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The FAQ's
Everything you need to know about the application process, flights, accommodation and more.
Applications for the Global Youth Summit 2026 will open on March 20, 2026, and will close at midnight Eastern Time on April 20, 2026.
Application Video
Q- What should the video cover?
In their video, applicants should very briefly introduce themselves and then address the following questions:
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What is the issue that you are dedicated to solving, and why does it matter to you personally? (you can share a story or example of a moment that made you realize the importance of your activism, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community work)
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What actions have you taken to address this issue?
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How is your work creating real impact? Describe a specific change you have already achieved or are working towards.
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What is your vision for the next year? What steps are you planning to take to scale or deepen your impact?
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What drives you to be a Global Changemaker, and how would being part of this community help you amplify your work and enrich our community?
Q- How long should the video be?
The video should not be longer than two minutes. We will not consider applicants whose videos are longer than those two minutes (+/- five seconds). Therefore, it is important that the answers to the questions above are to the point.
Due to the high number of applications, we receive each year, we only use the application videos during the first round of selection, the written answers in the application form will be used for the second and the final selection rounds.
Keep in mind that larger video files take longer to upload and consume more data. If you have a slower internet connection, we recommend choosing a lower resolution to keep file sizes manageable. Most video editors allow you to adjust these settings, ensuring a faster upload without the frustration of constant buffering or timing out.
Q- Does the video have to be well produced and edited?
If applicants wish to edit their videos from more than one take, or if they want to add captions, photos or other materials, they are welcome to do so. However, a well delivered, single-take video of the applicant speaking directly to the camera is just as likely to impress. Applicants should remember that they are not addressing a camera, though, but a team of real people who are looking for potential Changemakers.
However, do note that the sound on the video needs to be clear and audible, if applicants wish to record their videos outside, they may want to use a microphone or at least make sure that there isn’t too much noise that makes it difficult to understand them.
The quality of your video editing or design matters much less than what you have to say, as that is what we are interested in.
Q- Any tips on how to ‘perform’ in front of the camera?
Rather than stopping the recording every time something goes wrong, applicants should keep going and perhaps answer the questions two or three times in a row; they can then choose the best version. (Most computers nowadays have simple video editing software installed, e.g. Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. These makes it easy to choose the best take.)
Q- How can I upload my video?
1. Upload your video to YouTube. Please click here for guidance on how to do so.
When you upload your video, please make it Public (which means that anyone can see it and search YouTube for it), or Unlisted (only people given the link can view it).
We will not be able to view videos set to Private!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s direct link.
2. Upload your video on Google Drive. Please click here for guidance on how to do so.
When you upload your video to drive, right click and select "Get shareable link", turn link sharing on, make sure you set the sharing settings to 'anyone with the link can view',
We will not be able to view videos that are not set to 'anyone with the link can view'!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s share link.
3. If Google and YouTube are not accessible from your country, try a service such as www.vimeo.com. For guidance uploading to vimeo, click here . When using vimeo ensure to set the privacy setting to 'Anyone' so that our team may view the video.
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s vimeo link.
4. As a last resort, send your video to us at info@global-changemakers.net using a file-sharing service such as those listed below. Please use your name as the file name.
You cannot send the video as an e-mail attachment – our mail server will reject any emails with large attachments.
Q- I am having technical problems uploading the video. What can I do?
Before you do anything else, please check the YouTube, Google, Vimeo etc help resources. If they are of no help, please get in touch with us, we’ll help you resolve the problem or find an alternative way of submitting your application video.
As there is always a risk of technical problems, please make sure not to leave recording and uploading the application video until the deadline, as this gives us very little time to solve the problem and as a result, your application may not be considered. (Note that we can only provide technical support on business days.)
Q- How do I share my video with the Global Changemakers team?
When you upload your video, you can make it Public (which means that anyone can see it and search YouTube for it), Unlisted (the video doesn’t show up in a search, but anyone who is given the link can view it) or Private (only YouTube users specified by you can view the video). It is up to you whether you want to make your video public so that anyone can see it; we would recommend that you make it unlisted. Do not set it to private as we will not be able to view it!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s direct link. This link will look as follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxxxxx (the eleven digits at the end are different for every video.)
Q- I cannot post my application video on YouTube. How can I make sure that the Global Changemakers team still gets it?
If YouTube isn’t accessible from your country, you could try a different service, e.g. Vimeo (www.vimeo.com). Alternatively, you should be able to send your video using a file-sharing service. We would recommend that you create an account on google and send it through google drive and use that link in your form.
Q- Can my video be in a language different from English?
No, all videos submitted should be in English.
Fees and Funding
Q- If I am selected, what expenses will Global Changemakers cover?
The GYS 2026 has two application modalities: Fully Funded and Partially Funded.
Fully funded participants who are selected will have their flight, meals, and accommodation covered by Global Changemakers and ATKV for the Global Youth Summit in October 2026.
Partially funded applicants benefit from a smaller, more focused application pool. If selected, your food and accommodation will be provided by Global Changemakers and ATKV, though you will be responsible for your own airfare to Cape Town. Please note that the deadline to purchase and confirm your flight is September 1st.
Q- If I am selected, what expenses are NOT covered by Global Changemakers?
All participants, whether fully or partially funded, are responsible for arranging and paying for their own South African visa and any domestic travel to their departure airport. Additionally, partially funded participants must book their own flights to Cape Town for the specific dates requested by the GCM Team.
Q- Why do you charge an application fee?
By asking for a small fee, which represents less than 2% of the actual cost of bringing each participant to the Summit, we aim to ensure that those applying are truly eligible and committed to being part of the Global Changemakers network.
The application fee helps to cover part of the expenses of running such a large-scale event, which includes flying in all participants, as well as providing food and accommodation.
Q- Why are there 2 options for the payment?
Applicants have two payment options: a standard application fee of $35 USD or a bundled rate of $45 USD, which includes the Project Management for Changemakers course. By choosing the bundle, you receive the full course at a fraction of its retail price. Most importantly, completing the course grants you eligibility to apply for project funding, even if you are not selected for the Summit.
If you choose the $30 application fee only, the course is not included
Q- Why choose the bundle?
For just $10 more, you gain access to our full Project Management for Changemakers course (currently available for $150). Even if you aren't selected for the Summit, completing this course unlocks the opportunity to apply for exclusive project funding to bring your ideas to life.
Q- If I am not selected, will I get my application fee back?
No, the application fee is non-refundable.
Q- Paypal is not accessible in my country, how can I make the payment for the application fee?
If PayPal is not accessible from your country, or you do not have a credit/debit card we recommend you to ask a friend or family member to make the transaction for you. We do not accept bank transfers as they often charge more in commission than the actual application fee.