The Pernod Ricard Scholarship 2026 is a leadership award run in partnership with One Young World. It backs 10 young changemakers who are tackling harmful drinking and creating safe, inclusive places for people to socialise. Winners receive full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. This is a massive opportunity for you to upgrade your resume!
Beyond the trip itself, scholars join Pernod Ricard’s official delegation and gain access to mentorship and networking opportunities that can advance their own initiatives. For African applicants, the Summit takes place right on the continent — in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November 2026 — making this a rare chance to plug into a global leadership network without leaving Africa.
This is an opportunity-based award rather than a degree scholarship: it funds participation in a high-profile summit and the activities around it, including post-Summit reflection sessions.
Scholarship benefits
- Full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
- A place in Pernod Ricard’s official delegation.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities to accelerate your initiative.
- Participation in post-Summit collective reflection sessions.
Eligibility checklist
✔ Open to applicants from all countries worldwide, including across Africa.
✔ You must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence.
✔ You are actively working on a project that promotes balance and moderation, prevents excessive alcohol consumption, reduces social harm and isolation, improves safety in social settings, or researches socialising and alcohol use.
✔ Eligible focus areas include responsible drinking initiatives, social inclusion projects, hospitality sector leadership, community safety projects, and research on Gen Z social habits.
✔ You are available to take part in post-Summit collective sessions.
✔ You can show evidence of your project’s impact and write a personal statement of motivation.
Application tips for African students
- Lead with measurable impact. Selection rewards demonstrated results, so gather hard evidence early — numbers of people reached, partnerships formed, before-and-after data on your project.
- Tell a sharp, focused story. Your personal statement should connect your lived experience to the mission of reducing harmful drinking and building safer social spaces. Be specific, not general.
- Show innovation and community roots. Panels weigh leadership potential and community engagement, so explain how your work grew from a real need in your community.
- Prepare supporting documents in advance. Have your completed online form, impact evidence (reports, photos, testimonials, links), and motivation statement ready well before the deadline.
- Sort travel logistics early. Even though the Summit is in Cape Town, check whether you need a South African visa and confirm your passport validity in good time.
- Commit to the full programme. Make sure you can attend 3–6 November 2026 and the post-Summit sessions, and say so clearly in your application.
- Apply ahead of the deadline. Submit before 14 July 2026 to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How to apply
Start by reviewing the eligibility criteria, then prepare evidence of your project or initiative and your motivation statement. Applications are submitted online through the One Young World application portal. The application window opens on 19 May 2026 and closes on 14 July 2026. Apply via the official page: One Young World – Pernod Ricard Scholarship 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Pernod Ricard Scholarship 2026?
Applicants from all countries worldwide who are of legal drinking age in their country of residence and are actively working on projects related to responsible drinking, social inclusion, community safety, hospitality leadership, or research on social habits.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, a place in Pernod Ricard’s delegation, mentorship and networking, and participation in post-Summit reflection sessions.
How many scholarships are available?
Ten scholarships will be awarded.
When and where is the Summit held?
The One Young World Summit 2026 takes place from 3 to 6 November 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
What is the application deadline?
Applications open on 19 May 2026 and must be submitted by 14 July 2026 through the One Young World application portal.
What documents do I need?
You’ll need a completed online application form, evidence of your project or initiative’s impact, and a personal statement or motivation.
Be a changemaker because AFRICA needs changemakers more than ever!