Application Deadline: March 4th, 2026
The 2026 cycle of the Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program is now officially accepting applications. Following several successful editions, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the 9th round of this distinguished scholarship initiative. The program’s primary aim is to empower young individuals around the world who are deeply committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through meaningful action.
Designed as a fully virtual experience, the Global Citizen (GC) Scholarship Program equips emerging changemakers with the tools and support needed to design and execute impactful projects tailored to their local communities. Participants will not only develop their initiatives but also benefit from an immersive summer school, ongoing peer mentoring, and specialized training sessions led by industry experts on topics relevant to sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
The GC Scholarship targets 16 dynamic young leaders aged between 20 and 35, originating from specific countries across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The eligible countries are as follows:
- Africa: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
- Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam
Alongside these 16 participants, one student from Management Center Innsbruck University (MCI) will join the cohort, bringing the total group size to 17 changemakers for this year’s program.
Program Benefits
Spanning approximately 8 to 9 months, the program is designed to significantly enhance scholars’ expertise related to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants will deepen their understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship and gain invaluable connections within professional networks dedicated to global development.
Key advantages of the scholarship include:
- Comprehensive funding covering a two-week summer school hosted by Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University.
- Access to expert-led workshops that address specialized subjects related to development and entrepreneurship.
- Participation in a peer-to-peer mentoring program to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- A seed grant of 500 EUR (approximately USD 500) provided to support the execution of the scholar’s changemaker project, awarded upon successful project proposal submission.
- Upon completion, scholars will receive a certificate of achievement, officially endorsed and signed by the co-chairs of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation: H.E. Ban Ki-moon and H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer.
How to Apply
The application process requires candidates to submit detailed personal and professional information during the nomination phase, including:
- Personal data such as full name, contact details, date of birth, residential address, citizenship, gender, educational background, language skills, and a brief personal profile.
- Professional information encompassing academic qualifications, current organization affiliation, and role or function.
- Details about the proposed changemaker project, including its title, the specific SDGs and issues it addresses, and an overview of the project’s implementation strategy.
At the final step of the nomination, applicants must upload the following documents:
- A motivational statement articulating their passion and vision.
- A recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
- An introduction video of up to 60 seconds in MP4 or MOV format.
- A current curriculum vitae (CV).
- A detailed project outline describing their changemaker initiative.
For comprehensive details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
