Design Society Scholarships 2026

18 - 21 May 2026, Cavtat-Dubrovnik, Croatia

The 19th International DESIGN Conference (DESIGN 2026)

The Design Society is pleased to continue its scholarship programme, now in its second year, supporting members’ participation in leading conferences across the design research and education community. These scholarships aim to foster inclusivity, reduce financial barriers, and enhance member engagement by enabling more members to attend and contribute to Design Society supported events.

Following the successful introduction of this initiative last year, the scholarships will again be offered in connection with the DESIGN Conference 2026 in Cavtat-Dubrovnik, Croatia, providing members with an opportunity to apply and benefit from these schemes.

Attending conferences in person provides unique opportunities for professional growth-sharing research, engaging with cutting-edge ideas, building networks, and strengthening our community. To extend these benefits to more members, we are offering two scholarship models for Design Society members to apply for at DESIGN 2026.

1. Volunteer Scholarships

Our Volunteer Scholarship model invites members to contribute their time and skills in exchange for reimbursement of their conference registration fees (travel, accommodation, and membership fees are not included). This scheme is open to all Design Society members, with priority given to full-time students, early career researchers, and those from underrepresented geographies. Recipients pay for their own conference fees upfront, which will then be reimbursed by the Design Society if the application is successful.

Volunteering for the Conference is a great way to support the Society and Conference Programme Organisers, and give back to the Design Society community.

You can apply here: Volunteer Scholarship Application (please check the application requirements before proceeding)

Benefits of volunteering at DESIGN 2026:

• Meet new people and help build the Design Society community
• Access learning opportunities and hone your skills
• Contribute to the community with purpose and impact
• Advance your career and improve job prospects.
• Volunteers will gain visibility at the conference and within the design community
• Reimbursement of conference registration after successful application and acceptance of conditions.

Volunteers tasks include:

• Conference session hosting (in-person or virtual)
• Photography, videography, or social media coverage
• Graphic or digital design support
• General event coordination and logistics

Volunteers are expected to contribute approximately 25% of the conference hours per day and must commit to attending the full event.

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a current Design Society member.
• Must have a relevant professional or academic role in the field of design (e.g., Student, Early Career Researcher, Industry Professional).
• Must be able and willing to assist in required conference tasks.
• Must have relevant expertise and previous involvement in Design Society activities, with a clear vision for contributing to DESIGN 2026 and our community.
• Must commit to attending the full conference and contribute approximately 25% of standard working hours per day to assigned tasks.
• Must be willing to pay conference fees upfront (by 23 February for Authors, and 27 February for Early-Bird registration), with reimbursement processed if the application is successful.

Application requirements:

• Design Society membership confirmation (User ID no.).
• Information on your current academic or professional status (e.g., Student, Early Career Researcher, Industry Professional) and geographic region.
• A 150-word statement of volunteer interest and relevant skills (e.g. languages spoken, assisting with conference session support, photography, videography, graphic design, social media, etc.).
• Statement of work, including one of the following:
  • A 150-word outline of your work in the field of design (project descriptions, nature of your research, or practice agendas).
  • Accepted DESIGN 2026 Conference Paper ID (submission will serve as your work description).
• A reference letter from an established academic or a professional contact.
• Upload a photo of yourself.
• Upload a one-minute introductory video of yourself and your design research interests.
• Provide consent to use your bio/photo/video on the Design Society's social media channels, website, and emails.

Application Deadline: 27 February 2026
Applicants Notified By: 6 March 2026

2. Conference Scholarships

We are committed to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for those who might otherwise face financial barriers to participation.

Our Conference Scholarship model aims to support individuals who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge within the field. Successful applicants will receive reimbursement of their conference registration fees (travel, accommodation, and membership fees are not included), allowing them to engage fully with the conference and its opportunities. Recipients pay for their own conference fees upfront, which will then be reimbursed by the Design Society if the application is successful.

You can apply here: Conference Scholarship Application (please check the application requirements before proceeding)

Benefits of a DESIGN 2026 Conference Scholarship:

• Full access to the conference
• Meet new people and help build the Design Society community
• Access to learning opportunities.
• Opportunity to share and develop your work in the design community
• Recognition at the conference and in Design Society communications, offering enhanced visibility, networking, and professional development.
• Reduced financial barriers to conference attendance with reimbursement of conference registration after successful application and acceptance of conditions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current Design Society member.
• Must have a relevant professional or academic role in the field of design (e.g., Student, Early Career Researcher, Industry Professional).
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of design.
• Must face financial barriers to participation, and be able to demonstrate these.
• Must be willing to pay conference fees upfront  (by 23 February for Authors, and 27 February for Early-Bird registration), with reimbursement processed if the application is successful.

Application Requirements:

• Design Society membership confirmation (User ID no.).
• Information on your current academic or professional status (e.g., Student, Early Career Researcher, Industry Professional) and geographic region.
• A 150-word statement of why you require financial assistance and how your attendance will benefit the Design Society community.
• Statement of work, including one of the following:
  • A 150-word outline of your work in the field of design (project descriptions, nature of your research, or practice agendas).
  • Accepted DESIGN 2026 Conference Paper ID (submission will serve as your work description).
• A reference letter from an established academic or a professional contact.
• Upload a photo of yourself
• Upload a one-minute introductory video of yourself and your design research interests.
• Provide consent to use your photo/bio/video on the Design Society's social media channels, website, and emails

Application Deadline: 27 March 2026
Applicants Notified By: 6 March 2026

Who can apply for these Scholarships?

Both scholarships are open to all current Design Society members. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on available funding and the host conference. Applications are especially encouraged from students, early-career researchers, and individuals from underrepresented geographies.

Apply here:

• (1) Volunteer Scholarship Application
• (2) Conference Scholarship Application

For questions, please contact: admin@designsociety.org

By providing these scholarship initiatives, the Design Society aims to ensure that more voices, ideas, and talents can be present at our conferences, enhancing the impact, mobility, diversity, and reach of our global design community.

We look forward to your applications!