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Destinations
Exams
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A 9-month elite leadership journey that transforms potential into proof, building executive presence, sharp thinking, digital authority, and measurable impact for global success.
Why choose this Youth Leadership Program?
Build a global profile that elite universities value with this high impact program - designed for the exceptional few. Develop your Mastery in AI/ML or Design or Entrepreneurship, hone research capabilities, learn a foreign language, publish research papers, build your portfolio & engage in several projects with Microsoft and top universities.
First Phase:
5 Months
Second Phase:
4 Months
Third Phase:
12 Months*
Scholarship:
Yes
Elevate your profile and build your portfolio through these 8 Pillars
Accelerate your academic, research, and professional identity with our leadership coaches.
Data Science & AI
Business & Entrepreneurship
Turn Prerequisites into an Strong Differentiator.
1. Core Academics
GPA
SAT/ GRE / GMAT / LSAT
Research / Projects
Portfolio
SOP
LOR
2. Extracurriculars
Entrepreneurship
Work Experience
Internships
Online Courses
Volunteering Experience
Awards
3. Leadership Development
Leadership
Uniqueness
Track record of Success
Associations
Ability to create value
Skills, Knowledge, Capability
The Youth Leadership Program curriculum is structured to build these exact competencies, closely aligning your profile with what top universities seek in applicants.
1. Academic Writing
Academic Writing and Essays
Finding Your Story and Voice
SOP Architecture
SOP - Vision, Goals, Impact
Research & Fit Strategy - Why this University
Integration & Outlining
Revision Strategies Workshop
Research Writing
Understanding Academic Papers
Topic Approval & Planning
Finding and Evaluating Scholarly Sources
Paragraphs Claim, Evidence, Analysis
Drafting Workshop
2. Domain Leadership
Communicate To Influence
The Winning Communicator
Build Rich Networks
Master Body Language
Communicate like a Leader
Display Personal Leadership
Think Critically
Supercharge your Verbal Communication
Master Business Storytelling
Write To Persuade
Writing clearly, concisely, and compellingly
Ace Business Writing
Structure your Thinking and Writing
Understand Aristotle's Appeals of Persuasion
Mastering Creative Writing
The Leader In You
Find your Ikigai
Identify your Values and Strengths
Identify your best possible self
Understand your leadership style
Igniting Self-Growth
Becoming a Transformative Leader
Create a High-Performing Team
Learn the 3Ps of Leadership
Display Personal Leadership
Understand your leadership style
Leadership in Data and AI
AI & Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Generative AI
Predictive Modelling & Data Visualization
Using Data Analytics Tools
Image and Pattern Recognition
Prompt Engineering
3. Leadership Development
Orientation & Global Career Mindset
Personality Assessments & Strengths Mapping
Career Pathways by Stream & Country
Resume Building
LinkedIn & Digital Identity
Personal Imagery & Global Confidence
Public Speaking & Group Discussions
Cross-Cultural Communication & Email Etiquette
4. Language Prep (German/French)
Core Vocabulary
Grammar Foundations
Listening & Speaking Skills
Basic Reading & Writing
Cultural Awareness
Expanded Vocabulary
Grammar Development
Real-Life Interaction
Advanced Reading & Writing
Understanding Culture & Context
1000+
Hours of Learning
100+
Live Sessions
6
Projects
9 + 12
Months
Note: University Certification is subject to admission requirements.
Accelerate your study abroad journey to outperform peers in the nearest campus intake* with advanced academic standing.
Check academic to determine your eligibility for this study abroad program
Applications, visas, counselling, and planning—everything in one place.
Get personalized expert guidance to simplify your journey — from university selection to application success.
upGrad learners receive exclusive scholarships of up to 40% to make their global education more accessible.
We offer IELTS prep by experienced individuals to help you reach the desired proficiency and achieve the required score.
Maximize your chances of funding with our expert guidance on third-party credit facility. Access loans at competitive interest rates.
Gain access to visa mocks and guidance to breeze through your visa process.
