2026 Ban Ki-Moon Global Citizen Scholarship for Africans. Applications are now open for the 2026 Ban Ki-Moon Global Citizen Scholarship — a fully funded virtual fellowship designed to empower young African leaders committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program supports African change-makers with training, mentorship, and seed funding to implement impactful SDG-focused micro-projects in their communities.
If you are passionate about sustainable development and global citizenship, this opportunity is worth serious consideration.
Scholarship Overview
Host: Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC)
Category: Training | Fellowship
Eligible Countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya
Funding: Fully Funded
Seed Funding: $500 USD
Duration: 8–9 Months
Deadline: March 4, 2026
About the Program
The Ban Ki-Moon Global Citizen Scholarship is a fully virtual leadership and capacity-building program that equips young African professionals to design and implement localized SDG Micro-Projects.
The initiative is led by the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, co-chaired by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer.
The program focuses on:
- Agenda 2030 awareness
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation
- Entrepreneurship for sustainable development
- Community-based impact leadership
Selected scholars will design and execute a small-scale SDG project in their local community, supported by structured training and mentorship.
What the Scholarship Offers
Over the 8–9 month program, selected scholars will receive:
- Full participation in a one-week Summer School (costs covered)
- Access to expert workshops and leadership training
- Peer-to-peer mentoring
- $500 USD seed funding to implement their SDG Micro-Project
- Professional networking opportunities
- Certificate of Achievement signed by the Centre’s Co-Chairs
The Summer School is delivered in partnership with MCI Innsbruck.
This is not a degree program — it is a leadership and impact development initiative.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
- Be between 20 and 35 years old
- Hold citizenship from one of the following countries:
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Have completed at least a Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrate strong commitment to SDGs and global citizenship
- Have English proficiency at minimum B2 level (European Framework standard)
The program is open to all genders and backgrounds.
Required Application Materials
During the nomination process, applicants must provide:
Personal Details
- Name and contact information
- Date of birth
- Citizenship
- Education history
- Language proficiency
- Short profile description
Professional Information
- Academic titles
- Organization (if applicable)
- Current role
SDG Micro-Project Details
- Project title
- SDGs addressed
- Problem statement
- Implementation strategy
Upload Requirements
- Motivational statement
- Portrait photo (JPEG/PNG)
- 30-second introduction video (MP4/MOV)
- CV
- Detailed project outline
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm eligibility on the official website.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit before March 4, 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Important for Those Considering Studying Abroad
While this scholarship is fully virtual and impact-focused, many young professionals use programs like this to strengthen their profiles before applying for international master’s programs.
If your long-term goal is migration through the study route, we assist with:
- Strategic school selection based on your academic and career background
- Tuition fee payment processing to secure admission
- End-to-end admission support
- Visa application guidance and documentation positioning
- Structured advisory to improve approval chances
We focus strictly on helping candidates secure legitimate admissions and navigate study visa processes properly.
Leadership fellowships can strengthen your CV — but academic migration requires proper planning, documentation, and positioning.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Ban Ki-Moon Global Citizen Scholarship is ideal for young African professionals who want to implement real community impact while building global leadership exposure.
With structured mentorship, funded training, and seed capital support, it is one of the strongest SDG-focused virtual fellowships currently open to Africans.
If you meet the criteria, apply early and prepare a strong, impact-driven proposal.
Deadline: March 4, 2026.
