Applications are now live for the 2026 cohort of Young NewNow Leaders. The boldest emerging young leaders taking collective action toward systems-change. The scholarship opening date is 6th November 2025 and application deadline is 16 February 2026.
We are looking for ten of the most trailblazing, impactful leaders from the Global South who have a demonstrable understanding and commitment to creating systemic change. Applicants must apply through the application portal below.
Who We Are
The NewNow is a One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, empowering the boldest emerging young leaders to redefine change through systems-thinking and collective action.
We are a collective of rising leaders with exceptional track records of delivering real and lasting impact, committed to building unstoppable momentum towards a fair, sustainable future.
Over half the world’s population is under 30 with the power to make change happen. Through our collective strength, shared learning, and with insights and mentorship from leaders before us, we can rewrite the future of our generation and the generations to come.
We amplify and support the voices of trusted young leaders taking bold strides toward global transformation.
We challenge the status quo through collective action and strategic collaboration.
We share knowledge, insights, and approaches, to foster ‘systems-thinking’ among young leaders and their enterprises initiatives.
We take on big global challenges through an intersectional, ‘systems-thinking’ lens, for deep and long-term transformation.
Candidate Criteria
Candidates must:
- Be aged 18 – 30*.
- Be nationals of countries in the Global South.
- Have demonstrated successful leadership through real and impactful initiatives.
- Show strong understanding of key local and/or global issues, especially those that require systems thinking approaches.
- Have a proven track-record of implementing systems-thinking principles to generate innovative, long-term and sustainable impact.
- Showcase evidence of impact in addressing complex challenges through systems thinking.
- Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with The NewNow cohort and help promote successful examples of systems change through their own networks and media opportunities.
What will you receive?
The NewNow leaders will be offered:
- A scholarship place at the One Young World Summit Cape Town, 2026 and lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Features on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels elevating their profiles among the global community for young leaders and beyond.
- Opportunities to amplify your work through media and speaking opportunities.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator.
- Membership of The NewNow Community, exclusive capacity building workshops designed to enhance your confidence, skills, and influence as systems leaders.
- Opportunities to collaborate with fellow NewNow leaders on joint projects and advocacy.
One Young World strives to identify the most impactful young leaders from every country in the world. Scholarships provide the opportunity for exceptional young people to attend on the merit of their proven leadership and ability to create change in their home country.
Our scholarship programme means that the best and brightest young leaders from around the world are able to attend our Summit entirely free, from beginning to end including travel, catering and accommodation, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Are you of the passion of benefitting from the opportunities for aspiring leaders? Then ‘Apply Now‘ for the One Young NewNow. The application is currently ongoing. Application Deadline is 16 February 2026.
How to join the One Young World Community
1. Secure a One Young World Summit Delegate place.
Delegates are chosen to attend based on their proven leadership and impact in their respective field.
Delegates attend the Summit via a partner organisation, Award, scholarship, or independently.
2. Attend a One Young World Summit.
Participate in four transformative days of speeches, panels, networking and workshops.
Delegates make lasting connections throughout the Summit, celebrating their participation at social events and the unforgettable Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
3. Gain Ambassador status.
Delegates ‘graduate’ from the Summit as One Young World Ambassadors, and return home with the means to make a difference, with access to the global network of 13,700+ young leaders, and with motivation to accelerate existing initiatives or establish new ventures.
Places to attend the annual Summit are highly sought after. In 2019 alone, One Young World received 45,000+ applications for scholarship places, with an acceptance rate lower than 1%.
Current OYW Scholarships
Yes! You may apply for more than one scholarship but you can only be selected to win one scholarship.
- Generation Regen Challenge: Presented by BMO
Opening date: 5 December 2025
Application deadline: 23 February 2026. Apply - Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026
For young entrepreneurs who are leading scalable start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises, with social or environmental impact.
Opening date: 19 January 2026
Application deadline: 9 March 2026. Apply - Capital City of Podgorica Scholarship 2026
Opening date: 29 January 2026
Application deadline: 23 March 2026. Apply
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is One Young World Summit fully funded?
How to Attend One Young World Summit 2026 Scholarships:
Apply for a Fully Funded One Young World Scholarship. One Young World’s Leading Scholarships provide full financial support, including: Summit registration.
What is the age limit for the One Young World Summit?
Requirement is between 18 and 30 years old
Delegates who participate in the annual Summit tend to be aged between 18 and 30 years old. 30 is not a hard limit, however, and we absolutely do still welcome Delegates that are older. We are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit.
Is there an application FEE for the One Young World?
Join a Fully Funded Youth Summit — No Application Fee! No Application Fee | No IELTS Required. Benefits: Scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 (Cape Town).
Where is the One Young World 2026 venue?
Cape Town 2026
Cape Town 2026
In November 2026, the One Young World Summit returns to Africa for the first time since Johannesburg 2013, with Cape Town set to host the Summit.
Who attends One Young World?
Who Attends? Young leaders aged 18–35 who are making an impact in business, NGOs, education, healthcare, and public service. Counsellors, who are influential leaders, visionaries, and changemakers who inspire and guide the next generation.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes! You may apply for more than one scholarship but you can only be selected to win one scholarship.
How will I know if I have been selected?
We will send individual emails to all applicants – regardless of whether they have been shortlisted or not – informing them of the outcome. We are not able to respond to individual emails enquiring about the status of individual scholarship applications.
What costs are covered by the scholarship?
Most scholarships cover the costs of:
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2023, taking place from 2-5 October 2023 in Belfast, UK.
- Hotel accommodation on a shared basis for the duration of the Summit.
- Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the duration of the Summit.
- The cost of travel to and from the Summit location.
We expect you would be asking a few questions about One Young World NewNow Leaders Scholarship, so we have dropped a box below for you to submit comments. Do expect a prompt response from us.
