Learn Today. Change Tomorrow.
Applications open for the Next Visionaries 2026 program for Ukrainian youth
ERSTE Foundation and NGO “Internews Ukraine” invite Ukrainians aged 21–25 to take part in Next Visionaries 2026, an eight-month academic program in leadership, innovation, and European integration. The program will run from October 2026 to May 2027 and conclude with a study trip to Vienna. Participation is free of charge — the organizers cover all costs.
Now recruiting its third cohort, the Next Visionaries program is aimed at young people who want to stay in Ukraine and put European practices into action at home, preparing the country for EU integration. Participants are selected competitively.
Who can apply
Ukrainians aged 21 to 25 who hold a bachelor's degree or higher, have English at B2 level or above, and are eager to strengthen their leadership and professional skills to advance Ukraine's European development and to play an active role in its post-war recovery.
What awaits participants
Over eight months of study, participants will deepen their knowledge in leadership and values, European integration and public policy, innovation, digital transformation and social change. They can look forward to more than 45 lectures and practical sessions led by Ukrainian and international experts, study visits, work on team projects, and the chance to join a community of young leaders and changemakers from across Ukraine.
The learning modules are led by Nataliia Kryvda — Doctor of Philosophy and Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, heading the “Leadership and Values” module — and Roman Kobets — Candidate of Philosophical Sciences and an expert in public administration and European integration, heading the “European Integration and Public Policy” module.
The format combines online classes twice a week, offline events in Ukraine, and a study visit to Vienna. On successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate.
How to apply
To take part, please complete the application form in Ukrainian by 26 July at the link.
After the first selection stage, candidates will be invited to short English-language interviews. Assessment will consider education, professional experience, community involvement and volunteering, English proficiency, and motivation.
About the program
Next Visionaries was launched by ERSTE Foundation in 2024 in response to the need to prepare a new generation of Ukrainian leaders for Ukraine’s accession to the EU, sustainable development, and the country’s post-war recovery.
Over 70 young leaders have already graduated from the program. The most active participants have taken part in the Alpbach Forum for two years in a row.
In 2026, Next Visionaries was also named the best European youth initiative in Austria by the European Charlemagne Youth Prize of the European Parliament and the Charlemagne Prize Foundation.
For more information about the program and participation requirements, please visit the official website at next-visionaries.org.
You can also follow the program on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.