The prestigious iF Design Student Award 2026 is now open for submissions. This international competition invites current design students and recent graduates to present innovative, future-oriented design concepts that tackle real problems and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1β15). Winners receive global recognition, prize money, and visibility across a highly respected design community.
π Apply here: Register your concept at ifdesign.com before the deadline.
Why This Award Matters
The iF Design Student Award is one of the most respected platforms for emerging designers worldwide, drawing thousands of submissions each year from over 80 countries. It highlights young talent and gives your work international exposure β whether youβre pursuing product, digital, or social design.
Winning an iF award can strengthen your portfolio, help you stand out with potential employers or clients, and connect you with design professionals globally.
What Winners Get (Benefits)
πΆ Prize Money:
A total of EUR 50,000 in prize awards will be shared among top concepts.
π International Recognition:
Award winners are featured on the official iF Design website and promoted through international channels.
π€ Networking & PR:
Your design gets visibility in the global design community with PR support and social media promotion.
π Certificates & Logos:
Winners receive official certificates and the iF Winner logo, which can be added to portfolios and CVs.
πΌοΈ Exhibition Opportunities:
Awarded designs are showcased at exhibitions in places like Taipei, with permanent digital presentation on the iF platform.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
The competition is open to:
- Design students currently enrolled in a recognised course
- Recent design graduates (typically within a defined period after graduation)
- Teams of up to four people may participate together
- Concepts must align with one of the 15 SDG themes (e.g., climate action, quality education, sustainable cities)
Applicants can submit multiple concepts as long as each project is entered in only one category. Entries must be in English.
What You Can Submit (Project Types)
You can present innovative solutions in a wide range of design fields, such as:
- Product and industrial design
- Digital or UX concepts
- Service or system design
- Social and sustainable solutions
- Communication and media concepts
- Tech-enhanced experiences and interfaces
Thereβs no need to build a physical prototype β a well-designed poster and optional video can convey your idea effectively.
Important Dates & Timeline
π
Submission Deadline: 28 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
π
Online Jury Review: 4β13 March 2026
π
Final Jury (Berlin): 24 April 2026
π
Results Announced: 7 May 2026
π
Awards Ceremony (Frankfurt): 10β11 June 2026
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Winners Published Online: 11 June 2026
All stages of evaluation are conducted by international jurors with expertise in design, ethics, and innovation.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official competition page at ifdesign.com/en/if-design-student-award and create a free account.
- Review the entry guide and categories, especially the links to SDG themes.
- Prepare your concept β upload your A1 landscape poster (PDF), project description, images, and credits.
- Optionally include a video link to explain your idea more deeply.
- Submit your entry before 28 January 2026.
You can edit your entry details any time before submission closes.
