Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Scholarship and the 2026 World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) Scholarship, as announced by the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU).
The GWLN Scholarship Program offers an annual opportunity for women employed in the global cooperative finance industry. Recipients will receive full funding to attend the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) in Sydney, Australia (July 19–22), which includes airfare, lodging, and conference registration fees.
The WYCUP Scholarship Program will grant its 2026 recipients a special opportunity to not only attend WCUC 2026 in Sydney but also to participate in a day focused on emerging leaders. On July 19, WYCUP and the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) will jointly host the Emerging Leaders’ Summit, followed by a networking reception that will gather executives, innovators, and young change-makers under 40 from over 70 nations. WYCUP scholarships will cover travel, accommodation, and registration costs, providing access to exclusive events, global networking, and professional development opportunities. This initiative offers young professionals a unique platform to shape the future of cooperative finance and establish significant international relationships.
The deadline for applying to both programs is January 30, 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants can check eligibility requirements and submission guidelines at the links provided below. All details are accessible in English, Spanish, and Portuguese:
For GWLN Scholarships | For WYCUP Scholarships
Both scholarships honor individuals demonstrating leadership, creativity, and commitment to empowering the credit union movement. Since its inception in 2009, the GWLN Scholarship has supported 108 women across 34 countries, enhancing leadership capacity and global participation. The WYCUP Program, which began in 2001, has celebrated 126 recipients from more than 50 nations. For additional details about GWLN and WYCUP, please visit cuwomen.org and wycup.org.
Additionally, nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) are currently open. Individual awardees are those whose efforts have significantly advanced global credit union development, whereas institutional awardees are organizations that have provided financial or technical support to cultivate international credit union movements and their service frameworks over a prolonged period.
The nomination process is entirely digital and can be completed online. Nominations must be submitted by a World Council member organization or a credit union affiliated with a member organization by March 6, 2026. Awardees will receive complimentary registration to the 2026 World Credit Union Conference, taking place from July 19-22 in Sydney, Australia, where the winners will be announced and presented with their awards. The DSA is not given annually but is awarded based on the demonstrated achievements and merit of candidates.
