• Last Updated: August 2026
• Deadline: 13 September 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7)
• Award: Fully sponsored attendance — airfare, accommodation, local transportation and meals
• Study Level: Not a degree programme; open to young researchers and professionals aged 20–35
• Eligibility: Applicants of any nationality with fluent English and a background in political science, international relations, international law or related social sciences
• Application: Online application form

Quick Facts

The Young Leaders Programme 2026 will be held in Hanoi as part of the 18th South China Sea International Conference. Eight young participants will be selected to join the conference, interact with scholars and policymakers, and present policy pitches during a dedicated Young Leaders session.

Important Deadline Notice

Deadline: 13 September 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7).

The application is currently open, and the deadline is approaching. Applicants should submit well before the closing time rather than relying on the final hours.

What Is the Young Leaders Program 2026 in Vietnam?

The Young Leaders Programme is an initiative connected with the South China Sea International Conference, hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam. The official conference platform describes the conference series as a forum focused on subjects including geopolitics, maritime security and international law. Previous official Young Leaders calls have similarly positioned the programme as a platform for young researchers to engage with experts and contribute their perspectives.

For 2026, the programme is built around “Regional Cooperation and Next-Generation Solutions.” Selected participants will attend the 18th South China Sea International Conference in Hanoi from 6 to 8 October 2026, take part in discussions with experts and policymakers, and deliver policy pitches in a Young Leaders session.

This is important for applicants searching for a “scholarship.” It is not funding for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree. It is a funded international conference and leadership opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The current 2026 eligibility information is focused on age, English ability and subject background rather than a specific university enrolment status.

You may be eligible if:

• You are 20 to 35 years old at the start of the programme.
• You can use English fluently.
• You have background knowledge in political science, international relations, international law or other social sciences.
• You have a genuine interest in maritime security and related regional issues.
• You are available to attend the programme in Hanoi from 6–8 October 2026.
• You are from any nationality.

You are not eligible if:

• You fall outside the 20–35 age range.
• You cannot demonstrate the required level of English communication.
• Your academic or professional background has no meaningful connection to the required social-science fields.
• You cannot participate in the in-person Hanoi programme during the scheduled dates.

What Does the Programme Cover?

The current 2026 announcement specifically says that airfare, accommodation, local transportation and meals are covered by the organisers. No separate cash stipend is stated, so applicants should not assume that they will receive a monthly allowance or spending money.

The programme also provides access to the South China Sea International Conference and interaction with researchers, scholars and policymakers. Previous official calls have included conference participation, certificates and access to a wider Young Leaders alumni network as programme benefits.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is a strong fit for a young researcher, graduate, postgraduate student or early-career professional whose work or interests connect with maritime security, international relations, international law, political science or related social-science areas.

It should be a priority for applicants who want international exposure in policy, diplomacy, security studies or South China Sea research and who can contribute an informed perspective rather than simply attend as a passive participant.

Students looking specifically for tuition funding should look elsewhere. For example, ScholarshipsInstitute.com has a separate guide to the [TDTU International Graduate Scholarship 2026 in Vietnam], which is designed for postgraduate study rather than conference participation.

Required Documents

The current 2026 public announcement does not provide a complete document checklist.

Basic application requirements

• Completed online application form
• Accurate personal and contact information
• Details of your academic or professional background
• Evidence of relevant interests or experience, where requested by the application form
• Any additional materials specifically requested inside the application form

Important: The university/organiser has not publicly stated a complete attachment list in the currently indexed 2026 announcement. Do not upload invented or unnecessary documents simply because another scholarship application normally requires them.

How to Apply

Use the current application form associated with the 2026 Young Leaders call.

1. Check your age first. Confirm that you will be between 20 and 35 at the start of the programme.
2. Review your academic or professional background. Make sure your experience fits political science, international relations, international law or a related social-science field.
3. Prepare your information before opening the form. Have your education, professional experience and relevant research interests ready.
4. Explain your interest in maritime security clearly. Avoid a generic statement about wanting to attend an international conference.
5. Show what you can contribute. Mention a specific research question, regional issue or policy problem connected with the programme.
6. Check your English carefully. The programme requires fluent English, so your written answers should be clear and professional.
7. Complete every required field. Review names, dates, affiliations, contact details and other factual information before submission.
8. Submit before the deadline. The closing time is 23:59 on 13 September 2026 (GMT+7).
9. Save your submission information. Keep a copy of your answers and any confirmation received after submission.
10. Monitor your email. Selected applicants will need to follow the organisers’ subsequent instructions for participation in Hanoi.

