Cannes Lions, the world’s biggest festival of creativity and marketing, is offering 10 fully funded LIONS Scholarships for 2027. They’re for young creatives and marketers from under-represented backgrounds. Winners get a trip to the festival in Cannes, France, with travel, accommodation and an allowance covered, plus a place on one of two training academies.
The scholarship is open worldwide and puts weight on diversity of location, so African creatives and marketers are encouraged to apply. The deadline is 4 December 2026 at 00:01 GMT, which means it closes at the very start of 4 December, so submit by 3 December.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Cannes Lions (LIONS) |
| Places | 10 in total: 5 in the Creative Academy and 5 in the Brand Marketing Academy, from 10 different countries |
| Covers | Travel, accommodation, an allowance and a Young Lions festival pass |
| Age | Born on or after 26 June 1997 (minimum age 18) |
| Experience | At least 2 years’ work experience |
| Deadline | 4 December 2026, 00:01 GMT |
| Results | 1 February 2027 |
The Two Academies
- Creative Academy: for art directors, copywriters, graphic and UX designers, directors, journalists, PR people, creative technologists and engineers.
- Brand Marketing Academy: for client-side marketers such as brand and marketing managers, digital marketers, marketing directors and social media managers.
Benefits
- A fully funded trip to Cannes Lions 2027, covering travel, accommodation and an allowance
- A Young Lions Festival pass
- Classroom sessions with world-class speakers, plus hands-on learning and coaching from industry leaders
- A global network of creative and marketing talent
Eligibility
- You must be born on or after 26 June 1997 and be at least 18. Proof of age is required.
- You need at least two years’ work experience in a creative or marketing role.
- The academies are taught in English.
- Applicants from any country can apply. Cannes Lions focuses on talent that’s under-represented by location, gender, race, class or perspective.
Note: some listings say the cut-off birth date is 26 June 1996. The official Cannes Lions page says 26 June 1997, so we’ve used that date.
How to Apply
- Read the official LIONS Scholarship page and download the entry kit.
- Choose the Creative Academy or the Brand Marketing Academy.
- Prepare the application materials listed in the entry kit, which have included a short video in English and a written answer.
- Submit before 4 December 2026, 00:01 GMT. That’s 1:01am on 4 December in Lagos and 2:01am in Johannesburg, so apply by the evening of 3 December.
A jury of more than 40 creatives shortlists the applicants, and successful applicants are told by 1 February 2027.
Official Cannes Lions LIONS Scholarship page · Questions: [email protected]
Tips for African Applicants
- Show your work. Mention campaigns, designs or content that reached real audiences in your market.
- Tell your story clearly in the video. Explain what you’d bring that’s different.
- Check your passport now. You’ll need a valid passport for the trip to France.
