The JAGDA International Student Poster Award 2026 is a global graphic design competition organized by the Japan Graphic Design Association (JAGDA), inviting students worldwide to create original B1-size posters. Established to discover and support emerging creative talent, the award has become a respected platform for young designers to engage with contemporary visual communication through a single, powerful format.
For 2026, participants are asked to respond to the theme “Harmony,” incorporating the word directly into their poster design. Entries must be original works produced within the designated period and presented in a standardized vertical B1 format, encouraging clarity, conceptual depth, and strong visual impact. The competition accepts a wide range of approaches, from academic projects to independent works, as long as they adhere to the rules and avoid the use of stock imagery.
The judging process includes multiple stages, beginning with online screenings and culminating in a final evaluation of printed posters by an international jury of leading designers. Selected works proceed to exhibition and final judging, offering participants valuable exposure and the opportunity to have their work evaluated within a rigorous professional context. The award continues to play an important role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and advancing the future of graphic design.
Entry fee: Entry fee required; exact current-year amount not clearly specified (historically per poster, with scaled fees for series).
Eligibility
Open to current students worldwide at high school, college, or university level, submitting individual original poster works.
Prize
Winners are selected across multiple tiers including a Grand Prix, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and various jury and special awards, each accompanied by certificates and commemorative items; selected works are also included in the final judging process and exhibition, though exact 2026 prize details are not fully specified.