Forum / Summit•South Africa · Cape Town

One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Nov 3, 2026 – Nov 6, 2026

The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is One Young World's flagship scholarship programme, designed to ensure exceptional young people from historically underrepresented countries can attend the annual Summit. One Young World is a London-based global nonprofit (registered UK charity No. 1147298) connecting young leaders from 190+ countries and 250+ organisations to drive social impact and innovation. The 2026 Summit takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, and the scholarship covers all core costs. Scholars join a global ambassador network of 20,000+ members and gain access to mentoring, speaking, and advocacy platforms. First-time attendees are prioritised over returning ambassadors.

Benefits & funding

  • Full summit delegate access (November 3–6, 2026)
  • Hotel accommodation (November 2–6, 2026, including arrival night)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the summit
  • International return airfare to/from Cape Town
  • Access to the One Young World global ambassador network (20,000+ members)
  • Flag-raising opportunity at the Opening Ceremony
  • Exclusive ambassador opportunities: mentoring, speaking, and advocacy platforms
  • Note: Visa fees are the applicant's responsibility

Eligibility

  • Age: 18–35 at the time of the Summit (November 2026)
  • Background: demonstrated track record of impactful, innovative leadership in your home country
  • Priority given to applicants from countries historically underrepresented at One Young World Summits
  • Priority given to first-time attendees over returning ambassadors
  • No formal degree or nationality restriction specified

Application process

  1. 1
    Review the scholarship page and read the application guidance at oneyoungworld.com/how-apply-scholarship before drafting answers.
  2. 2
    Draft your answers separately before opening the form — the portal does not auto-save.
  3. 3
    Complete the online application at apply.oneyoungworld.com, addressing each question with specific examples, statistics, and measurable impact data.
  4. 4
    Show how attending the summit will advance your ongoing work and goals.
  5. 5
    Submit as early as possible — applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and earlier submissions are favoured.

Program timeline

  1. Selection notifications sent on a rolling basis

    2026-06 to 2026-10

  2. Application deadline (rolling — submit early for best chance)

    Oct 31, 2026

  3. Delegate hotel check-in

    Nov 2, 2026

  4. Summit Opening Ceremony and programme begins

    Nov 3, 2026

  5. Summit concludes

    Nov 6, 2026