The One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa supports exceptional young leaders to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026, offering Summit access, meals, leadership programmes, and membership of a global community of changemakers.
The One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa | Fully Funded is One Young World’s flagship scholarship for exceptional young leaders who are creating positive change in their communities and addressing important local or global challenges.
The scholarship provides an opportunity for young changemakers from countries around the world to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
The Leading Scholarship is particularly focused on ensuring that young leaders from countries and communities that have historically been under-represented at global forums have an opportunity to participate.
Applications opened on 11 June 2026, and the official deadline is 31 October 2026. Applications and selections are reviewed on a rolling basis, so eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early.
About the One Young World Leading Scholarship
The Leading Scholarship is One Young World’s flagship scholarship programme. It identifies young people who have demonstrated leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to creating positive change.
Successful scholars attend the One Young World Summit alongside young leaders from around the world. The Summit provides a platform for participants to exchange ideas, build international networks, learn from experienced leaders, and develop practical approaches to addressing global challenges.
The 2026 Summit will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.
One Young World says its scholarship programmes are intended to make participation accessible to remarkable young leaders regardless of their financial circumstances.
What the Scholarship Provides
Selected Leading Scholars receive several benefits connected to the One Young World Summit and its wider leadership community.
Benefits include:
- Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
- Catering, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme.
- Participation in the Action Accelerator.
- Lifetime membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Access to exclusive Ambassador opportunities.
- Opportunities for regional networking and mentoring.
- Exposure to international experts, leaders, and fellow changemakers.
- Access to a global network of more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries.
One important funding detail should be noted: the official Leading Scholarship page states that transport and accommodation are provided on a case-by-case basis for each scholar. Therefore, applicants should not assume that every recipient automatically receives full international travel and hotel coverage under this particular scholarship.
If a selected scholar requires a visa to enter South Africa, the visa fee and other costs associated with the visa application are the responsibility of the participant.
Eligibility Criteria
The Leading Scholarship is aimed at young people who have already demonstrated meaningful leadership and positive impact.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Demonstrate an evidenced commitment to delivering positive change.
- Be addressing important local and/or global issues through their work.
- Have a track record of generating impactful and innovative ideas.
- Be available to participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.
Applicants who will be under 18 at the time of the Summit cannot apply.
The programme particularly seeks candidates whose work demonstrates real-world impact rather than simply an interest in leadership or social change.
Who Is the Scholarship For?
The Leading Scholarship can be relevant to young leaders working across many sectors.
Potential applicants may include people working in:
- Community development.
- Education.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Environmental sustainability.
- Technology and innovation.
- Healthcare.
- Human rights.
- Youth empowerment.
- Social enterprise.
- Economic development.
- Climate action.
- Gender equality.
- Public policy.
- Sustainable development.
The scholarship is not restricted to one academic discipline or professional sector. The central consideration is the applicant’s demonstrated leadership and ability to create positive change.
Priority Considerations
One Young World reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Priority is given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits. The organization also gives priority to first-time Summit attendees who are not already One Young World Ambassadors.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to young leaders who have never participated in a One Young World Summit and who come from under-represented countries or communities.
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
Because the scholarship is highly competitive, applicants should focus on demonstrating evidence rather than making broad claims about their ambitions.
A strong application should clearly communicate:
Demonstrated Impact
Explain what you have actually achieved. Where possible, provide measurable evidence such as the number of people reached, communities served, initiatives implemented, or outcomes achieved.
Leadership
Describe your role in creating or leading the initiative. Explain the decisions you made, challenges you addressed, and how you worked with other people.
Innovation
Show what makes your approach different. Innovative ideas do not necessarily need to involve advanced technology; they can involve new approaches to longstanding community or social problems.
Relevance
Clearly explain which local or global problem your work addresses and why the issue matters.
Future Potential
Explain how participation in One Young World could help you strengthen your work, develop new collaborations, and increase your impact.
Application Process
Applications for the Leading Scholarship are submitted online through One Young World’s scholarship application system.
The process can be summarized as follows:
Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
Step 2: Prepare information about your leadership experience, initiative, achievements, and social impact.
Step 3: Complete the Leading Scholarship application form.
Step 4: Submit the application before the deadline.
Step 5: If selected, respond to communications from One Young World and complete any required next steps.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and scholars are also selected on a rolling basis. Selected candidates are expected to be notified by email between June and October 2026. One Young World does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Application Deadline
Opening date: 11 June 2026
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Summit: 3–6 November 2026
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, waiting until the final deadline may reduce the opportunity to be considered earlier in the selection process.
The One Young World Summit 2026
The One Young World Summit brings together young leaders from different countries and sectors to discuss major challenges and develop solutions.
The 2026 Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.
For Leading Scholars, participation is not limited to attending individual sessions. Successful applicants gain access to One Young World’s wider leadership programmes and Ambassador Community, allowing them to continue engaging with other young leaders beyond the Summit itself.
Global Networking and Leadership Opportunities
One of the major advantages of the Leading Scholarship is access to an international network.
One Young World states that scholars can connect with more than 20,000 potential collaborators across 196 countries. Scholars can also access exclusive Ambassador opportunities, including speaking engagements, regional networking events, mentoring sessions, and other opportunities.
For young leaders already running impactful projects, these connections can provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, identify potential collaborators, and learn from people working on similar challenges in different parts of the world.
Important Information About Funding
The term “fully funded” should be understood carefully for this particular scholarship.
The official Leading Scholarship page confirms Summit access, catering, leadership programmes, and Ambassador Community membership. However, accommodation and transport are assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than being universally guaranteed for every recipient.
Additionally, successful applicants who require a South African visa must cover the visa fee and associated application costs themselves.
Applicants should therefore carefully review the final scholarship terms communicated to selected scholars before making travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Leading Scholarship?
Young leaders aged 18–35 who can demonstrate a commitment to positive change, address important local or global issues, and have a track record of impactful and innovative ideas can apply.
Where will the One Young World Summit 2026 take place?
The Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3–6 November 2026.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Yes. The Leading Scholarship has its own online application form through One Young World’s scholarship system.
What is the application deadline?
The official deadline is 31 October 2026, although applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation and travel?
Not automatically for every recipient. One Young World states that accommodation and transport are provided on a case-by-case basis.
Can someone under 18 apply?
No. Applicants must be at least 18 at the time of the Summit. One Young World specifically states that it cannot accept applications from people who will be under 18 when the Summit takes place.
Final Thoughts
The One Young World Summit Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa | Fully Funded offers exceptional young leaders an opportunity to participate in one of the world’s major international gatherings for young changemakers.
The programme is particularly suited to applicants who can demonstrate genuine leadership, measurable impact, innovative thinking, and a commitment to solving important challenges in their communities or beyond.
Selected scholars receive access to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, meals, leadership programmes, the Action Accelerator, and lifetime membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community. Accommodation and transport, however, are determined on a case-by-case basis, so applicants should carefully review the funding arrangements if selected.
With applications closing on 31 October 2026 and selection taking place on a rolling basis, eligible young leaders should prepare their applications early and focus on clearly demonstrating the impact of their work.
Official Scholarship Page: One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026
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