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.

Program Details

Important Info:

Application Deadlines:
Earlybird Deadline: September 15, 2025
Regular Deadline: December 15, 2025
Late Deadline: February 2, 2026

Program Fees:

Cannes Student Program Fee:
Earlybird: $4,995
Regular: $5,445
Late: $5,545

AmPav Alumni Program Fee:
Earlybird: $3,995
Regular: $4,445
Late: $4,545

Cannes Intensive (Week 2) Program Fee:
Earlybird: $2,995
Regular: $3,295
Late: $3,395

Program Fee includes:

Industry-only Festival badge – carbon offset, access to Festival and Market screenings and programming
Membership to The American Pavilion – access to AmPav programming
Shared accommodation in a European-style residence apartment
Daily breakfast
Airport transfers to and from residence and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (on program arrival and departure days)
Orientation – sessions covering festival and ticketing, safety talks, walking tours, lunch included
Social Events with fellow students and industry members
Student-only roundtable discussions with industry insiders; curated by SAGindie
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

Flight/Travel Arrangements:

If accepted, participants are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from Nice, France. (Airport transfers are provided on program arrival and departure days.)

Application Requirements

1. Completed online application form with essay questions – Please note that applicants must be 18 years or older 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 deposit of $1,000 is due within two weeks of acceptance to hold your spot.

Cannes Student Program – balance after paying $1,000 deposit:
$3,995 if paid in full by Sept. 29, 2025 ($4,995 in total)
$4,445 if paid in full by Jan. 12, 2026 ($5,445 in total)
$4,545 due by Mar. 2, 2026 ($5,545 in total)

AmPav Alumni Program – balance after paying $1,000 deposit:
$2,995 if paid in full by Sept. 29, 2025 ($3,995 in total)
$3,445 if paid in full by Jan. 12, 2026 ($4,445 in total)
$3,545 due by Mar. 2, 2026 ($4,545 in total)

Cannes Intensive (Week 2) Program – balance after paying $1,000 deposit:
$1,995 if paid in full by Sept. 29, 2025 ($2,995 in total)
$2,295 if paid in full by Jan. 12, 2026 ($3,295 in total)
$2,395 due by Mar. 2, 2026 ($3,395 in total)
*AmPav Alumni receive $100 discount on regular and late fee for Cannes Intensive.

Payment plans are available for the balance.

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.