Applications are now open for the One Young World Scholarships 2026, offering exceptional young leaders from around the world the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Each year, One Young World partners with leading global organizations, governments, foundations, and corporations to provide fully funded scholarships for outstanding young changemakers who are addressing pressing global challenges in their communities. These scholarships remove financial barriers by covering travel, accommodation, meals, and Summit participation, enabling young leaders to connect with world-renowned experts and fellow innovators.
Scholarship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | One Young World |
| Summit Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Summit Dates | 3–6 November 2026 |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Young Leaders Worldwide |
| Age Requirement | Generally 18–35 years (varies by scholarship) |
| Application Deadline | Varies by scholarship |
About the One Young World Scholarships
The One Young World Scholarships are designed to identify and support young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and are creating positive social, environmental, or economic impact.
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Successful scholars become delegates at the One Young World Summit, where they join more than 2,200 young leaders from over 190 countries to engage with influential global figures, develop leadership skills, build international networks, and collaborate on solutions to global challenges.
One Young World awarded 554 scholarships in 2024, received 74,847 scholarship applications in the same year, and has provided more than 1,500 scholarship places over the past three years.
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the specific scholarship, successful applicants may receive:
- Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026.
- Hotel accommodation during the Summit.
- Round-trip economy airfare to Cape Town, South Africa.
- Catering throughout the Summit (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Ground transportation between Summit venues.
- Lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme.
- Networking opportunities with global leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.
- Access to mentoring sessions, Action Accelerator programmes, speaking opportunities, and exclusive alumni events.
Some partner scholarships also provide additional benefits such as grant funding, executive mentoring, or specialized leadership programmes.
Available Scholarships
One Young World offers numerous scholarships throughout the year, including:
- Leading Scholarship
- ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship
- Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship
- Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship
- Pernod Ricard Scholarship
- Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship
- Roche Scholarship
- AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Fellowship
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprising Futures Scholarship
- Ilia Calderón Scholarship
Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, focus areas, and application deadlines.
General Eligibility Criteria
While eligibility varies by scholarship, applicants are generally expected to:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old (some scholarships may consider exceptional candidates outside this range).
- Demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.
- Have a proven record of creating positive impact in their community or profession.
- Be committed to addressing local or global challenges.
- Be willing to actively participate in the One Young World Summit and the Ambassador Community after the event.
Specific scholarships may also target applicants working in areas such as:
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- Climate action
- Human rights
- Public health
- Entrepreneurship
- Gender equality
- Education
- Technology
- Peacebuilding
- Sustainable development
- Biodiversity
- Mental health
- Social innovation
Required Documents
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may be required to submit:
- Completed online application form.
- Personal profile.
- Leadership and impact statements.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Supporting documents.
- References.
- Short video or pitch presentation (for selected scholarships).
Additional documentation may be requested during the selection process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official One Young World Scholarships page.
- Review the list of available scholarships.
- Select the scholarship that best matches your background and area of impact.
- Carefully review the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application and upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline for your chosen scholarship.
Application Deadline
There is no single application deadline for One Young World Scholarships.
Each scholarship has its own opening and closing dates, so applicants should regularly check the official scholarships page and apply before the deadline for their preferred opportunity.
Conclusion
The One Young World Scholarships 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for young leaders to join one of the world’s most influential leadership summits. With full financial support, access to global mentors, and membership in an international community of changemakers, these scholarships empower participants to expand their impact and accelerate solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
