The 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, in association with Parmigiano Reggiano, is back for 2026

Apply between 1-15 April for your chance to stage at two of the world's best restaurants.

Looking to level-up your culinary career? The 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, in partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano, offers chefs from around the world the opportunity to undertake two four-week stages at two of the world's best restaurants. 

This year, the winner will have the chance to work at The Fat Duck in Bray, United Kingdom, led by chef Heston Blumenthal, which was named No.1 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2005 and is now an honorary member of the Best of the Best hall of fame; and Salsify at the Roundhouse in Cape Town, South Africa, from chefs Ryan Cole and Nina du Toit, No.88 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 extended list.

Open to anyone over the age of 18 with less than three years' experience in a professional kitchen, the scholarship gives early-career chefs the chance to refine their technique and gain hands-on experience alongside the very best in the business.

The scholarship winner will spend four weeks at each restaurant in 2027, with all flights, accommodation and travel costs covered, plus £2,000 per stage.

The selection process:

Round one: Applications will be open from Wednesday 1 April- 12:00 BST Wednesday 15 April. Applicants will answer questions about their career so far and their inspirations. They are also encouraged to submit an optional 30 second video introducing themselves. These entries will be assessed by 50 Best. 

Round two: A shortlist of 25 successful candidates will develop, plate and film a dish they have created featuring Parmigiano Reggiano. They will also answer questions on the inspiration behind it. The submissions will be reviewed by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium and 50 Best.

Round three: Five candidates will be invited to a final interview stage to answer a selection of further questions about their culinary journey. After discussions with each candidate, the panel will select three finalists to attend The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 in November. The ultimate winner will be revealed on stage at the official awards ceremony in front of the world's leading gastronomic talent and international food media.

Apply to the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship 2026 now