Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship – Fully Funded One Young World Summit Opportunity in South Africa
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship is one of the most impactful fully funded leadership scholarships for African students and young leaders. This prestigious program supports emerging changemakers who are working to improve education, employment, and social equity across Africa.
Selected scholars will receive full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, along with access to an exclusive leadership development program before and after the summit.
Offered by the Z Zurich Foundation, this scholarship focuses on empowering young leaders who are already making a real difference in their communities.
Scholarship Overview
Scholarship Name: Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship
Funded By: Z Zurich Foundation
Number of Scholarships: 25
Event: One Young World Summit 2026
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Program Duration: Pre-summit (Sept–Oct), Summit (Nov 3–6), Post-summit (late Nov)
Application Deadline: May 4
Degree Level
Program Structure
The scholarship includes three major phases:
1. Pre-Summit Program
Participants engage in leadership training and collaboration sessions during September and October.
2. Summit Experience
Attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, where global leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs gather.
3. Post-Summit Engagement
Scholars participate in reflection sessions and continue collaboration through the global network.
Available Subjects
The scholarship specifically targets projects aligned with social equity, including:
Education access for underserved communities
Youth employability and job readiness
Entrepreneurship for young people
Digital inclusion initiatives
The Z Zurich Foundation prioritizes leaders who are addressing the gap between education and employment in Africa, especially in low-income communities.
Benefits
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship, meaning selected candidates do not need to cover any major expenses. The scholarship includes:
Full international travel costs to Cape Town, South Africa
Accommodation and meals during the summit
Full access to the One Young World Summit sessions and networking events
Participation in a pre-summit leadership program
Access to a post-summit debrief and mentorship sessions
Membership in the One Young World global network
This makes it one of the top fully funded leadership programs for African youth.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60% under the age of 25. However, many young people face challenges such as:
Limited access to quality education
High unemployment rates
Lack of funding for startups
Barriers to digital access
The Z Zurich Foundation believes that local leaders are best positioned to solve these issues. This scholarship supports those already working on the ground to create change.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from African countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Be 18 to 35 years old
Be a citizen and resident of an African country
Be leading a not-for-profit initiative focused on social impact
Work in areas such as education, employment, or youth empowerment
Operate an early-stage organization (not backed by major funding)
Hold a leadership role (founder or decision-maker)
Be able to participate fully in all program stages
This scholarship is designed for young African leaders, not general students or job seekers.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship, follow these steps:
Visit the official One Young World scholarship page
Complete the online application form
Provide details about your initiative and leadership experience
Submit your application before the deadline
Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate their impact, vision, and leadership potential.
Application Deadline
Applications Open: March 16
Deadline: May 4
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so it is important to apply early.
Why You Should Apply
The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship is one of the best fully funded international scholarships for African leaders. It offers:
A chance to attend a global summit
Access to world-class leadership training
Networking with international changemakers
Full financial support
If you are working on education, youth employment, or social impact in Africa, this opportunity can help take your work to the next level.
