The Global Leadership Challenge 2026: Free Virtual Leadership Program

Applications are now open for The Global Leadership Challenge 2026, a virtual leadership program for Masters students, PhD students and young professionals from all fields of study. The application deadline is 5 November 2026. This is not a traditional scholarship, so there is no tuition funding, but the three winning teams will have their travel and accommodation fully covered to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027. Applicants from all countries can apply, and the program takes place online from 10 to 14 December 2026. The official details do not mention any application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Country: Online, so you can join from anywhere in the world
• Application Deadline: 5 November 2026
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Program Dates: 10 to 14 December 2026
• Number of Participants: 100 young leaders

About the Program:

The Global Leadership Challenge brings together 100 young leaders chosen through an open application process. Applicants are judged on their passion for working on complex global problems. The organizers want a diverse group of people who are ready to face the challenges of our time and grow into responsible leaders.

What They Offers:

By taking part, you will receive and gain the following:

• A place in a diverse global community of young and responsible leaders
• Direct access to world renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders
• Practical skills in solving global problems through design thinking
• A leadership approach that supports both your own goals and the good of society
• An official Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium
• Personal leadership training and mentorship from the Oxford Character Project
• A chance to win a fully covered trip to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 if your team is one of the top three

Also Check: University of Science and Technology of China Winter Camp 2027

Prize for the Winning Teams:

The three winning teams will be invited to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow. Their travel and accommodation costs will be fully covered.

At the event, they will talk with senior leaders from different generations. After the conference, they will join a global network of emerging thinkers and changemakers.

Mentorship After the Program

After successful participation, GLC Members can apply for more mentoring in leadership development. This is offered by the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford. It helps you think about your purpose and grow as a future leader.

Eligibility Criteria:

You can apply if you meet all of these requirements:

• You are currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD program, or you are a young professional aged between 21 and 30
• You have finished your undergraduate studies
• You have shown your commitment to responsible leadership through extracurricular activities or work experience
• You can give around five half days from 10 to 14 December 2026, so please block these dates now
• You can take part in all GLC sessions, because this is required to receive the Certificate of Achievement

Also Check: United Nations Young Professionals Programme

Challenge Topics:

Participants will work on real challenges from partner organizations.

Swiss Re

This challenge asks how organizations can build a workforce that is ready for the future, when technology, risk and expectations change faster than we can predict. Participants will explore how human skills, critical thinking and AI can work together to rethink work and build the abilities needed for what comes next.

Schwarzman Scholars

The Schwarzman Scholars Program wants ideas on how its curriculum can be improved or expanded. The goal is to keep preparing scholars to face uncertainty with confidence in the coming decades.

Third Challenge Partner

A new challenge partner will be announced soon.

Also Check: MAXMINDS Max Planck Initiative for researchers at Risk

Important Dates:

• Application Opens: 29 September 2026
• Application Closes: 5 November 2026
• GLC 2026: 10 to 14 December 2026

How to Apply:

1. Read the eligibility criteria and make sure you qualify.
2. Block 10 to 14 December 2026 in your calendar.
3. Go to the official application page
4. Fill in your application and submit it before 5 November 2026.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early instead of waiting for the deadline.

Also Check: Knight-Hennessy Scholars program in United States