Use our free tools to calculate expenses, assess scores, know your loan EMI—before you apply.
Your admission journey, simplified and supported at every stage.
Everything you need to know about Youth Leadership Program.
1.Why should you pursue a Youth Leadership Program from upGrad?
2.What makes upGrad a trusted platform for leadership and AI education?
upGrad focuses on industry-relevant, learning by combining leadership development, real-world projects, and emerging technologies like Generative AI, ensuring learners build skills that remain relevant in a rapidly changing global landscape.
3.How does upGrad ensure industry relevance in its programs?
upGrad integrates practical projects, case studies, digital portfolios, and hands-on exposure to AI tools, along with certificate backed by global technology leaders, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations.
4.Why does upGrad emphasize AI and digital skills in leadership programs?
The brochure highlights that AI fluency is now essential for future growth, with most global business leaders considering it critical. upGrad addresses this by embedding AI, data analytics, and Generative AI into leadership training.
5.How does upGrad support long-term career and academic growth?
upGrad follows a holistic, structured approach that builds leadership mindset, communication, digital credibility, and adaptive skills, helping learners remain competitive for global universities and evolving career roles.
6.How does upGrad help learners stand out in competitive environments?
upGrad focuses on transforming academic capital into measurable impact by strengthening personal branding, digital presence, certified portfolios, and leadership narratives that differentiate learners beyond grades alone.
1.How do I know if the program is right for me?
2.Is there any minimum educational qualification required to take this program?
3.Is work experience required for this course?
Work experience is not mandatory for admission.
4.What is the selection process for this program?
There are 3 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed as:
Step 1- Complete Application - Complete your application and submit the required details. The Admissions Committee will then review your application - which includes your work experience & educational background.
Step 2- Get Shortlisted & Receive the Offer Letter- Upon qualifying, an Offer Letter will be sent to you confirming your admission to the course.
Step 3- Block your Seat - Block your seat with an initial payment of INR 25,000 to enroll into the Program. Begin your leadership journey.
5.What are the lists of documents required for the application ?
6.What is the third phase?
Upon successful completion of phase 2 and graduating from the Youth Leadership Program, qualified candidates get an opportunity to progress to the 12-month university led early entry program specific to the domain.
5.What kind of Job prospects does this program offer?
The program itself does not offer direct job placements, as it is a profile building program and not a degree awarding qualification. After completing the program, students progress toward undergraduate university admissions. Employment opportunities arise after graduation, aligned with the student’s chosen major and field of study.
1.What is the time commitment expected for the program?
At least 2-4 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to graduate from the online program.
2.How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?
Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries, and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts.
0% EMI with Finance partners /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.
1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)
2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.
3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.
4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.
5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.
6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.
7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.
8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the learner, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000
9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.
10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.
11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.
Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000
Refund Policy:
1. Students must pay an applicable Caution Amount for the enrollment to the Program. This Caution Amount will be adjustable against the total Program fee payable by the student.
2. Once the student has made a partial or full payment of Program fee, such student can claim a refund for this amount at any time before the cohort commencement date by raising a refund request through ‘My applications’ page on our website (www.upgrad.com), stating the specific reason for the refund. The refund shall be subject to a deduction of INR. 20,000/- towards processing fee. If less than INR. 20,000/- have been paid in total, students shall not be eligible for any refund in such a case.
3. Students shall not be eligible for a refund (under any circumstances) if the refund request is raised post-program/Batch Start Date. In such a case, the student will continue to pay the EMI of his loan (if applicable) as the loan cannot be canceled. This is also applicable to students who could not complete their payment and could not get enrolled in their opted cohort. However, the student can request a pre-program deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.
4. Student shall not be eligible for refund of any amount paid towards the Program in case any discrepancy is identified between your application and self-attested documents including but not limited to wrong details about your grades or any other incorrect information provided in your application.
5. In case of a valid refund request post obtaining the loan from a third party loan facility provider, we would like to clarify that the responsibility of canceling the loan will lie with the student as upGrad is not privy to such arrangements between the student and the third party loan facility provider.
