Brand South Africa Play Your Part Bursary 2026: Requirements and Closing Date
Brand South Africa, in partnership with One Young World, has opened applications for the Play Your Part Bursary 2026, offering six outstanding young South Africans the chance to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town this November. This is not a tuition or study bursary. It is a fully funded opportunity to attend one of the world’s most prominent gatherings for young leaders, alongside delegates from around the globe.
If you are a young South African already active in your community and want international exposure alongside other young changemakers, this is worth applying for before the mid-September deadline.
What Is the Play Your Part Bursary?
Play Your Part is a nationwide initiative created by Brand South Africa to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship across the country. It encourages individuals, corporates, NGOs, government, schools and faith communities to contribute time, money, skills or goods toward a better future for all South Africans.
Through this bursary, Brand South Africa is partnering with One Young World to send six young South Africans to the One Young World Summit 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November 2026. Of the six bursaries available, three are reserved for candidates based in Cape Town, and three are open to applicants from anywhere in South Africa.
What the Bursary Includes
Successful applicants receive:
- Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November)
- Travel and accommodation, as required
- Catering, including dinner on 3 November and lunch and dinner on 4, 5 and 6 November
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme
- Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator
- Lifetime membership to the One Young World Ambassador Community
One important detail: travel and accommodation is not provided for candidates based in Cape Town, since local delegates are expected to make their own way to and from the Summit venue.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Play Your Part Bursary, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026
- Be a South African national or resident
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to active citizenship and contributing to positive change in South Africa
- Show a track record of using their time, money, skills or goods to benefit their community or society more broadly
- Show an understanding of key local and/or global issues facing South Africa
Applications from anyone who will still be under 18 at the time of the Summit will not be accepted, so double-check your age against the Summit dates, not today’s date, before applying.
Key Dates
- Applications open: 11 August 2026
- Applications close: 16 September 2026
- One Young World Summit: 3-6 November 2026, Cape Town
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through the official One Young World application portal linked from the Brand South Africa Play Your Part Bursary page. There is no separate paper or email application route, so make sure your submission goes through the official online form before the 16 September deadline.
Visit the official website to apply
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the country’s official marketing agency, mandated to build South Africa’s global brand reputation and improve its competitiveness as an investment destination. Alongside this economic mandate, Brand South Africa runs Play Your Part to inspire active citizenship, showing that when South Africans invest in one another and their environment, the whole country benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a study or tuition bursary? No. This bursary fully funds attendance at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town. It does not cover university tuition or study fees.
Who can apply for the Play Your Part Bursary? South African nationals or residents aged 18 to 30 at the time of the Summit, who can demonstrate active citizenship and a track record of contributing to their community.
How many bursaries are available? Six in total. Three are reserved for Cape Town-based candidates, and three are open to applicants across South Africa.
Will travel and accommodation be covered? Yes, for candidates based outside Cape Town. Candidates based in Cape Town are not provided with travel and accommodation.
When does the bursary close? Applications close on 16 September 2026.
When is the One Young World Summit taking place? From 3 to 6 November 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Looking for another opportunity?
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