ILC is a global educational program that empowers students to explore the scientific study of language, challenge their analytical thinking, and discover patterns in human communication through linguistic problem-solving.
Linguistics is the science of language: how it is structured, how it is used, and how it changes across time and cultures. It explores everything from the sounds we make (phonetics) and how words are built (morphology), to how sentences carry meaning (semantics) and how we communicate effectively (pragmatics).
If you have ever wondered how babies learn to speak, why Google Translate sometimes gets things hilariously wrong, or how two people can say the same words but mean totally different things: that is linguistics in action! It combines logic, creativity, and problem-solving in ways few subjects do.
Every ILC problem invites you to decode real linguistic data, uncovering the hidden patterns that govern the world’s 7,000+ languages. You do not need to memorize rules, instead you use reasoning and intuition to discover them.
Linguistics opens a window into how people think and communicate worldwide. By solving ILC problems, you will explore languages you have never heard of and see how diverse, yet logical, human communication truly is.
The ILC is not just for language enthusiasts! It is for anyone who loves puzzles, logic, and discovery. Whether you are into math, computer science, or foreign languages, linguistics strengthens your analytical and creative thinking. You might even discover a new academic passion or career path!
When you participate in the ILC, you become part of a worldwide network of curious students who love uncovering the logic of language. Consider becoming an ILC Ambassador to lead the linguistics movement in your region, organize events, and inspire others while gaining valuable leadership experience.
The Qualification Round features five linguistic problems covering foundational concepts in syntax, semantics, phonetics, morphology, and language patterns. Problems involve analyzing linguistic data, identifying patterns, and explaining underlying language structures.
Each problem is worth 5 points. To advance, participants must achieve a minimum score of 15 points for the Junior division, 17 points for the Youth division, and 20 points for the Senior division. Participants are encouraged to show their reasoning, explain their analytical process, and think creatively. Outstanding submissions receive special recognition.
Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 23:59 UTC+0
Open to all students. Participation is free.
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Qualified participants tackle six more complex linguistic problems over three days, exploring deeper aspects of language structure and analysis: 2x Foundational Problems (4 pts each), 2x Advanced Problems (6 pts each), 2x Research Problems (8 pts each, involving analysis of linguistic research and real-world language data).
The maximum score is 36 points. To advance, participants must achieve at least 16 points for Junior, 20 points for Youth, and 24 points for Senior divisions. To run the competition at a global scale, the registration cost for the Pre-Final Round is 15 EUR. Financial aid is available to waive or reduce these costs. You can find more details here.
Registration Deadline:
Thursday, 5 February 2026, 23:59 UTC+0
Qualified students. Registration costs 15 EUR.
Financial aid is available.
Problem Release: Sunday, 8 February 2026,
23:59 UTC+0
Submission Deadline:
Tuesday, 10 February 2026, 23:59 UTC+0
The Final Round is a 30-minute online exam consisting various questions, with 60 seconds allocated for each question. It covers linguistic concepts from the Qualification and Pre-Final Round, including theoretical understanding and analytical reasoning about language structures.
Participation requires supervision by a registered teacher or self-recording with both screen and webcam active. Final rankings and prizes are determined based on performance in this round, with tie-breakers using results from previous rounds.
Final Round Exam: Thursday, 12 March 2026,
23:59 UTC+0
Qualified students from the Pre-Final Round. Participation is free.
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Please submit your solution to the Qualification Round problem sheet via the official submission form. Pay attention to the following key points:
Submit your solutions via the official submission form. After submitting, you can manage your entry and access certificates via the participant login: [Participant Login]
To learn more about ILC, and what tools can support your students in their preparation, we have compiled a list of resources here: