iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD 2026

Application Deadline: 28 January 2026 at 23:59 CET.

LOCATION: Germany

One of the world’s premier design awards for students, receiving more than 7,000 entries annually from all over the world. iF Design, together with our Sponsors offers a platform for innovative student concepts.  Submission for a forward-thinking concept to the iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD 2026 is currently ongoing and will be closing by 28 January 2026!

ELIGIBILITY:

Current students and recent graduates (having gained their diploma up to two years ago) of all design-related courses and programs are welcome to register their concepts.

You can register online via the my iF section of our website. As a new participant, you must first create a user account.

If you are currently enrolled at a university or graduated no more than 2 years ago, you can participate.

You can apply with several different concepts. However, it is not permitted to submit the same concept to different categories.

You can edit all data of your entry in your my iF account until the registration deadline.

The iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD Jury evaluates all entries using five relevant criteria: Problem Solving, Moral-Ethical Standards, Solidarity, Economic Calculations, and Beneficial Experiences.

The iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD is free of charge.

BENEFIT:

Recognition: Winning a design award is a reward for your great work during university.

Networking and PR: Get your name out in the wider design community! Winning an award can open doors to future jobs and more.

Funding: All winners are considered for part of EUR 50,000 in prize money.

Challenge Yourself: See how well your design stacks up to other students around the world.

APPLY

2026 TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

Application Deadline: 1st March, 2026

LOCATION: Nigeria

Entrepreneurs from anywhere on the African continent—whether they are developing new concepts or already running ventures—are eligible to apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. The programme particularly welcomes startups that incorporate artificial intelligence or focus on environmentally sustainable solutions.

ELIGIBILITY:

Entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries are eligible to apply.

Open to businesses that are between 0 and 5 years old at the time of application. Businesses older than 5 years are not eligible.

Being an African entrepreneur, having a business idea or existing business operating in Africa, being 18 years or older, and meeting specific program requirements.

Students can apply if they meet the prorgramme eligibility criteria and have a business idea or an existing business. However, you must provide valid identification documents as required by the application process.

BENEFIT:

Gain access to $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.

World-class business training

Expert mentorship, and access to networks and market opportunities

APPLY