The LIONS Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded opportunity for young creatives and brand marketers to attend the Cannes Lions festival. Ten people under 30, from 10 different countries, will be selected: five for the Creative Academy and five for the Brand Marketer Academy. The scholarship puts special focus on diversity of location, gender, race, class, preference and perspective.
If you are selected, you get a fully funded trip that covers your travel, accommodation and an allowance, plus a Young Lions Festival pass. There is no application fee. Applications close at 00:01 GMT on 4 December 2026, which is 1:01 am in Nigeria that Friday, so treat Thursday, 3 December as your real last day.
LIONS Scholarship 2027 Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | LIONS Scholarship 2027 (Cannes Lions) |
| Host Country ⇒ | France |
| Study Level ⇒ | Training |
| Benefits ⇒ | Fully funded trip: travel, accommodation, allowance and a Young Lions Festival pass |
| Funded by ⇒ | Cannes Lions (LIONS) |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | The 10 places are spread across 10 countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | 00:01 GMT on 4 December 2026 (1:01 am in Nigeria) |
Benefits of the LIONS Scholarship
- Travel to Cannes Lions 2027
- Accommodation
- An allowance, which the source says is for food expenses during the festival week
- A Young Lions Festival pass
- Classroom sessions with world-class speakers
- Hands-on learning and coaching from industry legends
- A dedicated programme tutor during the programme
- A digital certificate at the end of the programme
- Pre-festival calls, a WhatsApp group and chances to hear from alumni
- Continued contact with your cohort to share resources and job opportunities
You cannot bring a guest or family member, but an essential companion needed for support can be arranged by emailing [email protected].
The Two Academies
Creative Academy (5 places): for Art Directors, Copywriters, Graphic and UX Designers, Directors, Journalists, PR people, Creative Technologists and Engineers. Other creatives are also encouraged to apply.
Brand Marketer Academy (5 places): for brand and client-side marketers such as Brand and Marketing Managers, Digital Marketers, Marketing Directors and Social Media Managers.
You can apply to more than one Cannes Lions talent programme, but you will only be accepted onto one. All sessions are in English.
Eligible Applicants
You can apply if you:
- Are born on or after 26 June 1997 and are at least 18 years old (proof of age is required)
- Have at least two years of work experience in a role
- Work full time as a creative or marketer
- Can take part in an English-language programme
What You Need to Submit
- A video recorded in English, telling them who you are and what you would bring to the Academy (maximum 2 minutes).
- A written response to the question “How has creativity shaped your journey?” (maximum 250 words).
- A character reference of up to 250 words from one of these: your employer, your company’s talent officer, a senior executive of your company, a previous LIONS Academy graduate, or a customer whose life has been impacted by your work.
How You Will Be Judged
A jury of over 40 creatives and marketers, including creative directors and brand marketing leaders, picks a shortlist after your first application. Your answers and video are judged against three capabilities:
- Creativity: you produce innovative work that stands out and bring fresh ideas and perspectives.
- Empowerment: you take initiative, make decisions and work towards your full potential.
- Learning agility: you seek new skills and knowledge and apply what you learn to improve performance.
How to Apply for the LIONS Scholarship
- Choose your Academy. Pick Creative or Brand Marketer based on your role.
- Check your age and experience. Confirm your birth date and your two years of work experience.
- Record your video. Keep it under 2 minutes, in English.
- Write your answer. Keep it within 250 words.
- Request your reference. Ask the person to write up to 250 words early, so it is ready on time.
- Submit through the official application page before the deadline.
Previous scholars advise applicants to be themselves and avoid buzzwords. If a mental health condition, visual impairment, dyslexia, autism or another condition makes forms hard, the LIONS team can support you with your application. Write to [email protected].
Application Dates
- Applications open: 29 October 2026, 00:01 GMT
- Applications close: 4 December 2026, 00:01 GMT (1:01 am in Nigeria)
- Applicants notified: 1 February 2027
Official Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LIONS Scholarship really free to apply for?
Yes. There is no application fee.
Are flights and accommodation covered?
Yes. LIONS covers your flights and accommodation, and gives you an allowance for food during the festival week.
Can Nigerians apply for the LIONS Scholarship?
The source does not list excluded countries, and the 10 places go to people from 10 different countries. Nigerians who meet the age and work experience rules can apply.
Can I defer my place to next year?
Possibly, in extenuating circumstances. The LIONS team decides.
Can I reapply if I am not selected?
Yes. You are encouraged to reapply the following year.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of November 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official LIONS Scholarship website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Cannes Lions.
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