IWA & Grundfos Youth Fellowship 2027–2028: Fully Funded Global Water Leadership Opportunity supports young water professionals developing innovative solutions to water challenges.
Background & Fellowship Description
The International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos have opened applications for the 2027–2028 IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship.
The approximately two-year fellowship combines online and in-person activities, including capacity development, peer learning, expert engagement, project reviews, and participation in selected international water-sector events.
The third cohort will focus particularly on innovation and the uptake of technology and innovative solutions in the water sector.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open globally to young water professionals aged 18 to 35. Applicants may include students, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals working in utilities, companies, public institutions, NGOs and other water-related organisations.
Applicants must have an existing innovation, solution or approach addressing a clearly identified water-related problem and demonstrate tangible progress toward developing or validating it.
Applicants must also:
- Be an IWA member.
- Be engaged in the water sector.
- Demonstrate leadership and collaboration potential.
- Have working knowledge of English.
- Be available throughout the fellowship.
- Not be a former IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellow.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides professional development, networking, mentoring, and exposure to water-sector experts and international events.
For required fellowship travel and in-person activities, selected Fellows are expected to receive support covering:
- Economy-class air travel.
- Accommodation.
- Meals/subsistence.
- Ground transportation.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa application fees.
Important: The fellowship does not provide direct grants or investment to implement Fellows’ innovations. Instead, it helps participants strengthen their projects and become better positioned to secure future partnerships or external financing.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application in English with:
- CV – maximum 2 pages.
- Motivation letter – maximum 2 pages.
- Letter of reference – maximum 1 page.
- Innovation proposal – maximum 2 pages.
The innovation proposal should explain the water challenge, proposed solution, intended beneficiaries, current development stage, progress made, and what the applicant hopes to achieve through the fellowship.
Application Deadline
Applications open on 5 October 2026 and close on 5 November 2026.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late November, with selected candidates expected to be announced in mid-December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the IWA & Grundfos Youth Fellowship?
Young water professionals aged 18–35 who meet the fellowship requirements can apply.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Required fellowship travel and participation costs are expected to be covered, including airfare, accommodation, meals, transport, travel insurance and visa fees. It does not directly fund innovation projects.
Do I need an existing project or innovation?
Yes. Applicants should already have an idea, solution, or approach and demonstrate tangible action toward developing or validating it.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is 5 November 2026.
Do applicants need to be IWA members?
Yes. IWA membership is listed as an eligibility requirement.
Final Thoughts
The IWA & Grundfos Youth Fellowship offers young water professionals an opportunity to strengthen innovative solutions, develop leadership skills, and build international networks within the water sector.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with IWA or Grundfos. This article is provided for informational purposes and shares the fellowship opportunity with prospective applicants.
Keywords: IWA Grundfos Youth Fellowship 2027, IWA Youth Fellowship, Grundfos Fellowship 2027, Youth Action for SDG 6, water leadership fellowship, fully funded fellowship 2027, water innovation fellowship, young water professionals
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