IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, formerly known as UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, was founded in 1957. After a devastating North Sea flood in 1953, the Netherlands became famous in the field of hydraulic engineering, after precautions were put in place to stop it from ever happening again.
This development led to several developing countries inquiring about the possibility of having their own engineers trained in the Netherlands in the field of hydraulic engineering. So in 1957, a postgraduate diploma course in hydraulic engineering was offered to practising professionals from several developing countries.
Since then, The Institute has grown into the largest international graduate water education facility in the world, providing water education and training to 23,000 professionals from over 190 countries, across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
As of 1 January 2017, The Institute now operates as a Foundation under Dutch law, working under the auspices of UNESCO.
Based in the centre of Delft, Netherlands, The Institute is located between Rotterdam, to the southeast, and The Hague, to the northwest. Students will find a wide range of facilities on site including: modern teaching and research laboratories, a library, fully equipped auditoriums, restaurants and residential accommodation equipped with computers, internet connection and other facilities.
In addition, The Institute offers fully accredited MSc degrees, and PhD degrees in collaboration with partner universities to help enhance the careers of those who are already working in the field of water. Short and online courses are also on offer, which can be tailored to specific needs.
Educational research and development activities are also carried out that complement and reinforce each other in the fields of water engineering, water management, environment, sanitation, and governance.
