The AstraZeneca Young Health Programme (YHP) Scholarships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for young leaders around the world to participate in the AFS Youth Assembly, one of the most influential global youth forums dedicated to sustainable development and international cooperation.
The event will take place August 12–14, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together emerging leaders, policymakers, researchers, and youth advocates to collaborate on solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges.
This initiative is organized by AFS Intercultural Programs in partnership with AstraZeneca, through its Young Health Programme, which focuses on empowering youth to create healthier, more sustainable communities worldwide.
The scholarship aims to support young people who are already working to advance health equity, climate and nature action, and resilient health systems.
The application deadline has not been officially specified, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible once the application portal opens.
About the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme (YHP)
The Young Health Programme (YHP) is AstraZeneca’s global community investment initiative focused on preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting health equity, particularly among young people.
Through partnerships with civil society organizations, youth leaders, and international institutions, the program aims to empower the next generation to become advocates for better health systems and sustainable development.
By supporting youth initiatives, the program addresses the growing global health challenges associated with chronic diseases, environmental risks, and healthcare inequality.
The AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarships are part of this broader mission to equip youth with the knowledge, networks, and leadership tools necessary to drive positive change.
About the AFS Youth Assembly
The AFS Youth Assembly is a global forum that convenes young leaders from around the world to discuss innovative solutions to international challenges.
Hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, a city known for its strong diplomatic presence and international institutions, the assembly provides a unique environment for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
The 2026 edition will gather youth advocates working across sectors including health, climate, sustainable development, education, and social justice.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
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Engage in high-level discussions with global experts and policymakers
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Participate in workshops and collaborative sessions focused on leadership and innovation
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Share their experiences and projects with an international audience
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Build a global network of like-minded changemakers
The Youth Assembly is designed to amplify youth voices in international decision-making processes and encourage collaborative solutions to global challenges.
Focus Areas of the AstraZeneca Scholarship
Applicants for the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarship are expected to demonstrate commitment and leadership in at least one of the following key areas:
Advancing Health Equity
One of the core priorities of the program is addressing inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Scholars working in this area focus on preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among young people. These diseases include:
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Lung diseases
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Cardiovascular diseases
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Cancer
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Type 2 diabetes
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Chronic kidney disease
Young advocates supporting individuals living with rare diseases are also encouraged to apply.
The goal is to promote early prevention strategies and ensure equitable access to healthcare services across communities.
Climate and Nature Action
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major threat to global health.
Young leaders working in climate and environmental advocacy can apply if their work focuses on reducing the harmful effects of climate change on public health and well-being.
Applicants may be involved in initiatives such as:
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Climate awareness campaigns
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Environmental health advocacy
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Sustainable community programs
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Climate policy engagement
These efforts are essential to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring long-term health outcomes.
Building Resilient Health Systems
Another critical priority is strengthening health systems to respond to both current and future health challenges.
Applicants working in this field may focus on:
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Strengthening healthcare infrastructure
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Promoting early disease detection and prevention
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Improving community-based healthcare programs
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Advocating for policy reforms that enhance healthcare accessibility
Resilient health systems are essential to ensuring societies can respond effectively to both emerging diseases and ongoing health crises.
What the Scholarship Includes
Recipients of the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarship will receive support to attend the AFS Youth Assembly 2026 in Geneva.
The scholarship is designed to ensure that young leaders from diverse backgrounds can participate in the event regardless of financial barriers.
Benefits typically include:
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Access to the AFS Youth Assembly global conference
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Participation in leadership workshops and panel discussions
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Networking opportunities with international experts and policymakers
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Collaboration with youth leaders from around the world
Scholars also gain international exposure and recognition for their work in health, climate, and sustainability.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Today’s world faces a complex intersection of challenges including rising chronic disease, climate change, and unequal healthcare access.
These issues disproportionately affect young people and marginalized communities.
By supporting youth leaders who are actively addressing these problems, the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme seeks to build a generation capable of driving systemic change.
Participation in the Youth Assembly enables young leaders to:
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Share innovative ideas and projects
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Influence global discussions on health and sustainability
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Develop leadership and advocacy skills
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Build long-term collaborations with global changemakers
For many participants, the Youth Assembly becomes a launching platform for international careers in policy, research, public health, and global development.
How to Apply
Applicants interested in the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarship should prepare a strong application highlighting their work, leadership experience, and commitment to improving global health and sustainability.
Candidates should clearly demonstrate:
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Their involvement in projects related to health equity, climate action, or resilient health systems
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Their vision for creating positive change in their communities
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Their motivation to participate in the Youth Assembly
Applications must be submitted through the official AFS Youth Assembly scholarship portal.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly check the official website for application updates and submission guidelines.
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