One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 to Attend the Summit in Cape Town
One Young World's flagship scholarship to attend the 2026 Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, 3–6 November. For young leaders aged 18–35 from 53 eligible countries. Rolling applications until October 31, 2026.
What is One Young World?
One Young World is a global forum for young leaders. Every year it brings together young changemakers from almost every country in the world for its annual Summit, where they connect with world leaders, experts, and each other to drive positive change.
The 2026 Summit takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
What is the Leading Scholarship?
The Leading Scholarship is One Young World's flagship scholarship. It's designed to find and support outstanding young leaders from countries that are often under-represented at global forums and in decision-making spaces.
Scholars are chosen based on their proven leadership and their ability to create change in their home countries.
Important dates
- Applications opened: June 11, 2026
- Application deadline: October 31, 2026 (rolling review)
- Summit dates: November 3–6, 2026
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Applications are reviewed and scholars are selected on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as possible.
Who can apply?
You're eligible if you:
- Are aged 18 to 35 (you must be at least 18 at the time of the Summit)
- Have a proven commitment to creating positive change
- Are working on important local or global issues
- Have a track record of impactful, innovative ideas
- Are from one of the eligible countries below (you can live elsewhere)
Eligible countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Monaco, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Oman, Palau, Qatar, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.
Priority goes to applicants from countries less represented at past Summits and to first-time Summit attendees.
What's included?
Selected scholars receive:
- Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- All meals during the Summit: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and the Action Accelerator
- Membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community, with access to exclusive regional events and opportunities
Travel and accommodation: these are provided on a case-by-case basis for each scholar.
Visa costs: if you need a visa for South Africa, you'll pay the visa fee and any related costs yourself.
What could this mean for you?
- Join a global network of over 20,000 young leaders from 196 countries
- Get access to exclusive Ambassador opportunities like speaking events, regional networking, and mentoring
- Wave your country's flag at the Opening Ceremony
- Get your work seen and heard by world-renowned experts and leaders
How to apply
- Check that your country is on the eligible list.
- Prepare examples of your leadership and the impact of your work.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit as early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Simple tips
- Apply as early as you can. Places are filled on a rolling basis.
- Show real impact. Share specific results from your work, like numbers, communities reached, or changes you've made.
- Focus on your country. Explain how your work creates change at home.
- Check visa rules for South Africa early, since visa costs aren't covered.
- One Young World can't reply to individual emails about selection results, and doesn't give feedback to applicants who aren't selected.
Apply here
Ready to apply? Submit your application through the official form: https://apply.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/form/leading-scholarship-2026
For full details, visit the official page: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/leading-scholarship-2026
World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by One Young World. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Organization | One Young World |
| Region / Country | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Deadline | Oct 31, 2026 (rolling) |
| Level | Young leaders (18–35) |
| Funding | Summit access + meals; travel and accommodation case by case |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by One Young World. Always verify details on the official website before applying.