One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa

The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is a global opportunity for young leaders who are creating meaningful change in their communities and working on important local or global challenges. The scholarship is the flagship scholarship programme of One Young World and is designed to help exceptional young people from countries that are often underrepresented at international forums participate in the One Young World Summit.

The 2026 One Young World Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from November 3 to 6, 2026. The event will bring together young leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, innovators and other changemakers from around the world for several days of speeches, panel discussions, workshops and networking.

Through the Leading Scholarship, selected young leaders will receive access to the Summit and become part of the One Young World Ambassador Community. Scholars will have opportunities to connect with a global network of more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries, engage with international experts and gain greater visibility for their work.

The scholarship is particularly intended for young people who are already demonstrating leadership and developing innovative approaches to creating a more sustainable and positive future. Applications are open internationally, with priority given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits and to first time Summit attendees.

About the Scholarship

The One Young World Leading Scholarship is designed to make participation in the annual One Young World Summit more accessible to outstanding young leaders who may not otherwise have the financial resources to attend.

The 2026 Summit in Cape Town provides an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, build international partnerships and learn from established leaders across different sectors. The programme also gives scholars access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator, supporting continued leadership development beyond the Summit.

One Young World scholarships generally provide access to the Summit, accommodation, catering and travel support. However, the official Leading Scholarship page specifically states that transport and accommodation for Leading Scholars are provided on a case by case basis. Applicants should therefore carefully review the details of any scholarship offer they receive before making travel arrangements.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the Summit

• Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme

• Access to the Action Accelerator

• Membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community

• Access to exclusive regional events and opportunities

• Opportunities to connect with more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries

• Opportunities for speaking, mentoring and regional networking as an Ambassador

• Greater international visibility for their work

• Opportunity to participate in the Summit Opening Ceremony

• Accommodation and transport support where provided under the individual scholarship arrangement

Programme Areas

The Leading Scholarship is intended for young leaders working on significant local or global challenges. Applicants may come from different professional, academic, entrepreneurial, civil society or community backgrounds.

Relevant areas may include:

• Sustainable development

• Environmental action

• Social impact

• Community development

• Innovation and entrepreneurship

• Education

• Youth leadership

• Human rights and inclusion

• Economic development

• Technology and digital innovation

• Climate and sustainability

• Other initiatives addressing important local or global challenges

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Summit

• Demonstrate an evidenced commitment to creating positive change

• Be addressing important local or global issues through their work

• Have a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas

• Be available to participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town from November 3 to 6, 2026

• Be prepared to demonstrate the impact and relevance of their leadership work

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information that demonstrates their leadership experience, commitment to positive change and the impact of their work.

The application should clearly communicate:

• Personal and professional background

• Leadership experience

• The local or global challenge being addressed

• The applicant’s approach to creating positive change

• Evidence of impact

• Innovative ideas or strategies developed by the applicant

• Motivation for participating in the One Young World Summit

• Information demonstrating the applicant’s suitability for the Leading Scholarship

Applicants should ensure that all information submitted is accurate and clearly explains the results and significance of their work.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and scholars are selected on a rolling basis. One Young World is looking for young leaders who can demonstrate meaningful commitment to positive change and evidence of impactful and innovative leadership.

The organisation also considers representation when selecting scholars. Priority is given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits. First time Summit attendees are also prioritised, although existing One Young World Ambassadors may apply.

Successful candidates are notified by email. One Young World notes that selection notifications for the Leading Scholarship are issued between June and October 2026.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official One Young World Leading Scholarship webpage and review the scholarship information carefully.
2. Confirm that you meet the age, leadership and positive change requirements.
3. Prepare information about your leadership experience, the challenge you are addressing and the impact of your work.
4. Complete the online Leading Scholarship application form.
5. Clearly demonstrate the results, innovation and community or wider impact associated with your work.
6. Submit the completed application before the stated deadline.
7. Monitor your email for communication from One Young World regarding the outcome of your application.