Driving equitable access to healthcare requires bold ideas and passionate early talent.
Despite major medical advances, billions of people still lack access to essential care and affordable medicines. Global health data shows we are not on track to meet several key targets, including universal health coverage and improved health emergency preparedness. The urgency to act has never been greater.
One Young World is proud to partner with Sandoz, the world’s leading provider of off-patent medicines, to champion innovation and help close persistent gaps in global healthcare access.
Through the Sandoz Scholarships 2026, we will support five outstanding young leaders who are driving positive change in global health, access to medicines, or healthcare innovation. These scholars will join the global Sandoz delegation at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town South Africa, 3–6 November 2025, where they will connect, collaborate, and amplify their impact.
Join us
Applications are now open for the 2026 Sandoz Scholars.
This scholarship supports early talent who are working to remove barriers to healthcare or creating new ways to help more people access the medicines and care they need — in their communities, their countries, or around the world.
Examples of relevant work include:
- Creating digital or AI tools that help people in underserved areas access healthcare.
- Designing better supply-chain solutions to deliver essential medicines to remote or rural regions.
- Running local health education or training programs in underserved communities.
- Advocating for policy changes that make healthcare and medicines more affordable and accessible.
To apply for this Scholarship, you must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old*.
- Show a clear commitment to creating positive change.
- Show leadership potential.
- Understand key issues in your community or the wider world.
- Have experience creating practical or innovative solutions that improve healthcare or reduce healthcare inequalities.
*Most delegates at the One Young World Summit are between 18 and 30. The One Young World team may consider applicants over 30 if they can show strong personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage. We cannot accept applications from anyone under 18 at the time of the Summit.
Selected scholars will receive:
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town, checking in on 2 November and checking out on 7 November.
- Travel to and from Cape Town (flights in economy).
- Catering which includes breakfast at the hotel, and lunch and dinner on core Summit days.
- Ground transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
- Participation in Sandoz-hosted sessions for their delegation in the lead-up to and during the Summit, and a Sandoz "buddy" to enhance networking and engagement.