Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is an environmental entrepreneurship program designed and implemented by The DO School Fellowships gGmbH 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 runs as a two-year journey. Year 1 is a 12-month intensive requiring minimum 24 hours monthly commitment, focused on launching a market-tested prototype. Year 2 is an Acceleration Year for scaling ventures into sustainable impact projects.
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What the Fellowship Covers
Fellows receive comprehensive support throughout the program:
- Innovation training through online modules
- Community-based Local Hub gatherings
- International travel 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 Year
- Scaling mentors and skills-gap workshops in Year 2
- Global summit access, expert workshops, and network events
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
Only residents of the following countries are considered in this admissions round:
- SADC/Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
- Europe: 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, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom
- Asia-Pacific: India, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Americas: Mexico, United States
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 separate English test is required.
Program Structure
Year 1: Intensive Launch Phase (12 Months)
The first year requires minimum 24 hours monthly commitment and focuses on:
- Building skills, networks, and knowledge
- Launching a market-tested prototype
- Accessing venture coaching and mentoring
- Participating in Local Hub gatherings and Regional Summits
- Completing online innovation modules
Upon successful completion, fellows access project scholarships up to €15,000.
Year 2: Acceleration Year
Fellows who continue scale their ventures with:
- Deeper venture coaching access
- Scaling mentors and targeted skills workshops
- Project scholarships and cost-of-living stipend
- Global summit participation and expert network connections
Application Process
The application is submitted online through the official beVisioneers portal. Based on the program structure, expect to provide:
- Personal information and residency verification
- Written responses demonstrating English proficiency
- Video interview component
- Project proposal or environmental venture concept
- Evidence of age eligibility
Applications are assessed on written answers and video interview performance.
Key Dates
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Fellowship Year | 2027/28 |
| Program Duration | 12 months intensive + Acceleration Year |
Why This Matters for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants
Zimbabwe is explicitly listed as eligible, alongside regional neighbors South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. This represents a significant opportunity for young Zimbabwean environmental entrepreneurs to access Mercedes-Benz funded venture development without relocation requirements—the hybrid format combines e-learning with local hub gatherings and periodic international travel.
The €15,000 project scholarship accessible after Year 1 provides meaningful capital for environmental ventures in contexts where early-stage funding is scarce. The cost-of-living stipend in Year 2 further supports sustained project development.
Official Sources
Program details verified from The DO School Fellowships gGmbH official materials. For complete information and application access, visit the official program website.
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
