Applications closed on April 1, 2026
AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarships for the AFS Youth Assembly
August 12-14, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland
AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to partner with AstraZeneca, through its Young Health Programme (YHP), to help create a healthier, more sustainable future for people, society and the planet by offering scholarships for young leaders from around the world to join the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly.
With these scholarships, AstraZeneca aims to support young leaders who are actively working in, studying or researching the areas of Health Equity, Health Systems Resilience, and/or Climate and Nature Action.
AstraZeneca is looking for passionate, driven young leaders to join their 2026 Young Health Programme (YHP) Scholarship. The Scholarship supports young advocates focused on:
- Advancing health equity – with a focus on acting early to prevent non-communicable diseases – which include lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease – among young people, or supporting young people living with rare diseases.
- Taking action on climate and nature – advocating for the mitigation of the harmful effects of climate change on the health and well-being of young people.
- Building health systems resilience – contributing to stronger health systems that prioritize earlier intervention to meet today’s needs and mitigate tomorrow’s disease burden.
Prioritizing good health is paramount for building a sustainable future. However, due to the rising burden of chronic disease and the impacts of climate change, health systems are struggling to meet people’s health needs. And around the world, inequities in healthcare are growing from low- to high-income countries, with vulnerable populations the most affected. To address these challenges, we need to prioritize building stable, resilient health systems with the right infrastructure, to deliver equitable outcomes and meet people’s health needs today and tomorrow.
Applications closed on April 1, 2026
What is the AFS Youth Assembly?
The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. Through the theme of the 31st Session of the AFS Youth Assembly, “Rise. Reimagine. Rebuild: A World for All”
Delegates will explore:
- Reclaiming Development as a Human Right for All
- Policy, Justice and Adaptation: Real-World Solutions for Climate Resilience
- Rethinking Education: Youth Innovation for Future-Ready Skills
- Bridging Divides: The Power of Connection in a Polarized World
The AFS Youth Assembly brings together the world’s foremost young leaders and changemakers. The AFS Youth Assembly delegates, aged 18 to 35, come from over 100 countries and possess strong leadership potential as well as keen interest in global issues.
The conference program includes:
- Keynote Talks & Interactive Sessions: Get inspired by today’s trailblazers and influencers
- Thematic Discussions: Interact with panels of experts and leaders in various areas of inquiry
- Skill-Building Workshops: Engage in in-depth discussions or activities to develop practical skills
- Awards and Recognitions: Including the possibility to pitch for the $10,000-worth AFS Award for Young Global Citizens
- Networking: Make connections with young leaders from all over the world
- Special Events: Make new friends or collaborators through special dinners, CultureFest and more
Who can apply for the scholarships?
Candidates must meet all of the requirements below to be considered eligible for this scholarship:
- Ideal candidates are actively working in, studying, or researching the areas of Health Equity, Health Systems Resilience, and/or Climate and Nature Action;
- Have never attended the AFS Youth Assembly before;
- Be between 18 – 35 years old* at the time of program start date;
- Be able to actively participate in program sessions conducted in English;
- Be available to participate in this program from August 10 to August 15, 2026 (these dates include traveling to Geneva)
- We welcome candidates from any country around the world. All applicants must have the ability to secure a travel visa and travel to Switzerland (this is an in-person event).
*Most delegates are between the ages of 18 and 35. The selection committee will consider applications from those who are older than 35, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.
Applications closed on April 1, 2026
What is included in the YHP scholarships?
These scholarships cover:
- Program registration fees including the full AFS Youth Assembly program from August 12-14, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland;
- Travel stipend in the form of a reimbursement for your transportation and visa application costs;
- 4 nights accommodation in a hotel in Geneva with breakfast included each day;
- Social/networking activity with other Youth Assembly delegates.
Applications closed on April 1, 2026
What is the deadline for scholarship applications?
Applications will be open from March 5 to April 1, 2026.
Selected candidates will be notified via email in early May
About AstraZeneca
To improve the health of people, society and the planet, AstraZeneca is prioritizing areas where collaboration across and beyond the health sector can deliver long-term positive impact. AstraZeneca is focused on action in support of climate and nature, health equity and health systems resilience:
- Climate & Nature: Reducing our impact on the planet and helping protect and restore our natural environment.
- Health Equity: Closing healthcare gaps to give people everywhere the chance to be as healthy as possible.
- Health Systems Resilience: Contributing to stronger health systems that can meet the health needs of today and tomorrow.
AstraZeneca recognizes that prioritizing disease prevention is essential if we are to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services and improve equitable outcomes. We need a fundamental shift from ‘sick care’ to health care, gearing our health systems to act earlier to prevent, and enable access to health education, literacy, and health empowerment.
AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) aims to support young people to make more informed choices about their health and catalyze a global, youth-led advocacy movement. Their YHP is now active in over 40 countries worldwide, combining community programs, research, advocacy and supporting the development of young leaders, with a focus on underserved communities. The YHP aims to prevent the most common non communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease. YHP activities support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4 – to reduce premature deaths linked to NCDs by one third by 2030.