FAQ Submission
The submission period for final projects for German Design Graduates 2026 began on 15 May 2026. We have compiled and answered the most frequently asked questions about the initiative and the submission of projects.
Exhibition
Around 70 projects from about 30 universities are presented in a curated exhibition. The selection demonstrates quality and a wide range of themes, placing the works within broader academic and social contexts. It raises their profile and encourages direct exchange.
FORM FOLLOWS FRIENDSHIP
Form Follows Friendship – Co-Design as a Democratic Practice presents three German-Dutch design collaborations at the Museum Angewandte Kunst from 14 to 28 June 2026. Developed as part of World Design Capital 2026 Frankfurt RheinMain, the exhibition showcases collaborative projects by emerging designers exploring material research, circular design, digital technologies, and collective approaches to design.
New members elected to the German Design Graduates Advisory Board
In February 2026, the advisory board of German Design Graduates was re-elected. This panel of leading experts will support the initiative on key issues going forward – and underscores the growing importance of design as a guiding force in a complex world.
Application period for universities has begun
Selected universities can register to take part in German Design Graduates until the end of April.
Platform
At the heart of GDG is the Graduates Platform. It permanently archives final-year projects and links them to universities. This provides a growing overview of current trends in German design education. The platform enhances visibility and comparability, and serves as a reference for study, professional practice and communication.
PLATFORM Spotlight
German Design Graduates, supported by the German Design Council Foundation, is the only nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting emerging talent among graduates in product and industrial design, textile and fashion design, and communication and digital design, as well as showcasing renowned German universities, art colleges and universities of applied sciences.
This month, we are showcasing projects in the field of “Sustainable & Circular Design”.
Design Research Training
Design as a practice of knowledge: The GDG Design Research Training programme brings together graduates, researchers and practitioners who use design as a tool for analysing and developing solutions. At the Transformation Lab in Berlin, they work across disciplines on issues shaping the future – and demonstrate just how diverse and relevant design research is today.
NETWORK
The network connects universities, graduates, businesses and stakeholders from the cultural and research sectors. It fosters dialogue between academia and industry and creates tangible pathways into the profession. Businesses gain direct access to talent. This creates a robust network for exchange and collaboration.
Timeline
April
Registration
Schools
May – June
Call for Entries
German Design Graduates
AUGUST
Publication
Graduates Platform
June 14 – June 28
Form Follows Friendship
Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt am Main
OCTOBER 15 – November 29
Museum Exhibition
Make It Make Sense
Neue Sammlung, München
MORE DATES
Coming Soon
SCHOOLS
German Design Graduates documents and showcases final-year projects from design degree programmes across Germany and connects the most prestigious universities with partners from the professional world and the public sector. In 2025, 28 universities took part in the initiative, including, amongst others:
GDG SOCIAL
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