Cannes Film Festival Student Programs

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.

APPLY NOW FOR CANNES 2026!

Find the program for you at the Cannes Film Festival:

CANNES STUDENT PROGRAM

May 10–24, 2026

Gain firsthand experience at this industry only event. Complete a 4 hour per day internship with a company doing business at the Festival or an AmPav operational team, selected based on your goals and interests. For film, media, business, hospitality, events, and journalism students.

Program Fee

Earlybird Fee: $4,995
Regular Fee: TBC
Late Fee: TBC
Please note application deadlines below.

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

AMPAV ALUMNI

May 10–24, 2026

Experience Cannes again from a different perspective! Program includes 4 hour per day volunteer placement with a company doing business at the Festival or an AmPav operational team. Alumni get priority placement.

Program Fee

Earlybird Fee: $3,995
Regular Fee: TBC
Late Fee: TBC
Please note application deadlines below.

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

Cannes Intensive

May 17–24, 2026

Taking place during the second week of the Cannes Film Festival, with no internship component, our Cannes Intensive will allow you to fully immerse yourself in screenings, roundtables, panels, and other events. Enjoy access to this industry-only event and benefits of The American Pavilion membership! Perfect for film enthusiasts and those that have date conflicts during Week 1.

Program Fee

Earlybird Fee: $2,995
Regular Fee: TBC
Late Fee: TBC
Please note application deadlines below.

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

APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Earlybird Deadline: September 15, 2025
Regular Deadline: TBC
Late Deadline: TBC

*Program is chosen when filling out your application. CLICK HERE for more details about the registration process and to begin an application. Check out the FAQ page or email us at studentprograms@ampav.com with any questions!

What’s Included in the AmPav Student Experience

IN CANNES:

• Industry-only Festival badge – carbon offset, access to Festival and Market screenings
• Membership to The American Pavilion
• Event App – real-time updates and schedule details
• Orientation – sessions with U.S. Consul General and Festival representatives, walking tours
• Social Events – Student Welcome Party, AmPav Member Party, Karaoke Night, Program Wrap Party
• Student-only roundtable discussions with industry executives and talent
• Opportunity to screen your film in Roger Ebert Conference Center at the end of the program
• Meet like-minded students from all over the world
• 4 hour per day volunteer placement (does not apply to Cannes Intensive)
• Airport transfers
• Bus pass for transportation in Cannes
• Shared accommodation in a European-style residence apartment
• Daily breakfast

Pre-Program:

• U.S.-based team to answer questions and provide advice
• Ongoing communication with festival updates
• Travel prep: packing list, maps, handbook with local information
• Zoom info sessions with program participants and American Pavilion staff

POST CANNES:

• Career development opportunities
• Lifetime membership in The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival
• Alumni mixers in LA, NY, and more
• Alumni discount on most AmPav programs

WHAT’S NOT COVERED:

• Travel arrangements to and from Nice, France
• Meals outside of breakfast

“As the only student program officially recognized and sanctioned by the Festival de Cannes and the Marché du Film, The American Pavilion Student Program offers participants a unique experience and unparalleled access to both the Festival and Market.”
—Jérôme Paillard, Executive Director, Marché du Film, Festival de Cannes (1995–2022)
View Exclusive Festival Endorsement

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.

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

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

All fees are non-refundable. 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.

APPLY NOW!