The International Youth Leadership Dialogue is a youth leadership conference held in Manchester, UK, from 15 to 18 April 2027. It trains young people aged 16 to 45 in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking and policy writing through workshops, simulations and team challenges.
Skills you take home
Leadership is a set of skills you can practise. Every part of the IYLD programme is designed so you use those skills, not just hear about them:
- Negotiation in diplomatic dialogue sessions and policy simulations
- Public speaking in youth presentations and workshops
- Policy writing in small group labs, turning ideas into proposals
- Working across cultures in mixed nationality team challenges
- Building a network of young leaders from dozens of countries
The full programme
- 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 places
- 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.
Costs
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.
02Do I need leadership experience?
No. Many delegates are students. The selection panel looks for motivation and what you would do with what you learn.
03What is the deadline?
Applications close on 15 January 2027 at 11:59 PM GMT. Results are emailed on 10 February 2027.
04Do I need a visa?
Most delegates from Africa and Asia need a UK Standard Visitor visa, which costs £135 according to gov.uk and is usually decided within 3 weeks. Every confirmed delegate receives an official invitation letter and visa guidance.
05Is it free to apply?
Scholarship applications carry a £13.99 processing fee. Guaranteed places start at £299 for the Premium Access Pass.