📌About the Event

The UIA-HYP Cup 2026 International Student Competition in Architectural Design is a global architecture contest that invites students to rethink how communities can live sustainably across urban, suburban and rural environments. Conducted under the broader theme “Architecture in Transformation,” the 2026 edition focuses on “Villagers: Urban, Suburban, Rural.” Participants must select one of these three living contexts and design a relevant, cohesive and environmentally responsible community that strengthens identity, belonging and social interaction. The competition is chaired by internationally recognised architect Philip Cox.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Competition type: International student architectural design and ideas competition
• Theme: Architecture in Transformation
• 2026 topic: Villagers: Urban, Suburban, Rural
• Jury chairman: Philip Cox, Founding Partner of Cox Architecture
• Mode of conduct: Online registration and completely digital submission
• Participation mode: Individual or team participation
• Design challenge: Participants must select an urban, suburban or rural setting and propose a community or “village” model that responds to contemporary social, environmental and architectural challenges.
• Urban option: Participants may redesign a disused industrial area or reorganise a high-density part of a city to create stronger community values.
• Suburban option: Designs should create cohesive communities and avoid disconnected urban sprawl.
• Rural option: Proposals should explore sustainable architecture, landscape integration, vernacular identity and environmentally responsible living.

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📅 Important Dates

• Registration deadline: September 20, 2026
• Registration deadline in India: September 20, 2026
• Q&A deadline: September 30, 2026
• Q&A deadline in India: September 30, 2026
• Final submission deadline: October 10, 2026
• Submission deadline in India: October 10, 2026
• Jury review: November 2026

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Who can participate:
  • The competition is open to architecture students and students from relevant design-related disciplines worldwide.
  • Participants must be studying at an accredited university or educational institution.
  • Eligible participants include:
  • Full-time undergraduate students
  • Master’s students
  • Full-time PhD students
  • Students graduating during 2026
  • Students may participate individually or form a team.
  • A team may include a maximum of four student members.
  • Each team may nominate a maximum of two academic advisers.
  • Academic advisers must be teachers employed by a university or college.
  • Indian university students will be classified under the competition’s international group.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• First Prize:
  • One winning team
  • RMB 80,000 cash prize
  • Approximately USD 11,000 before tax
  • Winner’s certificate
• Second Prize:
  • Five winning teams
  • RMB 15,000 per team
  • Approximately USD 2,050 per team before tax
  • Winner’s certificate
• Third Prize:
  • Twelve winning teams
  • RMB 8,000 per team
  • Approximately USD 1,100 per team before tax
  • Winner’s certificate
• Honourable Mentions:
  • Several teams will receive certificates.
• Academic Adviser Recognition:
  • Advisers of prize-winning projects will receive certificates.
• Additional exposure:
  • Submitted entries will be printed and presented by the organising committee.