The 2027 Kectil Program is a free, year-long online leadership programme for young people, run by the Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership under the Malmar Knowles Family Foundation. Applications close on 15 November 2026. It is a training and network programme with certificates, not a grant, and the programme page states no cash award for participants.
It suits students and first-time leaders who have not yet built a track record and want structured learning, a peer network and a community project to work on.
At a glance
| Deadline | 15 November 2026 (no time zone stated) |
| Who can apply | Primarily ages 17 to 26, proficient in reading and writing English, reliable internet and a laptop or smartphone |
| What you get | Year-long online curriculum, certificates, alumni network access, community project initiative |
| Format | Online portal, with conferences and meetups listed by the organizer |
| Cost to apply | Free to accepted applicants, per the organizer |
| Official link | kectil.com/apply |
Who can apply to the Kectil Program 2027?
- Age: the programme is described as primarily for ages 17 to 26.
- Language: you must be able to read and write English.
- Access: reliable internet and a laptop or smartphone.
- Country: the application page lists the countries it accepts applicants from. Check that your country appears before you start.
What you get
The 2027 programme is described as a one-year leadership journey delivered through a passcode-protected online portal. The programme page lists modules on leadership, peace and conflict resolution, financial skills, youth mental health skills, entrepreneurship and innovation, and sustainability.
The page also lists three merit-based certificates (Superior Performance, Excellence and Participation), lifetime access to the Kectil Alumni Network, a community project initiative, and conferences ranging from international summits to local university meetups. Mentorship pairings and recognition are described for top performers and top projects. The page lists these generally, so treat them as what the programme page lists, not guaranteed terms for every participant.
No stipend or funding is stated for participants. Read the programme site for the current description.
How to apply
- Open the official application page.
- Complete the four-step form, which starts with your personal information.
- Submit it before 15 November 2026.
The selection date and programme start date are not stated on the application page. Questions go to contact@kectil.com.
Advice from the Impact DOTS team
- Check your connection first. Reliable internet is an eligibility condition, and the whole curriculum runs online.
- Pick one local problem you could work on. The community project initiative is part of the programme, so having an idea ready makes the programme concrete.
- Write clear English. The organizer asks for proficiency in reading and writing, and the application is the first place that shows it.
- Do not pay anyone. The organizer states the programme is free to accepted applicants, so be wary of anyone asking for money in its name.
FAQ
Is the Kectil Program a scholarship or grant?
No. It is a leadership training programme with certificates and a network. No cash award is stated for participants.
Does it cost anything?
The organizer says the 2027 programme is provided free to accepted applicants.
Can I apply if I am older than 26?
The programme is described as primarily for ages 17 to 26. Contact the organizer if you are outside that range.
When do applications close?
On 15 November 2026. No time zone is stated, so submit a day early.
