SDG 6 Fellowship 2027 in UK, Denmark, Malaysia (Fully Funded)

The IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship is a fully funded international program designed for young professionals. It aims to support individuals who are developing innovative solutions to water-related problems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). The fellowship runs from February 2027 to December 2028, combining online activities with required in-person meetings and participation in international water-sector events held in the UK, Denmark, and Malaysia. The third cohort of this fellowship will place a stronger focus on innovation and on increasing the uptake of technology and innovative solutions within the water sector.

This is a fully funded fellowship. It provides comprehensive financial support including economy-class airfare for all required fellowship travel, single-occupancy accommodation during program activities, and coverage for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during relevant activities. Additionally, local ground transportation between airports, hotels, and venues, travel insurance for required fellowship travel, and visa application fees for required travel are all covered.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, with this age requirement applying through December 2028. Candidates must hold an active IWA Young Water Professional membership or qualify as an eligible Grundfos employee. Essential criteria include having experience or involvement in the water sector through work, research, education, or entrepreneurship, and demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the water sector. Applicants should show leadership potential and teamwork skills. It is required to have an existing innovation or solution that addresses a water-related challenge and to demonstrate progress in developing, testing, or validating this proposed solution. A good working knowledge of English is mandatory, along with a willingness to actively participate throughout the entire fellowship duration. Individuals who are former IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellows, current or former participants in the IWA Leadership Programme (IWA LeaP), or participants in the IWA Mentorship Programme are not eligible. The program is global and aims to select a cohort that reflects gender, geographical, and professional diversity.

All application documents must be prepared and submitted in English. The required documents include: a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a maximum length of two pages, a Motivation Letter not exceeding two pages, a Reference Letter of maximum one page (preferably from an IWA member), and an Innovation Proposal also limited to two pages.

Interested candidates must apply through an online application form available on the official website of the International Water Association (IWA).

In-person activities for the fellowship are expected to take place in specific locations: London, United Kingdom, for activities involving the International Water Association; Bjerringbro, Denmark, for activities involving Grundfos; and Malaysia, which will host the 2028 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. The fellowship encourages innovations in areas such as Research and Technology, Innovative Financing and Business Models, and Capacity Building related to water challenges.