The Enterprising Futures Scholarship 2026 targets young entrepreneurs who lead businesses with social or environmental impact. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs partners with Enterprising Futures Scholarship to fund selected candidates to attend the global Summit in Cape Town.
This application guide shows you who qualifies, what you gain, and how to apply for the Enterprising Futures Scholarship step by step.
Table of Contents
About the One Young World Scholarship
The One Young World Summit Enterprising Futures Scholarship supports young entrepreneurs who build solutions with social or environmental impact. By 2030, more than two billion young people will shape global economies. This shift creates space for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in emerging markets.
Young entrepreneurs already lead this change. They create businesses that solve local problems and support economic growth. Many still lack access to global networks, funding exposure, and international learning.
Apply: Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2026 For Nigerian Students | Full Application GuideTo address this gap, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Dutch Enterprise Agency, partners with One Young World. This partnership delivers the Enterprising Futures Scholarship each year. Selected candidates join the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, where over 2,000 young leaders from 190 countries connect, learn, and collaborate.
This makes the One Young World Scholarship one of the most competitive global leadership opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Summary Details
• Application opens: 19 January 2026
• Enterprising Futures Scholarship deadline: 9 March 2026
• One Young World Summit 2026: 3 to 6 November
• Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all conditions below to qualify for the One Young World Summit Scholarship.
• You are aged 18 to 35 by November 2026
• You lead or work in a scalable start-up or small to medium-sized enterprise
• Your work shows measurable social or environmental impact
• You are a national and resident of an eligible country
Eligible countries include Nationals of and residents of one of the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Mozambique
- Uganda
- Tunisia
- Palestine
- Egypt
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Kenya
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Benin
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ghana
- South Africa
- Burundi
- Iraq (including Kurdistan region of Iraq)
- Sudan
- Mali
- Algeria
You must understand and communicate in English. All programme activities run in English. You must stay available from 30 October to 7 November 2026, including pre and post programme sessions.
Also Apply: Kwankwasiyya Scholarship at MIU Nigeria 2026 |Fully Funded ScholarshipBenefits of One Young World Scholarship
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship covers all major costs linked to the One Young World Summit Scholarship.
You receive:
• Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026
• Participation in Enterprising Futures pre-programme events
• Hotel accommodation during the Summit and pre-programme
• One night hotel stay for visa processing if required
• Return economy flights to Cape Town
• Local transport support to international departure airport
• Visa application costs where required
• Daily meals during the programme
• Transport between accommodation and Summit venue
• Lifetime access to the One Young World Ambassador Community
• Entry into the Global Leadership Programme
Structure for One Young World Scholarship
The Enterprising Futures Scholarship follows a clear structure.
Pre-programme
Scholars attend a two day in person programme in Cape Town. Activities include leadership workshops, peer learning, and a pitching competition.
Summit programme
Scholars attend the One Young World Summit from 3 to 6 November 2026. Sessions focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation.
Post-programme engagement
Scholars stay active in the One Young World network through continued collaboration and events supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
APPLY: PTDF Scholarship 2026 for Overseas MSc and PhD | Apply for UK, Germany, France, MalaysiaSelection Process
The One Young World Scholarship application process includes these stages.
• Online application review
• Eligibility screening and longlisting
• Request for references and supporting documents
• Final selection by programme partners
Selected scholars take part in ecosystem research, advisory sessions, and partner events.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to complete the One Young World Scholarship application form.
Go to One Young World application portal
Fill in the application form with accurate information.
Submit your form before 9 March 2026.
Application deadline: 9 March 2026
