1. Introduction
Are you interested in environmental science, water resources, climate change or sustainable development? The GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme offers an opportunity to study these subjects at leading European institutions through a specialised postgraduate programme.
The programme focuses on groundwater and global change, including the relationship between water resources, climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Groundwater is an essential source of freshwater for households, agriculture and industries in many parts of Africa. However, increasing demand, pollution, climate change and poor water management threaten the sustainability of these resources.
The GroundwatCh programme aims to develop specialists who can investigate these challenges and contribute to better groundwater management.
The 2027–2029 programme offers Erasmus Mundus scholarships to selected international applicants, including eligible candidates from African countries.
The application period opened on 1 October 2026.
The deadline for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications for applicants from Partner Countries is 3 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
This guide explains the scholarship benefits, programme structure, eligibility requirements and application process.
2. Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | GroundwatCh |
| Full name | Groundwater and Global Change – Impacts and Adaptation |
| Academic intake | 2027–2029 |
| Host region | Europe |
| Degree level | Master’s |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Scholarship | Erasmus Mundus |
| Eligible applicants | International applicants, subject to programme rules |
| Application opening | 1 October 2026 |
| Partner Country scholarship deadline | 3 January 2027 |
| Programme Country scholarship deadline | 7 February 2027 |
| Programme commencement | September 2027 |
| Official website | GroundwatCh programme |
3. What Does the GroundwatCh Programme Cover?
GroundwatCh is a specialised international Master’s programme designed to prepare students to understand and manage groundwater resources in a changing global environment.
The programme brings together knowledge from several disciplines.
These include:
- Hydrogeology.
- Hydrology.
- Climate science.
- Environmental science.
- Groundwater modelling.
- Water resources management.
- Environmental adaptation.
- Geographic information systems.
- Scientific data analysis.
The course combines classroom instruction, research, fieldwork and practical training.
Students also gain exposure to different approaches to groundwater management across Europe.
4. What the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants receive an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to support their participation in the two-year programme.
Monthly scholarship allowance
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship provides a contribution of €1,400 per month for the duration of the programme, up to 24 months.
This amounts to a potential total of €33,600 over two years.
Tuition and participation costs
The scholarship covers the approved programme participation costs, including tuition and mandatory academic charges.
Travel and installation support
The scholarship contributes towards eligible travel, relocation and installation expenses.
Living expenses
The monthly scholarship allowance supports accommodation, food, transport and other living expenses during the programme.
Important: The scholarship is a fixed monthly contribution. Applicants should plan their expenses carefully, especially when moving between European countries.
5. Where Will Students Study?
The GroundwatCh programme is delivered through three principal partner institutions.
| Institution | Country |
|---|---|
| Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon | Portugal |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education | Netherlands |
| Technical University of Dresden | Germany |
The programme involves studying in different European locations.
This mobility structure allows students to experience different academic environments and learn from specialists in groundwater science, hydrogeology and climate change.
It also provides opportunities for fieldwork and practical training.
6. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the academic and language requirements of the GroundwatCh programme.
Academic qualifications
Applicants should hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
Suitable academic backgrounds include:
- Geology.
- Hydrogeology.
- Hydrology.
- Civil engineering.
- Environmental engineering.
- Environmental science.
- Earth sciences.
- Water resources engineering.
- Related scientific disciplines.
The programme is particularly suitable for graduates who want to specialise in groundwater science and environmental management.
Applicants should review the official admission requirements to establish whether their specific degree is acceptable.
English language requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency.
The programme has specific rules concerning accepted English qualifications and exemptions.
Candidates from certain countries are exempt from submitting an English language test, but applicants should not assume that studying in an English-speaking country automatically qualifies them for an exemption.
If you studied in Cameroon or another African country where English is used as the language of instruction, check the official exemption list.
Nationality and scholarship eligibility
The programme accepts international applications.
However, Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadlines differ according to the applicant’s country classification.
Applicants from Partner Countries, including many African countries, must submit their scholarship applications by 3 January 2027.
Academic readiness
The programme is technically specialised.
Applicants should demonstrate sufficient preparation in their previous studies to succeed in subjects related to groundwater, hydrology, environmental science and related disciplines.
7. How the Programme Is Structured
The GroundwatCh Master’s programme lasts two years and includes four semesters.
Its structure combines academic learning with practical research.
Students study in different partner institutions and develop knowledge of groundwater systems from scientific, technical and environmental perspectives.
The curriculum includes:
- Groundwater exploration.
- Groundwater modelling.
- Hydrogeology.
- Climate change impacts.
- Water resources management.
- Environmental monitoring.
- Field investigation.
- Scientific research.
The programme also includes practical fieldwork and opportunities to interact with specialists and research organisations.
This combination is particularly useful for students who want to work in groundwater management, environmental consulting, water agencies or research institutions.
8. How to Apply for the GroundwatCh Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The application process is completed through the programme’s official online application system.
