Allianz CE MoveNow Scholarship 2026 For Young Leaders | Apply Now

About the scholarship

Young people across Central and Eastern Europe are entering a rapidly changing financial landscape, where new opportunities come with increasing vulnerabilities. As the region’s financial literacy gap widens, tens of thousands remain at risk. In response to these challenges, the Allianz CE MoveNow Scholarship 2026 aims to strengthen the region’s long‑term financial resilience by supporting underserved youth in financial need aged 18–30* who are preparing for future careers in leadership. We are looking for young people who combine academic excellence with curiosity and innovative thinking, and who—through the scholarship and the One Young World community—can articulate a clear vision for contributing to societal progress in the region.

Through this initiative, 13 promising young leaders will be selected to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa between 3–6 November, gaining access to world‑class leadership development, global insights, and a powerful international network. The experience equips participants with the skills, perspectives, and connections needed to return to their communities and drive meaningful change.

From Poland to Austria, Slovakia to Romania, we are looking for candidates with a track record of achievement in finance, business and economics, mathematics and statistics, technology, or related quantitative disciplines. Scholars should demonstrate analytical capability and a clear understanding of key local and global challenges, particularly those related to financial systems, economic development, sustainability, and societal resilience.

Beyond academic achievement, we value perspective, initiative, and the potential to create meaningful impact. We particularly encourage applications from talented individuals whose backgrounds may not yet have provided broad international exposure, but whose ideas, achievements, and ambition position them to make a significant contribution to global dialogue. We are looking for young individuals with thoughtful, well-developed ideas for addressing issues such as financial inclusion, sustainable finance, systemic resilience, and long‑term value creation.

Whether their work is rooted in entrepreneurship, research, public policy, technology, or community initiatives, scholars will be selected for their potential and commitment to driving positive change in the region with particular consideration for those who have overcome financial or structural barriers in pursuing their goals. The Allianz CE MoveNow Scholarship aims not only to recognize emerging leaders but to empower voices that will shape the future of finance and society.

Candidates must:

Be aged 18 to 30* at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026.
Be nationals of, or currently residing in and actively contributing to select focus countries in Central Europe: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Demonstrate analytical capability, intellectual curiosity, and innovative thinking, alongside a commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Have a track record of outstanding academic achievement in finance, business & economics, mathematics & statistics, technology, or related quantitative disciplines.
Demonstrate an understanding of key local and/or global challenges, particularly those related to financial systems, economic development, sustainability, or societal resilience.
Have a clear vision and demonstrate commitment to contributing to societal impact and community development, particularly within the CE Region.
We encourage representation from various backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the scholarship program.
We particularly encourage applications from underserved youth without existing broad international exposure, who have overcome financial or structural barriers in pursuing their goals.
Applications that are partisan, politically affiliated, or discriminatory in nature will not be considered. All information submitted in your application must be truthful and accurate.

We are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit. The One Young World team will consider candidates who are older than 30, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.