Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded for African Leaders

Are you an African leader aged 18-35 driving change for vulnerable youth? The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded chance to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, with applications closing on 4 May 2026. This scholarship targets young Africans who lead initiatives promoting social equity through education, employability, and entrepreneurship, especially in low-income areas. It supports 25 scholars with Summit access plus curated pre- and post-summit programs to boost leadership and networks. This guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits, extra programs, application steps, and a full timeline to help you decide if it fits your work.

Key Takeaways

• This scholarship picks 25 African leaders aged 18-35 who run early projects helping vulnerable youth gain jobs or start businesses in underserved areas.
• It fully covers the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including travel, hotel from 1-6 November, meals, and ground transport.
• Scholars get extra boosts like virtual pre-summit training, an in-person connection day, a post-summit debrief, and a chance for a one-year fellowship.
• Applications close on 4 May 2026; make sure your not-for-profit is registered and matches the social equity focus before applying.

What is the Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026?

The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 backs 25 young African leaders between 18 and 35 years old. These leaders run early-stage projects that help vulnerable or marginalized youth move from education to steady jobs or startups, often in underserved spots. The main event is the One Young World Summit 2026, set for 3-6 November in Cape Town, South Africa. Scholars also join special pre- and post-summit activities to grow skills, connect with peers, and increase their reach.

Key focus areas include:

• Social equity as defined by the Z Zurich Foundation’s pillar.
• Supporting youth transitions to sustainable employment or entrepreneurship.
• Work in low-income or underserved communities.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet these standards:

• Be aged 18-35 by the One Young World Summit date in November 2026.
• Hold nationality and residency in an African country.
• Show impact that matches the Z Zurich Foundation’s social equity pillar.
• Lead an early-stage initiative without backing from big corporate or institutional funders.
• Run a formally registered not-for-profit group with its own bank account in the organization’s name.
• Hold a primary leadership position in the initiative.
• Commit time to the Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection activities.
• Agree to engage, collaborate, and learn with peers before, during, and after the Summit.

Scholarship Benefits

This fully funded scholarship covers everything needed for the One Young World Summit 2026. Scholars get:

• Full access to the Summit in Cape Town from 3-6 November 2026.
• Hotel stay from 1-6 November, inclusive.
• Round-trip air travel to and from Cape Town.
• Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Ground transport between Summit sites in Cape Town.

Additional Arrangements and Programs

Beyond core benefits, the scholarship adds targeted programs to build skills and connections:

• ZZF Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October 2026): A virtual setup with leadership training, Summit prep, and input from experts.
• ZZF Pre-Summit Connection Day (2 November 2026): An in-person day in Cape Town to build peer ties and align with the Z Zurich Foundation.
• Fosters group bonds before the Summit starts.
• Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November 2026): An online review to reflect on experiences.
• One-year Post-Summit Fellowship option: Apply for spots in the Global Changemakers Program for ongoing support (limited via selection).

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to apply for the Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026:

1. Check eligibility against the requirements listed above.
2. Go to the official application page.
3. Gather proof of your initiative’s impact, registration papers, and leadership role.
4. Submit your full application before the 4 May 2026 deadline.
5. Await selection, which looks at impact alignment and program commitment.

Full Timeline of Events

Date/Period	Event	Description
4 May 2026	Application Deadline	Last day to submit applications for the scholarship.
September-October 2026	Pre-Summit Engagement & Preparation Program	Virtual sessions on leadership and Summit prep with expert guidance.
2 November 2026	Pre-Summit Connection Day	In-person gathering in Cape Town for peer networking and Foundation alignment.
3-6 November 2026	One Young World Summit	Main event in Cape Town with sessions, speakers, and global connections.
Late November 2026	Post-Summit Debrief Session	Online reflection and next-steps discussion.
Post-Summit (1 year)	Fellowship Application Opportunity	Chance to join Global Changemakers Program (competitive selection).

The Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship 2026 gives young African leaders a powerful chance to grow their impact on vulnerable youth through the Summit in Cape Town and extra programs. If you lead an early-stage initiative in education, employability, or entrepreneurship in low-income areas, check your eligibility today. Apply by 4 May 2026 to join 25 scholars making real change.

Frequently Asked Questions