The following instructions will guide you through the process when the application system is open.

How to Apply

To apply for the competition click the ‘apply here’ button above. You will need to create or log-in with your ULI account and complete the online application form with the below details:

• An uploaded CV of each team member to include:
  • Full name
  • Contact details (email and telephone)
  • High-resolution headshot
  • Current university
  • Present course and qualification
  • University department
  • Details of previous qualifications if applicable
  • Any work experience / further details / why you want to work in real estate etc.
• A brief video uploaded directly to the submission system – details required below.
• A video waiver form which you can download here.

The deadline for submitting your application will be 23:59 CET on 28 February 2026.

Please note that applications that do not include all of the above listed materials will not be accepted. Applications can be commenced and progress saved. We encourage teams to come together and submit their CVs as soon as possible and work on the video thereafter.

Can’t form a team of four? Contact us to for assistance.

Qualifying Questions for Video Applications:

1. Tell us about you, the reasons why you are applying to the ULI Hines Competition, and what makes your team unique. What complementary skills and experience does your team have, resulting in the total team skills being more than the individual parts. Explain what you want to accomplish as a team, and what you are most looking forward to. (2 min in total, evenly distributed between students).
2. Select as a team one building, development, or urban project from anywhere in the world that you find inspiring. Briefly explain why you think this is an exemplary project, considering aspects such as urban design, development and investment solutions, construction methodology, sustainability innovations, and community impact. Finally, reflect on one key lesson from this project that you believe is crucial for informing and improving future projects in urban development. (4 min in total, evenly distributed between students).
3. Select as a team an existing building with any use and put forward an idea for an adaptive reuse project. Briefly explain the current building, integration of the new use(s), and solutions you propose to improve the carbon footprint and impact on local communities. Also explain the investment and development principles that could make this project viable. (3 min in total, evenly distributed between students)
4. How do you think artificial intelligence could positively impact the future of real estate? Explore potential applications across design, construction, planning, investment, occupation and community engagement, and reflect on how innovation might help address current challenges or unlock new possibilities. (3 min in total, evenly distributed between students).

Video Guidelines:

• Prepare a video that will be watched by a senior jury panel. Be professional, authentic, creative, concise, and clear when communicating.
• All students are required to participate in the video. Ideally all students should be in the same location or location when presenting, but if not, possible you are free to record a videocall between you.
• You are free to use presentation slides if you wish, but these are not mandatory. If you use images, please ensure that you capture the source of such images.
• Please ensure that there is adequate lighting and sound when recording. You can use your laptop or your mobile when recording, but if you use your mobile, please use landscape orientation.
• Please note that the judges will assess the content of your submission. The quality of video editing is not reviewed. Focus on presenting compelling and insightful information related to the competition criteria. The clarity and depth of your ideas are of greater importance than the technical aspects of video production.

Scoring Criteria for Video Submissions:

Our reviewers will be asked to consider the following when assessing team applications:

• Demonstrates a good mix of relevant knowledge and experience to be competitive in this competition, through a blend of academic, work, or prior experience.
• Clearly outlines reasons for applying, with aspirational goals and an understanding of the long-term value of participation.
• Explains why their chosen real-life building or development is exemplary.
• Presents a clear investment thesis for repurposing or redeveloping a building.
• Proposes at least one feasible way in which artificial intelligence could positively impact the future of real estate.
• Each team member is confident, articulate, and clear when presenting on camera.
• Follows instructions, ensuring the video is well-structured and meets the duration outlined in the ‘How to Apply’ section of the website.

Tips from past finalists:

“For our application video, we did use a script, which helped us stay concise and organized. We spent about a week planning the content, followed by two days of filming and roughly another week for editing. In terms of editing software, we used [Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, etc.], which was user-friendly and had all the necessary features for our needs.”

“…We scripted the video in advance and filmed it twice—first as a mock-up with a phone and then the final version with a professional camera and microphone. We also produced additional graphics and maps to explain our proposals which also took a lot of time. For editing, I used Adobe Premiere, along with Photoshop and SketchUp for modeling and graphic work…”

“We used Canva (free and online) to edit the video application and to make some graphics. We divided the questions amongst ourselves (depending on our backgrounds) and some of us chose to script the answers while others didn’t. We decided a general framework for each answer….We only met in person twice or thrice and did the rest of the work in our own time. I did the final compilation and editing which took a sizeable amount of time (~15-18 hours). We also used SketchUp web (also free and online) to supplement our video with 3D models…“

How the Competition Works

Stage 1. – Application stage:

1. 1. Students form multidisciplinary teams of 4 (can’t form a team of four? Contact us for assistance in forming an intercollegiate team).
2. Teams must submit details about each team member and a brief video based on the questions above. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2026. Further details for creating your application video are outlined above.

Stage 2. – Review stage:

1. Submissions will be reviewed by the ULI, Hines and a group of senior industry professionals, with successful teams selected for the final stage in April.
2. ULI will alert all teams of their status by Mid-March. Finalists will be invited to the in-person final event stage.

Stage 3. – Final event stage:

1. The competition will take place on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 April 2026 in London, UK.
2. Teams are invited to attend a networking evening on Tuesday 21 April where they will take part in a drinks reception, case study ‘sneak peek tour’ and enjoy a guest speaker fireside chat.
3. On the morning of Wednesday 22 April, the student teams will be fully-briefed on the case study, and each team will work on it for the full day before presenting their solution to a jury of senior industry professionals. The day will close with the winners’ announcement and more networking opportunities.

View the 2025 competition photo album >>

View the 2024 competition photo album >>

Please note that we are very happy to arrange a 30-minute session to present the competition to students in your university/business school. This is an opportunity for students to learn more about the competition and ask us any questions. Please contact us to schedule a presentation session.