Scholarship Overview
Overview: What Is the European Youth Assembly 2027?
The European Youth Assembly 2027 (EYA 2027) is an international youth leadership and policy forum taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from March 17–20, 2027. Organized by the Canada-based Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS), the Assembly convenes young leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers from around the world for expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, policy dialogues, and networking activities.
The program is built on a central principle: young people should not simply inherit the future—they should have a meaningful role in shaping it. EYA 2027 welcomes participants from all countries, academic disciplines, and professional backgrounds, creating a multidisciplinary community focused on global challenges including AI, innovation, sustainability, human rights, and emerging policy issues.
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Participation Categories & Funding Opportunities
EYA 2027 offers 100 competitive funded and free participation seats plus 150 Direct Access seats for applicants who wish to secure participation without competitive selection.
Fully Funded Seats (30 Available)
Selected Fully Funded delegates receive comprehensive support:
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- International round-trip airfare support
- Hotel accommodation in Amsterdam
- Breakfast during the covered accommodation period
- Visa invitation and visa support
- Meals and coffee breaks during designated Assembly sessions
- Full access to all European Youth Assembly sessions
- Certificate of Participation
- Official Assembly merchandise
- Delegate networking opportunities
- Speaking and contribution opportunities during designated sessions
- Access to workshops, panel discussions, and policy dialogues
- Participation in official networking and cultural activities
- Delegate support before and during the Assembly
Partially Funded Seats (20 Available)
Selected Partially Funded delegates receive all benefits except international airfare support. This category includes hotel accommodation, visa support, meals during sessions, full Assembly access, certification, merchandise, networking, speaking opportunities, and delegate support.
Free Assembly Pass (50 Available)
The Free Assembly Pass provides full participation access without accommodation or airfare support. Recipients receive visa invitation and support, meals and coffee breaks during sessions, full Assembly access, certification, merchandise, networking opportunities, speaking slots, workshop access, and delegate support.
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Direct Access Seats (150 Available)
For applicants who prefer guaranteed participation without competitive selection:
- Assembly Pass — Without Accommodation: $499 USD (75 seats) — includes full participation, visa support, meals, certification, networking, and merchandise
- Assembly Pass — With Accommodation: $799 USD (75 seats) — adds hotel accommodation with breakfast for the Assembly period
Visa Invitation Letter Only
Applicants who need documentation to begin Schengen visa preparations can request an official visa invitation letter for $99 USD, with option to upgrade to a participation category.
Eligibility Requirements
EYA 2027 welcomes applicants from all countries and nationalities, including African and SADC region applicants. There are no restrictions based on geographic origin.
Age requirement: 17–47 years
Backgrounds encouraged:
- Students and graduates
- Young professionals and entrepreneurs
- Researchers and academics
- NGO and civil society representatives
- Youth and community leaders
- Educators and policy enthusiasts
- Technology and media professionals
- Social entrepreneurs
No specific academic background or professional field is required. The Assembly explicitly seeks diverse perspectives across sectors, cultures, and experiences.
Application Process & Selection
One application form covers all three funded categories (Fully Funded, Partially Funded, and Free Pass). There is no need to submit separate applications.
Application fee: USD 17.99 for applicants seeking consideration for competitive funded seats. This fee enables entry into the evaluation process but does not guarantee selection.
Merit-Based Evaluation Criteria
Funded seats are awarded through competitive, rubric-based assessment:
- Application Quality: Clarity, substance, and thoughtfulness of responses
- Motivation & Potential: Genuine motivation, leadership potential, willingness to learn and engage
- Leadership & Impact: Community involvement, demonstrated achievements, initiative, and potential for social impact
- Relevance & Contribution: Alignment of experience and aspirations with Assembly themes
- Diversity & Representation: Geographic, professional, academic, and cultural diversity
- Overall Profile: Complete strength of application rather than single criteria
Key Dates
Funded application deadline: December 20, 2026
Event dates: March 17–20, 2027
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
What to Expect at EYA 2027
The four-day program includes:
- High-level panel discussions with experts
- Youth policy dialogues and interactive roundtables
- Leadership development sessions
- Delegate statements and speaking sessions
- Innovation and AI-focused conversations
- Cross-cultural exchange and collaborative activities
- Official networking and cultural activities
Why African Applicants Should Consider EYA 2027
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, EYA 2027 offers several distinct advantages:
- Global visibility: Platform to share perspectives on African development challenges with international audiences
- Network expansion: Direct connections with policymakers, NGOs, and potential collaborators in Europe and globally
- Visa support: Structured assistance with Schengen visa process, often a barrier for African applicants
- Airfare coverage: Fully Funded seats include international travel support, removing financial barriers
- No academic prerequisites: Valuable for applicants with non-traditional educational backgrounds
- Leadership credential: International conference participation strengthens profiles for future opportunities
Application Tips for Competitive Success
- Demonstrate specific community impact or leadership initiatives, not just aspirations
- Connect your experience to Assembly themes (sustainability, innovation, human rights, policy)
- Articulate what you will contribute to discussions, not just what you hope to gain
- Highlight cross-cultural or international engagement experience
- Submit early to avoid technical issues; do not wait until the deadline
