One Young World Bursary 2026 in South Africa

One Young World Bursary 2026 in South Africa

The One Young World Bursary 2026 in South Africa is a fully funded leadership opportunity for young South African citizens and residents who are actively contributing to positive change in their communities. The bursary is offered by Brand South Africa in partnership with One Young World and will enable six selected young leaders to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.

The summit will take place from 3 to 6 November 2026, bringing together young leaders from different backgrounds to discuss global challenges, exchange ideas, and develop solutions for a better future. The bursary provides selected participants with summit access, catering, travel and accommodation support where required, leadership development opportunities, and lifetime membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.

The application deadline is 2 September 2026. Three bursaries are reserved for candidates based in Cape Town, while three are available to applicants from across South Africa.

One Young World Bursary 2026 Overview

Category	Details
Bursary Name	One Young World Bursary 2026
Host Country	South Africa
Summit Location	Cape Town
Organizer	Brand South Africa & One Young World
Event	One Young World Summit 2026
Summit Dates	3-6 November 2026
Bursaries Available	6
Funding	Fully Funded
Age Limit	18-30
Eligible Applicants	South African nationals or residents
Deadline	2 September 2026

What Is the One Young World Bursary?

The One Young World Bursary is designed to support young people who are making a meaningful contribution to society. Rather than being a traditional academic scholarship, it is a leadership and global networking opportunity that gives emerging changemakers the chance to participate in the One Young World Summit.

The 2026 summit will be held in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November. Participants will have opportunities to connect with other young leaders, learn from experienced professionals, and discuss solutions to important social, economic, environmental, and community challenges.

The bursary specifically recognizes young South Africans who demonstrate active citizenship and have already taken practical steps to improve their communities or society.

One Young World Bursary Benefits

Six successful applicants will receive a fully funded opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026. The support includes summit participation, travel and accommodation where required, and catering during the event. However, candidates who are already based in Cape Town will not receive travel or accommodation support.

Recipients will also gain access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator, providing additional opportunities to develop their leadership skills and turn ideas into practical initiatives.

Another major benefit is lifetime membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community. This allows selected participants to remain connected with a global network of young leaders beyond the 2026 summit.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the main eligibility requirements to be considered for the One Young World Bursary 2026. Candidates must be 18 to 30 years old at the time of the 2026 summit and must be a South African national or resident.

Applicants should also demonstrate a strong commitment to active citizenship and positive social change in South Africa. They should have evidence of contributing to their community through their time, money, skills, goods, or other forms of support.

Candidates are also expected to understand important local and global issues affecting South Africa. A strong application should therefore show not only what the applicant has achieved but also why their work matters and how it contributes to addressing a wider challenge.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is particularly suitable for young people involved in community development, social entrepreneurship, education, environmental initiatives, youth empowerment, equality, innovation, public service, or other activities that create positive social impact.

Applicants do not simply need to have an idea. The eligibility requirements emphasize a track record of active citizenship, meaning candidates should be able to demonstrate how they have already used their resources, skills, or time to benefit others.

The six available bursaries are divided into two groups: three are reserved for applicants based in Cape Town, while three are open to candidates from across South Africa.

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The One Young World Bursary provides support for participation in the four-day summit. Selected participants receive access to the summit from 3 to 6 November 2026, along with travel and accommodation support where required.

Catering is also included, with dinner provided on 3 November and lunch and dinner provided from 4 to 6 November.

In addition, recipients gain access to the Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator and become lifetime members of the One Young World Ambassador Community.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should complete the online application through the official One Young World application portal before the deadline. Applicants should carefully review the official bursary information, particularly the conditions related to location and eligibility.

A strong application should clearly demonstrate the applicant's contribution to society, leadership experience, commitment to positive change, and understanding of important challenges facing South Africa.

Application Deadline: 2 September 2026.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the One Young World Bursary 2026 in South Africa is 2 September 2026. The One Young World Summit will then take place in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November 2026.

Since only six bursaries are available, eligible applicants should prepare their applications carefully and submit them before the closing date.

Why Apply for the One Young World Bursary?

The One Young World Bursary offers more than the opportunity to attend an international leadership summit. It gives young South African changemakers the chance to become part of a global community of leaders working on important issues.

Participants can develop their leadership skills, exchange ideas with other young leaders, gain exposure to international perspectives, and continue their involvement through the One Young World Ambassador Community.

For young people who have already demonstrated meaningful community involvement, the programme can also provide an important platform to expand their networks and strengthen the impact of their work.

Final Thoughts

The One Young World Bursary 2026 in South Africa is an excellent fully funded opportunity for young South African citizens and residents who are actively working to create positive change. Six successful applicants will receive support to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including summit access, catering, and travel and accommodation support where applicable.

With opportunities for leadership development, global networking, and lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, the bursary can help emerging leaders take their social impact work to a wider level.

Eligible candidates should apply before the 2 September 2026 deadline and make sure their application clearly demonstrates their community contribution, leadership potential, and commitment to positive change in South Africa. Apply Now