International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

(IAAC)

Over 14,500 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 and giving them an edge in their applications to top universities

Promotion system: Pre-Final Round, Final Round

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

Pre-final round Date:

Release of Part A Problems: Mid Feb. - Jun. 2025 (TBD)

Release of Part B Problems: May 29 - Jun. 1, 2025 (TBD)

Submission Deadline: TBD

Final round Date:Jun. 2025 (TBD)

Introduction

International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) is organised 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!
In 2023, the German Edu.Harbour Committee and ASDAN China Limited are cooperating to introduce International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) to high-achieving high school students in China.

IAAC (Pre-Final Round) Rules

Language

English

Date

Release of Part A Problems:
Mid Feb. - Jun. 2025 (TBD)

Release of Part B Problems:
May 29 - Jun. 1, 2025 (TBD)

Submission Deadline:
TBD

Location

Online submission

Qualification

Grade 10-12 (below 18 years old)

Format

Individual
(Papers will be sent to participants by e-mail)

Scoring System

Part A: 5 astronomy problems vary in topic, difficulty, and subject. Each of the problems can give you up to 5 points and there are 25 points in total.
Part B: 6 problems, 2 basic problems (four points), 2 advanced problems (six points), 2 research problems (eight points), 36 points in total.

Awards

All participants receive participation certificates.

National Awards:
• HIGH DISTINCTION: Top 10%
• DISTINCTION: Top 25%
• CREDIT: Top 40%

Registration Deadline

TBD

IAAC (Final Round) Rules

Language

English

Date

Jun. 2025 (TBD)

Location

Online

Qualification

Students that have solved the Pre-Final Round of Part A successfully, and have to reach at least 18 points in Pre-Final Round of Part B

Format

Individual

Scoring System

20 multiple-choice questions. Finalists have 60 seconds for each question! To every question there are four possible answers given (only one is correct). A correct answer equals one point.

Awards

Global Award
• 1st Prize: 150 USD Cash Prize, Special 1. Prize Certificate
• 2nd Prize: 100 USD Cash Prize, Special 2. Prize Certificate
• 3rd Prize: 50 USD Cash Prize, Special 3. Prize Certificate
All students will receive Global Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards 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 1 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.
Northern Contact
Northern Region:
Beijing、Tianjin、Heilongjiang、Jilin、Liaoning、 Heibei、Inner Mongolia、Shanxi、Shandong
Eastern China Contact
Eastern Region:
Shanghai、Zhejiang、Jiangsu
Central China Contact
Central Region:
Henan
Southern China Contact
Southern Region:
Guangdong、Guangxi、Fujian、Hainan、Hongkong、Macao、Taiwan
Western China Contact
Western Region:
Chongqing、Sichuan、Yunnan、Guizhou、Shaanxi、Gansu、Qinghai、Tibet、Ningxia、Xinjiang
Central China Contact
Central Region:
Hunan、Hubei、Anhui、Jiangxi