“IAAC 2026” – International Competition for Students Interested in Astronomy and Astrophysics Begins

The IAAC 2026 Astronomy Education Program is starting preparations for the 2026 edition and is announcing an international competition for students interested in astronomy and astrophysics.

This is an educational science competition that allows students from around the world to test their skills and knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics. The best participants will receive first, second and third prizes, including cash prizes; cash prizes and telescopes signed by astronaut Frank de Vin and Nobel Prize laureates François Engler, Gérard ‘t Hooft, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz.

In addition, all participants will be awarded a certificate, and national awards are available for the best participants from each country: prizes and awards.
The deadline for applications for this year’s qualifying round is Sunday, April 17th, 2026.

To participate in the competition, problem sets, flyers, and posters are available online.

For information, the International Astronomy Education Program Competition has been running since 2019, and more than 40,000 students have participated to date.

Since 2019, thousands of students from around the world have participated, forming a global network.