The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is a global challenge for high school and university students that focuses on astronomy, based in Germany. Open to worldwide participants, it includes three online rounds, with the Qualification Round deadline set for April 17, 2026. Prizes this year feature telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel laureates, along with various awards and certificates, totaling over 2,500 USD in value.
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Application Deadline:
- Qualification Round submission deadline: 17 April 2026
Tell Me About The Competition:
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) is a global science challenge for high school and university students. It provides an opportunity to explore astronomy and astrophysics beyond the standard curriculum through real-world problem formats.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- General physics problem-solving
Type:
- International Science Competition | High School & University Students
Who can Apply?
- Open to all high school and university students worldwide.
- Age categories:
- Junior: Grade 10 or below (under 16)
- Youth: Grades 11–13 (16–18/19)
- Senior: University level (19+)
- Requires only basic equipment (paper, pen, internet access).
- Solutions may be submitted in multiple languages (English, German, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, etc.).
How are Participants Selected?
Competition process:
- Qualification Round – Five physics problems (collaboration allowed).
- Pre-Final Round – Take-home exam, includes reading two scientific papers.
- Final Round – Digitally monitored exam covering all major fields of physics.
Top results determine international and national prize winners.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Worldwide participation.
Where will the Competition be Taken?
- Conducted online globally (final round is digitally monitored).
How Many Awards?
- Multiple awards across categories (Junior, Youth, Senior).
What is the Benefit of the Competition?
- Prizes:
- Telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel Prize laureates (Englert, ’t Hooft, Mayor, Queloz).
- Cash prizes (total $1,500 USD).
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes across Senior, Youth, Junior categories.
- Recognition:
- Certificates for all participants.
- National honorary certificates.
- Gold, Silver, Bronze Honours for high-scoring finalists.
- Special Awards: For teachers, schools, and student representatives.
- Career Support: Alumni network, study opportunities, scholarship info, mentorship.
- Skill Development: Research-based problem solving, scientific reasoning, analytical thinking.
How Long Will the Competition Last?
- Runs through Qualification, Pre-Final, and Final rounds (April–global exam day later in 2026).
How to Apply:
- Visit the IAAC official website: https://iaac.space
- Register and download the Qualification Round problems.
- Solve and submit solutions via the submission form: https://iaac.space/en/submission
- Meet the deadline: 17 April 2026.