Step 1: Visit the official website
Start by reviewing the programme structure, academic requirements and scholarship information.
Official website:
https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/
Step 2: Confirm your academic eligibility
Check whether your Bachelor’s degree is accepted.
Review the programme’s admission requirements and English language policy.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Applicants should prepare the required documents, which may include:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- Academic transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Motivation letter.
- English language certificate or evidence of exemption.
- Passport or identification document.
- Other supporting documents requested by the programme.
Applicants who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree may apply under the programme’s stated conditions, provided they are expected to graduate before 15 August 2027.
How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose for Graduate Scholarships
Step 4: Complete the online application
Use the official application system and provide accurate information about your academic background and motivation.
Step 5: Indicate your interest in an Erasmus Mundus scholarship
Select the option requesting consideration for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Make sure you submit all the required documents before the scholarship deadline.
Step 6: Submit your application
For applicants from Partner Countries, the scholarship deadline is:
3 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Applicants from Programme Countries have a separate deadline of 7 February 2027.
Step 7: Await the outcome
Applicants who request scholarship consideration are expected to receive admission and scholarship decisions in April 2027.
The final award of scholarships is subject to the applicable European Commission approval arrangements.
9. Important Deadlines for Applicants
The GroundwatCh programme has different deadlines for scholarship applicants and self-funded applicants.
| Applicant category | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus scholarship – Partner Countries | 3 January 2027 |
| Erasmus Mundus scholarship – Programme Countries | 7 February 2027 |
| English test results, where permitted to follow later | 1 February 2027 |
| Self-funded applicants requiring a visa | 30 April 2027 |
| Self-funded applicants not requiring a visa | 31 July 2027 |
African applicants should pay particular attention to the 3 January 2027 deadline.
Submitting after this date means the application will generally be considered for academic admission only, not for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
10. Practical Advice for African Applicants
Connect the programme to water challenges in your country
Groundwater is particularly important in many African communities.
Applicants can strengthen their motivation statements by demonstrating an understanding of water-related challenges in their home countries.
Examples include:
- Groundwater pollution.
- Water scarcity.
- Drought.
- Poor rural water infrastructure.
- Agricultural dependence on groundwater.
- Saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.
- Climate change and freshwater availability.
Explain why you want to specialise in groundwater
Do not simply state that you want an international Master’s degree.
Explain why groundwater science is important to your career objectives.
You could discuss your interest in water resource management, environmental protection, climate adaptation or scientific research.
Demonstrate your academic preparation
Because the programme is technically specialised, applicants should show how their previous studies prepared them for the course.
Highlight relevant modules, research projects, laboratory experience and professional activities.
Think about your future contribution
Explain how you intend to use the knowledge gained through the programme.
For example, you may want to work with a national water agency, environmental consultancy, research institution or development organisation.
A clear career plan helps demonstrate the value of the programme to your professional development.
11. Videos and Experiences from Previous GroundwatCh Scholars
One of the best ways to understand a postgraduate programme is to hear from people who have completed it.
GroundwatCh has published alumni experiences that provide insight into the academic, practical and international aspects of the programme.
1. Preko Louisa Agyekumwaa – Ghanaian GroundwatCh alumna
Preko Louisa Agyekumwaa from Ghana explains how groundwater management relates to the water challenges facing her country, particularly pollution caused by illegal mining activities.
Her experience demonstrates how applicants can connect their academic interests to real development problems in Africa.
Read her GroundwatCh experience
2. Weigeng Qin – Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipient
Weigeng Qin explains how the programme allowed him to study at three institutions and experience different teaching approaches.
He also discusses the academic and personal benefits of studying in different European countries.
3. Shaikh Ashikur Rahman – GroundwatCh alumnus
Shaikh discusses the programme’s practical training, groundwater exploration, modelling and exposure to water science specialists.
His experience is useful for applicants interested in the technical side of the programme.
4. Jonathan Opoku – Ghanaian GroundwatCh graduate
Jonathan Opoku from Ghana describes his experience as a transformative academic and personal journey.
His graduation experience was also highlighted by IHE Delft.
6. Helpful YouTube learning resources
A. Erasmus Mundus GroundwatCH Application Guide was made by Kudirat Lawal, two times Erasmus Mundus awardee. Watch her GroundwatCH Application Guide on YouTube
B. Nolitha Khungwayo – Applied Ecohydrology from South Africa
Nolitha shares her journey as a South African graduate who secured an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study a joint Master’s programme in Applied Ecohydrology.
Although she studied a different programme, her experience offers useful insights into applying for Erasmus Mundus scholarships as an African applicant.
Watch and learn about her process
12. Official Application Links and Last Verified Date
Official programme website:
https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/
Application instructions:
https://www.groundwatermaster.eu/how-to-apply
Erasmus Mundus scholarship deadline for African Partner Country applicants: 3 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Last verified: 13 November 2026.
Applicants should consult the official programme website for the latest requirements, scholarship conditions and application instructions.