This prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers Europe Global Scholarship is designed to recognise and reward outstanding wine and hospitality professionals who demonstrate passion, professionalism, industry experience, and a commitment to excellence. Two successful applicants will receive a 50% scholarship towards the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe Introductory Sommelier Course (Level 1) – one of the world's most respected and internationally recognised wine education programmes.
Scholarship details
- Programme: Court of Master Sommeliers Europe Introductory Sommelier Course (Level 1)
- Venue: 54 on Bath Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Course dates: 6-7 September 2026: Introductory Sommelier Course & Lectures | 8 September 2026: Introductory Sommelier Examination
- Scholarship value: 50% of the course fee (R11,197.50). The balance of 50% of the course fee (R11,197.50) is for the recipient's own account. The total course fee is R22 395.00
Eligibility and selection criteria
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have professional experience in the wine, hospitality, restaurant, beverage, tourism, or luxury-service industry.
- Demonstrate a genuine passion for wine, hospitality, and continuous professional development.
- Be available to attend the full programme.
- Previous wine education (such as WSET, ASI, Cape Wine Academy, or equivalent) will be considered an advantage, but is not required.
- Commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
- Quality of the motivation submitted.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an interview before the final recipient is selected.
Application Requirements & Process
Applicants must submit:
- A completed scholarship application form
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
- A written motivation (300-500 words) explaining:
- Why you are applying for the scholarship
- How the scholarship will contribute to your professional development
- How you intend to contribute to the wine and hospitality industry
- Why you would be an excellent representative of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe
Supporting documents such as wine qualifications, certificates, awards, or letters of recommendation may be included to strengthen your application.
Scholarship terms and conditions
- The scholarship covers 50% of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe Introductory Sommelier Course fee.
- The successful applicant will be awarded the remaining 50% of the course fee; however, the applicant will be required to register and produce the 50% co-payment in order to proceed with the scholarship. This will be limited to a 24-hour period from the invoice by Chenin Noir South Africa
- The scholarship is non-transferable, may not be exchanged for cash, and may not be deferred to a future programme.
- By applying, applicants consent to Chenin Noir South Africa and the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe processing their personal information for scholarship administration in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
- The decision of the Scholarship Selection Committee is final, and no correspondence regarding the outcome will be entered into.
Application deadline
Applications close on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at 23h59 (SAST).
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified before the commencement of the September 2026 programme.
Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/K5sVfPgyKCmbkhDG8
Take the next step
The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe Global Scholarship is more than financial support – it is an opportunity to invest in your future, refine your expertise, and join a global community committed to the highest standards of wine knowledge, hospitality, and professional service. If you are ready to elevate your career and pursue excellence, we encourage you to apply.