International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

Unleash your astronomy skills and expand your knowledge through diverse problems that explore the universe by entering the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC). This educational science competition is open to students from around the world!

🌟 About the Competition

The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) is an educational science competition that enables students from all countries to test their skills in astronomy and astrophysics. Participants can receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.

Key Details:

• Date Published: April 22, 2025
• Application Deadline: July 4, 2025
• Category: Contest

🎁 Benefits of Participation

Participating in IAAC allows you to apply your astronomy skills to interesting problems and learn about topics beyond the school curriculum. The top performers receive awards worth $1,400 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.

Awards Breakdown:

Senior Category:

1. 1st Prize: $75 USD + Special Certificate + BRESSER NANO AR-80/640 Telescope (worth $250 USD)
2. 2nd Prize: $125 USD + Special Certificate
3. 3rd Prize: $75 USD + Special Certificate

Youth Category:

1. 1st Prize: $50 USD + Special Certificate + BRESSER NANO AR-80/640 Telescope (worth $250 USD)
2. 2nd Prize: $100 USD + Special Certificate
3. 3rd Prize: $50 USD + Special Certificate

Junior Category:

1. 1st Prize: $125 USD + Special Certificate
2. 2nd Prize: $75 USD + Special Certificate
3. 3rd Prize: $25 USD + Special Certificate

Additional Awards:

• National Awards: Special certificates for the top three participants from each country.
• All Finalists: Certificates with Bronze, Silver, or Gold Honors.
• All Participants: Official Participation Certificates.

🏫 Awards for Teachers and Schools

Teachers, schools, and parents are encouraged to share IAAC as an extracurricular learning opportunity. Special awards include:

• IAAC School Award for Most Participants
• IAAC School Award for Most Finalists
• IAAC School Award for Excellence

🌍 Global Network and Opportunities

• Global Network: Winners and participants join an international network of talented students.
• Scholarships and Opportunities: Access to information about scholarships, sponsored events, and other competitions.
• Regional Meetups: Organized meetups for participants to connect with other space enthusiasts.

🎯 Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Qualification Requirements:

• Pre-Final Round:
  • Junior: ≥ 15 Points
  • Youth: ≥ 17 Points
  • Senior: ≥ 20 Points
• Final Round:
  • Junior: ≥ 16 Points
  • Youth: ≥ 20 Points
  • Senior: ≥ 24 Points

📝 Application Process

Rounds and Timeline:

1. Qualification Round:

   • Solve five astronomy problems at home.
   • Submission Deadline: July 4, 2025 (23:59 UTC+0).
   • Problems available here.

2. Pre-Final Round:

   • Solve six challenging problems, including real-world research papers.
   • Registration Fee: €11 EUR (financial aid available).
   • Dates: August 14–17, 2025.

3. Final Round:

   • Supervised online exam with 20 multiple-choice questions.
   • Conducted internationally on the same day.

📅 Important Dates

• Application Deadline: July 4, 2025
• Pre-Final Round: August 14–17, 2025

📚 Resources and Materials

• IAAC Information Flyer
• Teacher Information Flyer
• Ambassador Activities Flyer
• Timetable and Deadlines
• Registration Costs Flyer

🌠 Why Participate?

• Expand Knowledge: Learn beyond the school curriculum.
• Global Recognition: Gain certificates and awards.
• Personal Development: Enhance your academic profile and connect with like-minded students.

For more details, visit the IAAC Official Website.

• Apply your astronomy skills to interesting problems.
• Learn about topics beyond the school curriculum.
• Top performers receive awards worth 1400 USD, including cash prizes and telescopes signed by notable figures.
• All participants receive participation certificates.
• National awards for the best participants from each country.