The LIONS Scholarship 2026 is now officially open, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young creatives across the world. For the 2026 edition of the Cannes Lions Festival, the program will award 10 fully funded scholarships to outstanding and underrepresented talent in the global creative industry.
This prestigious scholarship is created to support young innovators while promoting diversity in location, gender, race, class, field, and perspective. If you are under 30 and passionate about building a career in creativity or marketing, this could be your gateway to a global stage.
What Is the LIONS Scholarship?
The LIONS Scholarship is an international program designed to uplift the next generation of creative professionals. It offers:
- 5 fully funded seats in the Creative Academy
- 5 fully funded seats in the Brand Marketers Academy
A total of 10 young professionals from 10 different countries will be selected for the 2026 cohort.
Available Academies for 2026
1. Creative Academy – Cannes Lions
This academy is ideal for creatives such as:
- Art Directors
- Copywriters
- Graphic/UX Designers
- Creative Technologists
- Directors, PR professionals, Journalists, Engineers, and more
2. Brand Marketers Academy – Cannes Lions
This academy focuses on applicants working on the brand or client side, including:
- Marketing Managers
- Digital Marketers
- Marketing Directors
- Social Media Managers
Each academy provides world-class training with leading industry experts.
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What the Scholarship Covers
Successful applicants will receive a fully funded trip to Cannes Lions 2026, including:
- Paid travel
- Accommodation
- A living allowance
- A Young Lions Festival Pass
This pass grants access to:
- High-level classroom sessions
- Hands-on workshops
- Mentorship and coaching from global leaders
- Networking opportunities with top creatives
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the LIONS Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be born on or after 26 June 1995
- Have at least 2 years of work experience in a relevant creative or marketing field
- Be able to participate in sessions conducted in English
How the Selection Process Works
The LIONS Scholarship receives hundreds of applications every year. Selection happens in two stages:
- Initial Application Screening
- Shortlisting by a Global Jury of 40+ creative leaders, including:
- Creative Directors
- Art Directors
- Creative Partners
- Copywriters
These judges evaluate applicants based on creative potential, experience, and passion for the industry.
Important Dates for the 2026 Cycle
- Applications Open: 7 October 2025 (00:01 GMT)
- Applications Close: 5 December 2025 (00:01 GMT)
- Notifications Sent: 22 January 2026
Why You Should Apply
The LIONS Scholarship is more than just funding, it’s a transformative global experience. You’ll learn from the best, build lifelong connections, and gain exposure at one of the world’s most influential creative festivals.
As previous participants describe, it’s a chance to “immerse yourself in creativity, learn, and grow without worrying about logistics.”
Additional Support: Entry Kit & Contact
Applicants can download the official LIONS Scholarship Entry Kit for guidance on preparing the strongest application.
For questions, visit the LIONS Scholarship Programme.
