Apply Now for the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarships for the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland

Ednah Carrick March 8, 2026

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Closing Date: 1 April 2026

Apply Now for the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Scholarships for the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland

Overview

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 YHP 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, AstraZeneca needs to prioritize building stable, resilient health systems with the right infrastructure, to deliver equitable outcomes and meet people’s health needs today and tomorrow.

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 AstraZeneca Young Health Programme 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)
AstraZeneca 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.

What is included in the YHP scholarships?

These AstraZeneca Young Health Programme 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.

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 its impact on the planet and helping protect and restore its 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.