Deadline: September 1, 2026
Applications are open for the One Young World National Bursary for Job-Generating Entrepreneurs 2026. One Young World is committed to building a legacy for their Summit this year, in Cape Town, that responds to South Africa’s most urgent national challenge: youth unemployment.
The Summit will not only be a moment of global convening, but also act as a catalyst for concrete, business-led pathways into employment, livelihoods, and job creation for young people across the country. Young people are not only future employees, but powerful drivers of job creation within their communities.
As part of the legacy commitment, the National Bursary for Job-Generating Entrepreneurs will identify, connect, and support a cohort of young South African entrepreneurs to join the the One Young World Summit 2026 which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 – 6 November.
Benefits
All bursary recipients will receive:
- A fully-funded place to attend the One Young World Summit Cape Town, South Africa from 3 – 6 November 2026.
- Return travel to Cape Town.
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town in a private room between 2 – 7 November 2026 (inclusive).
- All meals covered (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on conference days).
- Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network with 20,000+ members in 190+ countries.
- Participation in the One Young World Action Accelerator.
- Access to networking and mentorship opportunities with senior figures in the South African start-up ecosystem.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this bursary, you must:
- Be between 18 and 30* years of age
- Be a national of, and resident in, South Africa
- Be leading a business or enterprise that has the potential for significant job-creation
- Be responsible for direct decision-making authority within their organisation/company
- Be available to participate in the One Young World Summit from 3-6 November 2026
* Most delegates who participate in the One Young World Summit are between 18 and 30. The One Young World team will consider candidates who are older than 30, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage. They are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit (3-6 November 2026).
Application
For more information, visit National Bursary for Job-Generating Entrepreneurs.
