Scholarship Overview
Overview
The European Youth Assembly 2027 (EYA 2027) is an international youth leadership and policy conference taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from March 17–20, 2027. Organized by the Canada-based Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS), the Assembly gathers young leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers from around the world for expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, policy conversations, and networking activities.
The program is built around the principle that young people should actively shape the future rather than simply inherit it. EYA 2027 offers multiple participation pathways: 100 competitive funded and free seats, plus 150 direct access seats for self-funded participants.
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Funding Categories
EYA 2027 provides three competitive funding tiers and two direct access options:
Fully Funded — 30 Seats
- International round-trip airfare support
- Hotel accommodation in Amsterdam
- Breakfast during covered accommodation period
- Visa invitation and visa support
- Meals and coffee breaks during designated sessions
- Full access to all Assembly sessions
- Certificate of Participation
- Official Assembly merchandise
- Delegate networking opportunities
- Speaking opportunities during designated sessions
- Access to workshops, panels, and policy dialogues
- Participation in official cultural and networking activities
- Delegate support before and during the Assembly
Partially Funded — 20 Seats
Includes all Fully Funded benefits except international airfare support. Delegates receive hotel accommodation, meals, visa support, full program access, certification, and speaking opportunities.
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Free Assembly Pass — 50 Seats
Provides full Assembly access without accommodation or airfare support. Includes meals and coffee breaks during sessions, certificate, merchandise, networking, workshops, and delegate support.
Direct Access — 150 Seats (Self-Funded)
- Assembly Pass Without Accommodation: $499 USD — confirmed participation, full session access, certificate, visa invitation, networking, and meals during conference hours (75 seats)
- Assembly Pass With Accommodation: $799 USD — all above benefits plus hotel accommodation and breakfast (75 seats)
Eligibility
EYA 2027 welcomes applicants from all countries and nationalities, including African and SADC region applicants. There are no restrictions based on academic discipline or professional sector.
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- Age: 17–47 years
- Backgrounds welcome: 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
The Assembly specifically seeks participants interested in leadership, policy, sustainability, innovation, human rights, entrepreneurship, technology, education, or community development.
Application Process
One application form covers all three competitive participation categories. Follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form with personal details, background information, and written responses
- Pay the USD 17.99 application fee if seeking consideration for funded seats (this fee enables entry into the competitive evaluation process but does not guarantee selection)
- Submit before the deadline: December 20, 2026
Direct Access seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis without competitive selection, subject to availability and completion of registration.
Selection Criteria
Funded opportunities are awarded through a competitive, rubric-based evaluation process assessing:
- Application Quality: Clarity, substance, and thoughtfulness of responses
- Motivation and Potential: Genuine motivation, leadership potential, willingness to learn and engage
- Leadership and Impact: Community involvement, demonstrated achievements, initiative, and potential for social impact
- Relevance and Contribution: Alignment of experience and aspirations with the Assembly’s goals
- Diversity and Representation: Geographic, professional, academic, and cultural diversity of the cohort
- Overall Profile: Complete strength of application rather than single-criterion assessment
Visa Support
Visa invitation letters and visa support are included in all funded categories and Direct Access passes. A standalone Visa Invitation Letter Only option is available for USD 99 for applicants who need documentation to begin Schengen visa preparations before confirming full participation. This includes official delegate confirmation, event date and location confirmation, and one-time embassy coordination where required. The full cost can be adjusted toward final participation if upgraded later.
What to Expect
The four-day program includes:
- High-level panel discussions with experts and policymakers
- 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
- Networking with international participants
Why Apply
For African applicants, particularly from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, EYA 2027 offers:
- Substantial funded opportunities (100 seats) with global geographic diversity as an explicit selection criterion
- Visa support and invitation letters to facilitate Schengen visa applications
- No academic or professional background restrictions
- Platform to engage with European policy discussions and build international networks
- Recognition and certification for leadership and policy engagement experience
