Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Flood Risk Management (FRM)

Overview

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Flood Risk Management is a two-year master's degree run by a consortium of four universities: IHE Delft in the Netherlands, TU Dresden in Germany, the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) in Spain, and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. It's funded through the European Commission's Erasmus Mundus scheme, which provides full scholarships to a set number of students each year and lets you study across multiple countries on a single joint degree.

The programme trains you to assess and manage flood risk across the whole chain, from the hydrology and hydraulics that cause floods, through risk and vulnerability analysis, to the engineering and policy measures that reduce damage. Floods are among the most common and costly natural hazards, and climate change is increasing their frequency in many regions, so trained flood risk specialists are needed by water authorities, engineering consultancies, insurers, disaster agencies and research bodies.

The funding is the main draw. A full Erasmus Mundus scholarship removes tuition (otherwise €18,000 plus VAT for the programme), adds a monthly living allowance and contributes to travel. The consortium also offers a smaller number of reduced-fee scholarships and self-funded seats, so there are several routes in depending on your situation.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a first degree of higher education equivalent to a BSc worth 180 ECTS credits, in civil or environmental engineering, geosciences, environmental sciences or a related field. You can apply with 120 ECTS already completed, as long as you finish your degree by 15 August of the year the programme starts. The consortium also asks for a minimum GPA of B/B+ in the US system, or a 2:1 (upper second) in the UK system.

Competency Requirements

Because the programme is quantitative, you need sufficient academic knowledge of mathematics and water-related subjects. If your bachelor's was light on these, strengthen the case with relevant electives, projects or work experience.

Nationality Requirements

The programme is open worldwide. Erasmus Mundus divides applicants into Partner Country and Programme Country groups, which determines your scholarship deadline and how funding quotas are applied. There are also separate dated windows for applicants from some Western Balkan countries.

Language Requirements

Teaching is in English, so you'll need a recognised English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless you qualify for an exemption (for example, a prior degree taught in English). Confirm the exact minimum scores on the official application page.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition and participation costs, which would otherwise be €18,000 plus 21% VAT for the two years
• A monthly subsistence allowance for the duration of the programme (Erasmus Mundus currently sets this at roughly €1,400 per month, for up to 24 months)
• A contribution towards travel and relocation costs
• For self-payers, a reduced fee route exists: the consortium has offered a small number of reduced-fee scholarships that lower the participation cost to €3,000 plus VAT for applicants with proof of private funding

Exact allowance figures follow the Erasmus Mundus rules for each intake, so confirm them in the live call.

How to Apply

1. Confirm you meet the entry bar. Check your degree subject, ECTS count, GPA and maths/water background before starting.
2. Decide which funding route you want. Full Erasmus Mundus scholarship, reduced-fee scholarship or self-funded each has its own deadline.
3. Gather and translate documents. Certified transcripts and translations take time, so begin early.
4. Complete the online application. Apply through the FRM application system linked from floodriskmaster.org and fill in every section.
5. Write your motivation statement. Connect your background to flood hydrology, risk analysis and the four study locations.
6. Submit before the right deadline. For full scholarships, apply by the January (Partner Country) or February (Programme Country) date.
7. Track your outcome. For 2026 entry, decisions were communicated by April, before the September start.

Required Documents

• Certified academic transcripts and degree certificate, with English translations where needed
• Proof you'll reach the required ECTS by 15 August if you're still finishing your degree
• A curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter or statement
• Letters of recommendation
• English language test results (or evidence of exemption)
• A copy of your passport
• For reduced-fee or self-funded routes, proof of funding where required

Key Dates & Deadlines

The programme repeats on a yearly cycle, so later intakes should follow a similar pattern with an early-year scholarship deadline and a September start.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show concrete evidence of your maths and water knowledge, since the consortium asks for it explicitly
• Make your GPA conversion clear if you studied outside the US or UK systems
• Explain why a four-country, multi-disciplinary flood programme fits your career, not just water in general
• Submit certified translations rather than informal ones

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying after the scholarship deadline and only qualifying for self-funded admission
• Underselling quantitative coursework that would meet the maths and water requirement
• Forgetting the 15 August graduation condition if you apply with 120 ECTS
• Leaving recommendation letters or translations until the last week

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Flood Risk Management?

It's a two-year joint master's degree in flood risk management delivered by IHE Delft, TU Dresden, UPC Barcelona and the University of Ljubljana, funded by the European Commission's Erasmus Mundus programme.

How much does the Flood Risk Management master cost without a scholarship?

The standard participation fee is €18,000 plus 21% VAT for the two years. A full Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers this, and a reduced-fee route has been offered at €3,000 plus VAT for funded self-payers.

What does the Flood Risk Management scholarship cover?

A full scholarship covers tuition and participation costs, adds a monthly living allowance (around €1,400 under current rules) and contributes to travel and relocation.

Who is eligible for the Flood Risk Management master?

Applicants worldwide with a BSc equivalent to 180 ECTS in civil or environmental engineering, geosciences or environmental sciences, a GPA of at least B/B+ (or UK 2:1), and adequate maths and water knowledge.

Can I apply to the Flood Risk Management master before finishing my degree?

Yes, if you have at least 120 ECTS completed and will obtain your degree by 15 August of the year the programme begins.

What is the Flood Risk Management application deadline?

For 2026 entry, full-scholarship deadlines were 5 January (Partner Countries) and 2 February (Programme Countries), with later dates for reduced-fee and self-funded applicants.

Which countries will I study in on the Flood Risk Management master?

You study across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Slovenia, moving between the four partner universities over the two years.

What English level does the Flood Risk Management master require?

You need a recognised English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless you qualify for an exemption. Check the official application page for the exact minimum scores.

What GPA do I need for the Flood Risk Management scholarship?

The consortium asks for a minimum GPA of B/B+ in the US system or a 2:1 (upper second) in the UK system.

When will I hear back about my Flood Risk Management application?

For 2026 entry, admission and scholarship decisions were communicated by April, ahead of the September start.

Are there options if I don't win a full Flood Risk Management scholarship?

Yes. The consortium has offered reduced-fee scholarships and a number of self-funded seats, each with its own deadline.