# Yacademy Connects Young Architects with World-Renowned Firms 32 scholarships offer internship opportunities at leading global architecture studios. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-08-04 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0c45d0cd-186c-4b3c-86c8-0cbdf4586e60 ## Yacademy's Unique Educational Model Yacademy serves as a direct bridge connecting architecture students to world-class studios like SANAA, BIG, and Snøhetta. The program uniquely blends theoretical education with professional practice. For the 2026-2027 term, 32 scholarships are available. Students can participate either online or in-person at the medieval campus in Bologna's historic center, with courses running from November 2026 to February 2027. ## Record-Breaking Scholarship Fund Yacademy has allocated a record €400,000 scholarship fund this year. Each of the four courses offers 8 scholarships - 3 covering 90% and 5 covering 50% of tuition fees. Last year, 84% of graduates received job offers, with 26% joining Pritzker Prize-winning firms. The program demonstrates exceptional placement success in the competitive architecture field. ## Direct Pathway to Pritzker Firms The program's most striking achievement is that 26% of graduates secure positions at Pritzker-winning firms like David Chipperfield Architects and Herzog de Meuron. The broader network includes global giants such as BIG, Snøhetta, and Kengo Kuma Associates. Students also gain opportunities at leading studios like ARUP, MAD Architects, and Jean Nouvel Design. ## Mentorship from Industry Leaders Courses are taught by prominent figures including Andreas Fries from Herzog de Meuron. The 'Architecture for Exhibition' course focuses on narrative, lighting, and perception psychology. ZHA Architects' director Paolo Matteuzzi leads the 'Off-site Technologies' course, teaching modern fabrication methods. Students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge architectural approaches. ## Sustainable Architecture and AI Integration Benedetta Tagliabue teaches the Wienerberger-sponsored 'Earth Architecture' course, combining modern design with earth characteristics. For 'AI for Urban Regeneration', Carlo Ratti Associati's Luca Bussolino instructs on using machine learning for master planning. Special lectures feature SANAA co-founder Kazuyo Sejima and other starchitects, providing unparalleled industry insights. ## Global Network and Career Opportunities The program offers not just education but a powerful professional network. Students from around the world connect at Bologna's historic campus, with accommodation available. Courses are conducted in Italian or English with live translation. Post-education placements include opportunities at Kengo Kuma Associates and Aires Mateus, creating direct career pathways. ## Application Process and Key Dates Applications for the 2026-2027 term are open until September 4, 2026. Four specialized programs run from November 2026 to February 2027: Architecture for Exhibition, Off-site Technologies, Earth Architecture, and AI for Urban Regeneration. As the scholarship deadline approaches, students can apply directly through Yacademy's platform for these transformative opportunities. ## Setting a New Standard in Architectural Education Yacademy's model bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice. With 100% of students receiving collaboration offers, the program proves its effectiveness. By providing access to a global architecture network, it offers young designers an unparalleled career accelerator. This innovative approach may redefine standards in architectural education worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/yacademy-placement-program/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._