NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded leadership opportunity that takes you to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, with all major costs covered and exclusive global leadership benefits. If you are a young changemaker from the Global South working on real-world impact, this scholarship can be your gateway to global visibility and powerful networks.
Basic Information about the NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026
The NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program that offers selected young leaders a place at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is designed for systems-thinking changemakers who are addressing complex local and global challenges in innovative ways.
- A One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite
- Focuses on systems-thinking and collective action
- Aims to create long-term, sustainable global change
- Host country: South Africa (Cape Town).
- Summit dates: 3–6 November 2026.
- Scholarship type: Fully funded leadership scholarship for the One Young World Summit + leadership community membership.
- Target group: Young leaders (18–30) from the Global South with proven impact.
- Application opening: 6 November 2025 (typical cycle).
- Application deadline: 16 February 2026.
Scholarship Impact (Recent Years)
- 554 scholarship winners in 2024
- 1,500+ scholarships awarded in the last 3 years
- 163,000 applications received in the last 3 years
- 74,847 applications in 2024 alone
University / Institution Details
The NewNow Leaders Scholarship is not tied to a traditional university; it is hosted by leading global institutions in the impact and leadership space.
- Main provider: One Young World – a UK-based charity that convenes the world’s brightest young leaders each year at the One Young World Summit.
- Key partner: Virgin Unite – the entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, supporting impactful leadership initiatives.
- Program brand: The NewNow – a community and initiative focused on systems leaders tackling interconnected global issues.
- Event location: One Young World Summit 2026, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with opening at DHL Stadium.
Instead of academic degrees, you gain intensive leadership experiences, global exposure, and membership in international leadership communities.
Study Areas and Focus Themes
Although this is not a formal degree program, the NewNow Leaders Scholarship focuses on key thematic areas of impact and leadership.
Typical focus areas include:
- Climate action and environmental sustainability.
- Social justice, human rights, and equality.
- Education, youth development, and skills.
- Peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community cohesion.
- Health, mental health, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship, and decent work.
Participants often lead projects, social enterprises, campaigns, or community initiatives that use systems-thinking and collective action to drive change in these domains.
NewNow Leaders Scholarship Benefits
The NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026 is fully funded and offers a strong package of financial and non-financial benefits.
Main benefits:
- A fully funded leadership scholarship for outstanding young changemakers
- Enables participation in the One Young World Summit and global community
- Covers:
- Travel coverage: Return travel to Cape Town (economy flights or equivalent) for the summit.
- Accommodation: Hotel accommodation for the duration of the summit.
- Meals: Catering during the official program days of the summit.
- Removes financial barriers so young leaders can focus on making impact
- Summit registration and access to all main sessions, panels, workshops, and networking events.
- Features and visibility on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels, plus media and speaking opportunities.
What Will Selected Leaders Receive?
- Fully funded place at One Young World Summit 2026
- Lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Media features via One Young World & Virgin Unite
- Speaking and advocacy opportunities
- Access to:
- Global Leadership Programme
- Action Accelerator
- Membership in The NewNow Community
- Exclusive workshops to build leadership, confidence, and influence
- Opportunities for collaboration with other global leaders
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship is fully funded for the summit and leadership program, some costs may not be covered or may vary by case.
Common non-covered or partially covered items:
- Personal expenses (shopping, tourism, personal transport outside official program).
- Visa fees or related costs in some countries (sometimes covered by the host or partners, but not guaranteed).
- Health insurance or travel insurance beyond the program’s basic coverage (if any).
- Costs for additional days in South Africa before or after the official summit dates (extra nights, meals, etc.).
- Expenses for personal projects outside the scope of the summit or official leadership activities.
Applicants should carefully review the official scholarship description for a detailed coverage breakdown and plan for a small personal budget for incidental spending.
Eligibility Criteria for the NewNow Leaders Scholarship
The NewNow program has a clear and quite selective eligibility profile.
You must typically:
- Be 18–30 years old
- Be a national of a Global South country
- Have proven leadership experience with real impact
- Understand local and/or global issues
- Use systems-thinking approaches to solve complex problems
- Show evidence of sustainable, long-term impact
- Be willing to collaborate and promote systems-change initiatives
Prior participation in One Young World is not usually required, and priority is often given to first-time summit attendees for many OYW scholarships.
Required Documents for the Application
Exact documents may vary slightly by year, but you can typically expect to provide the following.
Likely required documents:
- Completed online application form (including personal information and leadership profile).
- Updated CV or résumé (showing leadership experience, education, and current role).
- Short essay answers or motivation statements about your leadership journey, impact, and systems-thinking approach.
- Evidence of impact (links, media coverage, reports, social media pages, or websites of your initiatives).
- Recommendation letter(s) from a supervisor, mentor, partner, or community leader (in some cycles).
- Copy of passport or national ID (for nationality and age verification).
Gathering these documents early will help you submit a complete, polished application before the deadline.
NewNow Leaders Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)
You will usually apply online through the One Young World scholarship portal or a dedicated NewNow page.
