The UfM Med Youth Lab Scholarship 2026 in Italy offers university students and recent graduates an opportunity to build practical entrepreneurial skills through a fully sponsored hybrid learning program. The third edition of the UfM Med Youth Lab focuses on entrepreneurship and is designed specifically for young people who have little or no previous knowledge or experience in the field.
The program combines online learning with an in-person workshop in Palermo, Italy. Online activities will take place from October to December 2026, followed by an in-person component scheduled for 14 to 16 December 2026. Participants will learn from experts, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and develop the confidence to introduce basic entrepreneurship concepts to other young people in their communities.
The program is jointly organised by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and German Development Cooperation. There is no application or participation fee. For eligible nationals from selected UfM Member States, travel, accommodation, and other related costs for the Palermo segment are covered.
The UfM Med Youth Lab 2026 is a hybrid skills-building program for young university students and recent graduates from UfM Member States. The program is intended for beginners who want to understand entrepreneurship and develop skills that can be useful in their academic, professional, and community activities.
Participants will attend expert-led sessions and online training activities before taking part in the in-person workshops in Palermo. The program will introduce participants to entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving, and other practical skills.
A key part of the program comes after the training. Participants are expected to design a beginner-level awareness session on entrepreneurship and share what they have learned with peers in their communities during 2027.
This approach allows participants to continue using their new skills after the program ends.
The program provides several benefits to selected participants. These benefits make the opportunity particularly useful for young people who want international exposure without paying an application or participation fee.
There is no application fee and no participation fee for the UfM Med Youth Lab. Applicants can submit their applications without paying a charge to participate in the program.
For eligible participants receiving full sponsorship, travel costs, accommodation, and other related expenses for the in-person component in Palermo are covered.
This reduces the financial burden associated with attending the program in Italy.
Participants will have the opportunity to attend sessions led by experts. The training is designed to introduce beginners to entrepreneurship and help them understand entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving.
Selected participants will receive support with visa documentation for the in-person component. Applicants should still check the visa requirements that apply to their nationality and travel circumstances.
The program includes online sessions and training materials that participants can access during the October to December learning period.
Participants will receive support to design a basic entrepreneurship awareness session. They can later share this knowledge with peers in their communities in 2027.
The UfM Med Youth Lab has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants should review these conditions carefully before starting the application.
Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years old at the time of application. They must also be nationals and residents of a Union for the Mediterranean Member State.
Candidates must currently be enrolled in a university program or must have graduated within the previous year.
This means the program is aimed at young people who are still connected to higher education or have only recently completed their studies.
Applicants should have at least a B2 level of English, or an equivalent level of ability.
Since the program includes online training, expert sessions, written information, and an in-person workshop, applicants should be comfortable communicating in English.
One of the most important requirements is that applicants should have no prior knowledge or experience in entrepreneurship.
The third edition specifically targets beginners. Candidates do not need to have founded a company, completed entrepreneurship training, or worked in an entrepreneurial role.
Applicants must be available for the online training from October to December 2026 and for the in-person workshops in Palermo from 14 to 16 December 2026.
They must also hold a valid passport or travel document suitable for international travel.
Previous UfM Med Youth Lab participants may apply again if they meet all the eligibility requirements for the 2026 edition.
Full sponsorship for the in-person program in Palermo is available to nationals of selected UfM Member States.
The eligible countries listed for full sponsorship are:
Applicants from other UfM Member States may also apply. However, they must arrange their own funding to attend the in-person component in Palermo.
Applicants should therefore check their sponsorship status before making travel arrangements.
Applicants need to prepare several documents before submitting the online application.
Applicants must provide a maximum two-minute video in English. The video should explain their background, motivation for applying, and expectations from the program.
The video should be clear and focused. Applicants should explain why they are interested in learning about entrepreneurship despite having little or no previous experience.
Applicants must provide proof that they are currently enrolled in a university program or a graduation certificate showing that they graduated within the required period.
A copy of a valid passport or other accepted travel document must also be uploaded with the application.
Applicants should check that their travel document is valid and that the uploaded copy is clear and readable.
The application process is completed online. Applicants should prepare their documents before beginning the form.
Open the official UfM Med Youth Lab application page and access the online application form.
Applicants need to log in using a Google account to access the application form.
The application begins with eligibility questions. Answer each question accurately based on your age, nationality, residency, university status, English ability, and entrepreneurship experience.
Provide your personal information and details about your current university studies or recent graduation.
Applicants should describe their background and explain what they hope to learn from the UfM Med Youth Lab.
This section should clearly show an interest in developing entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.
Upload the two-minute English video, proof of university enrollment or graduation, and a copy of your valid travel document.
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Agree to the required conditions and click Submit to complete the application.
Applicants should make sure the application has been successfully submitted before the deadline.
The application deadline is 30 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their forms. The video and supporting documents can take time to prepare, particularly if an applicant needs to record and edit the required English video.
Submitting early also gives applicants time to correct missing information or document issues before the deadline.
The UfM Med Youth Lab 2026 follows a hybrid format.
Online training will run from October to December 2026. During this stage, participants will take part in learning sessions and access relevant training materials.
The in-person component will take place in Palermo, Italy, from 14 to 16 December 2026. Participants selected for the sponsored component will receive support for travel, accommodation, and related expenses according to the program's conditions.Applicants must be available for both parts of the program.
It is a hybrid skills-building program for university students and recent graduates from UfM Member States. The 2026 edition focuses on entrepreneurship and targets beginners with no previous entrepreneurship experience.
Full sponsorship is available for nationals of selected UfM Member States. It covers travel, accommodation, and other related expenses for the in-person program in Palermo. Applicants from other UfM Member States can apply but must arrange their own funding.
No. The program is specifically designed for beginners. Applicants should have no prior knowledge or experience in entrepreneurship.
The application deadline is 30 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Yes. Applicants who graduated within one year of applying can be considered, provided they meet the other requirements.
Yes. Previous participants can apply again if they meet all eligibility conditions for the 2026 edition.
The in-person workshop will take place in Palermo, Italy, from 14 to 16 December 2026.
The UfM Med Youth Lab provides an opportunity for young people to learn entrepreneurship from a beginner's perspective. Participants can develop problem-solving skills, interact with experts, access online learning resources, and experience an international training environment.
The program also places emphasis on sharing knowledge. After completing the training, participants will have the opportunity to design an awareness session for their peers and introduce basic entrepreneurship concepts within their communities.
For eligible applicants, the financial support for the Palermo workshop makes international participation more accessible. The absence of an application or participation fee also removes another potential barrier for young applicants.