Who can participate?
All current high school and university students are allowed to participate. Students must not be older than 26 years to be eligible. However, there are different age groups:
Age Groups Do I have to be a student to participate?
Yes, you have to be a student in a high school or a university to participate. If you are currently between high school and university (e.g. gap year) and plan to start university any time soon, you are also eligible to participate.
What is the difference between the age groups?
Current high school and university students from all grades and countries are eligible to participate in three groups:
- Junior: 10th Grade and below (and < 16 years of age)
- Youth: 11th to 13th Grade (or ≥ 16 years of age)
- Senior: 1st Year College/University and higher (or ≥ 19 years of age)
Students from all age groups will receive the same problems in all rounds. However, students in higher groups need to score more points to qualify for the next round:
More Information
What are the national awards?
Since the International Linguistics Challenge is a global competition with participants from various countries, we honour the best students from each participating nation with a special national award certificate:
More Information Who receives the Gold, Silver and Bronze Honours in the Final Round?
Participants who receive at least 50% of the total points in the Final Round are awarded, depending on their relative score, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Honours in the ratios of 1:2:3. Therefore, around 16% and 34% of the participants receive a Gold and Silver Honour, respectively. All other students (with at least 50% of the total points) receive a Bronze Honour.
When do my award documents arrive?
The international award winners receive hard-copy certificates, which are shipped to their home address, as well as all participants who request a Finalist Package. The packages are prepared and shipped, typically two weeks after the announcement of the Final Round. Dispatched documents usually arrive within two weeks. As international shipping times can vary significantly, it may take up to two months for the documents to arrive. A shipment confirmation is sent out as soon as the documents are in transit.
All deadlines and dates are listed in this document:
Timetable and Deadlines [PDF]
I have problems uploading my file. What should I do?
(1) Check whether your submission was already successful on this page:
Login. (2) If your submission/e-mail was not found, use a different browser, use a different computer or laptop, or try to compress your file. (3) If nothing works, please get in touch with us.
Do I have to write my answers in English?
While English is the recommended language, you can write your solution in any of the languages in which the official website is available (English, German, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Korean)
Do I have to write my answers on the problem sheet?
No. You can (a) write your answers in the blank space below the questions. However, you can also (b) write your solutions on a separate sheet of paper or (c) type your solution on a computer. In cases (b) and (c), you do not need to write down the wording of the problems again.
How does the Pre-Final Round take place?
The Pre-Final Round consists of two phases: (1) Preparation Phase: Starting on Friday, 6 February 2026, all qualified and registered participants will receive a research paper via email and their participant account. You should read and familiarize yourself with this paper. (2) Exam Phase: Between Sunday, 8 February 2026 and Tuesday, 10 February 2026, you will take a supervised 60-minute exam via the online exam platform at https://lingchallenge.org/exam. The exam includes three problems (one foundational, one advanced, and one research problem) that you will solve on paper and then scan and upload.
Does my teacher need a stamp on the teacher registration form?
No, a stamp is not required for the Pre-Final Round. Teachers register online at https://lingchallenge.org/teacherinfo and do not need to submit any physical forms or stamps. The ILC team will review and approve or reject the teacher registration within a few days.
Can my teacher supervise me online (via Zoom, etc.)?
No. A teacher must supervise the Pre-Final Round Exam in person. The teacher is not allowed to supervise you via an online call (for example, Zoom or Skype). If you do not have a teacher available, please use the online supervision system instead.
What should the photo show that my teacher has to take?
You can find examples here: https://lingchallenge.org/docs/ILC_Photo_Examples.pdf. The photo should show the exam conditions and environment, including the student taking the exam in front of the device and the device screen displaying the exam.
Can I bring blank paper and pens during the exam?
Yes, you are allowed to bring blank sheets of paper (not more than twenty) and pens (not more than three) to write your solutions during the exam. You should use a new sheet of paper for each problem and write the problem number at the top of every page.
I have no teacher to supervise the exam. What should I do?
If you do not have a teacher available to supervise your Pre-Final Round Exam, you can use the online supervision system. You will need a computer, laptop, or phone with a webcam (exam device), a second phone with a camera and microphone (supervision phone), and a valid government-issued ID or passport. You will select an exam timeslot, complete the setup and verification steps, and take the exam under online supervision. More details can be found in the Pre-Final Round information document.
Can I do the exam on my phone?
Yes, you can take the Pre-Final Round Exam on your phone. However, if you use your phone as your exam device and choose the online supervision option, you will need a second phone for the supervision system. For this reason, we strongly recommend using a laptop or computer for the exam.
