Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation: Fully Funded Virtual SDG Leadership Program with Summer School & Seed Funding

The Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026, launched by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future, is now open for applications for its 9th cohort. This fully funded, multi-month virtual scholarship program empowers young changemakers across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia to design and implement impactful community-based projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This prestigious program supports 16 young global citizens aged 20–35, who will be joined by one student from Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University, forming a cohort of 17 scholars for 2026.

The scholarship begins in April 2026 and runs for approximately 8–9 months.

About the Global Citizen Scholarship Program

The Global Citizen Scholarship (GC Scholarship) is a fully virtual leadership and entrepreneurship program designed to empower young professionals committed to advancing the UN Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through localized changemaker initiatives.

The program combines:

• Practical project implementation

• Virtual expert workshops

• Peer-to-peer mentoring

• Entrepreneurship training

• Professional networking

• A fully funded two-week summer school at MCI University

The objective is to transform motivated individuals into effective local leaders capable of addressing pressing community challenges linked to sustainability, equality, education, climate action, governance, and social innovation.

What Makes This Scholarship Unique

Unlike traditional academic scholarships, the Global Citizen Scholarship focuses on action-oriented learning. Participants are required to propose and implement a localized changemaker project addressing one or more SDGs in their community.

Scholars receive training, mentorship, and seed funding to turn ideas into measurable impact.

The program emphasizes:

• Practical leadership

• Entrepreneurial thinking

• SDG-based solutions

• Cross-regional collaboration

• Peer learning

Program Timeline and Structure

Start Date: April 2026
Duration: 8–9 months

Over this period, scholars will:

1. Participate in virtual learning sessions on Agenda 2030 and SDGs

2. Engage in workshops on sustainable entrepreneurship

3. Join expert-led training modules

4. Collaborate with fellow scholars across regions

5. Attend a fully funded two-week summer school at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University

6. Implement their own community-based SDG project

Financial and Program Benefits

Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including:

• Full cost coverage for a two-week summer school at MCI University

• Coverage of additional expert workshops and training sessions

• Peer-to-peer mentoring support

• Seed funding of 500 EUR for project implementation

• Certificate of achievement signed by:

  • H.E. Ban Ki-moon

  • H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer

The seed funding is distributed after successful submission and approval of the changemaker project proposal.

Eligible Countries

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

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be between 20 and 35 years old at the time of application

• Hold citizenship from one of the listed countries

• Have completed at least a Master’s degree (exceptionally, first-year Master’s completion may suffice)

• Demonstrate strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals

• Have minimum English proficiency level B2 (European standard)

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online nomination form and provide:

Personal Information

• Full name

• Contact details

• Date of birth

• Address

• Citizenship

• Gender

• Educational background

• Language proficiency

• Short professional profile

Professional Information

• Academic qualifications

• Organization name (if applicable)

• Professional function/role

Changemaker Project Proposal

• Project title

• SDGs addressed

• Implementation strategy

• Local impact plan

Required Attachments

• Motivational statement

• Portrait photo (JPEG or PNG)

• 60-second introduction video (MP4 or MOV)

• Curriculum Vitae

• Detailed project outline

Applicants can save their application as a draft and return to complete it before submission.

For inquiries: susanna.leitner@bankimoon.org

Why You Should Apply

The Global Citizen Scholarship 2026 offers more than financial support. It provides:

• International recognition

• Professional mentorship

• SDG-focused training

• Access to global changemaker networks

• Leadership credibility

• Practical implementation experience

This program is ideal for young professionals seeking to combine academic knowledge with real-world sustainable development impact.

Application Deadline

March 4, 2026 at 10:55 PM

Learn more and apply HERE.

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