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The NewNow Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa (Nov 3–6, 2026). Supported by Virgin Unite, it selects 10 leaders from the Global South aged 18–30. The application deadline is February 16, 2026.
The NewNow Scholarship 2026 Details
If you are confused by the dozens of One Young World scholarships available, this table breaks down exactly what The NewNow offers.
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | The NewNow (supported by Virgin Unite) |
| Event | One Young World Summit 2026 |
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Dates | November 3 – November 6, 2026 |
| Deadline | February 16, 2026 |
| Core Theme | “Systems-Thinking” & Collective Action |
Eligibility: Who is this actually for?
This scholarship is not for everyone. Virgin Unite is looking for a specific type of leader.
Age Requirement: You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the summit.
Region: You must be a national of a country in the Global South. This includes candidates from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. If you are from Western Europe or North America, this specific stream is generally not for you.
The “Virgin Unite” Factor: This stream looks for leaders challenging the status quo. They want “disruptors,” not just academic achievers. If you are building a safe, traditional career, you might want to look at other streams. If you are shaking up an industry or fighting a systemic injustice, this is your home.
“Systems Thinking”: The Secret to Winning
Most applicants fail because they write generic essays about “passion” or “helping people.” The NewNow website explicitly asks for “Systems Thinking.” If you do not address this, you will be rejected.
What does Systems Thinking mean?
Systems Thinking means you aren’t just treating symptoms; you are fixing the underlying structure.
- Symptom Treatment: “I give free food to hungry farmers.” (Good, but not Systems Thinking).
- Systems Thinking: “I identified that predatory lending policies were causing the farmers to go hungry in the first place, so I built a coalition to change those banking laws.” (This wins).
Application Tip: In your essay, do not just say “I helped 500 people.” Say “I identified that X policy was causing the poverty, so I built Y partnership to change that policy.” Show them you understand the root cause.
What is Covered? (The Funding)
The NewNow is one of the most generous packages available for the summit.
- Full Delegate Access: You get full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including all speeches, workshops, and networking events.
- Travel: Round-trip economy flights from your home country to South Africa are paid for.
- Accommodation: Hotel stay for the duration of the summit is included.
- The Community: Winners become part of “The NewNow Community,” receiving mentorship from the Virgin Unite network, which can be even more valuable than the trip itself.
Application Checklist
The process is straightforward but competitive. There is no application fee.
Online Application Form: Complete the personal details section accurately.
Essay Questions: These are the most critical part. Focus on your “Theory of Change” and use the Systems Thinking framework described above.
Reference: You will need to provide contact details for a reference who can verify your work. Choose someone who has seen you lead, not just a professor who knows your grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I applied for other OYW scholarships?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple streams (e.g., Leading Asia, Enterprise for Peace) simultaneously. However, you can only be selected for one scholarship.
Q: Is IELTS required?
A: No official English certificate is needed to apply. However, the summit is conducted entirely in English, so you must have a high level of proficiency to participate in debates and workshops.
Q: When is the summit?
A: The summit takes place in November 2026. Note that this is later in the year than previous summits, which were often held in summer or early autumn.
Checkout Hansen Leadership Institute 2026 (USA): Funded Fellowship
