Commonwealth Youth Parliament

What is the CYP?​

The Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) is an​ event held in a different Commonwealth region each year. Up to 66 young people from across the Commonwealth get the opportunity to experience various aspects of parliamentary democracy and connect with youth representatives from around the world.  

What to expect

Youth parliamentarians will participate in education sessions led by experienced parliamentary officials, take part in parliamentary proceedings including Question Period, and debate and vote on legislation and motions. Young Members of Parliament from across the Commonwealth will participate as mentors to the young people. The International Youth Parliament is an opportunity for Commonwealth young people to experience aspects of parliamentary democracy and provides a platform for them to establish links with like-minded peers. Formal parliamentary practice adapted from several Commonwealth countries will be followed and the proceedings will be observed under the watchful eyes of experienced parliamentary officials.

How can I apply to go?  

To be considered, you need to submit an email of no more than 200 words, before midnight on Sunday 22nd March 2026, setting out:

(a) how you would personally benefit from attending the Commonwealth Youth Parliament; and

(b) how the Isle of Man would benefit from your participation.

Send the email to enquiries@tynwald.org.im with the subject line: Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2026.

Please note that participants must be willing and able to travel to Australia between 24 July – 2 August, dependent on travel dates, with a passport valid for at least six months beyond these dates. UK and Isle of Man passport holders currently require a visa to enter Australia.

If you have any questions, before deciding whether to apply, please contact us;
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org.im or telephone 685500 with the subject line: Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2026

How has selection taken place previously?

Invitations for nominations are sent to all each branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The Isle of Man Branch of the CPA advertise the opportunity to young people. All applications received will be anonymised for selection. CPA Tynwald Members choose the best application and the nomination is submitted to apply for a place at the CYP.

Provided the application is successful, the CPA IOM will fund one young person to travel and attend this event.

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Previous Events

One Year Parliamentary Internship

Tynwald has been offering a 12-month parliamentary internship programme since 2014. Arranged by the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office it provides graduates with an opportunity to gain training and experience in a wide range of parliamentary functions, procedures and services within the parliamentary office.

• The position is usually advertised annually in the May/June each year.
• Read the blog posts from our interns and their experiences during their internships: https://tynwald.org.im/parliamentary-intern

Applications for the parliamentary internship 2026/27 are now open. For more information and how to apply see: https://www.tynwald.org.im/recruitment

Examples of the work the intern will undertake are: 

You will be asked to write a blog about your experience of working in Tynwald; previous examples are published HERE

The work of this small office is varied and the Clerk of Tynwald may specify other duties from time to time. On occasion, you will be expected to cover for other team members and to assist with work in other areas of the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office.

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Work Experience

Office of the Clerk of Tynwald

My Work Experience Week - Ciara F

My five day work experience programme at Tynwald has been nothing short
of wonderful. I have just finished my second year of university at Northumbria Newcastle
studying International Relations and Politics, I came upon this opportunity by simply asking. I
went to one of the MHKs for my constituency and asked about opportunities for young people
and work experience within the Manx political sphere, where I was then offered this 5 day
programme.
The programme has taken me all over parliament, learning the behind the scenes aspects
and seeing politics happen right in front of me. I started my week getting to know the building
and meeting the incredible teams. I was then directed over to the scrutiny and research team in
which they explained what they do why their work is important and were open to the questions I
had, throughout the week I was completing a research paper for them on party politics in the
Isle of Man, a fascinating topic and one I now have many thoughts on. In the afternoon I joined
the tour of the parliamentary chambers, getting my first look into where the action takes place.
My second day was spent with the Hansard team where I got to join them in the House of Keys
sitting! Seeing the debates, questions and motions in real time. With Hansard I learnt how they
are able to transcribe the documents, how they are produced and their system for tracking of a
bill lifecycle. My favourite day of the programme.
My third day gave me insight into the parliamentary committees. I was fortunate enough to sit in on
the Youth Select Committee meeting, which I thank them for greatly. Gaining great insight into
the work they are currently doing. I also sat with the Reception team, important to see the face of
the building. I could see how the public receive help from their local MHKs through face to face
meetings and provide guidance to residents.
This programme landed on the lead up to Tynwald Day. Making me appreciate the amount of
work that goes into the day, I assisted in curating the guest bags with all things Manx. In the
afternoon I joined an interview with UNESCO Biosphere and the Youth Select Committee,
where I was able to participate and offer my perspectives and a young person on the Island, a
really insightful meeting and a brilliant opportunity to offer my input.
On my final day I completed my research task, and further assisted on some Tynwald Day
preparations. More excitingly I attended an Oral Evidence Hearing for the Select Committee on
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia. A further look into the committee process.
I was treated with the utmost respect by the team and members: given so many opportunities to
learn. It is important for the young people on the Island to know about their parliament and to
take advantage of these opportunities on their doorstep. If anyone is looking for work
experience I would just ask, you never know what might come of it

Shadowing an MHK

There are limited opportunities to shadow an MHK. Please contact your local MHK directly to arrange.
Further information about all MHKs can be found HERE

UK Youth Parliament

The Make Your Mark Campaign

Media Release: https://www.tynwald.org.im/news/isle-of-man-students-vote-to-make-their-mark

Over 1900 students from across the Island took part in the Make Your Mark initiative from the House of Commons Speaker's Office as part of a youth engagement activity happening across all the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. The combined vote resulted in “Jobs, the Economy and benefits” being the topic of most concern in the Isle of Man and this will be the topic of debate in a special segment in the UK Youth Parliament.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said he was 'pleased that so many young people from the Crown Dependencies had taken part in the “Make Your Mark” ballot’ - hailing the vote as ‘democracy in action’. He added that it was "no surprise that ambitious young people had chosen a subject that was about improving their life chances.'

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons

Report issued by the House of Commons Speaker's Office