One Young World is bringing together the world’s most impactful young leaders for its 2026 Summit in Cape Town, South Africa — and the Leading Scholarship covers everything: return flights, hotel accommodation, and meals for the full event. If you are between 18 and 35 and working on solutions to global challenges, this is your chance to join the room where change is made. Applications close October 31, 2026.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity Type | Conference / Summit |
| Host Organization | One Young World |
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Format / Mode | In-person |
| Duration | 4 days (November 3–6, 2026); arrival November 2 |
| Funding / Financial Support | Fully Funded |
| What’s Covered | Round-trip travel + hotel (Nov 2–6) + daily meals |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Nationality | Global |
| Degree Required | Not specified |
| Age | 18–35 |
| Work Experience | None |
| Fields / Areas | Leadership, Social Impact, Sustainability, Business, Policy, Climate, Health |
| Start Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 31, 2026 |
What Is This Opportunity?
The One Young World Summit is one of the world’s leading gatherings of young changemakers. Each year it convenes thousands of delegates from across the globe who are driving impact in their communities and industries. The 2026 Summit takes place in Cape Town, South Africa from November 3–6, bringing together youth leaders, senior counsellors (world leaders, CEOs, Nobel laureates), and thought leaders for four days of high-level dialogue, workshops, and networking.
The Leading Scholarship is One Young World’s flagship award for exceptional young people who cannot self-fund attendance. It is fully funded — covering international flights, hotel accommodation, and daily meals — so that the most talented voices can join regardless of financial means.
Who Can Apply?
- Aged 18 to 35 at the time of the Summit
- Open to all nationalities
- Actively working on or passionate about a cause that creates positive change
- Able to attend the Summit in Cape Town in person (November 2–6, 2026)
- Not able to self-fund attendance
- Note: visa costs are not covered — applicants are responsible for their own visa fees
What Do You Get?
- Round-trip travel to Cape Town, South Africa
- Hotel accommodation from November 2 to 6, 2026
- Daily meals throughout the Summit
- Access to all Summit sessions, keynotes, and workshops
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador network
- Direct access to world leaders, CEOs, and global advocates as Summit Counsellors
What Will You Do?
As a scholarship delegate at the One Young World Summit, you will:
- Attend plenary sessions and workshops on global issues including climate action, health, education, peace, and economic development
- Engage with Summit Counsellors — distinguished leaders from government, business, and civil society
- Collaborate with peers from across 190+ countries on challenges and solutions
- Share your own work and experience as part of the OYW global community
- Continue as a One Young World Ambassador — a lifelong network of over 15,000 change-makers
Fields / Areas
Open to young people working in or passionate about any field with a positive social impact, including:
- Leadership and governance
- Social entrepreneurship and impact
- Climate and sustainability
- Global health and wellbeing
- Education and economic development
- Peace, justice, and human rights
- Business, technology, and innovation
How to Apply
- Visit the official page: oneyoungworld.com/leading-scholarship
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully
- Complete the online application form — it is free to apply
- Submit before October 31, 2026
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