The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition gives you the unique opportunity to show your knowledge and astronomy skills! The IAAC is an online astronomy competition for students from all countries. Win awards and cash prizes or become IAAC ambassador in your country!
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an international science competition that enables students from all countries to prove their skills and to unleash their creativity in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. IAAC gives you the unique opportunity to apply your skills to challenging problems. Participants can receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.
About International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC)
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition is an international science competition that enables students from all countries to prove their skills and to unleash their creativity in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. IAAC gives you the unique opportunity to apply your skills to challenging problems. Participants can receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, and global recognition.... continue reading
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IAAC Online Competition
Aim and Benefits of IAAC Online Competition
Prizes and Awards
- All participants receive participation certificates. The best students receive the 1. prize, 2. prize, and 3. prize with a cash award of 150 USD, 100 USD, and 50 USD (both for the youth and junior category). Furthermore, the most outstanding participants from each country receive a special national award to honour their excellence. There are also special school awards and awards for ambassadors. You find all information about the many awards that worth over 700 USD in total in in IAAC 2024 information flyer (Download PDF) and on this page: Prizes and Awards
Become IAAC Ambassador
- Winners, students, and interested youths are encouraged to become official IAAC ambassadors with the aim to inspire students for astronomy and to encourage them to participate in the IAAC competition. You will find all information about the benefits, responsibilities, and application below on this page: More Information
For Parents, Teachers, and Schools
- Parents, teachers, and schools are invited to share this opportunity with their students and youths to make talented students in particular benefit from IAAC. We provide materials, flyers, and posters for schools and teachers and we will support you with any issue. We also award several special awards for teachers and schools: More Information
IAAC Online Competition Courses
Requirements for IAAC Online Competition Qualification
In order to participate in the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition, you have to be a high-school or university student. Students from all grades and all countries are invited to participate! There are two age categories:
- Junior: under 18 years on 26. April 2024 (submission deadline)
- Youth: over 18 years on 26. April 2024 (submission deadline)
Depending on your age category you will have to score more points to qualify for the next round. To solve the problems you should be interested in astronomy, smart, and creative. You should also have a working internet connection to submit your solution online via the submission form: Qualification Round 2024
Interview date, Process and Venue for IAAC Online Competition
1. Qualification Round
- The qualification round is the first stage and consists of five astronomy problems that have been published online. You can download the problem sheet below. The problems vary in topic and difficulty: Some of the problems test your astronomy knowledge, others require calculations. The qualification round will not only sharpen your mind but you can also learn more about astronomy and astrophysics!
- All participants of the qualification round will receive participation certificates. You have to score at least 15 points (junior, under 18 years) or 20 points (youth, over 18 years) to qualify for the pre-final round. Digitally typed solutions receive a special honorary note on the certificates!
2. Pre-Final Round
- Participants that have solved the qualification round successfully are qualified to participate in the pre-final round. The problems will be more challenging, but even more interesting! The pre-final round consists of six different problems that vary in difficulty, points, and topic: 2x basic problems (four points), 2x advanced problems (six points), 2x research problems (eight points). It is possible to reach up to 36 points in total. Participants have to reach at least 18 points (junior) or 24 points (youth) to qualify for the final round.
- All participants that are qualified and registered for the pre-final round will receive the problems on Thursday 30. May 2024. From that day on you have until Sunday 2. June 2024 to solve as many problems as possible! The registration costs for the pre-final round are 8 EUR to make this year's competition possible: Learn More (Registration Costs Flyer)
3. Final Round
- Participants that have solved the pre-final round successfully are qualified to participate in the final round: The final round consists of a single online exam with 20 multiple-choice questions. The questions require knowledge about astronomy and astrophysics.
- Every finalist has to appoint a teacher who will supervise the final exam. Alternatively, there is the option to record the exam and upload the video. The awards and prizes are given to the finalists with the most points in the final round. You can find more information about all rounds in our information flyer (Download PDF) and on this page: Process and Rounds
Application Deadline
April 26, 2024
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) on iaac.space to apply
You can find the IAAC qualification round 2024 with the five astronomy problems below. You have to score at least 15 points (junior, under 18 years) or 20 points (youth, over 18 years) to qualify for the pre-final round. The deadline for the qualification round is 26. April 2024 23:59 UTC+0. We highly recommend submitting your solution some days before the deadline.
Download IAAC Qualification Round 2024
By clicking on 'Submit Solution' you get to the submission form. It enables you to upload your solution file to participate in IAAC 2024. The solution file may be typed digitally or it may be a clear picture of your handwritten notes. Digitally typed solutions receive a special honorary note on the certificates! You can view your submission status as well as further information and your certificates here: Login for Participants
Submit Solution
The submission deadline for the qualification round is 26. April 2024 23:59 UTC+0.
For more details visit: IAAC website.
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