One Young World’s flagship scholarship ensures that remarkable young leaders from every country in the world are able to attend our annual summit. If you are a young leader who is devising meaningful strategies to build a more sustainable world, One Young World is looking to bring you to our next annual summit.

Apply to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 6 November via our flagship Leading Scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY:

You are eligible for the Leading Scholarship if you:

Are between the ages of 18 and 35.

Have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change.

You are addressing key local and/or global issues in your work.

Have a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas.

They are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Scholars will be selected on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be notified of their selection via email between June and October 2026.

Priority will be given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits.

Priority will be given to first-time Summit attendees (not One Young World Ambassadors).

Due to the overwhelming amount of applications we receive, One Young World is unable to respond to individual emails inquiring about the outcome of the Leading Scholarship selection process.

They do not provide feedback as to why candidates are not selected.

If you are ultimately selected for a scholarship and require a visa to enter South Africa to attend the One Young World Summit 2026, you will be required to pay the visa fee yourself. The costs of the visa as well as any further costs associated with the visa application (including travel to and from the visa application center) fall on you as the participant.

BENEFIT:

Scholarships provide the opportunity for exceptional young people to attend on the merit of their proven leadership and ability to create change in their home country.

The Leading Scholarship is designed specifically to identify and support outstanding young leaders from countries that are often underrepresented at global forums and decision-making spaces.

What could the Leading Scholarship mean for you? 

Tap into a global network of over 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries.

Gain access to exclusive Ambassador opportunities, such as speaking events, regional networking opportunities, and mentoring sessions.

The chance to wave your country’s flag at the Opening Ceremony.

Gain greater visibility for your work and be heard by world-renowned experts and leaders.