About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The UIA-HYP CUP 2026 International Student Competition in Architectural Design is now open for entries. Now in its 15th consecutive edition, the competition is the only UIA-endorsed international student architecture competition held annually in mainland China.
The 2026 Jury Chairman is Professor Philip Cox, Founding Partner of Cox Architecture and Officer of the Order of Australia. Under the overarching theme “Architecture in Transformation,” this year's topic is:
**Villagers: Urban, Suburban, Rural**
Participants are invited to select one of three ways of living—urban, suburban, or rural—and demonstrate how communities can be created that have relevance, identity, and a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world.
The competition is open to architecture students worldwide and participation is free of charge.
Entries should respond to the competition brief and submission requirements published on the official website. Detailed submission materials, format requirements, and regulations are available in the competition brief.
The evaluation process consists of a Preliminary Review and a Final Jury Review. The Preliminary Review will be conducted online, followed by the Final Review by the international jury panel.
Awards include:
• 1st Prize (1 team): RMB 80,000 (approx. USD 11,000)
• 2nd Prize (5 teams): RMB 15,000 each
• 3rd Prize (12 teams): RMB 8,000 each
• Honorable Mentions: Certificates
Advisors of prize-winning projects will also receive certificates.
Key Dates:
• Registration Deadline: 20 September 2026
• Q&A Deadline: 30 September 2026
• Submission Deadline: 10 October 2026
• Jury Review: November 2026
How to apply