International Festival of Youth 2026 in Russia (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the International Festival of Youth 2026 (IFY 2026) — one of the world’s largest youth gatherings. This prestigious event will bring together 10,000 young leaders from 190 countries in Ekaterinburg, Russia, from September 11 to 17, 2026. It is open to motivated youth aged 14–35 from all nationalities and all academic or professional backgrounds who want to connect globally, exchange ideas, and drive positive change.

The festival is partially to fully funded: all selected participants receive free accommodation, meals, and local transportation. International travel is fully covered for ages 14–17 and for top-scoring applicants aged 18–35. There is no application fee. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Event Dates: September 11 – 17, 2026
• Location: Ekaterinburg, Russia
• Age Range: 14 to 35 years old
• Participants: 10,000 from 190 countries
• Application Fee: None
• Funding Type: Partially to fully funded
• Open to All Nationalities
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (main stage) | May 31, 2026 (reserve stage)

What This Opportunity Offers:

• Free accommodation in comfortable hotels or dormitories.
• All meals provided, fully customized to national, religious, dietary, and age requirements
• Local transfers and transportation throughout the festival
• Full travel cost coverage from home to Russia and back for every participant aged 14–17
• Travel grants for top-scoring international participants aged 18–35 (others can use their own funds or sending organization)

Also Check: European Forum Alpbach Scholarship 2026 (EFA26)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be between 14 and 35 years old (specific rules apply for the 14–17 and 18–35 groups)
• Open to young people from all nationalities
• Strong desire to change the world for the better and become part of a global youth community
• Willing to complete a remote competitive selection (essay + video presentation)
• For the Regional Expedition Program: foreign participants aged 18–35 only

Also Check: UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026

How to Apply:

• Visit the official website: Here
• Create an account and fill out the registration form
• Complete Step 1: Write and submit the essay
• Complete Step 2: Upload your video presentation
• Submit before the deadline .

Note: You may apply for both participant and volunteer roles, but you will be asked to choose your preferred category at the selection stage.

Volunteer Opportunity (Separate Track) If you are 16+ and live in Russia, you can also apply to become one of the 2,000 volunteers via the DOBRO.RF platform (December 5, 2025 – March 31, 2026). Volunteers receive meals, accommodation (for non-residents), insurance, equipment, souvenirs, and memorable prizes.

Also Check: Top Opportunities for Summer 2026 (Fully Funded)