Master of Water Resources Engineering
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 1,157 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* there is no strict application deadline | for the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, please check the KU Leuven webpage
** for the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, please check the KU Leuven webpage
Key Summary
Introduction
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About the programme
The Master’s programme provides multi-disciplinary and high-quality university education in the field of water resources engineering. Students will be trained with technical and managerial knowledge and skills to: (i) successfully plan, design, operate and manage water resources projects; and (ii) advise and support authorities in decision-making and policy-making that enhance the safe exploitation and re-use of wastewater and the equitable distribution and conservation of local, regional and global water resources.
Water Resources Engineering deals with the methods and techniques applied in the study of:
- Water needs for agriculture, industry, households, recreation, navigation, hydroelectric power generation
- Problems related to storm water drainage and flood damage mitigation
- Problems related to water quality in streams and aquifers, erosion, sedimentation, protection of ecosystems and other natural resources
integrated water management - Institutional, socio-economic, and policy issues related to water resources development and management
The first year of the full programme builds a common foundation and is the same for all students. In the second year a more personal programme is designed. Through the choice of 4 elective courses and a specific topic for thesis research, you can tailor your study programme to fit your interests. Exchange semesters and specialisations are also possible at specific partner universities. Courses are held both at KU Leuven and the VUB campus in Brussels.
Strengths
- The programme has a strong research-base, which is supported by water-related research in several faculties of both VUB and KU Leuven. The research is also on water resources in the South and the North under a wide range of climates and environments.
- Project-based learning activities (working on real-world case studies) are a major teaching method. This helps students to acquire the practical skills and attitudes needed in their professional life.
- Global water-related challenges and commitments are discussed throughout the programme. This includes the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g. with water being closely linked to SDG6 clean water and sanitation, and related to SDG2 zero hunger, SDG13 climate action, SDG14 life below water). The programme also covers the water management needs as formulated in the EU water legislation such as the Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive. Hereby, climate and land-use change are an important focus.
Curriculum
Scientific Basis for Water Resources Engineering
All courses are compulsory.
- Groundwater Hydrology
- Surface Water Hydrology
- Advanced Mathematics for Water Engineering
- Environmental Programming
- Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems
- Stochastic Hydrology
- Hydraulics
- Waste Water Treatment and Resource Recovery
- Water Quality Assessment
- Agricultural Water Management
Integrated Water Management
All courses are compulsory.
- Water Resources Management 1: Hydro-Social Systems
- Water Resources Management 2: EU and International Framework
ICT and Data Collection for Water Resources
All courses are compulsory.
- GIS for Environmental Applications
- Measuring Techniques for Water Resources Engineering
Ideal Students
The program is oriented toward international students with a diverse educational background.
Candidates have obtained an above-average Bachelor's degree in the domain of Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Biology, Geography, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline. A strong background in mathematics and natural sciences is expected. Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree from a university in the European Economic Area (EEA) in agricultural, civil, environmental engineering, or equivalent can apply for the abridged Master’s program.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are taught in English.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 60 - 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master's
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Faculty
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Career prospects in the water sector are excellent. The water sector proves to be a stable employment environment with a continually rising need for highly educated professionals. Programme graduates will deal with the exploitation and management of water resources and, to a lesser extent, with education and research. Graduates are therefore prepared to fulfil both professional and academic roles. The programme's academic-level education not only prepares water sector professionals but also future lecturers and researchers, creating a multiplier effect that spreads across many countries.
Government agencies, drinking water companies, and other companies play a decisive role in the management of present and future aquifers and river basins. They need well-trained water professionals. Many graduates find employment with private companies, such as consultancy agencies and industrial firms. Others go on to careers in non-governmental organisations.