The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program is a prestigious two-year international joint master’s designed to prepare future experts in groundwater and climate adaptation. Focused on the theme of groundwater and global change, the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and research capacity to address the growing challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable resource management. By studying across three leading European universities in Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany, students experience top-level academic training combined with international exposure.
The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program offers a rich blend of hydrogeology, water management, climate science, and adaptation strategies. It emphasizes both theory and practice, allowing students to take part in fieldwork, advanced modeling, policy studies, and thesis research. With Erasmus Mundus scholarships available, the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program attracts talented students from across the world, making it highly competitive and globally recognized. Graduates of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program are well prepared for careers in water management, climate adaptation, academia, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.
Also check, Study in Japan Total cost in 2025‑26 | Latest
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date: September 2025
- End date: Mid-2027
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program enables students to study at leading European universities, focusing on groundwater management, climate change impacts, and sustainable adaptation strategies.
| Instituto Superior Técnico |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education |
| Technische Universität Dresden |
| Portugal |
| Netherlands) |
| Germany |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program is an advanced master’s focusing on groundwater in the context of global environmental change. Students learn how groundwater systems interact with climate, ecosystems, and society, and how adaptation strategies can ensure sustainable management. The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program combines technical hydrogeology, climate modeling, and policy approaches with a strong international perspective.
Key features of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
- Multidisciplinary focus on groundwater, hydrogeology, climate change, and adaptation.
- Study mobility across Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany.
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships for selected students, covering tuition, living, travel, and insurance.
- Fieldwork, lab training, and hands-on modeling with modern tools.
- Final semester research thesis under expert supervision.
Mobility tracks of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
- Semester 1: Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Semester 2: IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands.
- Semester 3: TU Dresden, Germany.
- Semester 4: Research thesis at one of the partner universities or affiliated institutions.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences, climate sciences, or related fields.
- Strong academic background and motivation in water or environmental issues.
- Skills in GIS, hydrological modeling, programming, or related tools are preferred.
- English language proficiency proven by standardized tests.
- Motivation letter, references, CV, and transcripts.
How to apply for GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
Applicants must complete the online application form, select Erasmus Mundus scholarship if eligible, and upload all required documents including transcripts, diploma, CV, motivation letter, references, English proficiency proof, and passport copy. Applications are reviewed by the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus consortium and selected students are informed by spring.
Tips to win the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
- Write a clear and passionate motivation letter highlighting your interest in groundwater and climate adaptation.
- Showcase technical experience such as GIS, hydrological modeling, or environmental projects.
- Provide strong academic or professional references.
- Demonstrate adaptability, teamwork, and willingness to study in multiple countries.
- Emphasize how the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program aligns with your career goals.
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January 2025 |
| Deadline for Partner Countries | 6 January 2025 |
| Deadline for Programme Countries | 3 February 2025 |
| Results Notification | March – April 2025 |
| Enrollment & Program Start | September 2025 |
Curriculum Structure of the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus program
- Semester 1 (Lisbon): Fundamentals of groundwater, hydrogeology, and environmental engineering.
- Semester 2 (Delft): Advanced hydrological modeling, water management, and policy.
- Semester 3 (Dresden): Groundwater-climate interactions, adaptation, and applied research.
- Semester 4: Independent research thesis in groundwater and climate adaptation.
Coordinator Contact
- Programme Coordinator: Dr. Tibor Stigter
- Admissions Office: GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Consortium
Alumni Feedback
GroundwatCh introduced me to the world of water science and engineering, and helped me build a solid foundation in groundwater exploration and modeling. The courses were taught by industry experts and renowned hydrology specialists from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany. On top of living and breathing in three beautiful countries, this programme allowed me to gain valuable practical experience through intense fieldwork in France and an insightful summer internship.
~Shafkat Sharif
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
No, work experience is not mandatory, but It’s a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s across Lisbon, Delft, and Dresden focusing on groundwater–climate interactions and adaptation., internships, or academic projects related to AI or vision are highly valued.
Who can apply for GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
BSc grads (or final‑year students) in engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, climatology, etc.
Does the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program offer scholarships?
Yes, the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program offers Erasmus+ scholarships to selected students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend, insurance, and travel expenses.
What documents are required to apply for the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, a diploma or certificate of enrollment, a CV, a motivation letter, two reference letters, proof of English proficiency, and a copy of a valid passport.
How competitive is the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Program?
The program is highly competitive, with a limited number of fully funded scholarships awarded each year based on academic excellence, motivation, and relevance of prior experience.
