Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications! Launched by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, this prestigious program empowers young changemakers to design and implement impactful projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is the 9th round of the scholarship and offers a fully virtual experience, combined with a two-week summer school, mentoring, expert workshops, and seed funding support.
If you are passionate about sustainable development and global citizenship, the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 could be your next big step.
Brief Information
The Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 is a fully virtual 8–9 month program designed for young leaders aged 20–35. Scholars will develop a localized changemaker project addressing one or more SDGs while participating in trainings, mentoring, and a summer school in partnership with Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University.
The program combines academic learning, entrepreneurship for sustainable development, and real-world project implementation.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
- Program Start: April 2026
- Duration: 8–9 months
- Type: Fully Virtual (with 2-week Summer School component)
- Funding: Fully funded + €500 seed funding
- Organiser: Ban Ki-moon Foundation
- Academic Partner: Management Center Innsbruck (MCI University)
- Number of Scholars: 16 international scholars + 1 MCI student
- Focus Area: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
For more about the global SDG framework, you may explore the official United Nations SDGs platform:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Table of Contents
Overview
The Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 aims to empower young global citizens who are committed to driving sustainable change in their communities.
Selected scholars will:
- Design and implement a localized changemaker project
- Address one or more of the SDGs
- Participate in peer-to-peer mentoring
- Attend expert-led workshops
- Join a two-week summer school at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI)
- Receive €500 seed funding for project implementation
Throughout the 8–9 month journey, scholars enhance their:
- Entrepreneurial skills for sustainable development
- Knowledge of Agenda 2030
- Leadership and communication skills
- Global professional network
Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate signed by H.E. Ban Ki-moon and H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer.
The Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 is more than a training program — it is a platform to turn ideas into measurable impact.
Eligibility
To apply for the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Nationality Requirement
Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the following countries:
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
Age Requirement
- Must be between 20–35 years old at the time of application
Education Requirement
- Completed at least a Master’s degree
- In exceptional cases, completion of the first year of a Master’s program is accepted
Additional Requirements
- Strong commitment to SDGs and global citizenship values
- Minimum English level B2 (European Standards)
- Ability to design and implement a changemaker project
Application Details
The application process for the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 is conducted online.
During the nomination process, you will be required to provide:
Personal Information
- Name, contact details, date of birth
- Citizenship
- Education background
- Language proficiency
- Short profile description
Professional Information
- Academic titles
- Organization name
- Current position
Changemaker Project Proposal
- Project title
- SDGs addressed
- Issues tackled
- Implementation process
Required Attachments
- Motivational statement
- Portrait picture (JPEG or PNG)
- Introduction video (max 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV)
- CV
- Project outline
You may save your application draft and return later before final submission.
FAQ
1. Is the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The program covers summer school costs, workshops, mentoring, and provides €500 seed funding for project implementation.
2. Is the program online or on-site?
The core program is fully virtual, with a two-week summer school component.
3. How many scholars are selected?
16 international scholars are selected, plus one MCI student, forming a cohort of 17 changemakers.
4. What kind of projects are expected?
Projects must address at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal and be locally implementable within the scholar’s community.
Official Link
To apply for the Global Citizen Scholarship 2026, visit the official application portal:
👉 https://bankimooncentre.submit.com/show/28
For any inquiries, you may contact: [email protected]
Apply before 4 March 2026 and become a Global Citizen Scholar 2026!
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