Apply for the International Physics Competition: Education Program & Talent Search 2026 (IPhyC) - a global physics challenge for high school and university students, with cash prizes totaling up to $1,500 USD, official certificates, and research-oriented problems you can take from anywhere with pen, paper, and internet.
IPhyC is designed as an accessible, internationally connected education programme that goes beyond the standard curriculum, introducing modern physics topics, scientific research formats, and a supportive community of young scientists, teachers, mentors, and alumni.
Quick Facts - IPhyC 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | International Physics Competition - Education Program & Talent Search (IPhyC) |
| Format | Online global competition (Qualification → Semi-Final → Final) |
| Who | High school and university students worldwide |
| Categories | Junior · Youth · Senior |
| Cash prizes | Up to $1,500 USD total across divisions |
| Deadline | 1 November 2026 (confirm live dates on IPhyC) |
| Official site | iphyc.org |
| Submit / apply | IPhyC Submission Portal |
| Contact | info@iphyc.org |
Age Categories
- Junior: Grade 10 or below (under 16)
- Youth: Grades 11 - 13 (about 16 - 18/19)
- Senior: University level (19+)
Your grade/age at the relevant submission deadline typically determines your category for the competition cycle - confirm on the official site.
Prizes & Recognition
- Cash prizes (Final Round) - 1st / 2nd / 3rd in each division (Senior, Youth, Junior), totaling up to about $1,500 USD globally
- Certificates - official digital certificates for all participants; special distinctions for finalists and top performers
- National awards - honorary certificates for the best participants from each country
- Honours - Gold, Silver, or Bronze for high-scoring finalists
- Special awards - outstanding teachers, schools, and local student representatives
- Career support - alumni network, study/scholarship information, and mentorship pathways
Indicative Final Round prize bands (verify on IPhyC before relying on amounts): Senior ~$250 / $175 / $125; Youth ~$200 / $150 / $100; Junior ~$175 / $125 / $100.
Competition Structure
- Qualification Round - download problems, solve offline, submit online (typically free entry; confirm current rules)
- Semi-Final Round - supervised exam format; a modest registration fee may apply (financial aid / scholarships often available)
- Final Round - short digitally supervised final exam for top performers
Always check iphyc.org for the live timetable, fee waivers, and problem releases.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled high school, college, or university students
- Open to participants worldwide
- Curiosity about physics and willingness to tackle research-style problems
How to Apply / Participate
- Visit the official site: International Physics Competition (IPhyC).
- Review qualification problems and resources: Qualification info · Resources.
- Submit solutions via the official portal: iphyc.org/en/submission.
- Complete your round before the listed deadline (1 November 2026 for this Talent Search cycle per current listings - double-check on IPhyC).
- Questions: IPhyC Support or info@iphyc.org.
Official Links
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FAQs - International Physics Competition 2026
What is the deadline?
1 November 2026 is listed for this Education Program & Talent Search cycle. Round-specific deadlines on IPhyC may differ - always confirm on the official site.
Who can join?
High school and university students worldwide, placed in Junior, Youth, or Senior categories by age/grade.
Is there a fee?
Qualification is typically free. Later rounds may charge a small fee (e.g. around €12 historically) with financial aid options - check the live rules.
What do winners receive?
Cash prizes up to a combined $1,500 USD, certificates, national awards, honours, and access to alumni/mentorship support.
Where do I submit?
Use the official portal: https://iphyc.org/en/submission.
