📌About the Event

The Best Thesis Award 2026: Planning – Future Cities & Urbanism is an international thesis competition recognizing outstanding work in urban planning, urban design, regional development, and future city-making. It invites emerging planners to showcase research-driven solutions addressing sustainability, mobility, housing, climate resilience, infrastructure, and inclusive urban development.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Mode: Online
• Submission Format: One A1 presentation board in PDF format
• Maximum File Size: 20 MB
• Recommended Resolution: 300 dpi
• Participation: Individual entries only; team or collaborative submissions are not allowed.
• Projects can cover urban design, regional planning, TOD, sustainable communities, housing, smart cities, transportation, climate adaptation, urban resilience and related themes.

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📅 Important Dates

• Early Registration: 30 June 2026 – $29
• Phase 2: 31 July 2026 – $34
• Phase 3: 31 August 2026 – $39
• Phase 4: 30 September 2026 – $44
• Phase 5: 31 October 2026 – $49
• Late Registration Deadline: 25 November 2026 – $54
• Final Submission Deadline: 25 November 2026
• Deadline Time: 11:59 PM GMT

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Open to Planning, Urban Design and Urban Planning graduates from 2024, 2025 and 2026.
• Final-year students completing a planning-related thesis during 2026 are also eligible.
• Only individual participation is permitted.
• Collaborative/team submissions are not allowed.
• Submission should include the thesis title, context analysis, strategic framework, maps/diagrams, planning proposal, key findings and recommendations.
• A summary narrative of up to 500 words should be included.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• Overall Winner – 1
  • Global recognition
  • Media exposure
  • Featured publication
  • Certificate
• Runners-Up – 4
  • Certificates of Excellence
  • International publication opportunities
• Shortlisted Entries
  • Featured in the “Class of 2026” Digital Yearbook
  • All verified participants
  • Participation certificates.