FAQs

Find answers to common questions about entering the World Habitat Awards

Does it cost anything to enter the World Habitat Awards?

No, entering the World Habitat Awards is free of charge.

Who can enter the World Habitat Awards?

Anyone representing or collaborating on an innovative project in the field of housing is welcome to enter: individuals, NGOs, public institutions, private initiatives, academia, United Nations programmes, etc.

Are there any geographical restrictions on applying?

Applications are welcome from anywhere in the world.

What is the eligibility criteria?

Projects:

  • must be related to housing.
  • must concern projects that are either in progress or finished less than ten years ago, from the date the call for entries closes (2 March 2026).
  • cannot be a grant application.
Does World Habitat provide grant funding?

The World Habitat Awards competition does not fund projects. It recognises existing projects which have their own funding scheme. World Habitat has a granting scheme for Community-Led Housing projects which is not linked to the World Habitat Awards. Find out more.

How do I enter?

Please enter via the online entry form, open from January to March annually (dates to be confirmed)

Can I send an entry via email?

No, it is not possible to submit your entry via email.

Which languages can I apply in?

We accept applications in English, French and Spanish. Other languages will be translated with AI translation tools.

What’s the deadline for submissions?

The 2027 call for entries opens at the start of January 2026 and will close at midnight on Monday 2 March 2026

Can I contact somebody about my submission?

Yes, if you have any queries, please email the Awards team.

How can I prepare my submission before the call for entries is open?

You can view the application question here to prepare your answers. You can also read about previous winners since 1986 for inspiration.

Can I enter for planned or future work?

No, you cannot enter for planned or future work. Only projects that have already started or finished will be assessed. Projects should already be able to demonstrate impact and it should be possible to carry out field visits including interviews with beneficiaries if the project makes it to the final stage of the competition.

Can I submit more than one entry?

Yes, you can submit as many entries as you wish.

Can several organisations collaborating on a project apply together?

Yes, you can enter the awards as a partnership of organisations.

I’ve applied in a previous year, do I have to fill in the form again?

Yes, you must submit a new entry, even if you have applied in previous years.

Who will see information that I submit as part of my entry?

Your entry is read by World Habitat staff members and external assessors and experts.

Will there be any publicity about my submission?

No, all entries are kept confidential unless awarded. Only finalists are publicised online. The World Habitat Communications Team support finalists to prepare any publicity for the announcement. Finalists have the opportunity to review communications materials before they are published and supply images and film about the project themselves.

There is a technical problem with the entry form. What can I do?

If you have any technical problems with the entry form, please email the Awards team