One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit in South Africa

The One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 is now open, offering an excellent, fully-funded opportunity for outstanding young leaders who are making a positive difference in their communities, organisations, countries and beyond.

The scholarship will enable the top young changemakers to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they will be surrounded by thousands of influential young leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs, activists and innovators from over 190 countries.

If you are looking for fully funded international scholarships, leadership programs for young Africans, youth fellowships, fully funded conferences, global leadership opportunities, One Young World scholarships, or international networking opportunities for young leaders, this is one of the most prestigious opportunities available right now in the world!

Scholarship Snapshot

Programme Name: One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

Application Status: Open

Scholarship Benefits

Successful students will be awarded:

• Access to the One Young World Summit 2026
• Accommodation in the hotel during the summit.
• Passport Vouchers for round-trip economy to Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Guided by a tour guide.- Guided by a tour guide.
• Ground transportation between accommodation and summit venue.
• The ability to connect with top global leaders
• Leadership sessions, workshops and discussions
• Support from the One Young World community for the rest of their lives!

This scholarship removes significant financial barriers, enabling young leaders from all over the world to attend one of the world's most influential youth leadership conferences.

About the One Young World Summit

The One Young World Summit is a gathering of young leaders from all sectors and every country to share solutions for global challenges and help speed up positive social change.

Previous counsellors and speakers have ranged from world leaders to Nobel Laureates, businesses leaders, activists, philanthropists and global influencers.

The summit is a space to connect, interact and to create visibility of young leaders, to exchange across borders and to offer opportunities to scale up the impact.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

- Must be 18-30 years old

- Show dedication to making a difference

- Strong leadership and influence within a track record

- Demonstrate evidence of solving local and/or global problems

- Have leadership capabilities

- Be willing to actively engage in summit activities

All countries, including Nigeria and other African countries are accepted.

What One Young World Is Looking For

The selection committee is especially looking for those candidates who have:

- Made a positive difference to society

- Supported community development projects

- Encouraged learning, health or climate action, or human rights

- Imagined creative solutions to issues in society

- Acted in a business or civic capacity

- Advocated or performed public service to help produce positive change

Why You Should Apply

The One Young World Summit is one of the world's most prestigious events for young leaders.

In addition to going to the summit, scholars also receive a lifetime network of ambassadors, mentors, investors, policymakers, and development partners from around the world. Numerous previous students have received grants, fellowships, partnerships, international recognition, and leadership roles.

This scholarship may be a game changer for young Africans who want to gain international exposure, network and build leadership skills and to leverage their reach to a wider scale.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be considered based on the following:

- Demonstrated leadership ability

- Dedication to a positive social impact

- Innovation and problem-solving ability

- Community engagement

- Potential for future impact

- Alignment with mission and values of One Young World.

Application Deadline

31 October 2026

Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications early as there is likely a high level of competition for the Scholarship.

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

The 2026 One Young World Summit will house outstanding young leaders from across the globe together in one of Africa's top economic and innovation centers.

Apply Now