6. If students do not provide documents as per the timeline mentioned in the offer letter, they will be deferred to the next batch and they will not be eligible for any refund.
Deferral Policy: (Pre- Program Commencement)
1. If a learner, due to unavoidable circumstances is unable to commence with the cohort and requests for a deferral before the Cohort Commencement Date, learner will have an option to defer to another batch.
2. However, the learner is required to pay 50% of the Total Program Fee amount (inclusive of taxes) before the deferral can be approved. Till this condition is complied with, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
3. A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for.
4. The learner has time till the current Cohort Commencement Date to make the payment of the 50% of the Total Program Fee, post which the deferral request will expire. Once the deferral window expires and the learner asks for a refund after the Cohort Commencement Date, the above-mentioned applicable refund policy will apply.
5. The fee applicable to the deferred learner will be as per prevailing Total Program Fee for the batch learner as opted to defer to (No additional deferral fee is required to be paid).
Deferral Policy: (Post Program Commencement)
1. If a learner is facing severe issues in dedicating time to the course, learner will have an option to defer to another batch.A learner can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the Cohort Commencement Date of the initial batch the Learner enrolled for.
2. The learner will be required to pay a deferral fee of 5% of the Total Program Fee (inclusive of taxes) if any along with the differential program fees between the two cohorts.
3. The deferral request will be approved once the deferral fee is paid.
4. Till this condition is complied, the learner will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
5. The learner has 7 days (including holidays and weekends) from the date of deferral request to make the payment of the deferral fee, post which the deferral request will expire, and the learner will continue as part of the current cohort.
6. If the learner completes the deferral payment, the learner’s login will be disabled. The learner will leave the deferred cohort and the learner will start learning on the new cohort from the point of the last assignment that was graded in the deferred cohort. All grades and progress till that point will be carried forward as it is to the new cohort.
7. The deferral can only be requested during the batch for which the learner has enrolled is ongoing. Once the batch has been completed, deferral requests shall not be entertained. For clarification, the batch completion here shall mean the “last grace deadline” as communicated by upGrad. Case Deferral fee Before Program Commencement 50% program fee (including taxes) to be paid upfront- no additional deferral fee to be paid Post Program Commencement (0-7 days after program start date) 5% of the program fee (including taxes) to be paid within 7 days as deferral fee Post Program Commencement (8 days after program start date) Will have to continue as a part of the current cohort.
| Case | Deferral fee |
Before Program Commencement | 50% program fee (including taxes) to be paid upfront- no additional deferral fee to be paid |
Post Program Commencement (0-7 days after program start date) | 5% of the program fee (including taxes) to be paid within 7 days as deferral fee |
Post Program Commencement (8 days after program start date) | Will have to continue as a part of the current cohort |
1. upGrad is not a college/University. Views expressed are solely those of the speaker and are not verified or endorsed by upGrad; the outcomes depend on various factors and individual results may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
2.Please note that the financial support provided by a third-party credit facility provider for the online component of the program is in the form of a Personal Loan, not an Educational Loan. This distinction means that this loan does not come with tax benefits or other amenities. Finance, No Cost EMI and Credit Card EMI options are provided by third-party credit facility providers/financial institutions. Terms and conditions are subject to change at their discretion. Please verify details with the respective service provider before proceeding. We strongly advise all learners to carefully consider this information before proceeding with enrolment.
3.Information regarding program timelines may vary. For the most accurate and updated details, please consult your designated upGrad counsellor.
4. Participation in the program does not guarantee admission to any university, institution, scholarship, internship, job placement, or specific career outcome.
5. Any certificates issued upon completion of the program are recognitions of participation and completion and should not be construed as professional licenses, degrees, or guarantees of employability.
6. Any references to skill acceleration, efficiency, productivity, or performance improvement are indicative, based on general research or industry observations.
7.Guidance on personal branding, digital footprint, and online presence is advisory in nature. Visibility, reach, and engagement outcomes depend on external platforms and individual implementation.
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