International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2026

📝 About International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an educational science competition designed to challenge students worldwide in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Participants can earn certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.

🎁 Benefits of Participating

• Top Performers: Winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will receive awards worth $1,500 USD, including cash prizes and telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel Prize laureates François Englert, Gerard 't Hooft, Michel Mayor, and Didier Queloz.
• Participation Certificates: All participants will receive certificates of participation.
• National Awards: Special awards for the best participants from each country.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Current high school and university students from all grades and countries are eligible to participate. There are three age groups:

• Junior: 10th Grade and below (and <16 years of age)
• Youth: 11th to 13th Grade (and <19 years of age)
• Senior: 1st Year College/University and higher (or ≥19 years of age)

📅 Application Date and Process

Qualification Round:

• The first stage consists of five astronomy problems covering a wide range of topics, varying in difficulty and discipline.
• Problems test astronomy knowledge and require calculations. Each problem awards 5 points.
• To qualify for the Pre-Final Round in May 2026, participants must score:
  • 12 points (Junior group)
  • 14 points (Youth group)
  • 17 points (Senior group)

Submission Deadline:

• 17 April 2026, 23:59 UTC+0

📌 Application Deadline

17 April 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the competition on the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition website.
• Apply directly for the Qualification Round here.

• The top performers receive the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes, with awards worth 1500 USD, including cash prizes and telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel Prize laureates François Englert, Gerard 't Hooft, Michel Mayor, and Didier Queloz.
• All participants receive participation certificates.
• There are also national awards for the best participants from each country.