Key Details
đź“Ť Location: Cape Town, South Africa
📅 Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
🎓 Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
🌍 Eligible Countries: Open worldwide, with priority given to applicants from underrepresented countries
👥 Age Requirement: 18–35 years
📆 Application Deadline: 31 October 2026 (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Are you a young leader creating positive change in your community or country? The prestigious One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering outstanding young leaders from around the world the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.
As One Young World’s flagship scholarship programme, the Leading Scholarship aims to ensure that exceptional young leaders from countries often underrepresented in global decision-making spaces can participate in one of the world’s most influential youth leadership gatherings.
About the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026
The One Young World Summit brings together thousands of young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe to discuss solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Leading Scholarship identifies and supports young changemakers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating sustainable impact in their communities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Hotel accommodation from 2–6 November 2026.
- Daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Round-trip travel costs to and from Cape Town.
- Access to a global network of more than 20,000 One Young World Ambassadors from 196 countries.
- Opportunities to participate in exclusive networking events, mentoring sessions, speaking engagements, and regional activities.
- International visibility for their work and initiatives.
- The opportunity to represent their country during the Summit’s Opening Ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 35 years old.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social impact.
- Be actively addressing local and/or global challenges through their work.
- Have a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and community impact.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of the Summit.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Key selection considerations include:
- Demonstrated leadership and impact.
- Potential to contribute meaningfully to the Summit.
- Representation from countries that have historically been underrepresented at One Young World Summits.
- Preference for first-time attendees who are not already One Young World Ambassadors.
Selected candidates will be notified via email between June and October 2026.
Visa Information
Applicants who require a visa to enter South Africa will be responsible for covering:
- Visa application fees.
- Travel expenses related to visa processing.
- Any additional visa-related costs.
Why You Should Apply
The One Young World Summit is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier global gatherings for young leaders. Scholars gain access to world-class speakers, international networks, mentorship opportunities, and lifelong connections that can help scale their impact and accelerate their leadership journey.
If you are passionate about driving positive change and want to connect with fellow changemakers from around the world, this fully funded scholarship could be a transformative opportunity.
Application Deadline
Deadline: Rolling applications accepted until 31 October 2026
Early applications are strongly encouraged as selections are made on a rolling basis.
How to Apply
Apply through the official One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 application portal.
Pro Tip for Applicants
Focus your application on measurable impact. Clearly demonstrate the problem you are addressing, the actions you have taken, the results achieved, and how attending the One Young World Summit will help you amplify your impact locally and globally.
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