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The IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027-2028 is a two-year fellowship for young water professionals, with fully funded travel to its in-person events. For each required trip, it covers economy flights, single-room accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, airport and venue transport, travel insurance and visa application fees.
The fellowship is run by the International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos. It is for people aged 18 to 35 who are already working on an idea, product or approach that solves a water problem. Travel includes a first gathering in London and Bjerringbro, Denmark, in 2027 and the IWA World Water Congress in Malaysia in 2028. You need an active IWA Young Water Professional membership to apply.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host countries | UK, Denmark and Malaysia (plus online) |
| Organisers | International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos |
| Duration | About two years, February 2027 to December 2028 |
| Funding | Fully funded travel to in-person events: flights, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, visa fees |
| Who can apply | Young water professionals aged 18 to 35 with a water innovation, IWA YWP members |
| Application fee | None mentioned (IWA membership required) |
| Deadline | 5 November 2026 |
What is the IWA & Grundfos SDG 6 Fellowship?
SDG 6 is the UN goal of clean water and sanitation for all. Since 2022, this fellowship has helped young water professionals grow as leaders. The third cohort, 2027 to 2028, focuses on innovation: helping fellows refine, test and position a water solution so more people use it.
Over about two years, fellows join monthly online meetings, training on innovation and entrepreneurship, peer-learning groups, project reviews and international water events, and meet experts from IWA, Grundfos and past cohorts.
What you get
For required fellowship travel and in-person activities:
- Economy-class flights
- Single-room accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport transfers and transport to fellowship venues
- Travel insurance
- Visa application fees
You also get training, mentoring, peer learning and a global network in the water sector. The fellowship does not give grants or investment to build your project, and you keep full ownership of your idea.
Programme timeline
- February 2027 to December 2028: online onboarding and monthly meetings
- First half of 2027: in-person gathering in London, UK, and Bjerringbro, Denmark
- Second half of 2027: selected IWA activities and international water events
- 2028: IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Malaysia
Who can apply
- Aged 18 to 35 (no older than 35 by December 2028)
- An active IWA Young Water Professional member, or a Grundfos employee
- Working in the water sector through study, research, a job or a business
- Already working on a water innovation at idea, prototype or early pilot stage, with real steps taken
- Working knowledge of English
- Able to take part for the full two years
- Not a past SDG 6 Fellow, and not in IWA’s Leadership or Mentorship programmes
Do I need to be an IWA member?
Yes, unless you work for Grundfos. The application form opens only after you log in to IWA Connect Plus with an active Young Water Professional membership. You can join IWA on its website.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be 18 to 35, and still 35 or under at the end of the fellowship in December 2028.
Do I need a company or start-up?
No. Students, researchers, utility staff and NGO workers can apply. You need an innovation with some real progress, but you do not need a company or a business plan.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No test is named. You need a working knowledge of English, and the application is in English.
Required documents
- CV (up to 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (up to 2 pages)
- One reference letter, ideally from an IWA member (1 page)
- Innovation proposal (up to 2 pages)
How to write your innovation proposal
- Start with the water problem: who it affects and how many people.
- Describe your solution and what is new about it.
- Say who will use it and who benefits.
- Show your stage (concept, testing or early pilot) and what you have already done, such as a prototype, a field test or partners.
- Name the main barrier you face and what you want to achieve during the fellowship.
In your motivation letter, show your water experience, one example of leadership, and how you will use the fellowship to create change at home.
How to apply, step by step
- Make sure you have an active IWA Young Water Professional membership.
- Prepare your CV, motivation letter, reference letter and innovation proposal.
- Log in to IWA Connect Plus and open the fellowship application form.
- Fill in the form, upload your documents and submit before 5 November 2026.
Selection process
The IWA Secretariat checks eligibility and quality first. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by IWA and Grundfos in late November, and fellows are announced in mid-December 2026. The panel also aims for a balanced cohort by region, gender and type of water challenge.
Deadline
Deadline: 5 November 2026
The deadline is close, so get your membership and reference letter sorted first.
Have a question?
Ask in the comments and we’ll help where we can.
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