Official Application: Young Leaders Programme 2026 application form

The application link above is the form currently shared in a 2026 announcement by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam-affiliated programme contributor.

How to Write a Strong Application

The strongest approach is to make your relevance obvious. The current 2026 announcement says selected Young Leaders will engage with experts and present policy pitches, so your application should show that you can move beyond general interest and discuss a real regional issue.

Focus on a specific topic such as maritime security, regional cooperation, international law, ASEAN dynamics or another issue directly connected with the South China Sea.

For example, instead of writing:

“I am passionate about international relations and want to learn from experts.”

A stronger answer would identify a concrete issue, explain why it matters, connect it to your academic or professional experience, and briefly state what policy question you want to explore.

Your application should make three things easy to understand: what you study or work on, why the issue matters, and what perspective you would bring to the Young Leaders discussion.

Common Mistakes

1. Treating it as a university scholarship.
The programme funds attendance at a conference; it does not pay tuition for a degree.

2. Ignoring the age limit.
Applicants must be 20–35 at the start of the programme. Being only slightly outside the range does not create an exception.

3. Giving a generic motivation statement.
The programme is specifically connected with maritime security and regional issues. Your application should demonstrate relevant knowledge rather than only enthusiasm.

4. Assuming there is a stipend.
Airfare, accommodation, local transport and meals are covered, but a separate living or cash allowance has not been publicly stated.

5. Submitting after the deadline.
The deadline is a specific local time: 23:59 GMT+7 on 13 September 2026.

6. Entering inconsistent personal information.
Check names, dates, university or employer details and contact information before submitting the form.

Important Dates

The 2026 programme will take place in Hanoi, Viet Nam, during the 6–8 October conference period.

FAQ

Can international students apply for the Young Leaders Program 2026 in Vietnam?

Yes. The current 2026 eligibility information is open to applicants of all nationalities. The main restrictions are the 20–35 age range, fluent English, relevant social-science background and interest in maritime security or related issues.

Is the Young Leaders Program 2026 fully funded?

It is a fully sponsored attendance opportunity in the practical sense that the organisers cover round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, local transportation and meals. However, no cash stipend or monthly allowance is stated in the current 2026 announcement.

What is the deadline for the Young Leaders Program 2026?

The deadline is 13 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT+7. Because the programme is highly selective and only eight Young Leaders are expected to be chosen, submitting early is sensible.

How many Young Leaders will be selected?

The 2026 programme will select eight Young Leaders to attend the South China Sea International Conference. Selected participants will engage with scholars and policymakers and take part in a dedicated Young Leaders policy-pitch session.

Do I need to be a university student?

Not necessarily. The programme is aimed at young researchers and young professionals as well as applicants with relevant academic backgrounds. The published eligibility focuses on age, English ability and relevant social-science knowledge rather than requiring current university enrolment.

Is IELTS required?

The current public information says applicants must be fluent in English, but it does not state an IELTS score requirement. Do not assume a particular IELTS band is mandatory unless the application form or organiser provides one.

Does the programme cover visa costs or insurance?

Insurance and visa-cost coverage are not publicly stated in the current 2026 announcement. Applicants should therefore budget cautiously and verify any visa or insurance arrangements in the instructions sent to selected participants.

Where is the programme held?

The 2026 Young Leaders Programme will be held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, alongside the 18th South China Sea International Conference from 6–8 October 2026.

Final Verdict: Is the Young Leaders Program 2026 Worth Applying For?

Yes—provided your profile is genuinely connected to international relations, political science, international law, maritime security or a related field.

The biggest restriction is the 20–35 age range, followed by the need for fluent English and relevant subject knowledge. The main benefit is the sponsored opportunity to travel to Hanoi with airfare, accommodation, local transportation and meals covered while participating in a major regional conference.

The most important action is simple: complete the application before 23:59 GMT+7 on 13 September 2026 and make your academic or professional relevance to maritime-security and regional-cooperation issues unmistakable.

Official Source

Official Conference Platform: Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam — South China Sea International Conference: Official SCSC website

The official SCSC platform confirms that the South China Sea International Conference is hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and has previously published official Young Leaders calls. The currently indexed official pages predominantly show the 2025 cycle, while the current 2026 deadline and selection information are confirmed through a current DAV/MOFA-affiliated announcement.

Application Form: Apply to the 2026 Young Leaders Programme