The LIONS Scholarship 2026 is now open for global young creatives and brand marketers. Fully funded, with travel, accommodation, allowance, and a Young Lions Festival Pass to attend Cannes Lions 2026. Learn eligibility, benefits, and how to apply before the December 5, 2025 deadline.
The LIONS Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious global opportunities for young, ambitious creatives and brand marketers. Fully funded and highly competitive, this scholarship selects 10 exceptional talents—five for the Creative Academy and five for the Brand Marketers Academy—offering an exclusive, career-transforming experience at the world-renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
The scholarship’s mission is clear: discover, empower, and accelerate the next generation of global creative leaders, while promoting diversity in location, gender, race, class, preference, and perspective. With hundreds of applications received each year from all over the world, being selected as a LIONS Scholar instantly elevates your professional profile and connects you to industry legends.
If you’re under 30, have at least two years of work experience, and are passionate about creativity or brand marketing, this could be your chance to take your career to an entirely new level.
Key Details at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | LIONS Scholarship 2026 |
| Type | Fully-funded |
| Target Group | Under-30 creatives & brand marketers from around the world |
| Number of Slots | 10 total — 5 for Creative Academy, 5 for Brand Marketers Academy |
| Age Requirement | Born on or after 26 June 1995 (minimum age: 18) |
| Work Experience | Minimum 2 years |
| Deadline | December 5, 2025 |
| Location | Cannes Lions Festival 2026, France |
| Language Requirement | English |
| Application Link | https://auth.lionscreativity.com/u/login |
| Official Website | https://www.canneslions.com/impact/lions-scholarship |
Key Takeaways
- Fully funded trip to Cannes Lions 2026 for 10 outstanding young professionals.
- Includes travel, accommodation, allowance, and a Young Lions Festival Pass.
- Open to global talent across creative and marketing industries.
- Ideal for young professionals who want to accelerate their global industry exposure.
- Application deadline: December 5, 2025.
About the LIONS Scholarship
The LIONS Scholarship is an initiative of Cannes Lions—a global benchmark for creativity in the marketing, advertising, and creative communications industries. The scholarship embodies the organisation’s commitment to nurturing young talent and amplifying voices from diverse backgrounds.
Every year, this programme identifies the most promising creative and brand marketing professionals under 30 and offers them an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect at the Cannes Lions Festival. This festival is the world’s largest gathering of creative minds, including CEOs, brand leaders, Hollywood directors, global agencies, technologists, artists, and innovators.
This scholarship not only opens doors—it transforms careers.
Available Positions Under the LIONS Scholarship
1. Creative Academy (5 Slots)
This academy is ideal for emerging creative professionals who want to sharpen their craft and understand global trends in creativity. It welcomes talent across diverse creative backgrounds, including:
- Art Directors
- Copywriters
- Graphic Designers
- UX/UI Designers
- Directors
- Journalists
- PR Professionals
- Creative Technologists
- Creative Engineers
- Any creative role within media, marketing, storytelling, or design
Who should apply?
If you’re passionate about creative storytelling, innovative designs, media production, communication strategy, or digital creativity, the Creative Academy is a perfect fit.
2. Brand Marketers Academy (5 Slots)
This academy nurtures young professionals shaping the future of brand strategy and consumer engagement. It welcomes:
- Brand Managers
- Marketing Managers
- Digital Marketers
- Social Media Managers
- Marketing Directors
- Client-side marketing professionals
- Content Strategists
- Advertising and brand innovation professionals
Who should apply?
If you’re passionate about brand storytelling, consumer insights, digital strategy, or campaign execution, this academy will elevate your expertise.
Benefits of the LIONS Scholarship 2026
Being selected as a LIONS Scholar is not just about receiving funding—it’s about becoming part of an elite global network of creativity and innovation.
1. Fully Funded Trip to Cannes Lions 2026
You’ll receive:
- Paid flight travel to France
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily allowance for meals and personal needs
- Local transport where necessary
This ensures you can focus fully on learning, networking, and participating without financial limitations.
