The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) is a global science challenge for high school and university students interested in astronomy. This year's prizes include telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel Prize laureates Francois Englert, Gerard 't Hooft, Michel Mayor, and Didier Queloz, alongside numerous awards, certificates of achievement, national awards, and Gold, Silver, and Bronze Honours for high-scoring finalists.
As an accessible, research-oriented, and internationally connected program, IAAC allows participants to explore astronomy and astrophysics beyond the standard curriculum through real-world problem formats.
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International Astronomy And Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) Contest
| Application Deadline | 17 Apr 2026 |
| Value | Fully Funded |
| Type | Contest |
| Sponsor | International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Aim and Benefits of International Astronomy And Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) Contest
- Telescopes signed by astronaut Frank De Winne and Nobel Prize laureates Francois Englert, Gerard 't Hooft, Michel Mayor, and Didier Queloz.
- Cash Prizes (Total: 1500 USD): The top achievers in the Final Round receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prizes, awarded globally: 1. Prize Senior: 250 USD, 2. Prize Senior: 175 USD, 3. Prize Senior: 125 USD, 1. Prize Youth: 200 USD, 2. Prize Youth: 150 USD, 3. Prize Youth: 100 USD, 1. Prize Junior: 175 USD, 2. Prize Junior: 125 USD, 3. Prize Junior: 100 USD
- International Recognition: All participants receive official digital certificates, with finalists and top performers earning special distinctions.
- National Awards: The best participants from each country receive national honorary certificates.
- Honours System: High-scoring finalists receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze Honours based on performance.
- Special Awards: Additional awards are available for outstanding teachers, schools, and local student representatives.
- Career & Academic Support: Access to an international alumni network, study opportunities, scholarship information, and mentorship.
- Skill Development: Participants gain experience in research-based problem solving, advanced space topics, scientific reasoning, and analytical thinking.
Requirements for International Astronomy And Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) Contest Qualification
- Open to all high school and university students worldwide.
- Participants are grouped into three age categories:
- Junior: Grade 10 or below (under 16)
- Youth: Grades 11–13 (16–18/19)
- Senior: University level (19+)
- Students in all age groups solve the same problems, but qualification thresholds differ.
- Requires only basic equipment (paper, pen, and internet access).
- Solutions may be submitted in any supported language on the IAAC website (e.g., English, German, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, etc.).
Interview date, Process and Venue for International Astronomy And Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) Contest
1. Qualification Round
- Five physics problems of varying difficulty and topics
- Participants may collaborate during this round
- Submission deadline: 17 April 2026
2. Pre-Final Round
- Completed as a take-home exam
- Includes reading two real scientific research papers
3. Final Round
- Digitally monitored exam with questions covering all major fields of physics
- Conducted globally on a unified exam day
- Top results determine international and national prize winners
Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027
Application Deadline
April 17, 2026How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) on iaac.space to apply
Contact: [email protected]
For more information, kindly visit International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) webpage.
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