Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program 2027: Funded Scholarships for Young Africans
About this opportunity
Applications are open for the 2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program. AFS Youth Assembly will select 10 participants for its third cohort. The opportunity supports young Africans working to improve their communities.
Supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, the programme lasts 12 months.
Application deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Who can apply?
You must:
- Be aged 18–35 and from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Hold an unexpired passport.
- Demonstrate leadership and potential for personal and professional growth.
- Have intermediate-level English proficiency.
- Show interest in global affairs, sustainable development and youth issues.
- Be available to attend in Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027.
Leading an existing project connected to the Sustainable Development Goals is preferred. Official eligibility requirements.
What does the scholarship cover?
AFS describes the scholarship as fully funded. It includes:
- Virtual AFS Global Competence Certificate training.
- Preparation workshops.
- Youth Assembly participation, travel and accommodation.
- The “Effect+ in the Community” workshop in Switzerland.
- Project seed funding and six months of mentoring.
The announcement does not specify the seed-funding amount.
After returning home, you must replicate the workshop for at least 100 young people and develop an impact project. Programme benefits and commitments.
How to apply
- Read the official announcement and linked Applicant Q&A.
- Open the official application form.
- Follow the form’s instructions and describe your experience accurately.
- Check your answers and submit before the deadline.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early: visa processing can take months. The announcement strongly discourages AI-written narratives. Application notice.
Preparing a stronger application
AFS’s published advice draws on its review of almost 6,000 applications for the previous cohort. It recommends explaining your work through evidence:
- Describe the problem you address and your specific contribution.
- Explain which Sustainable Development Goals your work supports.
- Show what changed, who benefited and what you learned.
- Be honest about early-stage results.
- Check that your name and passport details match your supporting materials.
- Allow time to revise and check every field.
The guidance distinguishes AI assistance with organising or refining writing from inventing experience or impact. Your application should reflect your own thinking and verifiable work. These recommendations do not guarantee selection. Read AFS’s seven application lessons.
Official information and application
- Programme details: 2027 scholarship announcement
- Apply: Official application form
- Applicant questions: Official Applicant Q&A
