Deadline 2026-07-20
Country France
Level short-course
Organization HISA
Field Climate Action & Environmental Justice, Peace, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution, Education, Innovation & the Future of Work, Governance, Democracy & Civic Participation, Human Rights, Equality & Social Justice, Technology & Social Innovation, Global Citizenship & Cultural Identity, Mental Health, Well-being & Youth Resilience
Funding fully funded Overview
The Global Youth Festival 2026 is a four-day international summit held in Paris, France, from October 15–18, 2026. It brings together young leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers from around the world to discuss global issues, develop leadership skills, and foster cross-cultural understanding. The festival focuses on topics such as climate change, peace, human rights, leadership, innovation, mental health, and youth empowerment through workshops, international speakers, and group activities.
Coverage
HISA offers 350 scholarships across different categories:
- Fully Funded Global Scholar (100 awards): This scholarship covers round-trip airfare, full visa fee reimbursement, shared accommodation in Paris for 4 nights, daily breakfast and meals, full access to all festival sessions and activities, official HISA merchandise and a welcome kit, a youth statement speaking opportunity, official HISA certification, and mentorship access.
- Partially Funded Scholar (100 awards): This scholarship covers shared accommodation in Paris for 4 nights, daily breakfast and meals, full festival access, official HISA merchandise and a welcome kit, a youth statement speaking opportunity, official HISA certification, and mentorship access. Recipients are responsible for their own travel expenses.
- Festival Pass Scholar (150 awards): This scholarship provides full festival access, official HISA merchandise and a welcome kit, a youth statement speaking opportunity, official HISA certification, and mentorship access. Recipients are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Paid participation categories are also available, including an Invitation Letter Package ($99), Forum Access Pass ($299), and Self-Funded Package ($499).
Eligibility
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries, including Ethiopia.
- Age: You must be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Background: Students, university graduates, professionals, NGO workers, entrepreneurs, researchers, activists, artists, and young leaders are all encouraged to apply. No specific academic background or degree is required.
- Language: You should have a good understanding of English, as all festival activities will be conducted in English. No IELTS or other language certificates are required.
- Interest: You should have a strong interest in leadership, global issues, community work, or positive social change.
- Availability: You must be available to attend the full event in Paris from October 15 to 18, 2026.
Requirements
Applicants will need to complete an online application form, write a motivation statement explaining their goals and interest in the program, and share details about any projects, initiatives, leadership roles, or community work they have undertaken.
How to apply
1. Visit the official HISA website through the provided application link.
2. Carefully complete the online application form.
3. Prepare and submit a motivation statement outlining your objectives and why you are interested in participating.
4. Provide information about any relevant projects, initiatives, leadership experience, or community service you have been involved in.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.
6. Selected applicants will receive an official acceptance email with further details and information regarding visa support.
Notes
An application fee of $16.5 is mentioned by the aggregator website for the Fully Funded and Partially Funded scholarship categories. This is a leadership development festival/summit, not a traditional academic scholarship program.