How does my teacher approve my Pre-Final Round Exam?
After you log in to the Pre-Final Round Exam platform at https://lingchallenge.org/exam, an approval code will be displayed on your screen. Your teacher must enter this code into a form that appears in their teacher account to approve and start your exam.
Who can supervise the Pre-Final Round Exam?
The person supervising your Pre-Final Round Exam must be an active teacher (not retired) employed at a government-accredited school or university. The teacher must currently be an active teacher or professor and must not be related to you (no family members). The teacher must be able to prove their employment and teaching duties.
How do I qualify for the Final Round?
To qualify for the Final Round, you must score at least 8/10/12 points out of 18 possible points in the Pre-Final Round. The Pre-Final Round consists of three problems: one foundational problem, one advanced problem, and one research problem.
How can I access the Pre-Final Round Exam?
If you have successfully qualified from the Qualification Round and registered for the Pre-Final Round, you can access the exam platform at https://lingchallenge.org/exam by logging in with your ILC participant account credentials during the exam period (between Sunday, 8 February 2026 and Tuesday, 10 February 2026).
What should I do in case of technical difficulties during the exam?
First, inform your supervisor (if using teacher supervision). Take screenshots of the encountered issue if possible, then try to reload the exam page (and log in again if necessary). After the exam, if we detect any time irregularities, you will have the option to explain any technical issues that occurred.
How can my teacher register?
Your teacher must register online at https://lingchallenge.org/teacherinfo. The ILC team will review the registration and approve or reject the teacher within a few days.
My teacher was rejected as a supervisor. What should I do?
Please ask another teacher who meets the requirements and can prove their employment at a government-accredited school or university. The rejected teacher can also register again with additional or corrected information or documents if something was missing from their initial registration.
What materials and tools are allowed for the Pre-Final Round?
You can bring blank sheets of paper (not more than twenty) and pens (not more than three) to write your solutions during the exam. You may also bring something to drink. No other materials or tools are allowed. You are not allowed to bring your own copy of the research paper, but it will be available in the exam interface. Your computer, laptop, or phone must only be used to access the exam platform at https://lingchallenge.org/exam.
What is the preparation phase?
The preparation phase begins on Friday, 6 February 2026 when all qualified and registered Pre-Final Round participants receive a research paper via email and through their participant account. During this phase, you should read and familiarize yourself with the research paper, as one of the exam problems (the research problem) will require you to apply concepts from this paper. The paper is in English, but you may use translation tools and AI to help you understand the material.
How will I scan my handwritten answers after the exam?
After the 60-minute exam finishes, you will have 10 minutes to upload clear scans of your written solutions using your phone. You will scan a QR code shown on the exam screen, which will take you to the upload interface. If you use your phone to take the exam, you will need a second phone for scanning and uploading. This is why we strongly recommend using a laptop or computer for the exam itself. Make sure to write clearly, use a new sheet of paper for each problem, and write the problem number at the top of every page.
Will my exam also be recorded if a teacher supervises me?
No. If you choose teacher supervision (Option A), your exam will not be recorded via webcam or phone. Your teacher will supervise you in person and take a photo of the exam conditions during the exam. The online supervision system with webcam and phone recording is only used if you choose the supervision without teacher option (Option B).
How does the Final Round take place?
The Final Round is a single 30-minute online exam. The exam takes place at home via an online exam portal and is supervised using an online supervision system (no teacher supervision required or allowed). The exam includes two types of questions: (1) Short-answer questions (1-5 minutes per question): Give a single word or number as response. (2) Multiple-choice questions (1-5 minutes per question): Select the correct answer from four options. Questions are shown one-by-one for a limited time, and you cannot go back to previous questions. You can use blank paper and pens for notes, but calculators, written notes, and the Pre-Final Round research paper are not allowed. More information:
Final Round Information Flyer How to collect my prize or award?
We will use international shipping to deliver all of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes; there is no need to travel somewhere. The national awards and Final Round honours will be sent digitally as a soft copy.
What should I do in the case of technical difficulties during the exam?
If you experience technical issues during the exam, try to reload the exam page and log in again if necessary. Take screenshots of any issues encountered. After the exam, if we detect any time irregularities, you will have the option to explain any technical problems that occurred. However, you are responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection and up-to-date browser before starting the exam.
How many questions does the Final Round have?
