If you are a young leader devising meaningful strategies to build a more sustainable world, One Young World wants to bring you to its next annual Summit. The flagship Leading Scholarship offers fully funded access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November, ensuring the Summit is accessible to remarkable young leaders from almost every country.
About the Scholarship
Scholarships give exceptional young people the chance 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 often under-represented at global forums and decision-making spaces.
What's Included
🎟️ Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town
🏨 Hotel accommodation between 2 and 6 November 2026
🍽️ Catering, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
✈️ The cost of travel to and from Cape Town (your flight must leave from and return to the same airport)
What It Could Mean for You
🌐 Tap into a global network of over 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries
🎤 Access exclusive Ambassador opportunities, such as speaking events, regional networking and mentoring sessions
🚩 The chance to wave your country's flag at the Opening Ceremony
🔦 Greater visibility for your work, heard by world-renowned experts and leaders
Eligibility
🔞 Aged 18 to 35 (you must be at least 18 at the time of the Summit)
🌟 An evidenced commitment to delivering positive change
🌍 Addressing key local and/or global issues in your work
💡 A track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas
Good to Know
🔄 Applications are reviewed and scholars selected on a rolling basis, with notifications between June and October 2026
🌍 Priority is given to applicants from countries less represented at previous Summits
🆕 Priority is given to first-time attendees (not existing One Young World Ambassadors)
🛂 If selected and you need a South African visa, you must pay the visa fee and any related costs yourself
The Details
📍 Location: Cape Town, South Africa (One Young World Summit, 3 to 6 November 2026)
👥 For: young leaders aged 18 to 35 from almost every country
💶 Award: fully funded (delegate access, hotel from 2 to 6 November, catering and return travel)
🔄 Selection: rolling basis
How to Apply
📝 Apply online via the One Young World application form (linked below)
Deadline
📅 31 October 2026
Links
🔗 Apply: https://apply.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/form/leading-scholarship-2026
🔗 Details: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/leading-scholarship-2026
