2026 Cannes Student Programs Application

Do you want hands-on experience at the world's most important film festival? Do you want to get a behind the scenes look at one of the most glamorous international events? Do you want the opportunity to see films from all over the world? Are you interested in learning about careers in the film, entertainment, hospitality and/or event management industries? Or, have you participated in the Cannes Student Programs and are ready to do it all over again? One of our distinct programs at the Cannes Film Festival is right for you! It is so much more than an internship.

CANNES STUDENT PROGRAM (May 10–24, 2026): Gain firsthand experience at the world’s most prestigious international film event! Program includes 4 hour per day volunteer placement. For film, media, business, hospitality, events, and journalism students.

AMPAV ALUMNI* (May 10–24, 2026): Get priority placement and experience Cannes again from a different perspective! Program includes 4 hour per day volunteer placement.

*If you are an AmPav Alum, but have not been to Cannes before (eg: SXSW or Venice Intensive alum), please apply to the Cannes Student Program. Your AmPav Alumni discount will be applied after you are accepted.

CANNES INTENSIVE (May 17–24, 2026): Immerse yourself in screenings and AmPav programming during Week 2 of the Cannes International Film Festival! Program does NOT include internship placement.

CANNES CULINARY (May 8–24, 2026): After touring local markets and vineyards, learn how to prepare meals for AmPav’s restaurant and event menus for VIP guests, all from our beachside venue!

Program Details

Important Info:

Application Deadlines:
Earlybird Deadline: September 15, 2025
Regular Deadline: TBC
Late Deadline: TBC

Program Fees:

Cannes Student Program Fee:
Earlybird: $4,995
Regular: TBC
Late: TBC

AmPav Alumni Program Fee:
Earlybird: $3,995
Regular: TBC
Late: TBC

Cannes Intensive (Week 2) Program Fee:
Earlybird: $2,995
Regular: TBC
Late: TBC

Cannes Culinary Program Fee:
Regular Fee: TBC
*Returning Cannes Culinary participants receive $200 discount.

Program Fee includes:

Industry-only Festival badge – carbon offset, access to Festival and Market screenings
Membership to The American Pavilion
Shared accommodation in a European-style residence apartment
Daily breakfast
Airport transfers and bus pass for transportation in Cannes
Orientation
Social Events: Student Welcome Party, AmPav Member Party, Karaoke Night, Program Closing Party
Student-only roundtable discussions with industry executives and talent
AmPav Alumni membership after the program ends (includes mixers in LA/NY, discounts on other programs, and other opportunities)

Please refer to program website for full list of benefits!

2026 Program Dates:

Cannes Student Program / AmPav Alumni:
Sunday, May 10 – Sunday, May 24

Cannes Intensive:
Sunday, May 17 – Sunday, May 24

Cannes Culinary:
Friday, May 8 – Sunday, May 24

Flight/Travel Arrangements:

If accepted, participants are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from Nice, France.

Application Requirements

1. Completed online application form with essay questions – Please note that applicants must be 18 years of age by the start of the program.

2. Current résumé

3. Unofficial college (or high school) transcript – If you haven't received grades from your current college, please include your high school transcript (or previous school transcript) along with a list of your current classes. Not required for AmPav Alumni or Cannes Intensive.

4. Non-refundable application fee of $55

Completed applications are reviewed by The American Pavilion Selection Committee on a rolling basis. Candidates who meet all of the requirements for admission will be contacted for an interview and notified of a decision on a first come, first served basis.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early as the program can fill up quickly.

Conditions of Acceptance

If accepted into the program, a non-refundable deposit of $1000 is due within two weeks of acceptance to hold your spot.

In order to qualify for the earlybird fee, you must pay the program fee IN FULL by September 29, 2025.

Cannes Student Program – balance after paying $1000 deposit:
$3,995 if paid in full by September 29, 2025
TBC if paid by regular or late deadline

AmPav Alumni Program – balance after paying $1000 deposit:
$2,995 if paid in full by September 29, 2025
TBC if paid by regular or late deadline

Cannes Intensive (Week 2) Program – balance after paying $1000 deposit:
$1,995 if paid in full by September 29, 2025
TBC if paid by regular or late deadline

Cannes Culinary Program – balance after paying $1000 deposit:
TBC

All fees are non-refundable. All prices are in USD. Please note that we cannot accept checks.

Failure to comply with the above stated conditions will result in being put on the waiting list or forfeiting your place in the program.

Program fees are non-refundable. Acceptance can be deferred to a future year only if participation is not possible due to travel restrictions, date change, or cancellation by the Festival.

Adherence to all COVID-19 safety protocols will be required. Depending upon conditions at the time of travel, this could include proof of vaccination/boosters, masking, and/or frequent testing. We will keep participants updated regarding policies and safety measures put forth by the CDC and the Festival organization.