One Young World’s flagship Leading Scholarship is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summit. This is the scholarship that makes sure remarkable young leaders from nearly every country can attend. If you are between 18 and 35 and have a proven track record of creating change, this is your chance to be in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November 2026.
The Leading Scholarship covers your full delegate access to the Summit, hotel accommodation from 2 to 6 November, all meals, and the cost of your return flight to Cape Town (from and to the same airport). It does not cover your visa fees – those are on you. But if you are selected, you get to wave your country’s flag at the Opening Ceremony, network with over 20,000 people from 196 countries, and get your work seen by world‑renowned experts.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. That means you can apply now and hear back between June and October 2026. Priority goes to applicants from countries that have been less represented at past summits and to first‑time attendees. If you have already been to a One Young World Summit as an Ambassador, you are not the priority for this one.
Programme Details
- Event: One Young World Summit 2026.
- Number of awards: Various – depends on available funding.
- Date: 3 – 6 November 2026.
- Venue: Cape Town, South Africa.
- Eligible countries: Open to young leaders from almost every country in the world.
Leading Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars receive a fully funded opportunity that includes:
- Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 2 and 6 November 2026.
- Catering – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Return economy travel to and from Cape Town (flight must leave from and return to the same airport).
Leading Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 18 to 35 at the time of the Summit (we cannot accept applicants under 18).
- Have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change.
- Be addressing key local and/or global issues in your work.
- Have a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas.
Other Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
- Rolling review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be notified between June and October 2026.
- Priority: Priority will be given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits, and to first‑time Summit attendees (not One Young World Ambassadors).
- No individual feedback: Due to the overwhelming number of applications, One Young World cannot respond to individual emails enquiring about the outcome or provide feedback on why candidates are not selected.
- Visa costs: If you are selected and require a visa to enter South Africa, you must pay the visa fee yourself. All costs associated with the visa application (including travel to and from the visa centre) are your responsibility.
How to Apply for the Leading Scholarship
Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this scholarship program must click on the “Apply” button below and follow the given instructions to submit their applications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the sooner you may hear back.
- Visit the official application portal.
- Create an account or log in.
- Fill out the form with details about your leadership experience, impact, and innovative ideas.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Note : Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, early submissions are encouraged.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form.
- Evidence of your leadership and impact (as requested in the form).
The deadline to apply is . Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so do not wait until the last minute. Please visit the official page for more details on the Leading Scholarship to Attend One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.