Got questions on how the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship works? Or not sure on how to make your application shine? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions below – or if you can’t find the answer you were looking for, drop a message at 50BestScholarship@wrbm.com 

What is the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, in association with Parmigiano Reggiano?

The 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship is a ground-breaking programme which supports the next generation of culinary talent, focused on developing a brighter future of hospitality for guests, and the industry as a whole.

What does the winner get?

Three finalists will be invited to The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony. 

After being crowned champion in-person at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ceremony, the winner will take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: two four-week stages (internships) in two of the world's leading restaurants. These restaurants are: The Fat Duck in the United Kingdom and Salsify at the Roundhouse in South Africa between January and June 2027.

All flights, accommodation and a £2,000 allowance per stage will be included. 

What do I need to do to apply?

Fill in the application form and upload an optional video; introducing yourself, your motivations and culinary philosophy. Make sure to upload to the application page by 12:00 BST on 15 April 2026. Easy!

How experienced do I need to be?

Applications are only open to those 18+ years old with less than three full years’ experience in our industry. We want to discover and nurture the big thinkers of tomorrow – so your vision is what matters, not what you’ve done already.

Am I eligible if I am in my 3rd year?

Yes. All applicants are eligible with under three full years of experience at the time of submission. For example, if you started your career on 1 April 2023, you would remain eligible to apply until 31 March 2026.

Can I apply if I am currently not working in a restaurant or I am a consultant?

Yes. However, within the application process, you may be required to provide references from previous employers or jobs upon request.

When does my application need to be completed?

Applications close at 12:00 BST on 15 April 2026 – no late entries will be accepted.

What happens if I am selected?

After applications close on 15 April, we’ll select 25 applicants to go through to round two where you’ll be asked to design a dish which champions Parmigiano Reggiano. All successful round one applicants will be notified by 30 June 2026.

From there, we’ll nominate five semi-finalists who will be interviewed by the 50 Best Restaurants and Parmigiano Reggiano teams.

How can I get feedback on my application if I am not selected for the next round?

If you are unsuccessful in your application, we may be able to provide feedback at 50BestScholarship@wrbm.com. Note that due to the large amount of enquiries and applications we receive, this may not always be possible.

Where do I find the Terms and Conditions?

The full terms and conditions for the scholarship can be found here.