Our admission process for the Global Youth Council is designed to identify exceptional students aged 16 – 18 who are united in a common purpose:
to lead the change they want to see in the world.
We want to get to know your story and your passions, and bring together a Fellowship of talented, ambitious young leaders.
Show us the world through your eyes. What are the challenges that keep you up at night, and what are the solutions you’re already building? This initial step allows applicants to articulate their foundational story, their unique talents, and their deep-seated aspirations.
Outcome: After reviewing all applications, a selected group of candidates will be shortlisted by the reviewing committee and invited to the next stage.
Moving beyond the written application to understand how candidates think, communicate, and engage in real-time. This is not a test of polished answers, but an opportunity to explore your depth of thinking, self-awareness, and potential for growth.
From budding artists to scientists, entrepreneurs to public leaders, Fellows bring diverse strengths, united by a shared commitment to global impact. We look for individuals who demonstrate leadership, vision, and social responsibility, and who use their talents to make the world a better place.
We value people who take initiative. Whether you have launched a project, organised a community effort or simply created momentum around an idea, we want to see evidence of action.
We look for students who ask bold questions, think independently and imagine new possibilities for the future.
We care about applicants who demonstrate genuine engagement with their communities and the world around them.
Every Fellow brings something unique – from science and entrepreneurship to arts, debate, technology or public speaking. We value both expertise and the willingness to keep learning.
Great leadership requires both expression and listening. We look for applicants who can communicate thoughtfully and engage respectfully with different perspectives.
You do not need to have already mastered all of these areas to apply. Global Youth Council exists to help you develop them. While we care about your experiences so far, we are equally interested in your future potential, your ambition, your sense of possibility, and your willingness to grow.
To apply for the current cohort, applicants should meet the following criteria:
The Global Youth Council is a leadership accelerator. The total investment for the 12-month journey is
£10,000 GBP. *excluding vat
What’s included?
The digital campus:
12 months of access to leaders of excellence, a community of peers from around the world, and deep dives into the latest trends. Fellows will engage with outstanding voices across politics, the arts, sport, business, education, technology and social impact.
The global summit:
A 3-day, in-person experience bringing Fellows from across the globe together. We have partnered with Envoys, a global leader in educational travel with over a decade of experience, to ensure every moment is high-impact, carefully planned and safely delivered.
The university edge:
Upon completion, Fellows will receive an official Global Youth Council certificate and build a portfolio of experiences, reflections and impact that will stand them in good stead for university and future opportunities.
This pathway includes students whose tuition is covered either directly or through support from their personal or community network. In some cases, Fellows also take an active role in securing sponsorship by reaching out to their schools, local businesses, or community organisations that believe in their potential.
We are committed to ensuring that talented young people can access the Fellowship regardless of their financial circumstances. Thanks to the support of our philanthropic and corporate partners, up to 10 highly competitive scholarships are available for participants who demonstrate exceptional potential and financial need.
These scholarships apply to the virtual component of the Fellowship only and do not cover travel, accommodation, or other expenses related to the in-person summit.
*please note this is a means tested process
How can Global Youth Council support university applications and future opportunities?
Global Youth Council is designed to help Fellows develop a stronger personal narrative, a clearer sense of purpose, and a body of work that reflects their ideas, leadership, and interests beyond academics alone.
Throughout the Fellowship, participants develop a Capstone project showcasing their reflections, projects, discussions, and contributions across the year.
Fellows also gain exposure to global issues, mentorship opportunities with experts and leaders from different industries, and collaborative experiences that can help strengthen future university, scholarship, and career applications.
By the end of the programme, Fellows graduate with an official Global Youth Council Certification and a formal Letter of Recommendation recognising their participation, growth, and leadership throughout the Fellowship.
How much does the programme cost and what does it include?
The total investment for the 12-month Fellowship is £10,000 GBP. This includes full access to the Digital Campus, live sessions with global experts, personalised mentorship, a global community of peers, and the Global Summit – a 3-day in-person experience in a leading global city, with flights and accommodation included. Fellows also receive an official Global Youth Council Fellowship Certificate and personalised recommendation upon completion of the programme.
What makes the Global Youth Council different from other leadership programs?
Global Youth Council is not designed as a traditional academic course or competition. It is a highly curated global Fellowship built around real conversations, collaboration, exposure to global leaders, and applied learning experiences.
Rather than focusing only on theory, Fellows engage with complex global challenges, work alongside peers from different cultures and backgrounds, and develop their own voice, ideas, and leadership identity throughout the journey.
The programme combines world-class speakers, small peer circles, case-based learning, mentorship and an immersive global summit experience designed to help Fellows grow both personally and intellectually.
To apply for the Global Youth Council, you must meet the following essential requirements:
What kind of Fellows are you looking for?
We evaluate candidates on five core pillars: Leadership, Vision, Social Commitment, Talent/Skills, and Communication.
Whether your talent is coding, debate, classical music, art, or science, we want to see how you use it to help others and shape the future.
You do not need to have mastered all these areas to apply; we are looking for your potential to grow.
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