The Capital City of Podgorica Scholarship 2026 provides one outstanding young leader from Podgorica with the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
This scholarship is delivered through a partnership between One Young World and the Capital City of Podgorica, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to youth participation, inclusion and community development. Podgorica has recently been named European Youth Capital 2028, recognising its efforts to empower young people and strengthen civic engagement.
About the scholarship
The scholarship aims to support a young person who is living in Podgorica and actively contributing to positive change in the city or in the wider context of Montenegro. The selected scholar will represent Podgorica on an international platform, joining a global community of young leaders from more than 190 countries.
Applicants may come from diverse backgrounds, including students, young professionals, social entrepreneurs, activists, innovators and youth leaders. Priority is given to individuals whose work contributes to areas such as:
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environmental protection and climate action
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youth participation and civic engagement
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culture and creative industries
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digital innovation and technology
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equality, inclusion and human rights
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education and skills development
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entrepreneurship and social innovation
About the One Young World Summit
The One Young World Summit is an annual global forum that brings together the most impactful young leaders from around the world. Participants engage in high-level discussions, skills-building sessions and networking opportunities with global leaders from business, civil society, academia and international organisations.
Attendance at the Summit provides young leaders with the knowledge, connections and inspiration to scale their impact locally and globally.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
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be living and making a demonstrable impact in the city of Podgorica, Montenegro
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be a national of Montenegro
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be aged between 18 and 30 by the date of the One Young World Summit in November 2026
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have a strong working knowledge of English, as the Summit is conducted primarily in English
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be available to participate full time in the programme from 2 to 7 November 2026, including all mandatory sessions and a pre-Summit onboarding call
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
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a proven record of creating positive social, environmental or economic change in Podgorica or Montenegro
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active engagement in the local community through youth work, volunteering, civic action or community initiatives
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evidence of academic, professional or extracurricular achievement
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a clear and realistic vision for post-Summit impact, including how the One Young World experience will be used to benefit Podgorica
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strong motivation and capacity to represent Podgorica on an international stage and to act as a youth ambassador after the Summit
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alignment with the One Young World mission to create a fair, sustainable and inclusive future for all
What does the scholarship cover?
The Capital City of Podgorica Scholarship supports the selected candidate’s participation in the One Young World Summit 2026, providing access to:
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the One Young World Summit programme
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global networking with young leaders, mentors and partners
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leadership development and international exposure
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opportunities to strengthen impact at local and international level
Further details regarding the scope of support will be provided to the selected scholar.
Key dates
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Opening date: 29 January 2026
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Application deadline: 23 March 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
How to apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare a strong application demonstrating their impact, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Podgorica’s development. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Represent Podgorica on the global stage
The Capital City of Podgorica Scholarship 2026 is an opportunity for a motivated young leader to share local impact with the world, gain international experience and bring new ideas and energy back to the community.
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