The LIONS Scholarship
Supporting the next generation of creative talent.
For Cannes Lions 2026, we’re once again offering 10 fully funded scholarships to underrepresented talent within the creative industry.
What’s the LIONS Scholarship?
The LIONS Scholarship is designed to support the next generation of talent, placing an emphasis on diversity of location, gender, race, class, preference and perspective. With five places available in the Brand Marketers Academy and five in the Creative Academy, a total of 10 under-30s from 10 countries will be accepted for the Scholarship.
The LIONS Academies
Five places available on each of the following academies.
Creative Academy
Brand Marketing Academy
What's included?
If you’re selected, you’ll get a fully funded trip to Cannes Lions 2026, including accommodation, travel and allowance. You’ll also get a Young Lions Festival pass, which will give you access to inspiring classroom sessions with world-class speakers, hands-on learning and coaching from industry legends.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to people born on or after 26 June 1995. The minimum age for applying is 18 years old, and proof of age will be required. You’ll also need to have a minimum of two years’ work experience in a role to be eligible. The LIONS Academies are presented in English.
How do you select who gets to join the programme?
Every year, we receive hundreds of applications for the LIONS Scholarship – and we judge every application through a two-stage process. After your initial application, we use a jury of over 40 creatives to create a shortlist. Our jurors are creative directors, art directors, creative partners and copywriters from around the world, so they know exactly what creative excellence looks like and who has the potential to reach it.
Important dates
Applications open: 7 October 2025, 00:01 GMT Applications close: 5 December 2025, 00:01 GMT Applicants notified: 22 January 2026
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the world of marketing and creativity on a global stage. Being selected through a global competition, with all expenses covered, makes the experience even more meaningful. You don’t have to worry about logistics—just get on the plane immerse yourself in the world of creativity.
Tauhid Irteza Ali
Brand Marketing Senior Manager
The LIONS Scholarship Entry Kit
We’ve put together an entry kit to give you extra information about the programme and guidance on what to expect from the application process. Our goal is to ensure that all applicants feel supported in sharing their mission and passion for the creative industry.
Contact information
If you have any further questions that weren’t addressed in the FAQs or need help with your application, please contact talentprogrammes@canneslions.com.