Step-by-step guide:
- Check eligibility
Review the age range, nationality (Global South), and leadership criteria to ensure you qualify before starting your application. - Visit the official scholarship page
Go to the NewNow section on the One Young World website or the official scholarship announcement page for the 2026 cohort. - Create or log into your account
Register on the One Young World platform (if new) or log in to your existing account to access the application form. - Fill out the online form
Complete all sections, including personal details, country of origin, current role, and brief description of your work. - Answer leadership and impact questions
Provide detailed, honest responses on your project, systems-thinking approach, impact results, and future plans. - Upload required documents
Attach your CV, ID/passport, and any additional documents requested, such as recommendation letters or proof of impact. - Review and edit your application
Double-check all entries for clarity, grammar, and accuracy, ensuring your story is compelling and easy to follow. - Submit before the deadline
Submit your application by 16 February 2026 (or the official deadline shown for your cycle) and save your confirmation. - Wait for selection results
If shortlisted, you may be contacted for additional information or interviews before final selection.
Tips for a Successful Application
A strong application must communicate both your impact and your potential as a systems leader.
Practical tips:
- Highlight real outcomes
Use specific numbers, examples, and stories to show how your work has changed lives or systems, even at a local level. - Demonstrate systems-thinking
Explain how you address root causes, involve multiple stakeholders, and see the connections between issues like climate, education, and inequality. - Align with NewNow and OYW values
Emphasize collaboration, inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term change in your narrative. - Show your growth potential
Make clear how attending the One Young World Summit and joining The NewNow Community will help you scale and deepen your impact. - Provide strong evidence
Include links to websites, articles, or campaigns that showcase your leadership, not just descriptions. - Get feedback before submitting
Ask a mentor or peer to review your answers for clarity and consistency before the deadline.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in South Africa (USD)
Although this is a summit, not a degree program, many applicants want an idea of typical living costs in Cape Town if they decide to stay longer or explore opportunities.
Approximate monthly costs in Cape Town (outside the fully funded summit coverage):
- Shared accommodation (room in shared flat/house): 300–500 USD per month (depending on area and facilities).
- Food and groceries: 150–250 USD per month with a modest lifestyle.
- Local transport (public transport, occasional ride-sharing): 40–80 USD per month.
- Mobile data and internet: 20–40 USD per month.
- Personal expenses (clothes, leisure, small trips): 80–150 USD per month.
On a student-style budget, many international visitors can live in Cape Town on roughly 600–900 USD per month, but the summit itself covers accommodation and meals during official dates, significantly lowering short-term costs.
Why Choose the NewNow Leaders Scholarship? (At Least 5 Reasons)
There are many fully funded programs, but this one stands out for young leaders from the Global South.
Top reasons to choose this scholarship:
- Fully funded access to a world-class summit
You get a funded place at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town with travel, accommodation, catering, and registration covered. - Global visibility for your work
Your initiatives can be featured on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels, giving you powerful media exposure and recognition. - Lifelong leadership communities
You join both the One Young World Ambassador Community and The NewNow Community, unlocking ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and learning. - Advanced leadership development
The program includes capacity-building workshops, the Global Leadership Programme, and the Action Accelerator, helping you sharpen your strategy and systems-thinking. - Collaborative projects and networks
You will meet and work with other high-impact young leaders from the Global South and beyond, opening doors for joint initiatives and funding opportunities. - Powerful host city and context
Cape Town offers a rich environment for conversations on justice, innovation, and youth leadership, especially as the summit coincides with key social justice anniversaries in South Africa.
For a young changemaker, this scholarship can dramatically accelerate both your impact and your international profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the NewNow Leaders Scholarship?
Young leaders aged 18–30 from countries in the Global South who have demonstrated impactful leadership and a systems-thinking approach to solving local or global challenges are eligible.
2. Do I need to pay an application fee?
No, there is no application or registration fee for the program or summit when you are selected through this fully funded scholarship.
3. Do I need IELTS or another English test?
The program does not typically require IELTS for the scholarship itself, but you must be able to actively participate in English in discussions, workshops, and networking.
4. Can I apply if I have already attended a One Young World Summit?
Many OYW scholarships prioritize first-time attendees to widen access; however, policies can vary, so always check the specific eligibility notes on the official page.
5. Will I receive a degree or academic qualification?
No, the NewNow Leaders Scholarship is a leadership and summit program, not a degree, but you gain recognition, certificates of participation, and membership in global leadership communities.
6. What happens after the summit?
After the summit, you become part of the One Young World Ambassador Community and The NewNow Community, with ongoing opportunities to collaborate, attend programs, and access leadership tools.
Important Dates
- Opening date: 6 November 2025
- Application deadline: 16 February 2026
- Summit location: Cape Town, 2026
Official Link:
If you are a young leader from the Global South committed to transforming systems and scaling your impact, the NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026 for the One Young World Summit in South Africa is one of the most powerful fully funded opportunities available right now.
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