Future Young Talents Scholarship 2026: Turn your passion into a culinary career

Showcase your talent, seize an opportunity and start shaping your future: the Future Young Talents Scholarship 2026 at Le Cordon Bleu Paris is designed for gastronomy enthusiasts ready to take the next step. Through this competition, the institute opens the doors to its world of excellence and offers the chance to turn passion into a true culinary ambition.

Applications for the Future Young Talents Scholarship at Le Cordon Bleu Paris are open from 13 April to 12 June. This culinary competition offers aspiring gastronomes the opportunity to showcase their talent and win the Diploma in Culinary Arts, one of the institute’s flagship programmes.

Now in its second year, the scholarship shines a spotlight on amateur candidates driven by a genuine passion for the culinary arts. It offers a unique opportunity to discover the world of excellence and expertise passed on at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, while putting creativity and gastronomic knowledge to the test.

Who can apply?
• Candidates residing in France
• Aged 18 or over
• Available to take part in both the semi-finals and the final
• Amateur candidates only (not Le Cordon Bleu alumni and with no professional experience)

The selection process takes place in several stages. Following the review of applications, 24 semi-finalists will be announced on 3 July. They will then take part in a semi-final held at the institute on 4 September, which will include an individual interview with two of the institute’s Chefs, a quiz about the institute combined with a written knowledge test, and a pastry challenge based on a recipe.

At the end of this stage, 12 finalists will be selected on 28 September to compete in the grand final. The final will take place on 19 October at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and will consist of an outstanding culinary challenge, including a demonstration by one of the institute’s Chefs followed by a hands-on practical session in both cuisine and pâtisserie. Candidates will be assessed by a professional jury throughout the challenge and during the final tasting.

Prizes :
• First prize: Diploma in Culinary Arts
• Second prize: Basic Pastry Certificate
• Third prize: L’Atelier du Pain workshop (5.5 hours)

A unique opportunity to turn a passion for gastronomy into a true professional project.