International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition
The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 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.
What is IAAC?
Who can participate?
Current high school and university students from all grades and countries are eligible. There are three age groups:
- Junior: 10th Grade and below (and < 16 years of age)
- Youth: 11th to 13th Grade (and < 19 years of age)
- Senior: 1st Year College/University and higher (or ≥ 19 years of age)
Depending on your age group, you will have to solve more problems to qualify for the next round: More Details. To solve the problems, you should be open-minded and creative. As some problems may require you to read real-world research material, fluency in English is beneficial. You should have a working internet connection to submit your solution online.
Prizes and Awards
Participating allows you to apply your astronomy skills to interesting problems and to learn about topics beyond the school curriculum. The top performers receive the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes, with awards worth 1400 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 (see pictures below). All participants receive participation certificates. There are also national awards for the best participants from each country: Prizes and Awards
