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Applications have opened for the 2026 edition of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship Programme, marking the ninth round of the initiative aimed at empowering young leaders committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme is organised by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future and is delivered fully online. It targets young global citizens prepared to design and implement local changemaker projects aligned with one or more of the SDGs.

EducationNGR reports that selected participants will not only execute community-based projects but will also take part in a summer school, peer-to-peer mentoring sessions, and expert-led trainings and workshops.

Target Participants And Eligible Countries

The scholarship will select 16 young changemakers aged between 20 and 35 years from the following regions:

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

Scholarship Benefits And Programme Structure

Over a period of eight to nine months, selected scholars will deepen their understanding of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, while also building expertise in entrepreneurship for sustainable development and expanding their professional networks.

The programme offers:

• Full cost coverage for a two-week summer school training at Management Center Innsbruck

• Coverage for expert-led workshops

• A peer-to-peer mentoring component

• Seed funding of 500 EUR to support a changemaker project (released after successful submission of a project proposal)

• A certificate of achievement upon successful completion, signed by Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of one of the listed eligible countries

• Be aged 20 to 35 at the time of application

• Have completed at least a Master’s degree (in exceptional cases, completion of the first year of a Master’s programme may suffice)

• Demonstrate strong commitment to the SDGs and global citizenship

• Possess a minimum English proficiency level of B2 (European standards)

Application And Required Documents

During the nomination process, applicants will provide:

• Personal details, including education and language competence

• Professional information such as organisation and role

• Changemaker project information, including SDGs addressed and implementation strategy

At the final stage, applicants must upload:

• A motivational statement

• A portrait photograph (JPEG or PNG format)

• A short introduction video (maximum 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV format)

• Curriculum Vitae

• Project outline

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form. After submission, candidates will receive a confirmation email. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further steps.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submission is 4 March 2026.

Summary Of Key Details

Applications have commenced for the 2026/2027 Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarship, a fully funded opportunity for students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries to study part-time Master’s programmes with UK universities.

The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master’s pathways administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. The Commission manages the UK government’s scholarship scheme in line with international development objectives under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.

EducationNGR reports that the distance learning route allows scholars to remain in their home countries while studying with approved UK institutions.

What The Scholarship Covers

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship provides financial support for:

• Full tuition fees

• Study grants where required

Applicants are advised not to hold other scholarships, awards, or bursaries covering the same costs at the same time. Candidates should confirm this before submitting their applications.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of, or have refugee status from, an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person

• Be permanently resident in a developing Commonwealth country

• Hold, by September 2026, a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) standard

• Present a lower qualification only where supported by sufficient relevant professional experience (in specific cases)

• Demonstrate inability to afford the programme without financial assistance

• Provide all required supporting documents in the prescribed format

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic merit

• Quality of the proposed study plan

• Potential impact on the development of the applicant’s home country

Application Deadline And Study Commencement

The deadline for submission is 16:00 BST on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Successful candidates will begin their studies in September/October 2026.

Interested applicants are required to apply through the official online portal of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Summary Of Key Details