Istanbul Youth Summit 2026 in Turkey: Includes Airfare and Accommodation
Are you looking to develop your leadership skills and discuss global challenges with young people from around the world? Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) is now accepting applications for the 10th edition of the Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) [1.1.1]. Held in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, under the theme “Beyond the Decade: Youth Leading the Future through Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainable Impact” [1.1.2], the summit provides a dynamic platform to empower young leaders to deliver innovative social projects that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether you are seeking a fully funded opportunity or self-funding, this event combines interactive workshops, cultural exchange, and practical training to develop your vision as a true changemaker.
1. Summary of the Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) 2027
| Information | Details |
| Host country | Turkey  (Istanbul) |
| Regulatory Authority | Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation |
| Date of the summit | From January 25 to 28, 2027 |
| Age group | From 15 to 40 years old |
| Type of financing | Fully funded / Self-funded |
| Application deadline (funded) | August 31, 2026 (53 days remaining) |
2. Advantages and financial coverage of participation
The summit offers two participation tracks to suit different circumstances:
Fully Funded Track:
- Full coverage of travel expenses and program costs
- Full refund of registration fees
- Special recognition and distinction in program activities
- Exclusive access to activities tailored for funded participants
- Additional mentorship opportunities with international experts
Self-funded path:
- Guaranteed participation in the summit (without being subject to complex competitive selection processes)
- Faster application processing and document retrieval.
- Applications can be submitted until December 25, 2026
General benefits for all participants:
- An accredited international participation certificate and a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to facilitate visa application.
- Engage in the “Social Enterprise Competition” to design global solutions
- Cultural exploration and historical landmarks in Istanbul
Apply Here: Yale University Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Study Opportunities in the USA
3. Summit Objectives and Main Themes
The tenth edition of the summit focuses on themes closely linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- To promote youth leadership and international cooperation.
- Providing a comprehensive platform for developing practical solutions to pressing issues in the fields of education, health, climate, and the economy.
- Building a strong international network that supports the ongoing empowerment of young people across cultures.
- Explore academic pathways and discover higher education opportunities and international scholarships.
4. Eligibility requirements (Who can apply?)
The summit is characterized by its flexibility and easy conditions, allowing it to include a wide range of leaders:
- Nationality: Applications are open to young people of all nationalities and academic and professional backgrounds.
- Age: Applicants must be between 15 and 40 years old.
- Language proficiency: No language certificate (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is required.
- Attention: Demonstrate a genuine passion for leadership and making a positive social impact, and be willing to collaborate with young people from diverse cultures.
5. Steps and mechanism for direct application
The application process for the fully funded track is based on a competitive selection process through the following steps:
Personal Interview and Acceptance: Outstanding candidates will be invited for an interview stage as a final step before the final results for the fully funded program are announced.
Online registration: Visit the official website of the Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) and create an account to fill out the online application form.
Essay Assessment: Submit an essay reflecting your vision or proposing an innovative social project within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Summit.
Submitting the application: Complete the application requirements. (Note: Those accepted into the full funding category will be refunded any administrative fees required for registration at a later date.) The full funding application must be submitted before the closing date of August 31, 2026.
