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beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027-28: Environmental Innovation Fellowship

beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is a fully funded environmental innovation program for young leaders aged 18-28, offering venture coaching, mentoring, and project scholarships up to €15,000. The hybrid fellowship runs from 2027-2028 with applications closing 31 January 2027.

September 30, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Jan 31, 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountryGermany
University/OrgThe DO School Fellowships gGmbH
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyClimate Action, Environmental Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainability
DeadlineJanuary 31, 2027

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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Program Overview

beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is an intensive environmental innovation program designed and implemented by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes-Benz. Launched in 2023, the fellowship equips young people with tools and resources to implement and scale environmental projects for a sustainable planet.

The program follows a two-year structure. Year 1 is a 12-month intensive requiring minimum 24 hours monthly commitment, where fellows gain skills, networks, and knowledge to launch market-tested prototypes. Year 2 is an Acceleration Year focused on scaling ventures into sustainable impact projects.

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What the Fellowship Covers

Fellows receive comprehensive support throughout their journey:

  • Innovation training through online modules
  • Community-based Local Hub gatherings
  • International travel opportunities to Regional Summits
  • Regular venture coaching and 1:1 mentoring
  • Expert and peer support for environmental leadership goals
  • Project scholarships up to €15,000 accessible at end of Year 1
  • Cost-of-living stipend during Year 2 Acceleration

Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements

You must be between 18 and 28 years old on the application closing date: 31 January 2027. If you turn 29 or are below 18 on or before this date, you are not eligible.

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Country Requirements

This admissions round is open only to residents of the following countries:

African countries included: Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Full eligible country list: Albania, Andorra, Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zimbabwe

Language Requirements

The program is conducted entirely in English. Fellows must have good oral and written command of English. Proficiency is assessed through written application answers and the interview video—no formal English test scores are required.

Program Structure

Year 1: Intensive Fellowship (12 Months)

The first year focuses on launching your environmental project through:

  • Minimum 24 hours monthly time commitment
  • Skills, network, and knowledge building
  • Development of market-tested prototype
  • Venture coaching and mentoring
  • Access to project scholarships (up to €15,000) upon completion

Year 2: Acceleration Year

Fellows who progress scale their ventures with:

  • Deeper venture coaching and scaling mentors
  • Skills-gap workshops
  • Project scholarships and cost-of-living stipend
  • Global summits, expert workshops, and network events
  • Sustained connections for long-term project impact

Study Format

The fellowship uses a hybrid delivery model:

  • Primary learning through e-learning and online modules
  • Local Hub gatherings for community-based connection
  • International travel to Regional Summits
  • Study language: English
  • Nominal duration: 12 months (Year 1 intensive)

Application Process

Applications for the 2027/28 fellowship year must be submitted by 31 January 2027, 23:59:59 Central European Time.

To apply:

  1. Visit the official beVisioneers website
  2. Complete the online application form
  3. Submit written answers demonstrating your environmental project idea and English proficiency
  4. Upload an interview video as part of the assessment

There is no application fee. The selection process evaluates your written responses and video interview to assess English proficiency, project viability, and leadership potential.

Why African Applicants Should Apply

With six African countries explicitly included—Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—this fellowship offers rare access to global networks, venture funding, and international exposure for young African environmental innovators. The hybrid format minimizes disruption to local commitments while providing international summit opportunities. The €15,000 project scholarship can significantly advance early-stage environmental ventures in resource-constrained settings.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Fully funded fellowship including innovation training, mentoring, venture coaching, international travel to Regional Summits, project scholarships up to €15,000, and cost-of-living stipend in Year 2

Eligibility Criteria

Ages 18-28 on 31 January 2027; resident of eligible countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and 40+ others; good English oral and written proficiency

Required Documents

Written application answers, interview video (English proficiency assessed through these; no formal test scores required)

Application Process

Complete online application at official website, submit written responses and video interview by deadline
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You must be between 18 and 28 years old on the application closing date of 31 January 2027. If you turn 29 on or before this date, you are not eligible regardless of your age during the fellowship period.
No formal English test is required. Your English proficiency is assessed through your written answers in the application and your interview video. You need good oral and written command of English to participate fully in the program.
No. The fellowship is fully funded by Mercedes-Benz. There is no application fee, and selected fellows receive training, mentoring, travel to Regional Summits, and access to project scholarships up to €15,000 without cost.
Fellows who successfully complete Year 1 can access project scholarships up to €15,000 and progress to Year 2, the Acceleration Year. This includes deeper venture coaching, scaling mentors, skills-gap workshops, a cost-of-living stipend, and continued network access through global summits and expert workshops.
Selection rates are not published. Success factors include: a clear, scalable environmental project idea; demonstrated leadership potential; strong English communication in written and video formats; and realistic commitment to 24+ hours monthly during Year 1. Applications are assessed holistically on project viability and personal fit.
No. The fellowship is hybrid with e-learning as the primary format. You participate through online modules and Local Hub gatherings in your region. International travel is provided only for Regional Summits, not for full-time relocation. The program is designed to let you develop your project while remaining in your home country.