2. Young Lions Festival Pass
The festival pass gives you full access to:
- Classroom sessions
- Workshops
- Hands-on learning
- Mentorship sessions
- Exclusive talks by industry legends
- Networking events
- Live award shows
- Showcases of global best-in-class creativity
This pass alone is a life-changing opportunity for any young creative or marketer.
3. Coaching from Industry Icons
You will learn directly from:
- World-renowned creative directors
- Marketing executives
- Global strategists
- Leading advertisers
- Creative technologists
- Designers and brand architects
These mentors have shaped iconic campaigns and global creative transformation.
4. Career Growth & Global Exposure
LIONS Scholars often go on to:
- Work with leading creative agencies
- Lead global brand campaigns
- Collaborate with international creative teams
- Move into senior creative or marketing positions
- Win major awards, including Young Lions competitions
This scholarship is a career accelerator.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure a fair and global selection process, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- Must be born on or after 26 June 1995
- Minimum age to apply: 18 years
- Proof of age is required
2. Work Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a relevant role
- This could include
- Agency work
- In-house brand roles
- Freelance creative work
- Media roles
- Digital marketing roles
- Journalism
- Tech and creative engineering roles
3. Language Requirement
- The LIONS Academies are taught in English, so applicants must be able to understand and communicate effectively.
4. Creativity and Potential
Applications are judged based on:
- Passion for creativity
- Professional achievements
- Ability to think differently
- Impact and potential within creative or marketing industries
- Motivation to learn and grow
Selection Process
Every year, the LIONS Scholarship receives hundreds of applications from over 100 countries. To ensure fairness and transparency, they follow a rigorous two-stage selection process:
Stage 1: Initial Application Review
Your application is evaluated based on:
- Experience
- Answers to application questions
- Creativity and clarity
- Demonstrated passion
Stage 2: Global Jury Evaluation
A panel of 40+ industry experts reviews shortlisted applications. Jurors include:
- Creative directors
- Art directors
- Creative partners
- Copywriters
- Leading brand strategists
- Global advertising professionals
These experts know what creative excellence looks like and can spot unique potential in young professionals.
How to Apply for the LIONS Scholarship 2026
Applying for LIONS Scholarship is straightforward, but competitive. Here’s the full step-by-step process:
1. Visit the Official Application Portal
Click the application link provided:
https://auth.lionscreativity.com/u/login (opens in a new tab)
You’ll need to create an account if you’re a first-time applicant.
2. Fill Out the Online Application Form
This involves:
- Personal details
- Work experience
- Creative background
- Relevant achievements
- Motivational responses
Be sincere, detailed, and reflective—this is your chance to stand out.
3. Upload Supporting Documents
Depending on your academy, this may include:
- Portfolio
- Work samples
- Campaigns you’ve worked on
- Creative or strategic case studies
- CV/Resume
Make sure everything is polished and professionally presented.
4. Submit Before the Deadline
The application deadline is December 5, 2025.
Late applications are not accepted.
5. Wait for Shortlisting & Final Selection
- Shortlisted candidates are reviewed by the global jury
- Finalists are selected and notified
- Official announcement follows
Important Dates for LIONS Scholarship 2026
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Already Open |
| Deadline | December 5, 2025 |
| Shortlisting | Early 2026 |
| Final Results | Mid-2026 |
| Cannes Lions Festival | June 2026 |
Official Links and Useful Resources
Here are key links to help you through the process:
- Apply Here: https://auth.lionscreativity.com/u/login (opens in a new tab)
- Scholarship Information Page: https://www.canneslions.com/impact/lions-scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Cannes Lions Festival Website: https://www.canneslions.com (opens in a new tab)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannes_lions
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/cannes_lions
Conclusion
The LIONS Scholarship 2026 is more than an award—it’s a global gateway to opportunity. For young creatives and brand marketers who dream of shaping the future of advertising, digital storytelling, branding, and communication, this scholarship is an unparalleled opportunity.
With full funding, mentorship from top industry leaders, and access to the Cannes Lions Festival, this programme equips you with the skills, exposure, network, and confidence to rise to the top of your field.
If you meet the criteria for LIONS Scholarship, don’t hesitate. Apply before December 5, 2025, and take your place among the world’s most promising creative talents.