International Master of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WATENV) Leibniz University Hannover
- Duration
- 4 semesters | 6 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 July 2027 (winter semester)
- Language level required
- English: C1German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters, 6 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- Yes
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
English
Programme description
Sustainable development in all areas of water resources management, water supply, waste water treatment and solid waste management is of great importance for present-day and succeeding generations. Engineers and natural scientists in water resources and environmental management are qualified to search for responses to worldwide problems of increasing water scarcity, flood risks and environmental pollution. Graduates work together with colleagues in several special fields. The job is multidisciplinary, interesting, and in demand worldwide.
WATENV is a research-oriented Master of Science programme, which gives international students the opportunity to qualify for demanding positions in water resources and environmental management. The education is therefore interdisciplinary, with optional specialisation in Water Resources Management, Sanitary Engineering or Resources and Environment (double degree).
Programme structure
In the first semester, students obtain knowledge of basics in water resources management, hydrology, natural sciences, and environmental hydraulics.
Major A + B:
Subsequently, one of the two special fields, Water Resources Management or Sanitary Engineering, is chosen for the second and third semesters. Courses will be held on the topics of hydrology & water resources management, sanitary engineering, natural sciences, environmental hydraulics, ecology, solid waste management, water supply, industrial water management, hydraulic engineering, flow & transport processes, coastal management, environmental economics and informatics, amongst others. These scientific courses are accompanied by courses aiming at the development and improvement of soft skills required for successful scientific work. Additionally, German and other language courses are offered by the University's Language Centre.
In the fourth semester, students complete their Master's thesis under supervision.
Major C (double degree)
The double degree programme brings together the strengths in research and teaching of Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and Tsinghua University as well as its spin-off in Shenzhen, the Shenzhen International Graduate School, in a unique way. The standard course duration is three years. Each year, 15 students start in Hannover and 15 more students at Tsinghua University in Shenzhen. If you are enrolled through Leibniz University, you will spend your first year in Hannover, where you will mainly concentrate on mandatory modules. In the second year, you will transfer to Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, where you will initially take modules. A practical phase offers you insights into the world of work in China. You will write a Master's thesis at each of the two universities.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Training in intercultural skills
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Double degree option (Major C): Students of the double degree programme will study at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School in their second year and write a Master's thesis at each of the two universities in their third year.
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships
Double degree option (Major C): A practical phase offers you insights into the world of work in China.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
1 June 2027
|
15 July 2027
| |
Non-EU countries
|
1 December 2026
|
15 January 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Students must hold a Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the WATENV Master's programme, e.g. civil engineering, environmental sciences, natural sciences or geosciences. Basic knowledge in mathematics and water sciences (hydrology, hydraulics, sanitary engineering) is required.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: C1 Advanced
|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® III
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
|
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
telc English
|
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 76 / 90
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 7 / 9
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Approx. 440 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following contributions:
- student services organisation ("Studentenwerk")
- student government (Student Union, AStA)
- semester ticket
- administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony
Cost of living
On average, a student in Hannover will need around 965 to 1106 EUR for living expenses each month. Please note: These are average values intended for guidance only. Individual items may vary considerably. For example, the costs of learning materials differ significantly depending on the degree programme.
Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs
General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/
Part-time employment
There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.
Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse
Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover
Scholarships and financing information
Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung
Deutschlandstipendium:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung/deutschlandstipendium
Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium
Special promotion / funding of the programme
- DAAD development-related postgraduate course
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
Career advisory services
Career Service of Leibniz University Hannover: https://www.zqs.uni-hannover.de/en/kc/career-service
Accommodation
Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)
Contact
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodetic Science Dean of Studies' Office
- Adresse
- Callinstr. 34, 30167 Hannover
- Telefon
- +49 51176219190