Leadership potential
Evidence they have led something, however small, and grown from it.
How selection works
Fair, blind, and the same for everyone
Every application, funded or self-funded, is read by at least two reviewers who do not see your name, email or country.
Criteria
What reviewers score
Each criterion is scored 1 to 5. Your final score is the average across reviewers, out of 100.
Commitment to others
Do they already help other people rise? Mentoring, teaching, organising.
Project or SDG idea
A real problem, a concrete plan, a sense of the first step.
Clarity and honesty
Clear, specific, in their own voice. Not inflated.
Pass the Flame
How likely is it that what they gain in Kuala Lumpur reaches others at home?
What does not count
Your university's name, your job title, how polished your English is, or who you know.
Timeline
From application to Kuala Lumpur
We expect around 1,500 applications for 100 places. That is roughly one place for every 15 applicants, and 40 funded places in total.
- 1 Nov 2026
Applications open
Create an account and apply at your own pace.
- 15 Jan 2027
Applications close
Reviews run while applications arrive.
- 5 Feb 2027
Decisions sent
Offer, waitlist or not selected, by email and in your portal.
- 14 days after your offer
Accept and confirm
Pay what your place needs, or accept a fully funded place.
- 22 Mar 2027
Arrive in Kuala Lumpur
We meet you at the airport.
Decisions
How you hear from us
By email, at every step
Submitted, under review, shortlisted, offered or waitlisted: you get an email each time your status changes.
In your portal
Your status tracker shows exactly where your application is, any time.
The waitlist moves on its own
When someone declines or an offer lapses, the place is offered automatically to the highest-scored person waiting.
KINDLING 2027
100 places. Applications close 15 January.
Six short steps, saved as you type. US$19 application fee.