The Ban Ki-moon Foundation has launched applications for the 2026 edition of its Global Citizen Scholarship Programme. Now in its ninth cycle, the initiative is designed for young leaders who are passionate about advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through practical, community-based action.

The programme is conducted entirely online and combines leadership training, mentorship, and project implementation. Selected participants will design and execute a local “changemaker” initiative aligned with one or more of the SDGs.

About the Programme

The Global Citizen Scholarship selects 16 young changemakers between the ages of 20 and 35 from eligible countries across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Throughout the 8–9 month programme, scholars will:

• Deepen their understanding of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs
  
• Gain knowledge in entrepreneurship for sustainable development
  
• Participate in expert-led workshops and peer mentoring
  
• Develop and implement a local impact project

Eligible Countries

Applicants must come from one of the following countries:

Africa

Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi,Cameroon, Mozambique, Uganda, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Middle East

Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

South Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full funding for a two-week Summer School hosted in partnership with Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University
  
• Access to additional expert workshops and training sessions
  
• Peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities
  
• Seed funding of €500 (granted after approval of the changemaker project proposal)
  
• A Certificate of Achievement signed by H.E. Ban Ki-moon and H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer upon successful completion

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of one of the listed eligible countries
  
• Be between 20 and 35 years old at the time of application
  
• Hold at least a completed Master’s degree (exceptionally, completion of the first year of a Master’s programme may be considered)
  
• Demonstrate strong commitment to the SDGs and global citizenship values
  
• Have English proficiency at a minimum B2 level (European Framework standard)

Information Required During Application

Applicants will provide:

Personal Information

Name, contact details, date of birth, nationality, gender, education background, language proficiency, and a brief profile summary.

Professional Details

Academic qualifications, organization (if applicable), and current role.

Changemaker Project Proposal

Project title, SDGs addressed, identified issues, and implementation strategy.

Required Uploads

At the final stage of the application, candidates must submit:

• A motivational statement
  
• A recent portrait photograph (JPEG or PNG format)
  
• A short introduction video (maximum 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV format)
  
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  
• A detailed outline of the proposed changemaker project

How to Apply

Applications must be completed through the official online form provided by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation. After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps.

Important Date

Deadline for submission: 4 March 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required documents are properly prepared before the closing date.