AAF-2026

Travel assistance Taking part in an international piano competition requires not only thorough musical preparation, but it is also a considerable investment. Travelling costs money and the participant needs to find accommodation, preferably not too far from the hall and practicing facilities. With the large quantity of competitions, pianists might prefer to apply for competitions that are relatively easy to travel to, rather than to indulge in an adventurous trip to a place far away from any airport or train station. Below and on the next page are a few examples of competitions scheduled for 2026*, that offer compensation and assistance to the pianists who have been selected for participation (or to those who have reached a certain stage in the competition).

* and also those having the application deadline in 2026 Travel expenses fully covered (air ticket / train) - Pontoise (France) Piano Campus

- Tongyeong Isang Yun

- Takamatsu (Japan) - Utrecht Liszt Travel compensation/reimbursement (up to a maximum amount) - Utrecht (Netherlands) Liszt (2000 Euro finalists ’26 ) - Sydney (Australia) (66% up to AUD 2000) - Fulda (Germany) Pianale (500 Euro semi-finalists, 1500 Euro finalists) - Malaga (Spain) (300 Euro; 500 Euro 2 nd stage; 900 Euro semi-finalists) - Ljubljana (Slovenia) (800 Euro) - Milano (Italy) Mormone (800 Euro semi-finalists)

- Bolzano (Italy) (800 Euro finalists ’27 ) - Hilton Head (USA) (up to US$ 750) - Tel Aviv (Israel) Rubinstein (US$ 500) - Cleveland (USA) Junior (US$ 500 semi-finalists) - Zhuhai (China) Hengqin Mozart (US$ 400) - Frankfurt/Kronberg (Germany) IGPA (35%)

- Eppan (Italy) Piano Academy (400 Euro each, for 4 candidates) ’24 - Jaén (Spain) (300 Euro when in 2 nd round, 400 Euro when in 3 rd round) - Porto (Portugal) Santa Cecilia (2 nd stage, 500 Euro for concert) - Boston (USA) Fou T’song (US$ 300)

Important note: this overview is not exhaustive. Also other competitions offer assistance. It is not always published, and sometimes only given upon request. Although all details were compiled with great care, AAF cannot assume responsibility for any mistake or omission. Terms and type of assistance may also change. Interested pianists should always check the official websites. Alink-Argerich Foundation 2026