The IOAA is an annual astronomy and astrophysics competition for high-school students, governed by its International Board and hosted each year by a participating country. Students do not apply directly: each country sends a team chosen through its own national selection.
The 19th edition ran at Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 25 September to 5 October 2026, with theory, observation and data-analysis exams. The homepage names Türkiye as the 2027 host.
Benefits & funding
- The host country covers board, lodging, excursions and awards from arrival to departure.
- The sending ministry is expected to pay round-trip travel and the team participation fee (€600 per team, per the FAQ).
- Every contestant receives a certificate; top scorers may earn medals, honourable mentions or special prizes.
Eligibility
- In high school, or finishing it in the competition year; for 2026, born on or after 1 July 2006 and not finished Grade 12 before 1 January 2026.
- A citizen or regular resident of the country represented: foreign nationals resident there for a reasonable time, or citizens living abroad, may qualify, though national rules can be stricter.
- Teams come from countries or territories with an IOC-recognised National Olympic Committee; where politics block a formal team, students should if possible join as individuals.
- Up to five students per country, chosen through a fair and representative process, with at least one team leader.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
High School
Age requirement
≤ 19 yrs
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Application process
- 1Check whether your country sends a team and contact its national Olympiad committee about selection; if it does not take part, ask your teachers to form one.
- 2If selected, the team leader or committee pre-registers the country (2026: 12 March to 12 April).
- 3The delegation completes main registration with each student’s details and English school certificates by the deadline (2026: 26 June).
Program timeline
Pre-registration closed
Apr 12, 2026
Application deadline (main registration)
Jun 26, 2026
Program starts; delegations arrive
Sep 25, 2026
Closing ceremony
Oct 4, 2026
Program ends
Oct 5, 2026