One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026

The One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded scholarship enabling outstanding young leaders aged 18 to 35 from around the world to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026. Designed to support under-represented young leaders with a proven track record of positive change, the scholarship covers full delegate access, hotel accommodation, travel costs, and catering. The application deadline is 31 October 2026, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Program Highlights

DetailInformation
Opportunity TypeFully Funded International Leadership Summit Scholarship
Organising BodyOne Young World (OYW)
ModeOffline
Duration4 Days
LocationCape Town, South Africa
Last Date to Apply31 October 2026

About the Program

The One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 brings together over 2,000 young leaders from almost every country in the world for an annual summit dedicated to addressing the most pressing global challenges through collaborative leadership and innovation. Hosted in Cape Town — one of Africa’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities — the Leading Scholarship is specifically designed to select and support outstanding young leaders who are often under-represented at international forums and decision-making spaces. Consequently, scholarship recipients gain the opportunity to interact directly with global leaders, innovators, and policymakers while sharing ideas on solutions to local and global issues. Furthermore, selected delegates join a substantial global network of more than 20,000 collaborators from 196 countries, with access to exclusive One Young World Ambassador opportunities including speaking events, mentoring sessions, and regional networking — extending the summit’s impact well beyond the four days spent in Cape Town.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

  • No specific academic degree or field of study is required
  • Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
  • Must demonstrate a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas

Experience & Other Conditions

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age; individuals under 18 at the time of the summit are not eligible
  • Must have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change in their community or field
  • Must be actively addressing key local or global issues through their work

Benefits & Funding

ComponentDetail
Delegate AccessFull delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026
AccommodationFree hotel accommodation provided from 2 to 6 November 2026
TravelTravel costs to and from Cape Town covered
MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner provided throughout the summit
Global NetworkAccess to a network of more than 20,000 collaborators from 196 countries
Ambassador OpportunitiesExclusive access to speaking events, mentoring sessions, and regional networking
VisibilityOpportunity to wave one’s country’s flag at the Opening Ceremony and gain visibility for one’s work

Selection Process

  • Online application submitted via the official One Young World website
  • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year
  • Selected candidates notified via email between June and October 2026
  • Evaluation based on demonstrated leadership, evidence of positive impact, and the innovative quality of the applicant’s work

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 application portal.
  2. Complete the official application form with accurate personal, professional, and impact-related details.
  3. Answer all application questions carefully, demonstrating your commitment to positive change and your track record of impactful work.
  4. Attach any supporting documents requested in the application form.
  5. Review your application thoroughly and submit it before the 31 October 2026 deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with notifications sent between June and October 2026.

Application Fee

CategoryFee Amount
All ApplicantsNo application fee stated

Important Dates

EventDate
Application Deadline31 October 2026
Notification PeriodJune – October 2026 (rolling)
Summit Dates3–6 November 2026

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026?
Young leaders aged 18 to 35 from any country with an evidenced commitment to positive change and a track record of impactful, innovative work are eligible; individuals under 18 at the time of the summit are not eligible.

What does the One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 cover?
The scholarship covers full delegate access, hotel accommodation from 2 to 6 November 2026, travel costs to and from Cape Town, and all meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the summit.

How are applications reviewed for the One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with selected candidates notified via email between June and October 2026, ahead of the final application deadline of 31 October 2026.

What networking opportunities does the scholarship provide?
Selected delegates gain access to a global network of more than 20,000 collaborators from 196 countries, along with exclusive One Young World Ambassador opportunities including speaking events, mentoring sessions, and regional networking.

Is there an application fee for the One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026?
No application fee is stated for the One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026; applicants should refer to the official OYW website for any additional administrative requirements.

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