Are you a young changemaker making a difference in your community, country, or industry? The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering exceptional young leaders from around the world the chance to attend the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
This fully funded scholarship aims to ensure that talented young leaders from underrepresented countries can access one of the world’s most influential youth leadership gatherings.
Applications are open until 31 October 2026.
About the One Young World Leading Scholarship
The Leading Scholarship is the flagship scholarship program of One Young World, an international organization that connects and empowers young leaders who are creating positive social, economic, and environmental change.
Each year, the organization brings together thousands of young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers, and innovators to discuss global challenges and develop practical solutions.
For 2026, the summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.
The scholarship is specifically designed to support outstanding individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in international leadership forums.
Why Attend the One Young World Summit?
The One Young World Summit is recognized as one of the most impactful global events for emerging leaders.
Participants gain access to:
International networking opportunities
Leadership development sessions
Global policy discussions
Collaboration with changemakers from around the world
Inspiration from influential leaders and experts
The summit serves as a platform for young people to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and build partnerships that can drive meaningful change.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support to attend the summit.
Full Summit Access
Recipients will receive full delegate access to all official summit activities and sessions.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation will be provided from 2–6 November 2026.
Meals
The scholarship covers:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
throughout the summit period.
International Travel
Round-trip travel expenses to and from Cape Town will be covered.
Global Networking Opportunities
Scholars will join a global network of more than 20,000 young leaders from 196 countries and territories.
Additional Opportunities for Scholars
Beyond attending the summit, scholars may benefit from:
International Visibility
Present your work and ideas to a global audience of leaders, decision-makers, and change agents.
Ambassador Community Access
Become part of the wider One Young World community and gain access to:
Mentorship opportunities
Speaking engagements
Regional networking events
Leadership programs
Cultural Representation
Participants will have the opportunity to proudly represent their countries during the summit’s opening ceremony.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to young leaders from all countries who meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
Be between 18 and 35 years old
Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive change
Be actively working on local or global challenges
Show evidence of leadership and impact
Have a track record of innovative ideas and initiatives
Applicants who will be under the age of 18 during the summit are not eligible.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Leadership Potential
Demonstrated ability to inspire, mobilize, and lead positive initiatives.
Social Impact
Evidence of meaningful contributions to communities, organizations, or social causes.
Innovation
Creative approaches to solving important local or global challenges.
Commitment to Change
A clear dedication to building a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future.
Priority Considerations
While applications are open globally, priority may be given to:
Candidates from countries that have historically been underrepresented at One Young World Summits
First-time summit attendees
Young leaders working in underserved communities
This approach helps ensure broader global representation and inclusion.
Application Timeline
Applications Open
11 June 2026
Application Deadline
31 October 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, which means outstanding candidates may be selected before the final deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Important Information
Selected candidates will receive notification by email between June and October 2026.
Applicants should note:
Visa costs are not covered by the scholarship.
Any expenses related to visa applications remain the responsibility of the participant.
Due to the high volume of applications, individual feedback is generally not provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
Unlike many leadership programs, the One Young World Leading Scholarship focuses on identifying individuals who are already creating impact in their communities.
The program offers more than financial support—it provides access to a powerful international network, world-class leadership experiences, and opportunities to amplify your work on a global stage.
For many past participants, attending the summit has led to new partnerships, funding opportunities, mentorship relationships, and greater visibility for their initiatives.
Program Summary
The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious young leaders who are committed to driving positive change.
Whether you are working in education, climate action, entrepreneurship, public policy, technology, health, social justice, or community development, this scholarship can help expand your influence and connect you with like-minded changemakers from across the world.
If you have a proven record of leadership and a vision for a better future, this may be your chance to represent your country at one of the most influential youth leadership events globally.
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
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About Scholars Africa Editorial Team
Scholars Africa Editorial Team is dedicated to researching and publishing verified scholarships, jobs, and global opportunities. Our content is built on extensive analysis of application trends, eligibility criteria, and selection patterns to help applicants succeed at every stage. Our team has reviewed hundreds of scholarship programs and application processes across multiple countries.
