Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded Virtual Scholarship) – Deadline March 4
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 is a fully funded virtual leadership and changemaker scholarship for young professionals from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Selected scholars receive SDG training, mentorship, a funded summer school in Austria, and seed funding to implement real community impact projects.
Quick Facts
- Host Organization: Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future
- Host Country: Virtual + Austria (summer school)
- Study Level / Type: Young Professionals / Changemakers
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
- Eligible Countries: Africa, the Middle East, South & Southeast Asia
- Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Program Duration: 8–9 months (starting April 2026)
About the Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 is an international leadership and social impact initiative designed to empower young changemakers committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This fully virtual scholarship supports participants in developing and implementing a localized changemaker project addressing key social, environmental, or economic challenges in their communities. Scholars receive structured training in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and leadership while connecting with a global network of experts and peers.
A cohort of 17 participants (including one Austrian student) will engage in interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and a fully funded two-week summer school at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University in Austria. The program culminates in the implementation of a real-world SDG project supported by seed funding.
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 aims to equip emerging leaders with practical tools, global perspectives, and networks needed to drive sustainable change in their countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be aged 20–35 years
- Hold citizenship of an eligible country in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia
- Have completed at least a Master’s degree (or first year completed in exceptional cases)
- Demonstrate strong commitment to SDGs and global citizenship
- Have English proficiency at the B2 level or higher
- Propose a changemaker project addressing one or more SDGs
- Show leadership potential and community impact motivation
Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Egypt, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Lebanon, Jordan, and others listed in the official call.
Benefits
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 provides comprehensive support, including:
- Fully funded two-week summer school in Austria
- Seed funding of €500 for SDG project implementation
- Expert training on sustainable development & entrepreneurship
- Peer-to-peer mentoring and networking
- Access to the global changemaker community
- Workshops and leadership development sessions
- Official certificate signed by Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026:
- Prepare your changemaker project idea aligned with SDGs.
- Complete the online nomination/application form.
- Provide personal and professional details.
- Upload required documents:
- CV
- Motivation statement
- Portrait photo
- 60-second introduction video
- Project outline
- Submit before 4 March 2026 (11:55 PM).
- Wait for selection results and cohort announcement.
How to Apply
If you are a young professional passionate about sustainable development and community impact, the Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 offers funding, training, and global exposure to turn your ideas into real change.
Apply now to join an international network of SDG changemakers and implement your own impact project.
For more details: Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026
