Fully Funded Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 for Young Africans

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Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a African young leaders leading initiatives that support young people who face the greatest barriers to move from learning to earning, through education, employment, and entrepreneurship.


Application Deadline:

  • 4 May 2026

Tell Me About The Award:

The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026, in partnership with One Young World, supports 25 young African leaders who are building grassroots solutions to help vulnerable youth transition from learning to earning. Selected scholars will attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa (3–6 November 2026), with full funding and access to a structured leadership program before and after the event.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Initiatives aligned with the Enabling Social Equity pillar, particularly:

  • Youth Employability – aligning education/vocational training with labor market demand.
  • Youth Entrepreneurship – supporting young founders in underserved contexts.
  • Digital Inclusion & Future of Work – equipping youth with digital skills and opportunities.

Type:

  • Leadership & Social Equity Scholarship | Fully Funded Summit Participation.

Read More:

Who can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be 18–35 years old by November 2026.
  • Be nationals of and residents in an African country.
  • Lead an early-stage, not-for-profit initiative focused on education, employability, entrepreneurship, or digital inclusion.
  • Operate through a formally registered entity with a bank account in the organization’s name.
  • Hold a primary leadership role (founder or lead decision-maker).
  • Commit to full participation in:
    • Pre-Summit Engagement Program (Sept–Oct 2026)
    • Summit (3–6 Nov 2026)
    • Post-Summit Debrief (late Nov 2026)
  • Be willing to collaborate actively with peers before, during, and after the Summit.

How are Applicants Selected?

  • Based on demonstrated community-level impact and alignment with social equity goals.
  • Preference for leaders already running initiatives in underserved or fragile contexts.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

  • All African countries.

Where will the Award be Taken?

  • One Young World Summit, Cape Town, South Africa.

How Many Awards?

  • 25 scholarships available.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

  • Full travel costs to Cape Town.
  • Accommodation and meals during the Summit.
  • Summit registration and access to all sessions, workshops, and networking events.
  • Pre-Summit Engagement Program (Sept–Oct 2026).
  • Post-Summit Debrief Session (late Nov 2026).
  • Integration into a peer network of Z Zurich Foundation scholars and the broader One Young World community.

How Long Will the Award Last?

  • September – November 2026 (Pre-Summit, Summit, Post-Summit activities).

How to Apply:

  1. Confirm eligibility (age, nationality, leadership role, initiative criteria).
  2. Prepare required documents (proof of registration, leadership role, initiative details).
  3. Apply via the official One Young World portal: Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 Application.
  4. Submit before 4 May 2026.

Visit the Application Webpage for Details

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Author

  • Mercy Awofiranye is a writer, storyteller, and study abroad counselor who has spent nearly a decade turning complex information into engaging and helpful content. With over 1,000 education-focused articles and scholarship posts online, she has built a reputation for making study abroad opportunities clearer and more accessible.
    She currently works as a study abroad counselor at EdXtra, leveraging her expertise to guide students through their academic journeys. She holds certifications in the United States Counselor Course from ABCC and Ethical Business Practice in International Student Recruitment from TrainHub, reinforcing her commitment to ethical and informed student advising.
    Beyond writing and counseling, Mercy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new ideas because for her, learning never stops.