Water Resources Engineering - Master's Programme

The need for clean water and sanitation is a global concern, affecting both large, densely populated cities and smaller communities in industrialised and developing regions. By applying integrated water resources management, different types of water can be used to meet the increasing demand for clean water in a sustainable way.

In this programme, you will explore various water security challenges, including wastewater treatment, stormwater management, coastal hydraulics, and the modelling of hydrological processes. The scope of the curricula is broad and covers the most important aspects of water resources engineering. The programme has a strong focus on applicable knowledge and the methods used in the courses makes students well-prepared for their future careers.

The programme is offered by LTH, Lunds Tekniska Högskola, The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. Lund University and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) have entered a collaborative initiative: the UNU Hub on Water in a Changing Environment (WICE). This unique hub connects Lund University researchers and students with the UN’s expertise and networks to address global water challenges.

Many of the courses include practical elements, allowing you to deepen your understanding of theoretical concepts while developing both professional and academic skills. The program’s strong connections to industry and research ensure that your studies remain highly relevant to current challenges and advancements in the field.

The programme offers you an opportunity to specialise in fields where Lund University has world-leading expertise, such as water and wastewater treatment, coastal hydraulics, and modelling of hydrological processes. Throughout your studies, you will benefit from accessible and engaged teachers who provide thorough feedback and support your academic progress.

Strong industry connections give you the chance to collaborate with both local and international organisations, ensuring that your studies remain closely linked to real-world challenges. You will also be part of a multinational, innovative, and interactive learning environment, where diverse perspectives enrich your educational experience.

As the programme is linked to the UNU Hub, some students will have the opportunity to follow a special UNU Hub Master’s track. The goal is to inspire future environmental leaders to develop real-world solutions that make a difference. UNU Director Kaveh Madani, an alumnus of this programme, calls it “an incubator for those who want to change the world”.

With this master’s degree, you will be well-prepared for a rewarding and challenging career in an essential profession. Graduates play key roles in the water sector worldwide, and their experiences at Lund University have helped them become outstanding professionals.

The skills you acquire during the programme are highly valued by a wide range of organisations, from large multinational corporations and nonprofit organisations to regional and national government bodies. Graduates go on to become water resource managers, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, process engineers, or environmental engineers. Others may choose to pursue careers as policy advisors, while some opt for an academic career at prestigious universities.

Alumni have secured positions at organisations such as Sweco (Sweden), Stockholm Environment Institute (International), NextEra Energy, Inc. (USA), Veolia (France), and JBA Risk Management (UK). Some have continued their studies at PhD level at institutions such as KTH (Sweden), Uppsala University (Sweden), and universities across Europe, Asia, Australia, and America.

Graduates from the UNU Hub Master’s track will further strengthen their chances of securing careers within international organisations working to address global water challenges.

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or equivalent. Completed courses in mathematics/calculus, hydraulics/fluid mechanics and geology, each of them corresponding to at least 4 credits/ECTS. English 6.

Selection criteria

The selection is based on academic qualifications.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships