About the opportunity
The UfM Med Youth Lab 2026 is an introductory skills-building programme on entrepreneurship designed for young university students and recent graduates aged 18–29 with limited prior experience in the field. The programme aims to develop foundational skills in entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving through expert-led sessions and non-formal education. It follows a Training of Trainers approach, supporting participants in designing introductory awareness sessions to share with their local communities in 2027. The 2026 edition includes online training from October to December 2026 and in-person workshops in Palermo, Italy, from 14 to 16 December 2026, held alongside the UfM Employment Forum.
Funding and benefits
- Free access to all training sessions and programme materials.
- Full sponsorship for travel, visa, and accommodation costs for nationals of Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
- Networking opportunities with peers and experts across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
- Support in designing peer-facilitation sessions for local implementation.
Who can apply?
- Aged 18–29 at the time of application.
- National and resident of a UfM Member State.
- Currently enrolled in a university programme or graduated no more than one year before the application deadline.
- Hold a valid travel document (e.g., passport).
- English proficiency of at least B2 level.
- No significant previous knowledge, training, or professional experience in entrepreneurship.
- Full availability for both online training and in-person workshops in Palermo.
- Participants from 2024 or 2025 editions are eligible if they meet all criteria.
Required documents
- A video (max 2 minutes) in English explaining background, motivation, and learning goals.
- Proof of current university enrolment or a graduation certificate (dated within the last year).
- Copy of a valid travel document.
When to apply
- Application deadline: 30 August 2026, 23:59 CEST.
How to apply
- Review the official Guidelines for Application.
- Prepare the required video, proof of enrolment/graduation, and travel document copy.
- Complete and submit the online application form by the deadline.
Additional information
- Nationals of UfM Member States not listed for full sponsorship are eligible to apply but must independently secure funding for travel and participation.
- The programme is not a professional trainer certification.
- Applications produced using artificial intelligence will be rejected.
- The UfM Secretariat provides supporting documentation for visa applications, but participants are responsible for the application process and Italian authorities hold final authority on visa decisions.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- University students or recent graduates (aged 18–29) from UfM Member States.
- Individuals with limited prior experience or training in entrepreneurship.
- Those with B2 English proficiency and the mobility to attend workshops in Palermo, Italy.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants from 15 specific UfM Member States receive full sponsorship; others must secure their own funding for travel and participation.
- The program is an introductory skills-building experience, not a professional trainer certification.
- The Italian authorities hold final authority on visa decisions, though the UfM Secretariat provides supporting documents.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal entry point for someone looking to gain international experience and basic business skills. The 'Training of Trainers' approach allows you to turn this short-term learning experience into a community leadership role by facilitating awareness sessions in your home country in 2027.
Our take
Highly recommended for university students or recent graduates in the Euro-Mediterranean region who are complete beginners in entrepreneurship and want to build a foundational mindset.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
