One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Trip to Cape Town, South Africa

If you’re a young leader creating positive change in your community and want to showcase your work on a global stage, the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is an opportunity worth considering. As One Young World’s flagship scholarship, it offers selected participants a fully funded place at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The scholarship covers the major costs of attending, allowing young changemakers to focus on learning, networking, and expanding their impact.

This guide covers everything confirmed by the official One Young World scholarship page, including the benefits, eligibility requirements, selection process, and application details.

What Is the One Young World Leading Scholarship?

One Young World is an international organization that brings together young leaders working to address social, environmental, and economic challenges. Each year, it hosts the One Young World Summit, where thousands of entrepreneurs, activists, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world come together to exchange ideas and build connections.

The Leading Scholarship was created to ensure that talented young leaders—particularly those from countries that have historically been underrepresented at international events—can attend the Summit regardless of their financial circumstances.

Unlike an academic scholarship, this programme provides a fully funded opportunity to participate in one of the world’s largest youth leadership gatherings, connect with global changemakers, and represent your country on an international platform.

One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 – Quick Overview

• Host Country: South Africa

• Host City: Cape Town

• Organizer: One Young World

• Event: One Young World Summit 2026

• Summit Dates: November 3–6, 2026

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

• Age Requirement: 18–35 years

• Selection Process: Rolling admissions (June–October 2026)

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2026

Why Is This Scholarship Important?

The 2026 Summit will mark One Young World’s return to Africa for the first time since the Johannesburg Summit in 2013, making this edition especially significant for applicants from Africa and other regions that have traditionally been underrepresented.

According to the organization, preference will be given to candidates from countries with lower historical representation at previous Summits, as well as first-time participants who are not already members of the One Young World Ambassador network.

Over the past three years, the organization has awarded more than a thousand fully funded scholarships while receiving tens of thousands of applications, making the programme both highly competitive and highly respected.

Scholarship Benefits

The Leading Scholarship is designed to remove the financial barriers that might prevent outstanding young leaders from attending the Summit. Selected scholars receive:

• Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026.

• Shared hotel accommodation during the Summit.

• Daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Round-trip international airfare to and from Cape Town.

• Membership in One Young World’s global community of more than 20,000 leaders across 196 countries.

• Opportunities to participate in Ambassador activities such as networking events, mentoring programmes, and speaking engagements.

• The chance to represent their country during the Summit’s Opening Ceremony.

• Increased international exposure for their work and initiatives.

One travel requirement worth noting is that your outbound and return flights must use the same international airport, as specified by One Young World.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 35 years of age.

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating positive social, environmental, or economic impact.

• Show evidence of leadership, initiative, and measurable achievements within their community or professional field.

• Be actively working on issues that contribute to positive local or global change.

• Be available to travel to Cape Town and attend the Summit from November 3–6, 2026.

While anyone meeting the eligibility criteria may apply, additional consideration is given to applicants from countries with lower representation at previous Summits and to individuals attending for the first time. Strong applications usually highlight real accomplishments and measurable community impact rather than future ambitions alone.

How Are Applicants Selected?

The Leading Scholarship follows a rolling selection process, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received instead of after a single closing date.

Successful applicants may receive notification at any time between June and October 2026. Because places are awarded throughout the application period, submitting your application early can be beneficial rather than waiting until the deadline.

Due to the large number of applications received each year, One Young World also notes that it cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants or respond to inquiries about application status.

Visa Information

Although the scholarship covers most major expenses, applicants should be aware that visa costs are not included.

If you require a visa to enter South Africa, you will be responsible for paying the visa application fee as well as any related expenses, such as travel to a visa application centre. Planning for these costs in advance can help avoid unexpected challenges if you’re selected.

How to Apply

To apply for the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026:

1. Review the official eligibility requirements before beginning your application.

2. Prepare a strong application highlighting your leadership journey and the measurable impact of your work.

3. Clearly explain the challenge you are addressing, the actions you’ve taken, and the results you’ve achieved.

4. Describe how attending the Summit would help expand your work and create greater impact within your community.

5. Submit your application through the official One Young World application portal.

6. Apply as early as possible since applications are assessed on a rolling basis.

Is the One Young World Leading Scholarship Worth Applying For?

If you’re already making a meaningful contribution to your community—whether through social entrepreneurship, public policy, education, environmental action, or grassroots initiatives—the One Young World Leading Scholarship offers an outstanding opportunity to connect with influential leaders from around the world.

With comprehensive funding, access to a global network, and the opportunity to share your work on an international stage, it remains one of the most valuable leadership programmes available for young changemakers in 2026. Applying early is also a smart strategy, given the programme’s rolling selection process.

Official Scholarship Page: One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026