If you are one of those rare young leaders who isn’t just “doing good work,” but actively reshaping broken systems… this is the kind of opportunity that does not come around often.
Applications are now officially open for the 2026 cohort of The NewNow, a powerful One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, created for the boldest emerging leaders from the Global South who are ready to drive deep, long-term transformation.
This is not a typical scholarship. The NewNow is designed for young people who are already leading impactful initiatives — and now need global mentorship, visibility, and a high-level platform to scale their change.
Only 10 trailblazing leaders will be selected for this prestigious global leadership scholarship.
What Makes The NewNow Scholarship 2026 So Unique?
The world is full of young people with ideas — but The NewNow is looking for young people with proof.
This programme is built around systems-thinking, collective action, and real-world leadership. It supports those who are not just treating symptoms of global challenges, but tackling the root causes through innovative, sustainable solutions.
From climate justice to education reform, social inequality to community resilience — The NewNow Leaders are the ones rewriting the future with action, not slogans.
If you’ve been waiting for a global stage that actually matches your impact… this is it.
What Does The NewNow Leaders Scholarship Offer?
Winning The NewNow Scholarship 2026 means stepping into one of the most elite youth leadership communities in the world.
Selected leaders will receive:
- A fully funded scholarship place at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, 2026
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Global profile features through One Young World and Virgin Unite channels
- Media exposure and speaking opportunities to amplify your work internationally
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator
- Membership in The NewNow Community, including exclusive workshops to strengthen leadership capacity
- High-impact collaboration opportunities with fellow systems-change leaders
- Support to promote successful examples of transformation through networks and media
This is more than funding — it is global influence, credibility, and momentum for your mission.
Eligibility Criteria for The NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026
The NewNow is highly selective and designed for proven young leaders already creating measurable change.
To be eligible, applicants must clear following 8 steps:
- Be aged 18 to 30 years
- Be a national of a country in the Global South
- Have demonstrated impactful leadership through real initiatives
- Show a strong understanding of major local or global challenges
- Prove experience applying systems-thinking approaches to create sustainable solutions
- Provide evidence of long-term impact in addressing complex issues
- Be willing to collaborate actively with the NewNow cohort
- Help amplify systems-change success stories through media and professional networks
Apply: https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/newnow
The last date to apply for The NewNow Leaders Scholarship 2026 cohort is 16 February 2026.