The iF Design Student Award 2026 is a prestigious global competition inviting students and recent graduates (within 2 years) to submit innovative design concepts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1-15). The award offers a total prize pool of 50,000 EUR, distributed among the top winners. Entries are evaluated based on five criteria: Problem-solving, Moral-ethical standards, Solidarity, Economic calculation, and Beneficial experiences. The application deadline is January 28, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
iF Design Student Award 2026 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | iF Design |
| Total Prize Pool | 50,000 EUR |
| Eligible Categories | UN SDGs 1-15 (Poverty, Hunger, Climate, etc.) |
| Participants | Students and Graduates (max 2 years post-grad) |
| Evaluation Focus | Impact, Ethics, Feasibility, and Aesthetics |
| Entry Fee | Free for students |
| Application Deadline | January 28, 2026 |
iF Design Student Award 2026 Details
The iF Design Student Award is one of the most significant design competitions in the world, attracting over 7,000 entries annually.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
It provides a global platform for students to showcase “forward-thinking” concepts that address the world’s most pressing challenges. By aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the award pushes young designers to consider social responsibility, environmental impact, and economic feasibility alongside aesthetic excellence.
iF Design Student Award 2026 Benefits
- Global Recognition: Winners earn the right to use the iF winner label, a major credential in the design industry.
- Prize Money: A shared pool of 50,000 EUR awarded to the most outstanding concepts.
- Networking: Access to a network of sponsors and design professionals, enhancing career prospects.
- PR & Visibility: Winning entries are published on the iF Design website and shared with the global design community.
- Portfolio Building: Benchmarking your work against thousands of international peers.
iF Design Student Award 2026 Evaluation Criteria
- Problem-solving: Innovation, uniqueness, and usability.
- Moral-ethical standards: Social responsibility and environmental awareness.
- Solidarity: Sensitivity to cultural traditions and collective goals.
- Economic Calculation: Resource efficiency and feasibility.
- Beneficial experiences: Aesthetic potential, comfort, and pleasure.
iF Design Student Award 2026 Application Categories (UN SDGs)
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequality
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
iF Design Student Award 2026 Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Select Your SDG Identify which of the 15 Sustainable Development Goals your concept addresses most effectively.
- Prepare Your Concept Develop your design files, including descriptions and visual renderings. Ensure your concept addresses all five evaluation criteria (Ethics, Economy, Experience, etc.).
- Register Online Create a profile on the iF Design website. Student entries are generally free of charge.
- Final Submission Upload your documents and finalize your entry before the January 28, 2026 deadline (23:59 CET).
Application Deadline: 28 January, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For More Information Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to participate? Current students and those who graduated no more than two years ago from any design-related program (e.g., Industrial Design, Architecture, Service Design) are eligible.
Is there an entry fee for students? No. The iF Design Student Award is free for students and recent graduates to enter.
Can I submit more than one project? Yes, students are often allowed to submit multiple concepts, provided each one is registered separately and addresses a relevant SDG.
Does my design have to be a physical product? No. Concepts can include digital solutions, service designs, architectural projects, or social systems, as long as they address the UN SDGs.
What is the total prize money and how is it split? The total prize pool is 50,000 EUR. This is not given to a single winner but is divided among the top-tier winners as decided by the jury.
Can a team apply, or only individuals? Team submissions are welcomed. If a team wins, the prize money is usually divided equally among the members or sent to the team lead.
What does “forward-thinking concept” mean? iF is looking for innovation. This means your project should offer a new solution or a significantly improved approach to a problem, rather than a standard design.
How important is the “Economic Calculation” criterion? Very. Unlike some art-focused awards, iF requires projects to be feasible. You must demonstrate that your design uses resources efficiently and could actually be implemented in the real world.
Will I get feedback on my entry? Due to the high volume of entries (7,000+), individual feedback is typically not provided to all participants, though winners receive high-profile recognition.
When will the winners be announced? The judging process usually takes place in the spring following the January deadline, with official announcements following shortly after.
