Global Leadership Challenge 2026 by Oxford and St. Gallen Symposium | Chance to Visit Switzerland for Free
A virtual leadership program by the University of Oxford and St. Gallen Symposium for master's/PhD students and young professionals aged 21–30. Top teams win a fully funded trip to Switzerland. Apply by November 5, 2026.
What is the Global Leadership Challenge?
The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) is a global initiative of the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium. It brings together 100 young leaders from around the world to tackle real global challenges and grow as responsible leaders.
Participants join virtually from anywhere in the world. Working in international teams, they develop action projects using design thinking, guided by world-renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders.
2026 Challenges
This year, teams will work on real challenges from partner organizations:
- Swiss Re: How can organizations build a future-ready workforce as technology, risk, and expectations change fast? Teams explore how human expertise, critical thinking, and AI can work together.
- Schwarzman Scholars: How can the Schwarzman Scholars curriculum grow to prepare future global leaders for an uncertain world?
- A third challenge partner will be announced soon.
Important dates
- Applications opened: September 29, 2026
- Application deadline: November 5, 2026
- GLC 2026: December 10–14, 2026 (about five half-days, online)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.
Who can apply?
- Master's or PhD students, or young professionals aged 21–30
- You must have finished your undergraduate degree
- You've shown a commitment to responsible leadership through extracurricular activities or work experience
- You can commit to around five half-days from December 10–14, 2026
- Applicants from all countries and academic fields are welcome
What do you get?
- An official Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium
- Access to world-class speakers, including leading academics and senior business and policy leaders
- Hands-on experience developing solutions to real global challenges
- Leadership training and mentorship from the Oxford Character Project
- A global network of young, responsible leaders
- A fully funded trip to Switzerland: the top three teams are invited to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as "Leaders of Tomorrow," with travel and accommodation fully covered
What you need to apply
- Documents: CV (PDF), a recent portrait photo (JPEG or PNG), and proof of enrollment if you're a student (PDF)
- Keynote choice: Suggest a keynote speaker who could inspire global leaders to act responsibly
- Your message: A video of up to 40 seconds, in English, inspiring global leaders to practice responsible leadership
- Your action: One concrete example, in 50 words or fewer, of how you've put responsible leadership into practice
Upload your video to Google Drive, OneDrive, YouTube (unlisted), iCloud, Dropbox, or SwissTransfer, and make sure anyone with the link can view it.
How to apply
- Check that you're free from December 10–14, 2026.
- Prepare your CV, photo, and proof of enrollment.
- Record your 40-second video and upload it with a shareable link.
- Write your 50-word leadership example.
- Complete the online application form before November 5, 2026.
Simple tips
- Keep your video short, confident, and personal. Speak from real experience.
- Choose a specific, real example for your 50-word answer.
- Make sure your video link works without a login before you submit.
- Apply early, since applications are reviewed as they come in.
Apply here
Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official form: https://form.jotform.com/262503401593047
For full details, visit the official website: https://www.leadership-challenge.org/applynow
For questions, email info@leadership-challenge.org.
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Oxford, the St. Gallen Symposium, or the Global Leadership Challenge. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | University of Oxford and St. Gallen Symposium |
| Region / Country | Online (virtual) |
| Deadline | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Level | Master's/PhD students and young professionals (21–30) |
| Funding | Free to join; top teams win a fully funded trip to Switzerland |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Oxford and St. Gallen Symposium. Always verify details on the official website before applying.