The Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program is now open for applications. This fully virtual learning and action program supports young changemakers who want to work on real solutions for sustainable development in their communities.
The scholarship runs for 8 to 9 months and focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship for sustainable development, and practical project implementation. Selected participants receive training, mentoring, networking access, and seed funding to carry out their own changemaker projects.
The initiative comes from the Ban Ki-moon Foundation. The program reflects the vision of Ban Ki-moon and global leaders working toward progress under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
If you seek a Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Student, this program offers strong global exposure and hands-on experience.
Application deadline: 4 March 2026
Program start: April 2026
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About Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program selects 16 young changemakers aged 20 to 35 from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. One student from Management Center Innsbruck University joins the cohort, bringing the total to 17 scholars.
Participants design and implement a local changemaker project focused on one or more Sustainable Development Goals. Each scholar joins training sessions, expert workshops, and peer mentoring.
The Ban Ki-moon Scholarship Program also includes a two-week summer school with full cost coverage. Scholars receive project seed funding of 500 EUR after approval of their proposal. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate signed by Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer.
The Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship develops leadership skills, builds global networks, and strengthens knowledge in sustainable development practice.
Apply: Lund University Global Scholarship 2026 | How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Global Citizen Scholarship Program, you must meet these conditions:
- Applicants from one of the following countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Laos, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
- Applicants must hold citizenship of one of the countries listed above
- Applicants must be between 20 – 35 years of age at the time of application
- Applicants must have completed at least a Master’s degree (in exceptional cases, a successfully completed first year of Master’s studies will suffice)
- Applicants must demonstrate strong dedication to SDGs and the ideals of global citizenship.
- Applicants must have a minimum English level B2 (European Standards)
Applicants seeking a Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Student meet the nationality requirement if they hold Nigerian citizenship.
Benefits of Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program
The Ban Ki-moon Scholarship Program provides practical learning and full support for project development.
You receive:
- Full funding for a two-week summer school
- Access to expert workshops and training sessions
- Peer-to-peer mentoring
- 500 EUR seed funding for your project
- Professional networking opportunities
- Certificate of achievement after project completion
The Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship builds entrepreneurial skills and real-world leadership experience.
Apply: World Bank Scholarships Program 2026 Fully Funded | Application Guide
Documents Required
During application for the Global Citizen Scholarship Program, you submit:
- Your personal details (e.g. name, contact information, date of birth, address, citizenship, gender, education, language competence, short profile description)
- Your professional details (e.g. academic titles, name of organization, function)
- Changemaker project information (title, issues and SDGs tackled, general process and implementation)
At the final stage of the nomination process you will be prompted to attach the following:
- Your motivational statement
- A portrait picture of yourself (JPEG or PNG format)
- An introduction video of yourself (max 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV format)
- Your CV
- A project outline of your changemaker project idea
Applicants pursuing a Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Student must prepare all documents before submission.
Program Structure
The Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship runs for 8 to 9 months.
You complete:
- Training on Agenda 2030 and SDGs
- Entrepreneurship for sustainable development sessions
- Peer mentoring activities
- Two-week summer school
- Local changemaker project implementation
- Final project reporting and certification
The Ban Ki-moon Scholarship Program focuses on practical action, not theory alone.
Selection Process
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program uses a structured review process.
Steps include:
- Review of eligibility requirements
- Evaluation of changemaker project idea
- Assessment of motivation and leadership potential
- Final selection of 16 scholars
Applicants competing for a Funded Scholarship for Nigerian Student face the same evaluation standards as other countries.
Guides for Successful Application
Use these steps when applying for the Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship:
- Present a clear project linked to specific SDGs
- Show measurable local impact
- Keep your introduction video simple and confident
- Explain your motivation with real examples
- Demonstrate leadership experience
- Submit all materials before deadline
Strong preparation improves selection chances in the Ban Ki-moon Scholarship Program.
How to Apply Global Citizen Scholarship Program
Follow these steps to join the Global Citizen Scholarship Program:
- Go to Ban Ki-moon Scholarship Program
- Complete personal and professional details
- Describe your changemaker project
- Upload required documents
- Review your submission
- Submit before 4 March 2026
You may save your application draft and continue later.
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