Call for projects organizer
The RSA Student Design Awards is a global curriculum and annual competition for higher education students and recent graduates that's been running since 1924. Each year the Awards challenge emerging designers to tackle a range of design briefs focused on pressing social, environmental and economic issues.
Description
At the RSA we believe in a world where everyone is able to participate in creating a better future. As an organisation, we unite people and ideas to resolve the challenges of our time. We do this by bringing together a global community of proactive problem solvers – including our network of 30,000 Fellows – all united in their desire to support change within their communities and on a global scale.
Through the RSA Student Design Awards, we invite you to join our community of changemakers. We are calling on you to demonstrate the potential of design – as a toolkit and a mindset – to unravel complex problems, explore new possibilities and unlock new ways to meet the needs of people and our planet.
Our 2019/20 briefs pose tough challenges. And they open up a vast range of possibilities…
How might you design ways to make fashion circular, engage diverse communities through food, or transform health using AI? How could you unlock joy at train stations, make active travel accessible, harness the potential of woodlands or help displaced people to find safety and dignity?
We know there’s an abundance of talent, appetite and determination out there to address the challenges of today and paint tomorrow with hope. 2019/20 competition pparticipants will join an alumni network that spans different generations and fields, from chief design officers to social entrepreneurs. For 96 years this competition has been a catalyst for powerful new approaches, innovative products, pioneering services, illuminating campaigns, inspiring environments and impactful experiences - we can’t wait to see what’s in store this year!
Rewards
Placement Awards
Some awards enable winning candidates to spend time working in a consultancy or in industry on design related projects. Placement Awards offer paid work experience and
can be a valuable introduction into different fields, sectors and industries. Details of these awards are available on each brief and on the website. For students applying internationally, Placement Awards are subject to the entrant’s right to work in the UK.
Cash Awards
Cash Awards allow the winning student to use their prize towards funding further study, travel to research design in other countries,
equipment, business start-up costs or any other purpose agreed with the sponsor and the RSA. All awards must be claimed within six months of award and winners are required to write a short report for the RSA detailing how they used their award.
Awards Ceremony
All winners will be invited to attend an Awards Ceremony at the RSA – this is a large, celebratory event that includes a keynote talk by a high profile figure, a presentation of the awards, and a drinks reception.
Fellowship of the RSA
All candidates who win an award through the RSA Student Design Awards programme will be offered complementary Fellowship of the RSA valid for one year from the time it is
activated. RSA Fellowship enables winners to connect to the RSA’s global network of Fellows, engage with RSA events and projects in their local area, access the RSA’s Catalyst Fund
and crowdfunding platform on Kickstarter, and to make use of the restaurant, bar and library at the RSA House in central London. More information about RSA Fellowship can be found at www.thersa.org/fellowship
Some awards enable winning candidates to spend time working in a consultancy or in industry on design related projects. Placement Awards offer paid work experience and
can be a valuable introduction into different fields, sectors and industries. Details of these awards are available on each brief and on the website. For students applying internationally, Placement Awards are subject to the entrant’s right to work in the UK.
Cash Awards
Cash Awards allow the winning student to use their prize towards funding further study, travel to research design in other countries,
equipment, business start-up costs or any other purpose agreed with the sponsor and the RSA. All awards must be claimed within six months of award and winners are required to write a short report for the RSA detailing how they used their award.
Awards Ceremony
All winners will be invited to attend an Awards Ceremony at the RSA – this is a large, celebratory event that includes a keynote talk by a high profile figure, a presentation of the awards, and a drinks reception.
Fellowship of the RSA
All candidates who win an award through the RSA Student Design Awards programme will be offered complementary Fellowship of the RSA valid for one year from the time it is
activated. RSA Fellowship enables winners to connect to the RSA’s global network of Fellows, engage with RSA events and projects in their local area, access the RSA’s Catalyst Fund
and crowdfunding platform on Kickstarter, and to make use of the restaurant, bar and library at the RSA House in central London. More information about RSA Fellowship can be found at www.thersa.org/fellowship
Timeline
Europe/London
Registration starts
Submission starts
Registration ends
Submission ends
No publication yet
Calls for projects that may be of interest to you
Architecture and Urban planning, Art, Design
2026 Tokyo Design Awards:
In its inaugural year, the Tokyo Design Awards welcomes participants from all backgrounds to help shape a new legacy in global design. From Architectural Design, Interior Design, and Product Design to the exciting new Character & Pop Design category, the awards spotlight work that inspires, connects, and drives innovation across disciplines.
$219 - $249 to register
6 remaining days
Publication + Certificate + Other
Art, Design
2026 NYX Game Awards :
Get ready to witness the greatest minds and projects of the international gaming industry that honors creativity, hard work, and value. The NYX Game Awards recognizes and celebrates the contributions of professionals who are passionate about the gaming world.
$270 - $310 to register
6 remaining days
Publication + Certificate + Other
Architecture and Urban planning, Design
2026 The Noble World Hotel Awards :
The 2026 Noble World Hotel Awards represents unparalleled excellence in the global hospitality industry, recognizing the world’s most outstanding hotels, prestigious leaders and designs in hospitality through the highest levels of achievement and distinction.
$550 - $750 to register
6 remaining days
Publication + Certificate + Other
Art, Design
2026 NYX Awards:
The NYX Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work in marketing, design, advertising, and digital media. Honoring agencies, brands, and creative professionals, the award celebrates projects that demonstrate excellence in execution, audience engagement, and strategic impact.
$140 - $200 to register
6 remaining days
Publication + Certificate + Other