Open call: Youth Connect Western Balkans participants (aged 18 to 30)

Youth Connect Western Balkans will bring together 36 young people (aged 18-30) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to learn and work together in order to make a positive contribution to a more peaceful Western Balkan community.

Youth Connect is a British Council global programme that is grounded in the belief that more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies depend on the meaningful social, political and economic participation of young people. It supports young people to become active agents of positive social change rather than passive recipients of policy and services.

Key Dates and Activities

* In the application form, we will ask you to confirm your availability for these dates and locations.

If you are selected for the programme, you will participate in a 4-day training workshop led by expert trainermentors from the region. This will be followed by a period of Action Research where you will work in groups with your peers from the region with your mentor’s support (Note: no previous research experience is required). The programme will conclude with a final Showcase event in March 2027.

This is a free training programme, fully funded by the British Council. Therefore, we are looking for committed young people who are excited about this development opportunity. By the end of the programme, you will have developed new communication and leadership skills, made new connections, and had the opportunity to shape your wider community.

The working language of the programme is English. Selected applicants will be required to provide evidence of an equivalent C1-level qualification in English speaking, or pass the Aptis English test to confirm their spot on the programme (the British Council will cover the cost of any Aptis exam).

All participants who complete the Youth Connect Western Balkans programme will receive completion certificates.

Who can apply ?

We are looking for young people who are curious and open to learning from others, and are interested in issues affecting young people and their communities.

The programme is open to young people (aged 18-30) who are citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. It is not open to young people still attending secondary school, regardless of their age. Within the eligible group, everyone is free to apply, regardless of gender, ethnic background, or geography within the countries of the Western Balkans.

How to apply ?

Click on this link to access the online application form.