Application Deadline: 5 March 2026
Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026: Invitation for Young Changemakers
The Ban Ki-moon Foundation is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 9th edition of its Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026. This initiative aims to empower emerging global leaders who are deeply committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this fully virtual scholarship, the program nurtures young changemakers’ abilities to design and implement impactful, community-based projects that directly contribute to one or more SDGs.
The Global Citizen Scholarship offers a comprehensive platform combining hands-on project execution with extensive educational and mentoring support. Participants will engage in a dynamic summer school, benefit from peer-to-peer mentoring, and participate in a variety of specialized workshops led by experts—all designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development entrepreneurship.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship targets 16 promising young leaders aged 20 to 35 residing in select countries across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, as listed below:
- Africa: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
- Middle East: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam
Alongside these 16 scholarship recipients, one student from Management Center Innsbruck University will participate, creating a cohort of 17 changemakers for the 2026 program.
Program Overview
Spanning 8 to 9 months, the Global Citizen Scholarship offers a rich experience aimed at strengthening participants’ expertise in sustainable development and entrepreneurial approaches to tackling global challenges. Scholars will deepen their understanding of the Agenda 2030 framework and the SDGs, enhance their practical skills, and expand their international networks.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Full funding for a two-week intensive summer school hosted by Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University
- Coverage of expert-led workshops focusing on relevant thematic areas
- Structured peer-to-peer mentoring throughout the program
- Seed funding of 500 EUR awarded upon approval of a changemaker project proposal, to facilitate project implementation
- A certificate of achievement signed by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s Co-chairs, H.E. Ban Ki-moon and H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer, granted upon successful project completion
This program is a unique opportunity to sharpen your entrepreneurial capabilities in sustainable development, broaden your professional network, and gain hands-on experience by spearheading your own changemaker initiative.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries listed above
- Be between 20 and 35 years old at the time of applying
- Have completed at least a Master’s degree; exceptional candidates who have finished the first year of a Master’s program may also qualify
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the SDGs and the principles of global citizenship
- Possess at least a B2 level proficiency in English, according to European standards
Application Requirements
During the nomination process, candidates will be asked to provide:
- Personal information including name, contact details, date of birth, nationality, gender, education background, language skills, and a brief profile summary
- Professional details such as academic qualifications, current organization, and role
- Information about the proposed changemaker project, including its title, targeted issues and SDGs, and an overview of the implementation plan
At the final step, applicants must upload the following documents:
- A motivational statement explaining their drive and vision
- A recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format
- A short introductory video (maximum 60 seconds) in MP4 or MOV format
- A current CV outlining educational and professional experiences
- A detailed outline of the changemaker project idea
The application platform allows you to save your progress as a draft and return to complete it at a later time. If you have any inquiries or require assistance, please contact the program team at info@bankimoon.org.
Take Action Now
If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the eligibility requirements, don’t miss this chance to join a global network of like-minded changemakers and develop your skills through a world-class program.
