Are you trying to find a way to travel to Africa for free? The Ilia Calderón Scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa in 2026 is currently accepting applications. One Young World has once again teamed with the Jang Calderón Family Foundation to promote exceptional Afro-descendant young leaders, building on the success of past editions in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
This scholarship is intended for vibrant people from Latin America and the Caribbean who are spearheading creative and significant community initiatives. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have a high potential for leadership, and be clearly committed to improving their communities and bringing about constructive change.
Two outstanding Afro-descendant leaders will be chosen by the Ilia Calderón Scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 at no cost. Round-trip travel, lodging, visa fees, international and local transportation, meals, and all associated expenditures are all covered by this fully supported scholarship. Along with financial assistance, participants will have the chance to network globally, meet amazing young leaders from around the world, and gain invaluable leadership experience by interacting with mentors and experts.
Young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean have a fantastic opportunity to represent their communities internationally while honing their craft, exchanging ideas, and participating in important global conversations.
Host Country: Cape Town, South Africa
Funded By: One Young World, Jang Calderón Family Foundation
Opportunity Type: Competitions, Conference
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must be nationals of one of the nations that the scholarship program has designated as eligible.
- To be eligible for this fully funded One Young World Scholarship, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application.
- Candidates must exhibit a track record of empowering, assisting, and bringing about constructive change in their communities.
- They ought to actively participate in endeavors, projects, or groups that complement their background, passions, and aspirations as leaders.
- Strong leadership potential is necessary, along with proof of one’s capacity to inspire people, manage teams, and have a significant impact.
- Candidates ought to be tackling significant issues that impact their communities on a local, national, or international level.
- Candidates must have a proven track record of creating original concepts and putting effective solutions into practice that advance society.
- They ought to be able to highlight successes and favorable results from their leadership and community involvement initiatives.
- A strong desire to improve possibilities for others and bring about long-lasting change is highly appreciated.
- Candidates should be excited about growing their international networks, working with other changemakers, and learning from global expertise.
- Candidates must exhibit a great desire to actively engage in all One Young World Summit 2026 events.
- At the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, candidates should be dedicated to promoting their communities and participating in insightful conversations.
Benefits:
- access to the entire One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2026.
- From November 2 to November 7, 2026, exclusive hotel accommodations will be available in Cape Town during the summit.
- The scholarship covers round-trip travel costs to and from Cape Town.
- Included are the costs of domestic travel to and from the airport.
- When necessary, the cost of applying for a visa is reimbursed.
- transportation from the summit lodging to the designated event location.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all free throughout the summit.
- During plenary sessions and the opening and closing ceremonies, there will be free translation services from English to Spanish.
- chance to interact, work together, and build relationships with delegates and young leaders from around the globe.
- exposure to international debates, chances for leadership growth, and mentorship abroad.
- an opportunity to join the worldwide One Young World group and make important contacts.
- International participants can attend the One Young World Summit in South Africa at no cost thanks to the fully funded Ilia Calderón Scholarship 2026.
Deadline: 15 June 2026.