The Final Round takes around 30 minutes. The exam includes two types of questions: (1) Short-answer questions (1-5 minutes per question): Give a single word or number as response. (2) Multiple-choice questions (1-5 minutes per question): Select the correct answer from four options. Questions are shown one-by-one for a limited time. There are no negative points for incorrect answers.
What help/tools are allowed for the Final Round?
You can use blank paper and pens during the exam for notes. Not allowed: Calculators, written notes, or the Pre-Final Round research paper. The computer/laptop/phone must only be used to access the Final Exam website.
Can I skip questions and complete the exam under 20 minutes?
Each question has a dedicated time window (1-5 minutes depending on the question type). You can answer the question in less time and move to the next question. However, you cannot go back to previous questions, and you cannot skip questions without submitting an answer (leaving a question blank counts as skipping it).
What should the supervision phone show?
You can find examples here: https://lingchallenge.org/docs/ILC_Photo_Examples.pdf. The supervision phone must be positioned to capture: (a) your upper body and partial face, (b) your hands and the sheets of paper in front of you, and (c) the screen of your exam device. The phone should be placed to your left or right side, slightly behind you, at an angle that allows the camera to clearly capture all three elements. You may use stable materials or stands to position your phone at an acceptable angle.
How will I know which exam timeslot I have if I am using the online supervision system?
You will receive a link via email and through your participant account when timeslot selection opens. Timeslots are available at regular intervals throughout the exam period. Each timeslot can accommodate a limited number of participants, and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend selecting your slot early. Once you select a timeslot, you will know exactly when to log in to begin your exam.
What is needed to take the exam without a teacher?
To take the exam using the online supervision system, you will need: (1) A computer, laptop, or phone with a webcam (exam device), (2) A second phone with a working camera and microphone (supervision phone), and (3) A valid government-issued ID card or passport. All devices must be connected to the internet and have sufficient battery or be connected to power. You will also need a stable internet connection throughout the exam.
What are the requirements for the exam environment?
If using the online supervision system, the following requirements apply: Only your exam device, ID card, blank sheets of paper, pens, and something to drink are allowed. The room must be closed with the door shut. No notes, posters, or other materials may be in your field of view. No additional phones, monitors, or electronic devices may be present. No other person may be in the room. No noisy environments. No headphones. You are not allowed to leave the exam environment at any time during the exam or before your answers have been scanned and uploaded. Using the restroom is not permitted once the exam has started.
What are the requirements for the supervision phone position?
The supervision phone must be placed to your left or right side, slightly behind you, at an angle that allows the camera to clearly capture: (1) Your upper body and partial face, (2) Your hands and the sheets of paper in front of you, and (3) The screen of your exam device. You can find examples of acceptable angles at https://lingchallenge.org/docs/ILC_Photo_Examples.pdf. We recommend preparing and testing your exam setup beforehand. You may use stable materials or stands to position your phone at an acceptable angle.
My phone's battery does not last for the full exam duration. What can I do?
If you are using the online supervision system, you are required to connect your supervision phone to a charging cable during the exam setup. This ensures that your phone remains powered throughout the entire exam and supervision period. Make sure to have a charger and power outlet available before starting the exam.
What if I lose the internet connection or have a power outage?
You are responsible for ensuring a stable internet connection and power supply throughout the exam. It is not possible to pause, continue, or retake the exam once you have started. If you experience internet or power issues during the exam, you may try to reload the exam page and log in again if possible. After the exam, if we detect any time irregularities, you will have the option to explain any technical issues that occurred. However, we recommend ensuring reliable internet and power before starting the exam to avoid any disruptions.
Why are there the 'Pre-Final Registration Costs'?
This educational opportunity comes with diverse costs, including those for human resources, technical infrastructure, materials and more. While our sponsors cover some of these expenses, we need to ask participants to cover this year's Pre-Final Round registration costs to make ILC on an international level possible. The registration costs are necessary to provide the resources for the evaluation and, in particular, for the comprehensive Pre-Final Round. There are no other costs involved. You can find detailed information about the registration costs here:
More Information. Financial aid is available to assist socio-economically disadvantaged participants:
Financial Aid.
Do I need to pay something to participate?
The ILC competition is free to enter for all students from around the world. However, all students who have qualified and want to register for the Pre-Final Round have to cover the registration costs of 15 EUR to make this year's competition possible. You can find further information here:
More Information. Financial aid is available to assist socio-economically disadvantaged participants:
Financial Aid.
How to pay the registration costs?
We will inform all successful participants of the Qualification Round about the registration process for the Pre-Final Round. The registration costs have to be covered before the Pre-Final Round starts if you want to participate. The costs can be covered by any common payment method, such as PayPal or credit card.
Why are there registration costs?
This educational opportunity comes with diverse costs, including those for human resources, technical infrastructure, materials and more. While our sponsors cover some of these expenses, we need to ask participants to cover this year's Pre-Final Round registration costs to make ILC on an international level possible. The registration costs are necessary to provide the resources for the evaluation and, in particular, for the comprehensive Pre-Final Round. There are no other costs involved. You can find detailed information about the registration costs here:
More Information Are there fee waivers, financial aid, or scholarships available?
Yes, financial aid is available to assist socio-economically disadvantaged participants. We are continuously searching for additional partners who will help us reduce the overall costs further. There are some fee waivers, reductions, and regional sponsorships available each year. Qualified participants will be informed on how to apply for financial aid, along with the announcement of the Qualification Round:
Financial Aid.
What are ILC Ambassadors?
The International Linguistics Challenge involves students from around the world and extends far beyond the annual competition. Our official ambassadors represent ILC in their schools, universities, cities, and countries. Ambassadors coordinate local groups, organize activities and promote ILC in their community. Being an ILC Ambassador allows you to inspire students for linguistics and to prove your skills as a coordinator in a global network.
What are the responsibilities of ambassadors?
As an Ambassador, your mission is to spark curiosity for linguistics and support the ILC initiative in your region through the following key responsibilities:
- Promoting linguistics and science by organizing activities and raising awareness in your community.
- Building a local linguistics group by bringing together interested students and creating a space for ongoing activities.
- Increasing local participation by encouraging students from your school, city, or country to take part in ILC.
- Supporting participants by answering questions, offering guidance, and acting as a local point of contact.
You can find a document about possible ambassador activities here:
Ambassador Activity Flyer [PDF] How can others see that I am an amabssador without a certificate?
You have a public profile on our website, which clearly indicates your ambassador role. Additionally, you are listed on our team page and also have an ambassador e-mail address. If needed for your activities, our team can also be contacted to confirm your ambassador role.
What are the benefits of ambassadors?
Besides collecting career experience as part of our global network, ambassadors enjoy various other hands-on benefits:
- Opportunity to represent ILC in your region and build your own local student group or linguistics club.
- Official ILC Ambassador Certificate awarded to all active ambassadors who engage in outreach.
- Valuable career and leadership experience as part of an international education network will strengthen your CV.
- Priority consideration for financial aid for the Pre-Final Round registration costs (Learn More).
- Access to financial support through the Ambassador Engagement Support program (Learn More).
- Recognition on the ILC website and social media channels for your outreach and activities.
- Eligibility for the annual ILC Ambassador Awards and exclusive rewards from the ILC team (Learn More).
- Access to study opportunities and scholarship information shared through the ILC network.
How to apply to become Ambassador?
The application for becoming an ambassador consists of two stages:
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1st Stage: You will complete the official ambassador application form by providing your personal details and submitting the following documents: a letter of motivation, your CV, academic transcript, and any optional certificates. Once we receive your application, our team will review your materials and typically contact you within seven days.
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2nd Stage: Successful candidates will be invited to the second stage, where you will be asked to submit additional materials. These include a personal introduction video and your solutions to a short set of linguistics problems designed specifically for you. We will inform you of the final decision usually within seven days.
To begin the first stage of the application process, please complete the official ambassador application form:
Ambassador Application Form Will I stay ambassador forever?
Once you are approved, you are an ambassador without the need to apply again in the future. However, the ILC team removes all inactive ambassadors (no participants or activities) each year. If you have been removed but want to continue as an ambassador, you must apply again.
What is the ambassador score?
The ambassador score is determined by 10×QR + 20×PF + 30×F where QR, PF, F are the total number of participants in the Qualification, Pre-Final, and Final round associated with you as an ambassador. Participants from all previous editions are included. Participants can select their ambassador on the submission form.
What are the ambassador levels?
To award active ambassadors with long-time experience, ambassadors can rank up to five levels depending on their (i) commitment to ILC, (ii) contribution to raising awareness and assisting fellow students, and (iii) frequency of organizing local activities & events:
- Newcomer
- Experienced
- Accomplished
- Distinguished
- Honoured
What is the requirement for receiving an ambassador certificate?
A certificate will be issued to active ambassadors only. You qualify as an 'active ambassador' if you have at least one Pre-Final Round participant associated with your ambassador profile. Please inform participants to select your name during the submission process or forward your personal ambassador submission link.
What are the responsibilities, benefits, and activities of ambassadors?
