The Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship 2026 in South Africa is a fully funded opportunity for 10 outstanding young climate leaders aged 18-30 to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town from 3-6 November 2026. Offered in partnership with One Young World, the scholarship covers flights, accommodation, meals, transport, and full summit access for global changemakers tackling environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainability innovation.
One Young World’s annual Summit convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector. Each year, we run a number of One Young World scholarships and grants for young leaders, making it possible for those shaping the future to attend the Summit fully funded.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
- Fully funded opportunity to attend the Summit
- Covers travel, accommodation, meals, and access
- Scholarship name: Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship 2026.
- Host event: One Young World Summit 2026.
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa.
- Dates: 3-6 November 2026 (participation 1-7 November).
- Number of awards: 10 scholarships.
- Application deadline: 1 June 2026.
- Eligibility: Ages 18-30 (exceptions for exceptional impact).
- Funding: Fully funded.
Institution Details
The Audi Environmental Foundation, established in 2009 by AUDI AG, champions sustainable technologies, environmental education, ecosystem protection, and behavioral change worldwide. Partnering with One Young World – the premier global forum for young leaders – this scholarship amplifies youth voices at the annual summit, connecting participants with 2,000+ delegates, 300+ speakers, and corporate leaders from 190+ countries in Cape Town’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Study Areas
The scholarship supports leaders addressing environmental challenges:
Climate Action & Mitigation:
Biodiversity & Ecosystems:
Pollution & Waste:
Sustainability & Education:
Climate Justice:
Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship Benefits
Fully funded package includes:
- Full summit access (sessions, workshops, networking).
- Round-trip economy flights to Cape Town.
- Hotel accommodation (1-7 November).
- Meals (breakfast at hotel; lunch/dinner summit days).
- Transport (accommodation-venue).
- Pre-summit Audi program (2 November).
- Global networking (2,000+ delegates, 300+ speakers).
- Leadership development.
Benefits not included
- Pre/post-summit travel.
- Private insurance supplements.
- Family accompaniment.
- Extended Cape Town stay.
- Personal shopping/entertainment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship
Core requirements:
- Age 18-30 (exceptions for exceptional 30+ leaders).
- Global citizens (all nationalities eligible).
- In-person attendance Cape Town (1-7 November 2026).
- Proven leadership in environmental work.
- Impact track record (projects, initiatives).
- Innovation in climate solutions.
- Priority given to first-time attendees
- Previous ambassadors can apply but may have lower priority
- No individual feedback due to high application volume
Preferred profiles:
- Climate activists/innovators
- Environmental educators
- Sustainability entrepreneurs
- Ecosystem protectors.
Important Rules
- Do NOT use AI (like ChatGPT) to write your answers
- Apply early (some are rolling deadlines)
- You can apply to multiple scholarships
- But you can only win one
Required Documents for the Application
One Young World Online Application:
- Personal details (passport, contact).
- Work description (environmental impact, leadership).
- Video submission (2-minute impact video).
- Impact evidence (projects, metrics).
- Leadership examples.
Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship Application Process
One Young World Portal:
- Step 1: Register at oneyoungworld.com/scholarships.
- Step 2: Select Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship.
- Step 3: Complete online form (work, leadership, impact).
- Step 4: Upload 2-minute video (your environmental story).
- Step 5: Submit by 1 June 2026.
- Step 6: Shortlisting (June-July 2026).
- Step 7: Finalists interviews (July).
- Step 8: Selections August 2026; travel planning.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Quantify impact: “Reduced plastic waste 40% in 500 households.”
- Read eligibility criteria carefully before applying Make sure your work matches the scholarship topic Incomplete or irrelevant applications will be rejected
- Video authenticity: Passionate, personal – smartphone quality fine.
- Leadership focus: Initiative beyond participation.
- Global relevance: Local action with scalable potential.
- Early submission: Avoid portal overload.
- Environmental breadth: Climate, biodiversity, pollution all qualify.
- Exceptional 30+: Demonstrate outsized impact.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Cape Town advantage: Vibrant, accessible summit host.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Fully funded prestige – flights, hotel, meals, summit access.
- Global platform – 2,000+ delegates from 190 countries.
- Climate leadership – amplify environmental impact.
- Audi Foundation backing – corporate sustainability network.
- Cape Town 2026 – African climate innovation focus.
- Pre-summit exclusives – deeper foundation engagement.
- Long-term connections – One Young World alumni network.
Frequently Asked Questions about the scholarship
Fully funded?
Yes – flights, accommodation, meals, transport.
Age limit?
18-30 (30+ exceptions for impact).
All nationalities?
Yes – global applicants.
Video required?
2-minute impact video mandatory.
Duration?
1-7 November 2026 (summit 3-6 November).
Climate only?
Environmental challenges broadly (biodiversity, pollution, sustainability).
Deadline:
- The Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship 2026 deadline is 1 June 2026.
Official Link:
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland
UN Chemicals and Waste Management Program 2026 in Switzerland
