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

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.

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.

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.

Open to applicants from African countries.

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.

To apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official One Young World scholarship page

2. Complete the online application form

3. Provide details about your initiative and leadership experience

4. 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.