International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

(IAAC)

Over 40,000 global participants with a passion for astronomy, physics and mathematics

Open to high school students from around the world, competing on the same stage

Inspiring Chinese students to explore the universe

Winners of the Final Round will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship

Pre-final round Date：

Release of Part A Problems: Apr. 2026

Release of Part B Problems: Aug. 2026

Submission Deadline: Part A: Jul. 2026 (TBD); Part B: Aug. 2026 (TBD)

Final Round Date: Sep. 2026 (TBD)

Introduction

International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) is organized by the German Edu.Harbour committee and more than 14,500 students worldwide have taken part in this challenge. IAAC is a progressive challenge: Pre-Final Round → Final Round, where participants can receive awards, certificates, cash prizes and global recognition.
Students do not need a deep knowledge of astronomy, IAAC aims to help students develop an interest in science and encourage them to pursue future careers in scientific fields that are vital to the future of humanity!

IAAC (Pre-Final Round) Rules

Language

Paper Language: Part A: Chinese & English; Part B: English

Answer Language: English

Date

Part A: Apr. 2026 - Jul. 5, 2026
Part B: Aug. 2026

Location

Online

Participants

Junior: Grade 9 and below (and < 16 years of age)

Youth: Grades 10-12 (and < 19 years of age)

Format

Individual Test

Scoring Criteria

Both the correct answer and the steps are all counted in the score

Awards

Global Award

All students will receive participation award

National Award
• High Distinction Award: Top 10%
• Distinction Award: Top 25%
• Credit Award: Top 40%

Registration Deadline

Jul.1, 2026

IAAC (Final Round) Rules

Language

English

Date

Sept. 2026 (TBD)

Location

Online

Participants

Pre-Final Round qualified students

Format

Individual test

 

Awards

Global Award
• 1st Prize: 125 USD Cash Prize, Certificate

• 2nd Prize: 75 USD Cash Prize, Certificate

• 3rd Prize: 25 USD Cash Prize, Certificate

• Global Gold, Global Silver, Global Bronze (all students will be awarded Global Gold, Silver and Bronze in a 1:2:3 ratio)
* Combine the overall performances of the pre-final and the final round to select the top three global award

National Award
• National Award (China): Top 3 in China

 

Registration Deadline

TBD

Sample Problems

Exam Centers

FAQ

Refund policy
If, for some reason, the student is unable to attend after paying the fee, please contact us. If you apply before the registration deadline, 25% of the registration fee will be deducted as academic materials and service fees. If you apply after the registration deadline, no refund will be given.
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Northern Region：
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Eastern China Contact
Eastern Region：
Shanghai、Zhejiang、Jiangsu
Central China Contact
Central Region：
Henan
Southern China Contact
Southern Region：
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Western Region：
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Central China Contact
Central Region：
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