About this opportunity
The iF Design Student Award is one of the world's largest platforms for young designers, drawing more than 7,000 entries every year, and 2027 marks its 25th edition. It invites students and recent graduates to turn a well researched idea into a concept that tackles a real social, environmental or economic challenge.
To qualify, your entry must connect clearly to at least one of the first 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals, from clean water and quality education to climate action and sustainable cities. You can apply on your own or in a team of up to four, and there is no entry fee at any stage.
Winning projects share a total prize fund of EUR 50,000 and gain far more than money. The best concepts earn publication on the iF Design website, exhibition slots, direct exposure to an expert international jury, and a place at the awards ceremony in New York City. It is a strong early career signal for any African designer looking to be seen on a global stage.
What you receive
- A share of the EUR 50,000 total prize fund distributed among the top entries.
- International recognition and publication on the iF Design website.
- Exhibition opportunities and exposure to the global design community.
- Networking with an expert international jury and design professionals.
- A place at the awards ceremony in New York City for the best concepts.
Who can apply
- Current students enrolled in a design related course or programme at a recognised institution.
- Recent graduates who completed a design related programme within the previous two years.
- Individual applicants or teams of up to four people.
- Open to applicants worldwide, including students and recent graduates based in Nigeria and across Africa.
- Every submission must address at least one of the first 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who should not apply
- Concepts focused only on SDG 16 or SDG 17 fall outside the stated thematic scope.
- Applicants who are neither currently enrolled nor within two years of graduating from a design related programme are not eligible.
Documents to prepare
- Proof of current enrolment or, for recent graduates, a graduation certificate or official academic record.
- A written concept summary explaining the problem, the design solution and its link to the chosen SDG.
- Visual materials such as images, diagrams, prototypes or renderings.
- Team member details and educational institution information for team entries.
How to apply
- Review the official competition rules on the iF Design Student Award page.
- Create an account on the iF registration portal at https://myif.ifdesign.com/login.
- Confirm your eligibility, then choose at least one of the first 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals for your concept.
- Prepare your submission with a clear problem statement, design solution, visual materials and impact explanation.
- Complete the online submission form with your applicant, institution, team and project details.
- Submit before the deadline of 3 February 2027.
Selection process
- Stage one is an online jury evaluation of all submitted concepts.
- Online jury results are announced on 31 March 2027.
- Shortlisted concepts move to a final jury session in Berlin on 23 April 2027.
- Final jury results are announced on 4 May 2027, and the best concepts are honoured at an awards ceremony in New York City in June 2027.
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
How much prize funding is available?
A total prize fund of EUR 50,000 is shared among the top entries, with seven projects recognised.
Who can take part?
Current students and people who graduated from a design related programme within the previous two years, individually or in teams of up to four.
Is there an entry fee?
No, participation is free of charge at every stage.
Which Sustainable Development Goals qualify?
A submission must address at least one of the first 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
