Applications are open for the 2025 Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship in partnership with One Young World. This prestigious program reflects the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to advancing education and youth employment opportunities. The initiative seeks to empower young people, especially in developing nations and fragile states, by addressing the disconnect between the skills young individuals acquire and the demands of the job market.
About the Scholarship
It is predicted that by 2030, at least 2 billion young people will be seeking work and opportunities, making underemployment and a lack of opportunities one of the most significant socio-economic and security challenges we are currently faced with. Youth unemployment has been directly linked to feelings of social exclusion, anxiety, and hopelessness; and at its worst, can lead to poverty, violent extremism, political instability, and crime. As such, finding solutions to this growing problem will be key to creating a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future for all. Local entrepreneurs play a key role in achieving this, creating jobs and providing youth employment opportunities for those in their communities.
The role of young entrepreneurs is particularly relevant in the context of fragile and conflict affected states. Young people often turn to entrepreneurship to develop opportunities for themselves and their communities in these circumstances. Moreover, the capacity of young people to deal with the uncertainty, partly caused by fragile ecosystems, can be a powerful source for new ideas and approaches. Especially, digital and social innovations have become prevalent in the workforce to allow them to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is committed to investing in education and youth employment for this reason; aiming to improve prospects for young people, particularly in developing countries and fragile states, by bridging the gap between the skills young people learn and what the labour market demands.
In support of these efforts, the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pleased to launch their annual scholarship in collaboration with One Young World to offer young leaders and entrepreneurs from these countries a place at the annual One Young World Summit.
The One Young World Summit 2025 will see 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries descend to Munich for the global forum for young leaders, during which delegates will present and debate solutions to our time’s most pressing issues alongside senior leaders. This will offer young entrepreneurs an unparalleled experience to become engaged, build on successful initiatives, and connect with other changemakers around the world.
Enterprising Futures Scholars will receive:
Access to additional events organised by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Access to the One Young World Summit 2025, taking place from 3 – 6 November in Munich, Germany.
Hotel accommodation during the Summit dates.
One night of hotel accommodation (if required) for the visa application process
Additional night pre-Summit (if needed).
The cost of travel to and from the host city of the Summit (flights in economy).
Domestic travel costs to the airport to take the international flight (flight in economy).
Travel to the visa application process (if required).
Visa costs, if applicable (including visa costs and required travel for visa appointment).
Catering which includes breakfast at the hotel accommodation and lunch and dinner at the Summit.
Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
Lifetime membership to the OYW community.
Organized through the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this annual scholarship provides exceptional young leaders and entrepreneurs the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit. The 2025 Summit, set to take place in Munich, Germany, will bring together 2,000 emerging leaders from over 190 countries to exchange ideas and solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This platform allows participants to enhance their projects, connect with global changemakers, and engage in transformative discussions with influential senior leaders.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old by November 2025. They should demonstrate active involvement in youth employment or job creation, such as through entrepreneurship or related roles. Applicants must also hold citizenship and residency in one of the following countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq (including the Kurdistan region), Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, or Uganda. Refugees with legal status are also welcome to apply. Proficiency in English is required, as all sessions, including the Summit and related events, will be conducted in English. Additionally, candidates must be fully available for the program dates, including the Summit from November 3 to 6 and any associated activities before and after the event.
