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Switzerland Short Course Fully Funded

Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027 | Fully Funded Switzerland

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program selects 10 changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa for a 12-month fully funded experience including the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, professional development, and seed funding for community impact projects.

November 7, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 19, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountrySwitzerland
University/OrgAFS Youth Assembly
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyGlobal Affairs, Leadership, Social Impact, Sustainable Development, Youth Development
DeadlineNovember 19, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program is a flagship initiative by AFS Youth Assembly, supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. Now entering its third edition, the program identifies and empowers exceptional young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, networks, and resources to drive sustainable development in their communities.

The program aligns with United Nations priorities on youth investment in Africa, where 70% of the population is under 30. Selected participants join a growing alumni network of changemakers from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, and Namibia.

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What the Program Covers

This is a 12-month fully funded scholarship covering all program elements:

  • Travel and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, August 2027
  • AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Program — virtual pre-assembly training to build intercultural competencies
  • Pre-Youth Assembly Preparation Workshops to maximize conference engagement
  • Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly — a global platform attracting 700-900 participants from 100+ countries, with 40% representation from Sub-Saharan Africa
  • “Effect+ in the Community” intensive workshop in Switzerland — changemaking skills and scalable training frameworks
  • Seed funding and mentorship for a 6-month community impact project upon return
  • Special recognition at the Youth Assembly Closing Ceremony

Program Structure and Timeline

The program unfolds across three phases:

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Phase 1: Virtual Preparation (Early 2027)

Participants complete the AFS Global Competence Certificate and pre-assembly workshops remotely.

Phase 2: Geneva Immersion (August 2027)

Attendees participate in the AFS Youth Assembly and the Effect+ workshop in Switzerland, building international networks and receiving advanced training.

Phase 3: Community Implementation (September 2027–February 2028)

Leaders return home to replicate the Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people in their communities, then launch individual impact projects with ongoing mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet all criteria:

  • Aged 18–35 years
  • Citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country (Zimbabwe and SADC applicants welcome)
  • Hold an unexpired passport
  • Demonstrable leadership qualities or proven track record
  • Potential for personal and professional growth
  • Proficient in English (intermediate level minimum)
  • Demonstrable interest in global affairs, sustainable development, and youth issues
  • Leading a social impact project related to the Sustainable Development Goals (preferred)
  • Available to attend the Youth Assembly in Geneva in person, August 2027

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged due to visa processing timelines.

Step 1: Prepare required documents including passport details and evidence of leadership experience.

Step 2: Complete the online application before the deadline.

Step 3: Await selection notification. The program received nearly 6,000 applications in its second edition.

Important: The use of AI to write narrative responses is highly discouraged.

Selection History

The first edition (2025) celebrated 10 leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, and Ghana. The second edition expanded to include Malawi and Namibia. The third edition continues this legacy with a new cohort.

Resources for Applicants

AFS provides a dedicated FAQ document and published analysis: “Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program: 7 Lessons from 6000 Applications” — recommended reading before applying.

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Official scholarship page: https://www.youthassembly.org/2026/10/16/young-african-leaders-scholarships/

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: 12-month program including travel and accommodation to Geneva, professional certification, workshops, seed funding for impact projects, and mentorship

Eligibility Criteria

Ages 18-35; citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries; unexpired passport; demonstrable leadership experience; English proficiency (intermediate); interest in sustainable development and global affairs; must attend Geneva in person August 2027; SDG-related social impact project preferred

Required Documents

Unexpired passport; evidence of leadership experience; details of social impact project (if applicable)

Application Process

Submit online application before deadline; applications reviewed first-come first-served; selected participants complete virtual GCC program and pre-assembly workshops; travel to Geneva for Youth Assembly and Effect+ workshop; return home to implement community workshops and individual impact projects with mentorship
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. This is a fully funded program. All costs are covered including travel to Geneva, accommodation, the Global Competence Certificate program, workshops, and seed funding for your impact project.
Yes. The program is open to all Sub-Saharan African countries. Previous editions included leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, and Namibia. Zimbabwe and all SADC nationals meeting eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.
Only 10 leaders are selected per edition, making this highly competitive. Strengthen your application by clearly demonstrating proven leadership impact, an active SDG-related project, and authentic personal motivation. Avoid using AI to write your narrative responses.
The program explicitly warns that visa processing can take several months. Apply early to allow maximum processing time. Selection does not guarantee visa approval, so begin passport and visa preparations immediately upon application.
Yes. Intermediate English proficiency is required. All program activities, including the Youth Assembly and workshops, are conducted in English. You must be able to participate fully in discussions, presentations, and networking.
Selected leaders must replicate the Effect+ workshop for at least 100 young people in their local community and complete a 6-month impact project using provided seed funding, with mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.

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