Apply for the One Young World National Bursary for Job-Generating Entrepreneurs 2026 (Fully-funded to One Young World Summit in Cape Town) - a fully funded leadership scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 - 6 November 2026.
This guide covers the Enterprising Futures Scholarship track for young entrepreneurs building job-creating, scalable ventures with social or environmental impact (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / One Young World), plus the currently open Leading Scholarship 2026 route to the same Summit for outstanding young changemakers worldwide.
Quick Facts - One Young World National Bursary 2026 (Cape Town)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | One Young World Summit 2026 |
| Host city | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Summit dates | 3 - 6 November 2026 |
| Programme focus | Job-generating entrepreneurs & young leaders driving social impact |
| Enterprising Futures deadline | 9 March 2026 (closed - see Leading Scholarship below) |
| Leading Scholarship deadline | 31 October 2026 (rolling review; apply early) |
| Age range | 18 - 35 (by Summit dates; programme-specific rules apply) |
| Official apply | One Young World Scholarship Portal |
What Is the Job-Generating Entrepreneurs Bursary?
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship (Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via RVO, in partnership with One Young World) supports young entrepreneurs leading scalable start-ups or SMEs with demonstrable social and/or environmental impact. Scholars join a pre-programme in Cape Town, attend the full One Young World Summit, and gain lifetime access to the One Young World Ambassador community.
The scholarship prioritises founders and business leaders who create employment opportunities and strengthen local economies across eligible countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Why Apply?
- Fully funded access to One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- Hotel accommodation, meals, and return economy flights (Enterprising Futures scholars)
- Two-day in-person pre-programme with workshops, peer networking, and a pitching competition
- Lifetime One Young World Ambassador community membership (20,000+ leaders from 196 countries)
- Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator access
- Connect with policymakers, CEOs, and changemakers from 190+ countries
- Ideal for entrepreneurs creating jobs and scalable impact ventures
What the Bursary Covers (Enterprising Futures Scholars)
- Full access to One Young World Summit 2026 (3 - 6 November, Cape Town)
- Pre-programme events and Dutch MFA-hosted activities (30 October - 7 November window)
- Hotel accommodation during pre-programme and Summit dates
- Return economy flights from country of residence to Cape Town
- Domestic travel to/from the international departure airport
- Visa costs where applicable (application fee + travel to visa centre)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout pre-programme and Summit
- Ground transport between Summit accommodation and venue
Eligibility - Enterprising Futures (Job-Generating Entrepreneurs)
- Aged 18 - 35 by the One Young World Summit 2026 dates
- Leading or part of a scalable start-up or SME with social and/or environmental impact
- National and resident of an eligible country (see list below)
- Working English proficiency (programme delivered in English)
- Available full-time for pre-programme, Summit, and related dates (approx. 30 October - 7 November 2026)
Eligible countries include: Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mozambique, Uganda, Tunisia, Palestine, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, DRC, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Iraq (incl. Kurdistan region), Sudan, Mali, Algeria.
Leading Scholarship 2026 - Currently Open
If you missed the Enterprising Futures deadline, apply for the Leading Scholarship 2026 - One Young World’s flagship fully funded scholarship to the same Cape Town Summit. Open to young leaders aged 18 - 35 with proven impact; priority for underrepresented countries and first-time attendees.
- Includes: Full Summit delegate access, hotel (2/3 - 7 November 2026), meals
- Deadline: Rolling until 31 October 2026
- Apply: Leading Scholarship 2026 - One Young World
How to Apply
- Review programme details: Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026.
- For open applications, visit Leading Scholarship 2026 or the One Young World scholarships hub.
- Create an account on the official One Young World application portal.
- Submit your application with evidence of leadership impact, entrepreneurial track record, and motivation to attend the Cape Town Summit.
- If longlisted for Enterprising Futures, prepare references and additional documents as requested.
Official Links
Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 (Job-Generating Entrepreneurs)
Leading Scholarship 2026 - Apply for Cape Town Summit
All One Young World Scholarships
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Youth Democracy Summit 2026 Italy (YDS Rome)
- One Future Conference 2027 Canada
- Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27
- Browse all scholarships
FAQs - One Young World National Bursary 2026
Is it fully funded?
Yes - selected scholars receive Summit access, accommodation, meals, and travel support per the official scholarship terms (Enterprising Futures or Leading Scholarship).
Where is the Summit held?
Cape Town, South Africa, 3 - 6 November 2026.
Can entrepreneurs apply?
Yes - the Enterprising Futures track specifically targets job-generating entrepreneurs with scalable impact ventures. Leading Scholarship also welcomes changemakers including social entrepreneurs.
Is the Enterprising Futures deadline still open?
No - Enterprising Futures closed on 9 March 2026. Apply via Leading Scholarship 2026 (deadline 31 October 2026, rolling review).
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
Many scholars require a visa. Enterprising Futures covers visa fees for selected scholars; Leading Scholarship participants typically pay their own visa costs - confirm in your offer letter.
