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