BACA, the official representative of Cannes Lions in Bulgaria, is opening applications for the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy (RHSA) 2026. The initiative is part of the Cannes Lions Festival program, which in 2026 will take place from June 22–26, 2026, in Cannes, France.
RHSA is an educational program for students up to 25 years old, graduating in 2026, who are interested in advertising and creative communications. It is designed for curious, open-minded individuals with leadership qualities, an entrepreneurial spirit, strong storytelling skills, and openness to diverse people and perspectives. The program offers an exceptional opportunity for future talents to become part of the world’s largest communications industry forum and to gain knowledge and inspiration from proven professionals from around the globe.
Bulgaria has one guaranteed place in the program – and it could be yours!
Who can apply for the Academy?
- Full-time students (enrolled in a complete course of study) who are graduating in 2026
- Students aged 18–25 (born on or after June 26, 2000)
- Students with no professional experience in a communications agency / not working in the industry
The selected candidate is responsible for covering travel costs to and from Cannes, France, as well as accommodation during the Academy, and must be able to attend in Cannes from June 21 (Sunday) to June 26 (Friday), 2026. Participants must also cover their personal expenses during their stay. Where possible, these costs may be supported by the student’s university, a sponsor, or other sources.
Participants in the Academy receive festival accreditation, provided complimentary by the organizers.
RHSA offers an exceptional opportunity for future industry professionals at the very start of their careers to experience the largest event in the communications industry and to be inspired by leading names in advertising and marketing.
Application process
To apply, students must record a 2-minute video in English in which they introduce themselves, demonstrate their creativity, and convince the jury that they deserve a place in RHSA.
In addition, applicants must submit a CV and a photo.
All details and guidelines for preparing the video can be found here.
Full information about the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy is available here.
The application deadline is January 26, 2026.
Eligible fields of study
The program is aimed at students studying in one of the following disciplines:
- Advertising
- Communications
- Planning / Strategy
- Media
- PR
- Business
- Technology
- Writing
- Entertainment
- Film
- Art
- Design
RHSA through the eyes of two participants from Bulgaria
For more information, please contact the BACA team at office@baca.bg
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