You have a variety of responsibilities, such as sparking other student's interest in linguistics, building a local community and organizing events & meetups, assisting students with participating in ILC, and reaching out to schools, teachers and institutes. Besides collecting career experience as part of our global network, active ambassadors receive an official certificate and information about study opportunities (e.g., scholarships). You can find a document about possible ambassador activities here:
Ambassador Activity Flyer Can I create an ILC social media page?
In general, we do not recommend creating a local ILC social media page, as information published on the official ILC social media page is relevant to all participants, and a separate page might be misleading for some students. However, feel free to create local city- or school-level social media groups, etc., to encourage and coordinate your local ILC group.
Are there awards for ambassadors?
Special awards are given each year to the most active ambassadors to honour their excellent and responsible performance. This includes awards for encouraging many participants as well as for coordinating extensive activities. However, your main goal should always be to inspire youths for linguistics! You can find more information here:
Awards and Prizes Where/How can I get my ambassador certificate?
You can find a link to your ambassador certificate in your ambassador account. Please note that a certificate will be issued to active ambassadors only (i.e., at least three added activities and at least one Pre-Final Round participant associated with your ambassador profile) after the Pre-Final Round announcement (25 February 2026).
How to receive the financial support?
Financial transfers are made via international bank transfer or PayPal. While we support most major currencies, please note that the availability of some payment methods may be limited depending on your country. Nevertheless, we will do our best to ensure that all qualifying ambassadors receive their financial support.
Learn More Can ambassadors particiapte in the Pre-Final Round for free?
No, however, active ambassadors are given priority consideration for financial aid to cover the registration costs for the annual Pre-Final Round of the competition. This support is intended to recognize and assist ambassadors who have shown high commitment through outreach and participant engagement. Typically, ambassadors who have successfully encouraged five students or more to participate in the Pre-Final Round of the current or last year's edition of ILC received financial aid. While financial aid cannot be guaranteed, ambassadors with active profiles and documented outreach have significantly higher chances.
How do I receive my personal ambassador e-mail?
All ambassadors receive a personal ILC e-mail address as a professional channel for communication. Our team will activate and contact you, usually a few days after you have been accepted into the Ambassador Program.
Can ambassadors receive financial support?
To support your continued outreach and local activities, ILC offers financial support to ambassadors who actively encourage student participation in the International Linguistics Challenge, particularly in the Pre-Final and Final Rounds. This financial support is intended to help you organize further local activities, support your linguistics group or club, produce promotional materials, or cover basic outreach expenses. It is intended to strengthen your ability to fulfil your role as an ILC Ambassador and inspire more students in your region.
The amount of financial support is based on the total number of confirmed Pre-Final Round participants associated with your ambassador account, and the financial support will be provided after the conclusion of the Final Round each year. A minimum of 25 Pre-Final Round participants is required to be eligible for the Ambassador Engagement Support.
You can find more details about the financial support here:
Learn More How to apply for the financial support?
No application is required to receive this support. If you qualify based on the number of Pre-Final Round participants, you will automatically be contacted by the ILC team after the Final Round to confirm your interest in receiving the financial support. The amount you qualify for is also visible in real-time through your ambassador account.
Learn More How can I ensure that participants are linked to my ambassador profile?
There are two ways: (a) You can inform them to select your name at the 'Your Ambassador' selection on the Qualification Round submission form. (b) You can send them your personal ambassador submission page link (see your ambassador account). Note: Participants who have selected you must first confirm their submission by clicking on the link they receive in the confirmation e-mail before they will be connected to your ambassador account.
Do I need to speak English to become an ambassador?
Yes, you should have a basic command of English to become an ambassador, as you work between the international team and the local participants. The application materials (in particular the application letter and video) must be submitted in English.
Why is my public image not visible?
We check all uploaded images. If your image is not shown, it does not satisfy the requirements for a public ambassador picture:
- Professional and high-quality picture.
- Format: square (same width and height; preferably 400 x 400 pixels).
- No border, no blur, and no digital altering.
- No watermarks, text, or transparency.
- No inappropriate faces, poses, or clothing.
- Positive facial expression and professional posture.
A participant who added me is not shown in my ambassador account?
This is likely because the participant has not yet confirmed their e-mail via the link in the submission confirmation e-mail. Participants must confirm their participation before they appear in your account or are credited to your ambassador score. If they did confirm their registration, please ask them to make sure they have selected you as their ambassador: Participants can change their ambassador selection via their participant account until the Qualification Round deadline.
