Call for Applications: Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026
Call for Applications: Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026
The Ban Ki-moon Foundation, in partnership with Management Center Innsbruck and RELX, invites applications for the 2026 Global Citizen Scholarship Program. This is the 9th edition of the program. It is designed to empower young global citizens who are passionate about advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program focuses on practical, community-based action.
Programme Description
The Global Citizen Scholarship Program is a fully virtual scholarship initiative that supports young changemakers. It allows them to design and implement localized projects addressing one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals in their communities. Moreover, selected scholars will participate in a structured learning experience. This experience includes a summer school, peer-to-peer mentoring, and expert-led trainings and workshops focused on entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
Eligibility
Applicants must be young changemakers aged 20 to 35 from selected countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Eligible African countries include Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Eligible Middle Eastern countries include Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Eligible South Asian countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Eligible Southeast Asian countries include Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
A total of 16 scholars will be selected from the eligible regions and will be joined by one student from Management Center Innsbruck University, forming a cohort of 17 participants.
Programme Duration and Start Date
The programme will commence in April 2026 and will run for approximately 8 to 9 months.
Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
• Full participation in a two-week summer school programme with Management Center Innsbruck University
• Access to expert trainings and workshops on entrepreneurship and sustainable development
• Peer-to-peer mentoring and professional networking opportunities
• Seed funding of 500 EUR to support the implementation of a changemaker project, subject to successful proposal submission
• A certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the programme, signed by the Co-Chairs of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, Ban Ki-moon and Dr Heinz Fischer
Objective of the Programme
The programme aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, enhance entrepreneurial skills for sustainable development, and provide practical experience through the design and implementation of community-based projects.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 11:55 PM CET
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application form via the link below:
https://bankimooncentre.submit.com/show/28
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early.
