Chefs from around the world are being encouraged to apply for the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship 2020 to win the chance to work at three ‘top-tier’ restaurants.

Entries are now open for the initiative organised by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with the support of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA). Applications for the first stage of the application process will close on 20 December 2019. 

The winner of the scholarship will be invited to work at the following ‘top-tier’ establishments between June and November 2020:

• Mirazur in Menton, France, crowned No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, led by chef Mauro Colagreco.  
• The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, South Africa, named The Best Restaurant in Africa 2019, led by chef Luke Dale-Roberts. 
• Leo in Bogotá, Colombia, led by chef Leonor Espinosa, who was voted Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2018.

The successful entrant will be flown to the northern region of Belgium and will be invited to attend The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 awards ceremony on 2 June in Antwerp.   

Aspiring chefs, with less than three years’ experience in a professional kitchen, as well as culinary students can apply online. The scholarship is open to individuals over the age of 18 from anywhere in the world.

Canadian cook Andersen Lee, the 2019 recipient of the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship, said: “I would recommend the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship because it is an excellent opportunity for aspiring cooks to work in world-class restaurants, while also being able to visit different countries across three continents.

“If I had any advice for future applicants, I would tell them not to be shy and go for it. Take your time, think about your answers, take it seriously and give it your all, but most importantly, surround yourself with individuals who help your creativity flourish.”

The inaugural winner of the competition was Jessie Liu from Taiwan. She is now the chef de partie at Lyle’s, James Lowe’s restaurant in London (ranked 33^rd place in The World’s 50 best Restaurants 2019).

William Drew, director of content of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, added: “We are delighted to continue advocating for the professional growth of the next generation of notable chefs with the third edition of the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship.

“The Scholarship gives an individual the chance to cook alongside some of the most talented chefs in the world and gain unprecedented experience. The global support this initiative has produced is appreciated, and we would like to extend a special thank you to the host restaurants for offering to welcome the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship winner in 2020.”

The prize for winning the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship includes £1,500, three six-week stages in the restaurants listed above and two invitations to the awards ceremony in Antwerp.

Mauro Colagreco, chef-owner of Mirazur in Menton, France, commented: “I have fond memories of all the chefs who allowed me to learn from them. I went through some tough times and I am forever thankful to those who gave me the chance of a lifetime.

“Through the 50 Best BBVA Scholarship program, I hope not only to inspire new talents, but also give them the opportunity to believe that all is possible when you put your heart into it.”

To apply online, visit: https://wrbookings.50bestscholarship.com