Every student in the program will have the opportunity to join an overseas study visit in semester one, receiving a travel stipend (usually around US$1,000) to help offset expenses. The destination for this study visit is usually driven by two, typically aligned, influences: (i) the location of the CTBUH Annual Conference, and (ii) the location of the site that serves as a vehicle for the Tall Building Design Studio (ARCH 545). 

The CTBUH Student Tall Building Design Competition champions site-specific urban responses to global issues, while giving top students the chance to showcase their work. Finalists are selected to present their proposals to a jury of experts at the CTBUH International Conference, where an overall winner is selected. Winning students receive cash prizes, as well as complimentary conference registration and travel/accommodation costs. 

The Council holds two major international conferences per year; its Tall & Urban Innovation Awards Conference in the spring (held in Chicago), and its Annual Conference held in a high-rise city somewhere around the world each fall. All students in the program receive complimentary registration at both conferences (typically around US$1,500). Locations of CTBUH conferences in the past ten years include Abu Dhabi; Dubai; Hong Kong; London; Mumbai; New York City; Seoul; Shanghai; Shenzhen; and Sydney.

The goal of the annual Student Research Competition is to assist talented students, working in groups under the guidance of a professor, to focus on a relevant research question, and create an engaging output as a response. The competition typically culminates with an award of US$10,000–$20,000, recognized on stage at the CTBUH International Conference, and promoted through CTBUH channels and platforms. The project often also leads to a publication or other substantial output.