The International Youth Leadership Dialogue (IYLD 2027) is a four day international youth summit in Manchester, United Kingdom, from 15 to 18 April 2027. It brings young leaders aged 16 to 45 from every country together for diplomacy, policy and leadership, with 30 Fully Funded and 40 Partially Funded seats awarded on merit.
What happens at the summit
IYLD 2027 is built around doing, not just listening. Over four days in Manchester, delegates move between plenary keynotes and small group sessions where they argue, negotiate and present.
- Keynote addresses from diplomats, policy makers and founders
- Diplomatic dialogue sessions where delegates negotiate positions on real global issues
- Leadership workshops on public speaking, negotiation and policy writing
- Policy simulations and social entrepreneurship labs
- Cross cultural team challenges and networking forums
- Youth presentations, a certificate of participation and a guided tour of Manchester
Funded seats
Most youth summits are only open to people who can pay for flights and hotels. IYLD reserves 70 funded seats so the strongest applicants can attend whatever their budget.
- Fully Funded (30 seats): return airfare, shared 4 star hotel, meals during the forum, invitation letter, embassy support, full programme access, a speaking opportunity, delegate kit and certificate.
- Partially Funded (40 seats): everything above except airfare.
Why Manchester
Manchester is one of the UK's great international cities, home to two major universities and a large international student community. It has a major international airport with one stop connections through hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, which makes it easy to reach from Africa and South Asia. The summit is held at Revolution Manchester Deansgate Locks, in the city centre beside the canal.
Fees and guaranteed places
Scholarship applications (Fully Funded and Partially Funded) carry a £13.99 application processing fee, which pays for assessment by the selection panel. If you would rather have a confirmed place than compete for a funded one, the Premium Access Pass (£299) and Self Funded package (£799, with shared 4 star accommodation) guarantee your seat straight away. Every category lists exactly what is and is not included before you pay.
How to apply
- Choose your category on the IYLD 2027 page.
- Complete the online application. It takes about 10 minutes and there is no essay word minimum.
- Pay the fee securely by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Scholarship results are emailed on 10 February 2027. Guaranteed passes are confirmed straight away.
Frequently asked questions
01Who can apply?
Anyone aged 16 to 45, of any nationality and any academic or professional background. No IELTS or TOEFL is required, but you should be comfortable taking part in discussions in English.
02What is the deadline?
Applications close on 15 January 2027 at 11:59 PM GMT. Results are emailed on 10 February 2027.
03What does Fully Funded cover?
Return airfare, shared 4 star accommodation, meals during the forum, an official invitation letter, embassy support, full programme access, a delegate kit and a certificate of participation. There are 30 Fully Funded seats.
04Is it free to apply?
Scholarship applications carry a £13.99 processing fee. Guaranteed places start at £299 for the Premium Access Pass.
05How long is the summit?
Four days, from 15 to 18 April 2027, in Manchester, United Kingdom.