ISOCARP Student Award 2027

Background and Objectives

Established in 2016, the ISOCARP Student Award recognises outstanding academic achievement and innovative thinking among the next generation of urban and regional planners.

The Award celebrates exceptional student work that demonstrates creativity, critical thinking and a strong understanding of contemporary planning challenges. It aims to encourage excellence in planning education while providing emerging professionals with international recognition through ISOCARP.

Applications may be submitted by individual students or groups of students enrolled in undergraduate (Bachelor's) or graduate (Master's) programmes in urban and regional planning or related disciplines.

Eligibility

The Award is open to undergraduate (Bachelor's) and graduate (Master's) students enrolled in programmes related to urban and regional planning.

Proof of Student Status: All applicants must provide a valid student identification card or an official university enrolment certificate. This requirement applies to both individual and group submissions.

Eligible Submissions

Submissions may include:

  • Urban and regional planning projects
  • Urban design projects
  • Planning studio projects
  • Research essays
  • Bachelor's theses
  • Master's theses

Projects should demonstrate originality, academic quality and relevance to contemporary planning practice.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  1. Academic quality and content
  2. Methodological rigour
  3. Creativity and innovation
  4. Relevance of the proposed planning approach
  5. Alignment between project objectives and outcomes
  6. Clarity of presentation and communication

Jury

The jury consists of:

  • Two young planning professionals
  • One experienced ISOCARP member
  • One member of the ISOCARP Scientific Committee
  • One member of the ISOCARP Board

The jury will assess each submission on its academic merit, originality and contribution to planning knowledge and practice.

Award Categories and Recognition

The ISOCARP Student Award recognises outstanding student work through the main Winner distinction and an additional Special Mention.

Main Award

Winner

The Winner distinction recognises an outstanding student submission demonstrating academic excellence, creativity and innovation in urban and regional planning.

Recognition and Benefits

  • One year of complimentary ISOCARP membership (for one representative in the case of a group submission)
  • Complimentary registration for the ISOCARP World Planning Congress
  • Official ISOCARP Award Certificate
  • Promotion through the ISOCARP website, newsletter and social media channels
Additional Recognition

Special Mention

Special Mention recognises student work that demonstrates noteworthy academic achievement and a valuable contribution to contemporary planning knowledge and practice.

Recognition and Benefits

  • Complimentary registration for the ISOCARP World Planning Congress
  • Official ISOCARP Award Certificate
  • Promotion through the ISOCARP website, newsletter and social media channels

Registration Fee

A single registration fee applies to all applicants, regardless of ISOCARP membership status.

Applicant Category Registration Fee
ISOCARP Members €25 per submission
Non-Members €25 per submission

The fee applies per submission, including group submissions. No Early Bird discount applies.

Submission Deadline

Submit Your Entry by 10 December 2026

The final deadline for applications is 10 December 2026 at 11:59 PM CET. All required materials must be submitted by this deadline.

Submission Requirements

Each individual or group application must include the following three PDF documents:

  1. Portfolio

    A portfolio illustrating the submitted work through drawings, diagrams, maps, renderings or other graphic material. Maximum length: four A3 pages.

    File name: NAME_Portfolio.pdf

  2. Project Description

    A written description of the submitted project, limited to 5,000 characters including spaces.

    File name: NAME_Description.pdf

  3. Curriculum Vitae

    A short curriculum vitae for each applicant. For group submissions, a CV must be provided for every group member.

    File name: NAME_CV.pdf

  4. Publishable Project Summary

    A concise, publishable description of the project, research or thesis, limited to 150 words. This summary is entered directly into the online application form and does not require a separate PDF.

Student Verification: Applicants must also provide proof of current student status through a valid student identification card or official university enrolment certificate. For group submissions, documentation is required for every participating student.

File Submission: The portfolio, project description and curriculum vitae must be provided in PDF format. Files up to 64 MB may be uploaded directly through the application form. Larger files may be submitted through an accessible cloud-sharing link. Applicants must ensure that all submitted documents are clearly named and accessible to the jury.

Application Procedure: Applications must be submitted electronically. Applications will only be considered complete once the €25 registration fee has been received.

Awards Ceremony

Recipients of the ISOCARP Student Award 2027 will be announced during the official Awards Ceremony at the ISOCARP World Planning Congress 2027.

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Congress Dates: 27–30 April 2027

Contact

For enquiries about the Award or application process, please contact:

Dr Shi Nan
ISOCARP Director of Awards
shinan@isocarp.org

ISOCARP Awards Team
awards@isocarp.org

Apply Here

Complete the official application form below to submit your entry for the ISOCARP Student Award 2027. Individual and group applications are welcome.