Applications are now open for the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026. Young leaders aged 18–35 can receive full funding to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.
The scholarship is designed to ensure that talented individuals from countries that are often under-represented at global decision-making forums have the opportunity to participate, share their ideas, and expand their impact through an international network of changemakers.
The One Young World Summit 2026 will take place from 3–6 November 2026.
About the Leading Scholarship
The One Young World Leading Scholarship supports outstanding young leaders who are developing innovative solutions to local and global challenges. Successful applicants join thousands of delegates from nearly every country, creating opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strengthen their leadership skills.
The programme aims to increase participation from countries that have historically been less represented at previous One Young World Summits.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive access to a range of opportunities, including:
- Participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
- Access to a global network of more than 20,000 ambassadors from 196 countries.
- Exclusive opportunities available to One Young World Ambassadors, including networking events, mentoring sessions, and speaking engagements.
- International exposure for their work and leadership initiatives.
- The opportunity to represent their country during the Summit’s Opening Ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social impact.
- Be actively addressing important local and/or global challenges.
- Have a proven track record of innovative ideas and measurable impact within their community or field.
Applicants who will be under 18 years old at the time of the Summit are not eligible.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Selected candidates will be notified by email between June and October 2026.
Priority will be given to:
- Applicants from countries that have been under-represented at previous One Young World Summits.
- First-time attendees who are not already One Young World Ambassadors.
Due to the high number of applications received, individual feedback is not provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Visa Information
If selected and a visa is required to enter South Africa, applicants are responsible for:
- Paying the visa application fee.
- Covering any additional costs related to obtaining the visa, including travel to a visa application centre.
Important Dates
Applications Open: 11 June 2026
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
Why You Should Apply
The One Young World Leading Scholarship offers an outstanding opportunity for young leaders to connect with global peers, gain international recognition, strengthen leadership skills, and build partnerships that can expand the impact of their work.
Whether you are working in education, climate action, health, entrepreneurship, technology, social innovation, public policy, or community development, the programme provides a platform to showcase your work while learning from influential leaders and changemakers from around the world.
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