career as a professional engineer. However, I realised I needed to disseminate the knowledge I acquired at IUPWARE to the wider engineering profession. I thought the best way to do it was as a lecturer at a university. I applied for a Carnegie scholarship for ‘developing the next generation of academics for Africa’ and was one of the 4 candidates selected in Africa. After obtaining my PhD at the University of Cape Town, I hope to return to my country and continue disseminating the knowledge I will have acquired.”
Want to know more about our alumni?
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On LinkedInAdmission 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.
For more details on admission requirements and application
Click hereApplication 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