IWC Scholarships for International Students

Overview

The IWC International Masters Scholarships — offered through the International WaterCentre (IWC) in partnership with Griffith University, Brisbane — are fully funded awards for outstanding international candidates to study the Master of Integrated Water Management (MIWM). The MIWM is one of the few genuinely transdisciplinary postgraduate water management degrees in the world, designed specifically to develop future leaders across the full water cycle: urban water, WASH, river basin management, water governance, and climate-resilient water systems.

For Nepali professionals working in water, sanitation, hydropower, or environmental management, this scholarship is particularly relevant. Nepal faces some of the most complex water management challenges in Asia — glacial melt, monsoon-dependent water systems, rural WASH access, and the intersection of water security with mountain ecosystem management — making water leadership training of direct national value.

• Historically valued at approximately AUD $92,000–$95,000 (Type A — fully funded including living costs and flights)
• Programme duration: 18 months full-time at Griffith University, Nathan campus, Brisbane
• Two scholarship types: Type A (Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, Middle East — one reserved for a female candidate) and Type B (North America, Europe, or Asia — tuition and flights only)
• Nepal falls under the Type A geographic priority — Asia-Pacific developing countries
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience significantly strengthens candidacy

⚠️ Current Status — Scholarship Under Review

⚠️ Important notice: The IWC-Ken Thiess (Type A) and IWC Masters (Type B) fully funded international scholarships have not been publicly advertised since 2021. As of June 2026, the IWC Education page does not list these awards as currently open. The IWC continues to operate the MIWM programme at Griffith University and offers other scholarships (notably the Rotary Pacific Scholarship for Pacific Island professionals), but the status of the fully funded international scholarship described on this page is currently unclear.

Candidates interested in this scholarship should contact the IWC directly at watercentre.org/contact to confirm whether the international scholarship is being offered for the current or upcoming intake, and monitor the IWC scholarships page for announcements.

Currently Available Alternatives for Nepali Water Professionals

• Australia Awards Scholarships — The Australian Government's flagship development scholarship programme covers Nepal. Fully funded master's level study in Australia including at Griffith University. Applications typically open in February each year. Highly relevant for water sector professionals.
• Griffith University automatic partial scholarships — Self-funded international students commencing the MIWM automatically receive a partial tuition discount. No separate application required.
• UNESCO-IHE (IHE Delft) scholarships — Netherlands-based institute specialising in water education; offers several fellowships for professionals from developing countries including Nepal.

Eligibility

Who is Eligible

• Citizenship and residence (Type A): Citizens and residents of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, or the Middle East. Nepal qualifies under this category. One Type A scholarship is reserved for a female candidate.
• Citizenship and residence (Type B): Citizens and residents of selected countries in North America, Europe, or Asia. Depending on eligibility criteria in a given year, some Asian countries may qualify under Type B.
• Admission to MIWM: Must hold, or be eligible for, a full unconditional offer of admission into the MIWM programme at Griffith University. Scholarship applicants must apply for admission separately first.
• Undergraduate degree: Must hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (engineering, environmental science, natural resource management, public health, social sciences, or similar).
• Professional experience: Although not formally required for MIWM admission, candidates with at least two years of relevant professional experience in the water sector have a significantly higher chance of receiving a scholarship. The IWC selects candidates demonstrating clear potential to become water leaders, not just academic achievers.
• English proficiency: Must meet Griffith University's English language requirements for international admission (typically IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0).

Who is Not Eligible

• Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents — dedicated domestic scholarships exist for these groups separately.
• Applicants who have not applied for, or are not eligible for, admission into the MIWM programme at Griffith University.
• Applicants whose country does not fall within the geographic priority zones for the scholarship type they are applying under.
• Applicants who do not demonstrate water sector leadership potential — purely academic profiles without professional or community water sector engagement are typically not competitive.

How to Apply

1. Confirm the scholarship is currently open. Before preparing any application, visit watercentre.org/education and check whether the IWC International Masters Scholarship is currently advertised. If not listed, contact IWC directly through their contact form to confirm the status for the upcoming intake.
2. Apply for admission to the MIWM at Griffith University. This is a prerequisite — you must hold a full offer of admission before the scholarship application is complete. Apply through Griffith University's MIWM programme page. Key intake deadlines are in February (Trimester 1) and July (Trimester 2).
3. Prepare your CV and professional narrative. Your CV should clearly detail all water-sector experience — paid employment, volunteer work, fieldwork, and any leadership roles in water, sanitation, environmental management, or related fields. Frame your experience in terms of water challenges addressed and outcomes achieved.
4. Obtain two reference letters. References from professional supervisors or academic advisors who can speak directly to your water sector work and leadership potential. Generic academic references are less competitive than those from people who have seen you solve real water problems.
5. Complete the online scholarship application form. When the scholarship is open, the IWC provides an online application form linked from their scholarship page. Applications typically open in May and close on or around August 1 for the following year's intake.
6. Submit before the closing date. Late applications are not considered. The scholarship application and Griffith University admission application must both be submitted before the scholarship deadline.