The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative encouraging young individuals aged 15-26 to pitch their ideas for innovative learning programs for their dream university. Participants can pitch programs on one of the following themes: Community Engagement, Socio-emotional Development, and Sustainability (planetary health and regenerative economy). The 12 finalists will receive regular mentorship from a global network of industries with the goal of implementing their programs. The winner receives US$1000. The deadline for submissions is 15 January 2026. Youth Design Challenge
Category: Cross-Cutting Subjects
The Planet Forward Storyfest Awards invites students to submit stories that inspire, motivate, and drive change. Planet Forward seeks stories surrounding the people, ideas, and innovations moving the world toward a greener future. Participants can submit stories (written, video, multimedia, or podcast) on topics such as climate justice, biodiversity, food, water, or energy. Entries will be accepted until 09 February 2026. Planet Forward Storyfest Awards
The Beit Trust Scholarships offer postgraduate (Master’s) funding exclusively to nationals and permanent residents of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. For 2026, it will award scholarships at UK and South African partner universities. Eligible candidates must not already be enrolled in a course, and preference is given to those with strong academic records, relevant professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment of study fields with developmental needs. The scholarship covers full tuition, living allowance, travel, visa and health fees, and additional allowances. The application deadline is 13 February 2026. Postgraduate Scholarships
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
The International Zendal Awards recognize outstanding contributions to biotechnology projects in human and animal health within a One Health framework, offering two prizes: €40 thousand for Human Health and €25 thousand for Animal Health. The award is open to public or private institutions worldwide, including universities, NGOs, foundations, startups, and government entities. Nominations are accepted until 19 September 2025. International Zendal Awards
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) funds the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time study at a UK university. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships, instead all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 14 October 2025. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office makes Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for full-time doctoral studies to citizens from least developed countries and fragile states who could not afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. Instead, all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 14 October 2025. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program (MSCFP) aims to help increase the number of women in the nuclear field and drive global scientific and technological innovation. Selected students receive a scholarship for Master’s programs in nuclear-related studies. They are also provided with an opportunity to pursue an internship facilitated by the IAEA for up to 12 months. Female scientists from all around the world are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025. More information
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
The United People Global (UPG) Sustainability Leadership training program offers young leaders from all over the world the opportunity to participate in an immersive 1-week experience on an island in the USA. UPG seeks young people (18-35 years) who want to take positive action that helps the world tackle a sustainability challenge to achieve any of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 500 young leaders will be selected to participate in an online program and receive a certification after successful completion of the online training. 60 participants will have the chance to attend the complimentary 1-week training in the USA (all costs of the program will be covered). Applications should be received by 31 December 2025 for the Class of 2026. UPG Sustainability Leadership