FAQ MSc Programme

1. How do I apply for a MSc Programme?

The application procedure for UNESCO-IHE's master programmes is described here.

2. When is the yearly application deadline?

The deadline of application for the MSc programmes that start on the third Thursday of October is 1 August of the same year. You have to take into account that, in case you wish to apply for financial assistance, the deadline of application for a fellowship is usually much earlier! Applications can be sent throughout the year.

3. What happens after I have applied for a MSc Programme?

After your application has been received at UNESCO-IHE we will send you a confirmation of receipt by e-mail. After that moment it takes about four weeks before a decision has been made on your academic admission. At that moment a letter will be sent to you by airmail informing you about the outcome of your application.

Funding available at the moment of application: If you have indicated that you have already found a sponsor who will be responsible for payment of the programme fees we will send you a cost indication and financial statement. You will be requested to complete the financial form and return it to us.After its receipt and approval we will send you your official certificate of admission, the final information and an invoice and we will arrange your residence permit for The Netherlands.

No funding available at the moment of application: If you have indicated in your application that you wish to apply for financial assistance we will give you information on the various possibilities for financial assistance in your admission letter.

4. How many years is my academic admission valid?

Once you have been academically accepted this admission remains valid for three years.

FAQ PhD Programme

1. How do I apply for the PhD programme

The application procedure for UNESCO-IHE's PhD programme is described here.

2. What happens after I have applied for the PhD programme

After we have received the documents mentioned above, we will first send your diplomas and transcripts to Nuffic (www.nuffic.nl) for validation. If your diplomas are found to be adequate, we will send your documents to one of the UNESCO-IHE Professors, who will review your academic qualifications and research proposal and decide whether to approve or decline your application. If your application is rejected you will be provided with a brief justification for teh decision. In the case of approval, you will receive an unconditional admission letter. However, if you still need to submit the results on an English test, the admission letter will be conditional. On average this process will take 6 - 8 weeks.

3. How can I get in contact with a supervisor/professor

It is common that prospective students will have already identified a potential promoter based a comparison of their interests and the Professor's area of expertise. It is not a requirement, however, that you find a professor yourself. An admissions officer will contact the most suitable professor, based on your research proposal. The name and email address of the professor will be mentioned in your admission letter.

4. How can I apply for a fellowship

Please click here for more information on possible fellowships or scholarships.

5. What are the costs of a PhD

Please click here for more information on costs.

6. What is the deadline of application

We do not have an application deadline; you can always apply. After you have obtained your admission and funding, and after the approval of your professor, you can start with your programme when it suits you.

7. How many years is my academic admission valid

Your academic admission is valid for 3 years. This time is available to you to secure the necessary financing or complete any other needed preparations. The programme may not be begun until full financial support is acquired.

8. Why is the PhD degree awarded jointly with a Dutch university

UNESCO-IHE is not an official Dutch university. We therefore can not issue a PhD degree on our own. Your professor is registered at one of the Dutch universities, and you will be registered at the same university. The logo of that university and of UNESCO-IHE will appear both on your diploma.