Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship Programme 2027 at KNUST: Applications Open for 25 Fellows
Overview
The Africa Water Quality Testing Fellowship Programme 2027 offers 25 undergraduate students an opportunity to gain practical training in laboratory analysis, water quality monitoring, drinking-water safety, and environmental health. Implemented as AWQTF – KNUST Cohort 1 by the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi under the Department of Civil Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the programme is carried out in partnership with The Aquaya Institute. The initiative runs from January to July 2027 to build the professional and practical capacity of emerging water-quality professionals.
Who can apply
The fellowship is open to eligible third- and final-year undergraduate students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Eligible fields of study include Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, and Chemistry. Candidates are required to hold a minimum Cumulative Weighted Average of 65 out of 100 and must exhibit a strong interest in public health, environmental issues, water, or sanitation. Applicants must also commit to full availability throughout the duration of the programme, which features weekend training sessions, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and fieldwork. Female students are particularly encouraged to apply, as the programme targets at least 40 percent female participation through a merit-based selection approach.
What you get
Selected fellows receive comprehensive instruction across various water-quality and public-health topics, including drinking-water quality, contaminants, water sampling, sanitary inspection, physicochemical and microbiological testing, laboratory quality control, data analysis, drinking-water treatment, Water Safety Plans, and field investigations. The curriculum includes 15 core instructional days, tutorials, an intensive five-day field exercise, supervised laboratory analysis, and participation in virtual seminar series hosted by Aquaya. Participants also engage in professional mentoring, technical exposure visits, practitioner seminars, and career-development activities. High-performing participants may compete for industrial attachment and internship placements with participating institutions. Participants who fulfill all attendance, assessment, and practical competency criteria are awarded a Certificate of Completion jointly endorsed by RWESCK, the KNUST Department of Civil Engineering, and The Aquaya Institute.
How to apply
Applicants must fill out the online application form and provide all necessary supporting documents. Selection is competitive and merit-based, beginning with a review of applications and academic records, followed by structured interviews for shortlisted candidates based on academic performance, motivation, communication skills, demonstrated interest, relevant experience, and commitment.
Key dates
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 6 November 2026. The fellowship program operates from January to July 2027.