IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027-2028 (Fully Funded Travel)

Have you got an innovative idea that could help to address a problem with water or sanitation in your community? This could be the time you’ve been waiting for to apply for the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027.

The International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos, the water technology company from Denmark, have launched the call for applications for the Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship. This global initiative helps young professionals build on their existing ideas and work to have real impact, while helping them to do so in the context of a water challenge.

The fellowship will run from February 2027 to December 2028, and will be made up of three online learning sessions and three in-person sessions in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Malaysia. All necessary on-site visits are fully paid for (airfares, accommodation, meals, local transport, travel insurance and visa fees).

SDG 6 Fellowship 2027: Key Details

SDG 6 Fellowship 2027 – Details:SDG 6 Fellowship 2027 – Details:

The project is being delivered by the Host Organisations International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos.
Length of Fellowship: February 2027 – December 2028
The locations are London (UK), Bjerringbro (Denmark) and Malaysia.
Time frame: 4 weeks (4 meetings/events)
Funding: Travel Costs for required activities covered by the funding source.
Age Limit: 18–35 years
Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
What Is SDG 6? Understanding the Goal Behind the SDG 6 Fellowship

The Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. It is designed to ensure the availability of water and sanitation for all and to ensure sustainable management of water resources.

Safe drinking water and decent sanitation are still out of reach for billions of people, and new concepts, technologies and business models are urgently needed. The SDG 6 Fellowship backs young professionals who are already developing these solutions and want to create a positive impact in their communities.

Benefits of the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027

The SDG 6 Fellowship 2027 offers the following benefits:

Fellows are provided with full travel funding for in person activities as needed:

Airfare: Economy-class air travel charges for fellowship travel.
Accommodation: Single occupancy rooms during the programme activities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during relevant activities.
Local Transport: Transfers from airport to hotel and/or to and from venues.
Travel Insurance: Insurance to cover for all necessary travel for fellowship.
Visa Fees: The costs of application and Visa for compulsory trips are paid.

In addition to the financial aid, fellows receive mentorship, training, international exposure and networking with leaders from around the world in the water sector.

Where the SDG 6 Fellowship Takes Place

The fellowship mixes online sessions with in-person meetings at three international locations:

London, United Kingdom: International Water Association’s activities.
Bjerringbro, Denmark: Basic activities at Grundfos’s headquarters.
Malaysia: attendance to the 2028 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition – the biggest event in the global water sector.
SDG 6 Fellowship Areas of Innovation

Applicants should have a solution that fits into one of these areas:

Research and Technology: New tools, methods or technologies related to water and sanitation.
Innovative Financing and Business Models: New finance and/or new business models to finance or deliver water services.
Capacity Building: Training, education or community programmes that enhance the water sector.
Eligibility Criteria for the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027

To apply, you must:

Be between 18 and 35 years of age and still be within this age range by December of 2028.
Be a current member of the IWA Young Water Professional community, or a qualified member of the Grundfos team.
Have experience in the water sector as it relates to work, research, education or entrepreneurship.
Demonstrate strong resolve to enhance the water sector.
Show leadership capabilities and teamwork abilities.
Have an innovation or solution to a water problem.
Demonstrate progress in the development, testing and/or validation of your solution.
Have a good working knowledge of English.
Be prepared to participate in the entire fellowship.
Who Cannot Apply for the SDG 6 Fellowship
Ex-fellows in the IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship Programme.
IWA Leadership Programme (IWA LeaP) current or alumni members.
IWA Mentorship Programme participants.
Required Documents for the SDG 6 Fellowship

Create the following documents in English:

CV: No more than 2 pages.
Motivation Letter: No more than 2 pages.
Reference Letter: Maximum one page, preferably from an IWA member.
Innovation Proposal: Write maximum of 2 pages about your solution and its development.
How to Apply for the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027

The process of applying for the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027.Application procedure for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027.

Review your IWA membership. Be sure to be a member of Young Water Professional before applying.
Use the abovementioned page limits when preparing your document.
Apply on the official IWA website here via their Apply Now button.
Fill out the online application form and upload documents.
Submit before 5 November 2026.
Tips for a Strong SDG 6 Fellowship Application

The following are some tips for writing a strong application:

Present actual progress in the form of pilot results, tests or users’ feedback in your innovation proposal.
Be clear and succinct about the water problem you are solving and who benefits.
Contact a referee that is familiar with your water, preferably an IWA member.
Do not exceed the page limits. Brief and concise documents are easier to read.

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Final Thoughts on the SDG 6 Fellowship 2027

IWA & Grundfos SDG 6 Fellowship 2027 is a great chance for young water professionals to further develop their solutions. Funded travel to London, Denmark and Malaysia and support from two major names in the water industry make it more than worth your while to apply. Be prepared, the deadline is approaching.

APPLY FOR THE SDG6 FELLOWSHIP