The international career accelerator
for the top 1%
The program consists of an in-person 4-week skill sprint in marketing, sales, and business strategy, led by a high-level industry expert, paired alongside a paid 6-month internship abroad at a company where you can fast-track your career.
No unnecessary lectures and no fluff. With our industry expert guiding you from day one, you step into a real business, tackle live company challenges, and hardwire your skills through actual execution.
Shapers Academy is not only here to help you develop and fast-track your career — it's here to help you shape it.
Apply for a scholarship →12 spots available · Applications close May 20, 2026
The offer
Not your typical internship
We've all seen it: brilliant young people who are theoretically overqualified but lack the raw experience and high-level skills that top-tier companies actually demand.
The program is designed to allow selected participants to completely bypass the entry-level struggle — or in some cases, completely switch career paths.
You will
Solve real marketing and sales problems for companies entering new markets
Build and execute go-to-market strategies that drive actual revenue and growth
Work directly with decision-makers and receive hands-on mentorship
You won't
Have to prove yourself by doing coffee runs or filing documents
Be treated like "just an intern" whose ideas are ignored
Be stuck doing mindless data entry without seeing the big picture
By the time you finish the 6-month paid internship, you'll have a proven track record of international success.
Quick facts
Programme at a glance
Only 12 scholarships are available. Why 12? Because we're only looking for the top 1% of applicants.
During your internship, you'll receive a monthly stipend designed to fully cover your living expenses in Ljubljana, allowing you to focus entirely on gaining experience and accelerating your career.
Focus areas are marketing, sales, and business development — but the skills you learn are highly transferable and applicable across various roles and industries.
12
fully funded scholarships
6 months
paid internship abroad
800€ – 1050€
monthly support
- Location
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Academy sprint
- Jul 1 – Aug 1, 2026 · 4 weeks, on-site
- Internship
- Jul 1 – Jan 31, 2027 · on-site
- Who can apply
- EU, UK, USA, Canada, Singapore · Ages 18–30
Your base
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia's capital sits at the centre of Europe — 2 hours from Vienna, Venice, and Zagreb. Compact, walkable, and cosmopolitan, with a vibrant young professional scene and a cost of living that lets your stipend go further.
Application process
How it works
The initial application
Fill out a quick online form to confirm your eligibility — country, age, and availability.
The assessments
Two parts: a self-assessment (working style and team fit), and a problem-solving challenge that tests raw research ability and adaptability. This is where you prove you belong in the top 1%. Note: copy-pasted AI answers result in automatic rejection.
The vibe check
A quick, relaxed chat with our team. We already know you have the skills — now we just want to meet the human behind them and make sure the program is a genuine fit.
The match — company interview
Meet your potential host company. At this stage it's about finding the right mutual fit. Nail this, and you've officially claimed one of the 12 spots.
Community support
You won't be navigating this alone
Most international programs drop you in a new country and leave you to navigate bureaucracy, logistics, and housing on your own. Not this one.
When you get selected, Global Shapers Ljubljana — part of the World Economic Forum's global network of young leaders — steps in as your immediate local community.
Complete logistical support
Pre-arrival housing help, legal registrations, and handling administrative hurdles so you can focus entirely on your career.
Avg. rent 300€–500€/moNo "lonely traveller" phase
From day one, you're plugged into an instant network of high-achieving, like-minded young leaders.
Full community perks
Direct mentorship from industry experts, specialised monthly workshops, and invite-only networking events.
Local buddy system
A local buddy from our institute to help you navigate and prosper in your new city and professional environment.
Free info session
Still on the fence?
Join our free live webinar where we walk through the full programme, answer every question you have, and help you figure out if Shapers Academy is the right move for you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
12 spots. One shot at the top 1%.
Applications close May 20, 2026.
Apply for scholarship →Questions? globalshapersljubljana@gmail.com