The iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD is iF Design’s annual competition for design concepts by university students and people who graduated within the last two years. Every entry must address one of the first 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Entries are submitted online and judged in two rounds: an online jury, then a final jury in Berlin. In 2027 the award celebrates its 25th anniversary, with its ceremony in New York City.
Benefits & funding
- No entry fee.
- All winners are considered for a share of EUR 50,000 in prize money, divided among the best entries by the jury.
- Winners receive a digital certificate, the winner logo, a permanent presentation on the iF Design website and an international PR and social-media campaign.
- Awarded entries are exhibited in Taipei and other locations; winners are honored at a two-day event in New York City in June 2027.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled at a university, or graduated no more than two years ago.
- The concept must align with one of UN SDGs 1–15.
- Individuals or teams of up to four; every member provides a student ID.
- No nationality or residence restriction is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“If you are currently enrolled at a university or graduated no more than 2 years ago, you can participate.” Eligibility
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1Register on my iF and create an entry in one SDG category.
- 2Prepare a PDF presentation poster, images and a design statement of up to 650 characters, all in English; no prototype is needed.
- 3Submit by 3 February 2027, 23:59 CET; entries stay editable until then.
Program timeline
Submission deadline (23:59 CET)
3 February 2027
Online jury
10–19 March 2027
Final jury in Berlin
23 April 2027
Final jury results
4 May 2027
Awards ceremony in New York City; winners published
June 2027