Leading Scholarship 2026 for One Young World Summit in South Africa
The Leading Scholarship 2026 is One Young World’s flagship scholarship for young leaders who want to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Summit will take place from 3 to 6 November 2026. The official page lists the application deadline as 31 October 2026 and notes that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Quick Overview
Programme: Leading Scholarship 2026
Opportunity Type: Scholarship
Host Organization: One Young World
Country: South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
Accommodation Dates: 2–6 November 2026
Opening Date: 11 June 2026
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
Eligibility: Young leaders aged 18–35
About the Leading Scholarship 2026
The Leading Scholarship 2026 supports young leaders to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
One Young World describes the Leading Scholarship as its flagship scholarship. It is designed to support outstanding young leaders from countries that are often under-represented at global forums and decision-making spaces.
The scholarship focuses on young people who are creating meaningful strategies to build a more sustainable world. Selected scholars will join the One Young World Summit and connect with other young leaders, experts, and global decision-makers.
One Young World Summit 2026
The One Young World Summit 2026 will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
Through the Leading Scholarship, selected young leaders will receive access to the Summit. The programme is intended for candidates with proven leadership, a commitment to positive change, and the ability to create impact in their home country.
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What the Leading Scholarship Includes
Each selected scholar will receive support to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.
The scholarship includes:
✓ 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
✓ Cost of travel to and from Cape Town
The official page also highlights access to the wider One Young World network and Ambassador opportunities.
What Scholars Can Gain
The Leading Scholarship gives selected participants access to One Young World’s global community.
According to the official page, scholars may:
• Connect with a global network of more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries.
• Access exclusive Ambassador opportunities, including speaking events, regional networking opportunities, and mentoring sessions.
• Take part in the Opening Ceremony.
• Gain visibility for their work and be heard by experts and leaders.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the official eligibility requirements for the Leading Scholarship.
You are eligible if you:
• Are between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change.
• Are addressing key local and/or global issues in your work.
• Have a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas.
One Young World states that it cannot accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit.
Selection Notes
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The official page states that scholars will be selected on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be notified by 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 also be given to first-time Summit attendees who are not One Young World Ambassadors.
Due to the number of applications received, One Young World is unable to respond to individual emails about application outcomes. It also does not provide feedback to candidates who are not selected.
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Visa Cost Information
Selected scholars who require a visa to enter South Africa must pay the visa fee themselves.
The official page states that visa costs and any further costs linked to the visa application, including travel to and from the visa application centre, are the responsibility of the participant.
Application Deadline
The official page lists the application deadline as 31 October 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be notified by email between June and October 2026.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
