CRAFT GUILD OF CHEFS
Craft Guild of Chefs launches 2027 Young Chef Scholarship with £5000 prize
- ~£5,000Maximum Award Value
- UKCountry Tenable
- 18-25 yearsAge Eligibility
- AnnualFrequency
- Applications open 2026Next Cycle
- Founded ~2024Programme Start
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Dec 14, 2026
Deadline
United Kingdom
Country
Craft Guild of Chefs
Provider
The Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef Scholarship is an annual award established by the Craft Guild of Chefs' vice presidents to foster the development of aspiring culinary professionals in the UK. Now in its third year, the scholarship aims to provide financial support for young chefs at the beginning of their careers, enabling them to pursue advanced education, specialist training, or international work experience. The programme offers up to £5,000 to assist with a variety of development opportunities, from college courses and certifications to internships abroad or investment in culinary equipment. Established to help talented individuals overcome financial barriers, the scholarship encourages applicants to propose clear and ambitious plans for utilising the funding. Past recipients, like Liberty Sanders in 2026, have used the award for international stages and further qualifications, demonstrating the significant impact the scholarship can have on a chef’s professional trajectory. The initiative underscores the Craft Guild of Chefs' commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent within the UK hospitality sector. Applications for the 2027 cycle are open from 12th October 2026, with a final submission deadline of 14th December 2026. This scholarship represents a key investment in the future of the UK's culinary landscape, helping young chefs to broaden their skills and achieve their potential. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Education and Certifications — Funding for college or university-based education and relevant culinary certifications.
- Work Experience and Internships — Support for internships and work experience placements, both within the UK and internationally, such as stages at prestigious restaurants.
- Specialist Culinary Programmes — Enrollment in specialised culinary training programmes to enhance specific skills.
- Culinary Equipment — Investment in specialist equipment that demonstrably aids skill development and career prospects.
- Travel Expenses — Costs associated with international work experience opportunities, potentially including travel to locations like Australia. The maximum award is ~GBP 5,000 (est.).
- Professional Development Activities — Other activities that can demonstrably enhance a young chef’s skills and future career prospects.
How to apply
The application process for the Young Chef Scholarship involves submitting a detailed proposal and supporting documents, followed by an interview for shortlisted finalists.
- Review Eligibility and Programme Details — Before applying, ensure you meet all age, nationality, and employment criteria, and understand the scope of activities the scholarship can cover.
- Prepare Application Documents — Gather your current CV, prepare a detailed proposal outlining your funding usage, desired outcomes, budget, and secure a professional reference.
- Submit Your Application Online — Complete the application form and upload all required documents via the Craft Guild of Chefs' dedicated scholarship page.
- Attend Finalist Interview (if shortlisted) — If selected as one of the three finalists, prepare to present your proposed project to the scholarship trustees in London.
Eligibility
AgeApplicants must be aged 18 to 25 as of 31st December 2026.
Nationality/ResidencyMust hold a valid UK passport.
EmploymentMust be currently employed by a recognised catering establishment in the UK. This includes both public and private sector hospitality.
Career PlanApplicants need to submit a clear and ambitious plan outlining how they would use the funding, the outcomes they hope to achieve, and how the opportunity will contribute to their long-term development.
The scholarship is designed for early-career chefs seeking to broaden their experience and develop their skills through further education, specialist training, or international stages.
Eligible countries
United Kingdom
Deadlines
Main Application 20272026-12-14
Selection
Selection for the Young Chef Scholarship is based on the quality and ambition of each candidate's application and proposed project. A panel of judges, including vice presidents of the Craft Guild of Chefs, reviews submissions. Shortlisted finalists are invited to present their plans in person to the scholarship trustees in London, where their vision, development potential, and the clarity of their proposal are key factors in determining the successful candidate.
Verified sources
- Craft Guild of Chefs launches 2027 Young Chef Scholarship with £5,000 prizecraftguildofchefs.orgofficial
About the provider
The Craft Guild of Chefs is a leading association for chefs in the UK, established to promote excellence in culinary arts and support the professional development of its members. It champions education, training, and industry recognition, inspiring the next generation of culinary talent.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef Scholarship?
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The Craft Guild of Chefs Young Chef Scholarship is an annual award established by the Craft Guild of Chefs' vice presidents to provide financial support for early-career chefs in the UK, enabling them to access advanced education, specialist training, or international work experience.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship can cover a wide range of development opportunities, including college or university-based education, certifications, UK or international work experience, specialist culinary programmes, and the purchase of essential culinary equipment. It supports activities that enhance a young chef's skills and career prospects.
What is the value of the scholarship award?
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The scholarship provides up to £5,000 in funding. This amount is intended to support the approved development activities outlined in the successful applicant's proposal.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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Eligible applicants must be aged 18 to 25 as of 31st December 2026, hold a valid UK passport, and be currently employed by a recognised catering establishment in the UK, working in any sector of the hospitality industry.
Are there any country restrictions for applicants?
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Yes, applicants must hold a valid UK passport and be employed in the UK. The scholarship is primarily for chefs based in the United Kingdom.
Which study levels are supported by this scholarship?
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The scholarship primarily supports non-degree certifications, specialist training, and practical work experience rather than formal bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees. It is aimed at professional development in culinary arts.
When is the application deadline for the 2027 scholarship?
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Applications for the 2027 scholarship open on 12th October 2026, with completed applications required by 14th December 2026.
How do I apply for the Young Chef Scholarship?
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To apply, you need to visit the designated application page on the Craft Guild of Chefs website. You will need to submit a current CV, a detailed proposal, an outline of expected outcomes, a detailed budget, and a professional reference from a senior chef.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a current CV, a detailed proposal explaining your plans for the funding, an outline of expected outcomes, a detailed budget, and a professional reference from a senior chef.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Recipients are selected based on the quality and ambition of their application and proposed project. Shortlisted candidates are invited to present their projects to the scholarship trustees in London, who make the final decision.
What is the duration of the scholarship and can it be renewed?
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The successful chef will have 12 months from the announcement date to use the scholarship funding. The scholarship is typically a one-time award and is not explicitly stated as renewable for subsequent years.
Where can I find more details and confirm current-cycle information?
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You can find more details and confirm current-cycle information, including application forms and specific deadlines, on the official Craft Guild of Chefs Vice President's Young Chef Scholarship page.