Women 4 Water - Swarovski Foundation Scholarship 2026
Scholarship Description
The Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program designed to empower women from developing countries who are passionate about water stewardship, innovation, and sustainability. The scholarship is offered in partnership between the Swarovski Foundation and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands.
IHE Delft is the largest international graduate water education facility in the world, based in Delft, the Netherlands. The Institute confers accredited MSc degrees and PhD degrees and has been providing water education and research to professionals from around the globe since 1957. The Swarovski Foundation is committed to supporting creative and innovative projects that contribute to positive social and environmental impact.
The scholarship enables exceptional women to pursue a Master's degree in water-related fields, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks to become leaders in water management, sanitation, and environmental protection in their home countries.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Delft, the Netherlands. Delft is a historic university city located between Rotterdam and The Hague, known for its world-class education and research institutions.
Scholarship Deadline
Application deadlines for the Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship typically align with the IHE Delft Master's programme application deadlines. For the 2026-2027 academic year:
Application Deadline: Typically March 31, 2026 (for September 2026 intake)
Programme Start: September 2026
Recommendation: Apply at least 3–4 months before the deadline to allow time for document preparation and application review. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Host Institution
IHE Delft Institute for Water Education – the world's largest international graduate water education facility. IHE Delft is dedicated to empowering professionals and organizations to address the world's water challenges through education, research, and capacity development. The Institute has trained over 15,000 water professionals from more than 160 countries since its founding.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master of Science (MSc) degree program (typically 18 months).
Eligible Master's programmes at IHE Delft include (but are not limited to):
- Water and Sustainable Development
- Water Supply and Sanitation
- Urban Water and Sanitation
- Water Management and Governance
- Hydroinformatics
- Limnology and Wetland Management
- Coastal and Marine Engineering and Management
- Flood Risk Management
- Water Quality Management
- Integrated Water Resources Management
Applicants should check the IHE Delft website for the full list of eligible Master's programmes for the specific academic year.
Target Group
The scholarship is specifically designed for women from developing countries (ODA-eligible countries) who have a strong commitment to contributing to water and sanitation solutions in their home communities. The programme particularly encourages applications from women currently working in or aspiring to work in water-related sectors, including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector companies.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Full duration of the Master's programme (typically 18 months).
Full scholarship coverage includes:
- Full tuition fees for the entire Master's programme
- Monthly living stipend – to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses in the Netherlands
- Travel costs – round-trip airfare from the scholar's home country to the Netherlands
- Visa and residence permit costs
- Health insurance coverage during the study period
- Books and study materials allowance
- Fieldwork and research expenses (as required by the programme)
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition + Monthly living stipend + Round-trip airfare + Visa costs + Health insurance + Books allowance + Research support
Scholarship Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for the Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship:
- Gender: Female candidates only.
- Citizenship: Citizen of a developing country (ODA-eligible country).
- Academic background: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental science, hydrology, geology, biology, chemistry, or related disciplines, with above-average grades.
- Professional experience: Preference is given to candidates with work experience in water-related sectors.
- English proficiency: IELTS score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT score of 90 (with minimum sub-scores).
- Age: Typically under 45 years old at the time of application.
- Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to contributing to water and sanitation solutions in the home country after completing the studies.
- Not holding another scholarship: Applicants must not be receiving another scholarship covering similar costs.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Women from developing countries (ODA-eligible).
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant water-related field.
- Strong academic record.
- Relevant professional experience (preferred).
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+.
- Commitment to water leadership in home country.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Male candidates.
- Citizens of non-developing countries (e.g., high-income nations).
- Applicants without a relevant Bachelor's degree.
- Insufficient English proficiency.
- Candidates already holding another full scholarship.
- Those unable to commit to returning to home country after studies.
Application Procedure
- Choose an eligible Master's programme – Visit the IHE Delft website and select the MSc programme you wish to apply for from the list of eligible programmes.
- Review admission and scholarship requirements – Carefully read the admission requirements for your chosen programme and the specific criteria for the Women 4 Water scholarship.
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following materials:
- IHE Delft MSc application form (completed online)
- Bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcripts (certified copies, with official translations if not in English)
- English proficiency test score (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting education, work experience, and achievements
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages) explaining why you are applying, your career goals, and how you will contribute to water solutions in your home country
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Copy of passport (information page)
- Proof of work experience (employment certificates if applicable)
- Apply for admission to IHE Delft – Submit your application for the chosen Master's programme through the IHE Delft online application system. You must meet the admission requirements of the programme to be considered for the scholarship.
- Apply for the scholarship – After submitting your admission application, indicate your interest in the Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship. Some programmes may require a separate scholarship application form or essay.
- Application review – IHE Delft reviews applications for both admission and scholarship. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview (in-person or online).
- Selection and notification – Successful applicants receive a conditional offer of admission and scholarship award letter.
- Accept offer and apply for visa – Accept the offer, complete any remaining admission requirements, and apply for a student visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
- Arrival and registration – Arrive in Delft, complete registration, and begin the MSc programme.
Important notes: All documents must be submitted by the application deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The scholarship is highly competitive – only a limited number of awards are made each year.
Official Website & Application Link
IHE Delft – Women 4 Water Swarovski Foundation Scholarships
IHE Delft Main Website: https://www.un-ihe.org
Admissions Office Contact: Available via the IHE Delft website contact page.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for women from developing countries to gain world-class water education at IHE Delft in the Netherlands. The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and professional development.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you meet the English proficiency requirement (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+) before applying.
- Highlight your commitment to water and sanitation solutions in your home country in your motivation letter.
- Secure strong recommendation letters from supervisors or professors who can attest to your potential as a water leader.
- Emphasize any work experience in water-related sectors, including government, NGO, or private sector roles.
- Research your chosen Master's programme thoroughly and explain why it aligns with your career goals.
- Apply early – prepare your documents well in advance of the March 31 deadline.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a clear vision for how you will use your education to benefit your community.
Important reminders: The scholarship is open exclusively to women from developing countries. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen IHE Delft Master's programme. The selection process is highly competitive – only exceptional candidates will be awarded the scholarship. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to water and sanitation development.
Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Women 4 Water Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, visa and residence permit costs, health insurance, books allowance, and research/fieldwork expenses.
Who is eligible to apply?
Women from developing countries (ODA-eligible) with a relevant Bachelor's degree, strong academic record, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+), and a commitment to water and sanitation solutions in their home country.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is typically March 31, 2026 for the September 2026 intake.
What Master's programmes are eligible?
Eligible programmes include Water and Sustainable Development, Water Supply and Sanitation, Urban Water and Sanitation, Water Management and Governance, Hydroinformatics, and other water-related MSc programmes at IHE Delft.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
First, apply for admission to an eligible Master's programme at IHE Delft through the online application system. Then, indicate your interest in the Women 4 Water – Swarovski Foundation Scholarship. Complete all required sections of the application and submit by the deadline.
Is work experience required?
Work experience in water-related sectors is not strictly required but is strongly preferred. Candidates with professional experience in government, NGOs, research, or the private sector will have a competitive advantage.
Is there an interview process?
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview (in-person or online) as part of the selection process.
Do I need to return to my home country after the scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is intended to build water leadership capacity in developing countries. Scholars are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies and contribute to water and sanitation development.