The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is proud to announce that enrolment is now open for the 2026 ESA Diploma, the industry’s leading qualification for sponsorship professionals.
Now in its 15th year, the ESA Diploma has helped more than 800 professionals across brands, rights holders and agencies build meaningful careers in all areas of sponsorship across sport, broadcast, education, charity, arts and culture to environment and the community.
Designed for ambitious individuals at all levels, the fully remote course equips students with the practical skills, strategic understanding and industry insight needed to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.
Course delivery is 100% online, making the ESA Diploma accessible to professionals across Europe and globally. With a seminar pool of world-leading practitioners and an ever-evolving syllabus overseen by Course Director Peter Raymond, the Diploma blends academic rigour with real-world case studies and expert guidance.
Peter Raymond, ESA Diploma Course Director, said: “In 2026 we will celebrate 15 years of progressive development for the Diploma. In that time, it has consolidated its reputation as the world’s leading course for those wishing to pursue a career in sponsorship.
“It has educated many people who have gone on to secure prestigious and influential positions in our industry. Our aim for 2026 is simple – to deliver the best course we’ve ever had for the benefit of students around the world who are ambitious enough to want to futureproof their careers.”
Sophie Morris FCIM, ESA Chair, added: “The ESA Diploma continues to be a flagship of our professional development offering and, as we celebrate 15 years of industry-leading education, its importance in shaping successful careers right across the sponsorship landscape is clearer than ever.
“In line with ESA’s mission to be the essential and inclusive community for all professionals, I’m especially pleased that the ESA Diploma Scholarship scheme continues to thrive, cultivating diversity within our industry by offering invaluable opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access.
“I strongly encourage all ambitious individuals and companies to consider the unparalleled opportunity that the 2026 ESA Diploma presents for futureproofing careers in our dynamic industry.”
The next course will begin on Friday 23 January 2026 and run through to September, with flexible study designed to fit around full-time work. The ESA Diploma Scholarship continues to help to cultivate diversity within the sponsorship industry by offering applicants a free place on the course. Applications for the 2026 ESA Diploma Scholarship are now open.
Students will explore core sponsorship concepts including activation, measurement, research, legal considerations and digital integration – culminating in a final project that demonstrates strategic thinking and commercial understanding.
They will also have access to the course’s exclusive series of 10 seminars incorporating presentations from charismatic sponsorship and marketing leaders. Widespread networking is encouraged through initiatives that promote information-sharing and help students build valuable connections.
Enrolment is now open with an early bird discount in place until Friday 28 November 2025.
Ready to enrol? Click here to secure your early bird discount.
Need more information? Course Director Peter Raymond will host a free online taster session on Tuesday 4 November, providing an insight into the content of the 2026 ESA Diploma and answering your questions. Click here to register for the taster session.
-ENDS-
About ESA
The European Sponsorship Association (ESA) is the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship. We inspire more successful sponsorships, drive confidence in decision making and grow a diverse community through world-leading education, events and resources, industry connections and recognition of excellence.
A not-for-profit membership association, ESA’s reach encompasses all types of sponsorship activity from sport, broadcast, education, charity, arts and culture to environment and the community. Its members include sponsors, rights holders, agencies and consultants, professional advisors and suppliers.
Visit sponsorship.org for more information.
For media queries, please contact:
Jonathan Coates | ESA Marketing, Communications and Events Manager
marketing@sponsorship.org | +44 (0) 7788 352219
