The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded leadership opportunity for young African changemakers. It supports 25 emerging leaders who are building grassroots solutions to help vulnerable youth transition from learning to earning through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Selected scholars will attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, with comprehensive support.
The Z Zurich Foundation creates brighter futures for vulnerable people through prevention-focused work across four pillars: adapting to climate change, improving mental well-being, enabling social equity, and responding to crises. In partnership with One Young World, the foundation empowers young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Benefits of Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship
- Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November 2026)
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 1 – 6 November (inclusive)
- Return air travel to and from Cape Town
- Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Ground transportation between Summit venues in Cape Town.
- ZZF Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October 2026)
- ZZF Pre-Summit Connection Day (2 November 2026)
- Post-Summit Debrief Session (online session in late November 2026)
- The opportunity to apply for a one-year Post-Summit Fellowship offering holistic capacity-building support
Eligibility Criteria for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship
- Be aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November.
- Be nationals of and residents of countries in Africa.
- Demonstrate impact aligned with the Enabling Social Equity pillar of the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Be leading an early-stage initiative that is not supported by major corporate or institutional funders.
- Be leading a formally registered entity with a clear not-for-profit mission and a bank account registered in the organisation’s name.
- Be serving in a primary leadership role within the initiative.
- Be committed to actively engage in and allocate time for the Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and the Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection and inner development activities.
- Be willing to actively engage, collaborate, and contribute to peer learning before, during, and after the Summit.
How to Apply for Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship?
- Confirm eligibility (age, nationality, leadership role, initiative criteria).
- Prepare required documents (proof of registration, leadership role, initiative details).
- Apply via the official One Young World portal: Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 Application.
- Submit before 4 May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 supports young leaders working on climate, mental well-being, and social equity. It offers full funding to attend the One Young World Summit, along with global networking, leadership development, and opportunities to expand social impact initiatives.
What is the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026?
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 supports 25 young African leaders working on enabling social equity through education, employability, or entrepreneurship solutions. It provides full funding to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3-6 November 2026, along with pre- and post-Summit engagement programs.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must be aged 18-35 by November 2026, be nationals and residents of an African country, lead an early-stage not-for-profit initiative aligned with social equity, operate through a formally registered entity with a bank account, hold a primary leadership role, and commit to full participation in all program activities.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship includes full travel costs to Cape Town, accommodation and meals during the Summit, Summit registration and access to all sessions, pre-Summit engagement program (Sept-Oct 2026), post-Summit debrief session, and integration into a peer network of Z Zurich Foundation scholars and the broader One Young World community.
What are the focus areas for this scholarship?
The scholarship focuses on initiatives that support youth facing barriers to moving from learning to earning, particularly in youth employability, youth entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion and future of work. Cross-cutting priorities include improving pathways to decent work, promoting economic inclusion of marginalized youth, supporting youth mental wellbeing, and strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 4 May 2026. The opening date was 16 March 2026.
How many scholarships are available?
There are 25 scholarships available for young African leaders.
What additional engagements are included?
In addition to Summit participation, scholars will take part in a curated pre-Summit engagement program (Sept-Oct 2026), a pre-Summit connection day in Cape Town (2 Nov 2026), a post-Summit debrief session, and have the opportunity to apply for a one-year post-Summit fellowship.
What are the candidate criteria?
Candidates must be 18-35 years old, African nationals and residents, demonstrate impact aligned with social equity, lead an early-stage initiative not supported by major funders, lead a formally registered entity with a bank account, serve in a primary leadership role, and commit to active engagement in all program components.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Apply via the official One Young World portal at https://apply.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/form/z-zurich-foundation-2026-externa. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and prepare required documents before submitting your application by 4 May 2026.
What is the duration of the scholarship program?
The program runs from September to November 2026, including pre-Summit engagement (Sept-Oct), the Summit (3-6 Nov), and post-Summit activities. Scholars may also apply for a one-year post-Summit fellowship.
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