Young leaders from around the world who are creating meaningful change in their communities have an opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, through the prestigious Leading Scholarship 2026.
The Leading Scholarship is One Young World’s flagship scholarship programme, created to ensure that exceptional young leaders from countries around the world can participate in its annual global summit. The 2026 Summit will take place in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026, bringing together young leaders and changemakers to exchange ideas, build partnerships and address major global challenges.
Applications for the Leading Scholarship opened on 11 June 2026, with the stated application deadline of 31 October 2026. However, One Young World also notes that applications and selections are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
What Is the One Young World Leading Scholarship?
The Leading Scholarship is designed to identify and support outstanding young leaders who are making a positive difference in their communities and countries.
One Young World places particular emphasis on ensuring that the annual Summit is accessible to remarkable young leaders from countries and communities that have historically been under-represented at global forums and decision-making spaces.
Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated leadership, a commitment to positive change and the ability to develop innovative ideas that address important local and global challenges.
Attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
Successful Leading Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
The Summit provides a major international platform where young leaders can connect with peers, experts and influential figures from around the world.
For emerging leaders, participation can provide exposure to new perspectives, potential collaborators and international networks that can support their work beyond the Summit.
What Could the Scholarship Mean for Young Leaders?
The Leading Scholarship can provide significant professional and leadership development opportunities.
Successful scholars can:
- Connect with a global network of more than 20,000 potential collaborators from 196 countries.
- Access exclusive One Young World Ambassador opportunities.
- Participate in speaking events and regional networking activities.
- Gain access to mentoring sessions.
- Represent their country during the Summit’s Opening Ceremony.
- Increase the visibility of their work.
- Share their ideas with internationally recognised experts and leaders.
These opportunities can help young changemakers expand their networks and gain greater recognition for initiatives addressing important social, economic, environmental and community challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Leading Scholarship is intended for young leaders who can demonstrate meaningful leadership and a commitment to creating positive change.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have 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.
Applicants who will be under the age of 18 at the time of the Summit are not eligible.
The scholarship is therefore aimed at individuals who can demonstrate more than an interest in leadership. Candidates should be able to show evidence of their work, ideas, initiatives or contributions and explain how they are helping create meaningful change.
Priority for Under-Represented Countries and First-Time Attendees
One Young World states that priority will be given to applicants from countries that have been less represented at previous One Young World Summits.
Priority will also be given to first-time Summit attendees who are not already One Young World Ambassadors.
This makes the Leading Scholarship particularly relevant to emerging leaders who have not previously had an opportunity to participate in the One Young World Summit.
Candidates should therefore clearly communicate their leadership journey, the problem they are addressing and the impact their work has generated.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and scholars are also selected on a rolling basis.
Selected candidates are expected to receive notification of their selection by email between June and October 2026.
Because applications are assessed progressively, prospective applicants should not necessarily wait until the final deadline to submit their application.
One Young World also notes that applicants may be considered for other opportunities through their application.
Important Visa Information
Applicants who are selected for the scholarship but require a visa to enter South Africa should take note of an important financial consideration.
According to One Young World, selected scholars who require a visa will be responsible for paying the visa fee themselves. Any additional costs associated with the visa application, including travel to and from a visa application centre, will also be the responsibility of the participant.
Applicants should therefore consider visa requirements and potential associated costs when planning for participation in the Summit.
Why Young Leaders Should Apply
The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 offers more than access to a major international event. It provides young changemakers with an opportunity to become part of a global leadership community and showcase work that is already creating positive change.
For young professionals, social entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, innovators and community leaders working on significant challenges, the Summit can provide a platform to connect local impact with international conversations.
The opportunity may be particularly valuable for candidates from countries that have historically had less representation at global leadership forums.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
The stated application deadline for the Leading Scholarship 2026 is 31 October 2026, although applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Young leaders are encouraged to submit their applications early rather than waiting until the final date.
Interested candidates can apply through the official One Young World scholarship application system.
The Leading Scholarship represents a major opportunity for ambitious young leaders seeking international exposure, collaboration and recognition for their efforts to create a more sustainable and inclusive world.
