Universal Youth Leadership Summit
The Universal Youth Leadership Summit (UYLS) is back for its 10th edition. It runs from 28 to 31 January 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and this year’s theme is “Roots & Rights” The organiser is the Universal Youth Movement, and it says applicants from all countries can apply.
About 100 seats are on offer, split into four types: 15 fully funded, 30 partially funded, 20 summit passes and 35 self-funded.
Is it free?
Not quite, and it’s better to know this before you start. Every category, including the funded ones, has a non-refundable application fee of USD 20.99. Fully funded delegates get their flight reimbursed, plus accommodation and meals Partially funded delegates get a 50% programme fee waiver, plus accommodation and meals. If you go self-funded the programme costs USD 460, and the Summit Pass (no accommodation) is USD 279. A group of three can apply together for USD 1,147.50.
Who can apply
You need to be between 18 and 40. The summit is aimed at young people, working professionals and emerging leaders, and the organiser expects good English and some proof of leadership, such as volunteering, community work or projects you have led.
What’s included
Depending on your category, you get accommodation, meals, a summit kit, a certificate, a cultural ceremony and an airport transfer. The Summit Pass skips accommodation but includes the meals, kit, certificate and ceremony.
How selection works
You apply online, the organiser screens the applications, and shortlisted people are called for an interview. Funding results are due on 8 November 2026. If you’re selected, you must submit a confirmation form by 27 December 2026 and be in Kuala Lumpur on 28 January 2027.
Deadline
Applications close on 25 October 2026. The summit’s own page showed a “registration closed” counter when I checked, so confirm that the form still works before you pay anything.
