One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 to attend OYW Summit in South Africa

Are you a young leader devising meaningful strategies to build a more sustainable world? Do you want to share your impactful ideas on a global stage alongside renowned experts and peers? The Leading Scholarship 2026, offered by One Young World is now accepting applications to bring exceptional change-makers to Cape Town, South Africa—and it could be the catalyst you are looking for.

Ensuring that the Summit is accessible to remarkable young leaders from almost every country is pivotal to the mission of One Young World. Taking place as South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Youth Uprising, the November 2026 Summit will host over 2,200 delegates from 190+ countries. This flagship scholarship is specifically designed to identify and support outstanding young leaders from nations that are often under-represented at global decision-making forums.

Read on to find out if you qualify, discover exactly what the scholarship package covers, and learn how to submit your application before the October 31 deadline.

Quick Overview

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the Leading Scholarship 2026, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Summit (applications from those under 18 by November 2026 will not be accepted).
• You must have an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change in your community or field.

• Your current work must actively address key local and/or global issues.
• You must demonstrate a history of generating impactful and innovative ideas.

Priority will be given to:

• First-time Summit attendees (those who are not already One Young World Ambassadors).
• Applicants from countries historically less represented at previous Summits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholars are selected on a rolling basis. If you are chosen, you will be notified via email between June and October 2026. Due to high application volumes, One Young World cannot respond to individual status inquiries or provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

No. Transport and accommodation are provided on a case-by-case basis for each selected scholar.

No. If you require a visa to travel to Cape Town, all associated visa costs, including processing fees and travel to the application center, fall entirely on you as the participant.

You can apply, but priority is given strictly to first-time attendees who are not already part of the One Young World Ambassador community.

You must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Summit (applications from those under 18 by November 2026 will not be accepted).

If you are selected for the One Young World Leading Scholarship, you will get following benefits:

Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.

Catering throughout the event, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator.

Membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community, granting access to exclusive regional events and opportunities.

Transport and accommodation provisions are evaluated and awarded on a case-by-case basis for each scholar.

Important Note regarding Visas: If you require a visa to enter South Africa, you are entirely responsible for paying the visa fee yourself. The scholarship does not cover visa application costs or travel to/from the visa application center.

If you are interested in attending the One Young World Summit in South Africa, follow these steps carefully:

Ensure you meet all age and impact requirements listed above.

Prepare clear evidence of your leadership track record and local/global impact.

Submit your application directly through the official One Young World application portal. Applications and selections are made on a rolling basis, so early application is highly encouraged.

Apply Now →

For more information, please visit the

One Young World official website.