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 seeking to attend the One Young World Summit 2026. The Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
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
Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
Eligibility: Young leaders aged 18–35
About the Leading Scholarship 2026
The Leading Scholarship supports young leaders who are developing meaningful strategies to build a more sustainable world. It provides selected applicants with the opportunity to attend the annual One Young World Summit.
The scholarship is designed to identify and support outstanding young leaders from countries that are often underrepresented at global forums and decision-making spaces. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership and the ability to create positive change in an applicant’s home country.
Also read: McCall MacBain Scholarships 2027 at McGill University (Fully Funded)
What the Leading Scholarship Includes
Each selected scholar will receive the following support:
✓ Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town
✓ Hotel accommodation from 2 to 6 November 2026
✓ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
✓ Travel to and from Cape Town
The flight to Cape Town must depart from and return to the same airport.
Opportunities for Selected Scholars
Selected scholars will join the wider One Young World community and gain access to additional opportunities connected to the Summit.
These opportunities include:
✓ Access to a global network of more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries
✓ Ambassador opportunities, including speaking events
✓ Regional networking opportunities
✓ Mentoring sessions
✓ The opportunity to represent their country during the Opening Ceremony
✓ Greater visibility for their work among experts and leaders
Check: Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships 2027 at University of Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change
• Be addressing important local or global issues through their work
• Have a record of developing impactful and innovative ideas
Applicants who will be younger than 18 at the time of the Summit cannot be accepted.
Selection Process
Applications and scholarship selections are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will receive an email notification between June and October 2026.
Priority will be given to:
• Applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits
• First-time Summit attendees who are not already One Young World Ambassadors
One Young World does not provide individual application updates or feedback explaining why an applicant was not selected.
Explore: Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 Cohort at Stanford University
Visa Cost Information
Selected scholars who require a visa to enter South Africa must pay the visa fee themselves.
Participants are also responsible for any additional visa-application costs, including travel to and from the relevant visa application centre.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online scholarship application. The application portal includes sections covering personal information, application questions, and additional information.
Applicants should:
• Open the official Leading Scholarship application portal
• Complete the required personal and contact information
• Answer all application questions carefully
• Review the information before submitting the application
The application form also requests information such as country of residence, nationality, date of birth, and contact details.
Application Deadline
The application deadline stated at the beginning of the official Leading Scholarship page is 31 October 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates may receive their results before the final deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
