Welcome to the applications portal for the life-changing scholarship for aspiring bartenders launched by The World’s 50 Best Bars .

What should I prepare for the application?

• Your general details
• What you think the 5 skills for a modern bartender are (5 keywords)
• A short written statement on what you think are the most important issues faced by the modern bar world (up to 250 words)
• A short written statement on who you believe to be the most inspirational figure in the bar world (up to 100 words)
  
• A short video introducing yourself and why you are excited to take part in the 50 Best Bars Scholarship 2026 (under 60 seconds)
• A few photos of yourself behind the bar or making cocktails without any branded bottles in hand or visible in shot (3 to 5)
  

The prize

The lucky winner of the 2026 scholarship, who will be revealed and hosted at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony, will be invited to complete two expenses-paid bar stages (internships) in some of the world’s most-renowned cocktail establishments: Line in Athens, Greece, and Tres Monos in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Applications for the scholarship are open from 6th-27th May 2026 . The scholarship is open to bartenders across the world over the age of 21 and with under three full years’ professional experience.

The selection process

The scholarship recipient will be selected after a three-stage judging process:

Round One: Applicants will be asked to introduce themselves, their inspiration as a bartender and what winning the scholarship would mean to them in a short video, as well as answering some questions about their career to date. The 25 successful applicants from Round One will be informed in June 2026.

Round Two: The shortlisted candidates will design a drink that reflects their career and identity so far. The design must be accompanied by evidence of the research, development and creative process.

This stage will be assessed by senior 50 Best staff and representatives from the stage hosts Line and Tres Monos.

Round Three: The five selected candidates will be invited for an interview with representatives from 50 Best and representatives from the stagiaire hosts, including Sebastian Atienza of Tres Monos and Vasilis Kyritsis of Line.

Three finalists will be hosted at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony in October, venue TBC, where the ultimate winner will be announced.

Click here to read the Terms and Conditions

Got questions on how the 50 Best Bars Scholarship works? Or not sure on how to make your application shine?

Check out some of the most frequently asked questions here – or if you can’t find the answer you were looking for, drop a message at barsscholarship@wrbm.com