Registration is Closed
Registration for the 2026 International Psychology Olympiad has closed. Please refer to the timeline below for the next competition stages.
Competition Overview
The 2026 International Psychology Olympiad continues our tradition of excellence in identifying and nurturing the world's most talented young psychology students. This year's competition will be conducted entirely online, making it accessible to students worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Participate?
- Students must be enrolled in high school, secondary, or pre-collegiate education
- Must be graduating in 2027 or later
- All skill levels welcome - from beginners to advanced psychology students
- Participation is completely free of charge
Who Cannot Participate?
- Fresh graduates from High School (Class of 2026)
- Gap year students
- College or university students
Competition Format
2026 Final Round Update
The Final Round is now conducted as an individual competition. The Material-Based Objective Test remains unchanged, while the previous presentation component is replaced by Advanced Thinking, an online written response module based on provided materials.
Qualification Round: Global Grand Test
at 19:00 (designated continent time)
Asia & Oceania: GMT+8; Europe & Africa: GMT+1; North & South America: GMT-4.
Format: Individual Competition
Duration: 150 minutes
Questions: 300 multiple-choice questions
Content: Fundamental psychology knowledge covering all major areas of psychology
Purpose: This comprehensive test serves as the qualification round for the International Final. Top performers will advance to the Final Round.
Final Round
The Final Round is conducted individually and consists of two modules designed to assess students' ability to analyze, interpret, and apply psychological knowledge.
The Material-Based Objective Test remains unchanged. In Advanced Thinking, students complete an online written response task based on provided materials.
Module A: Material-Based Objective Test
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: 5 reading materials with 20 objective questions each (100 total questions)
Maximum Score: 200 points (2 points per question)
Skills Tested: Critical analysis, comprehension, application of psychological concepts
Module B: Advanced Thinking
Duration: 180 minutes
Format: 1 reading material with 5 written response questions
Maximum Score: 200 points (40 points per question)
Skills Tested: Psychological analysis, research design, measurement reasoning, methodological evaluation, and applied problem-solving
Advancement Rules
From Qualification to Final Round
Finalists are selected based on performance in the Global Grand Test:
- The top 6 students from each country/region advance to the Final Round
- Regional Top 6 students receive Regional Top 6 Certificates
- Finalists compete individually in the Final Round
Recognition System
Global Grand Test Grades
- Highest Distinction: Awarded based on the Global Grand Test score threshold
- Higher Distinction: Awarded based on the Global Grand Test score threshold
- Distinction: Awarded based on the Global Grand Test score threshold
- Excellence: Awarded based on the Global Grand Test score threshold
Grade Criteria
Global Grand Test grades are granted based on absolute score thresholds rather than fixed percentages or quotas. The score thresholds are determined after reviewing the difficulty of the examination and may vary by year.
Final Round Awards
Gold Award
Highest Final Round recognition
Silver Award
Outstanding Final Round recognition
Bronze Award
Excellent Final Round recognition
Announcement
- Final Round Awards: Determined through the Final Round evaluation across both modules
- Material-Based Objective Test: Recognition for outstanding objective exam performance
- Advanced Thinking: Recognition for outstanding written response performance
School Team Awards in the Global Grand Test
Starting in 2026, we are introducing a new international recognition system for schools and institutions that organize their students to participate in the Global Grand Test.
Recognition Recipients
This recognition will be given to the school, the advisors, and the top 6 students representing their school.
Eligibility
Schools and institutions with 6 or more students participating in the Global Round are eligible for School Team Awards
Scoring System
Team scores are calculated using the top 6 students' scores from each school
International Rankings
The top 30 schools worldwide will receive internationally ranked awards
Award Tiers
Golden Schools
Top 10
The highest achievement in school team excellence
Silver Schools
Top 11-20
Outstanding school team performance
Bronze Schools
Top 21-30
Excellent school team achievement
Important Dates & Timeline
Time Zone Note
All dates and times refer to the designated local time for each continent: Asia & Oceania (GMT+8), Europe & Africa (GMT+1), and North & South America (GMT-4).
Registration Opens
Begin your journey by registering for the competition
Registration Deadline
Last chance to register for the competition
Global Grand Test
Qualification round - 300 questions, 150 minutes
Qualification Results
Announcement of students advancing to the Final Round
Final Round
Individual competition with two modules: Material-Based Objective Test and Advanced Thinking
Final Results
Announcement of winners and awards
Competition Venue
Entirely Online
The 2026 IPsyO will be conducted entirely online, ensuring accessibility for students worldwide. All examinations and written response tasks will be delivered through our secure online platform.
- No travel required - participate from your location
- Secure online examination system
- Online written response tasks
- Real-time support during examinations
Registration Requirements
What You Need to Register
- Basic school/organization information
- An advisor to verify your academic level and identity
- Valid email address for communication
- No registration fee - participation is free!
Note: Complete student list will be requested after initial registration.