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
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.
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 supervision phone show?
You can find examples here:
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.
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.
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 (4 points), one advanced problem (6 points), and one research problem (8 points).
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
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.
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
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 worth 8 points) 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 will I know which exam timeslot I have if I am using the online supervision system?
If you choose the online supervision option (Option B), you will receive a link via email and through your participant account on Friday, 6 February 2026 to select an exam timeslot. Timeslots are available every 60 minutes between Sunday, 8 February 2026, 00:01 UTC+0, and Tuesday, 10 February 2026, 23:59 UTC+0. Each timeslot can accommodate a maximum of 50 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 (Option B), 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
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 60 minutes. 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.
How does the Final Round take place?
Participants who have successfully completed the Pre-Final Round and scored at least 8/10/12 points are qualified to participate in the Final Round: a multiple-choice online exam with 20 questions. The exam will take place in the school of each Finalist supervised by a teacher. All Finalists have to select a teacher who agrees to supervise the Final Exam. We will send all the required information to the selected teacher. The Final Exam has to be taken on the Thursday, 12 March 2026 between 4-6 pm. You can also record the exam (self-recording option). In this case, no teacher is needed.
Does my teacher need a stamp on the teacher form?
Yes. If your teacher cannot get a stamp on the teacher form, there are multiple possibilities. If they have already supervised exams during past editions of ILC, your teacher can submit the current form without a stamp and attach a form from previous editions which has a stamp. If not, your teacher can write 'Not Possible Due To ...' in the stamp field (and state the reason). However, we will request the missing stamp later (in case you score very high results or we detect any other suspicious activities).
Can my teacher supervise me online (via Zoom, etc.)?
No. A teacher must supervise the 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 self-recording option and record your exam.
Who can film my exam?
The person filming must not be a participant of ILC. It should be a family or household member. You can also film the exam yourself without the help of another person.
How can I upload the video of my recorded exam?
After you are done with your exam, you will see a window titled 'Final Exam Video Upload' at the bottom of the participant login page. There, you can upload a link to your video. (You have to upload the video to a cloud or storage site first; for example, Google Drive, Dropbox, and others).
My camera/phone cannot film for 20 minutes. What should I do?
It is allowed to have short cuts (under 5 seconds) within the video (e.g., to stop and restart the video) such that you have multiple shorter videos. You can cut the videos together into a single long video, or you can send us a link to a folder with all the videos. Also, you can proceed to the next question even before the 60 seconds are over.
What should the recorded video show?
You can find examples here:
Examples ➚.The video has to clearly show (a) yourself in front of the computer/laptop/phone and (b) the exam content on the screen. For example, you can open the exam website on your desk and sit in front of it. Another person films you doing the exam from behind at a distance of 1-2 metres. The video shows you (from behind) doing the exam and the screen with you selecting the answers. Of course, it is also possible to film you from the side or any other angle (as long as you and the content on the screen are visible). Your face can be visible in the video, but this is not a requirement.
I have no teacher to supervise the exam. What should I do?
Please use the recording option in this case. To do this, please start the exam during the exam period (see information flyer or e-mail) and select the recording option when the approval screen appears. You then have to specify a person filming the exam (you can also film yourself). You can find more information in the Final Round flyer and in the information video (see the announcement e-mail or your participant account).
How does my teacher get the approval code?
The approval code will be displayed on the participant's screen after they log in to the Final Round Exam platform. Then, the teacher must enter the code into a form that appears in their account.
Who can supervise the Final Exam?
The person supervising your Final Exam must be an active teacher (i.e. not retired) at some officially recognized school or university. He must be able to prove his employment at a school and his teaching duty.
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?
First, the participant must inform the supervisor. After taking screenshots of the encountered issue, the participant should try to reload the exam page (and log in again if necessary). After the exam, if we detect any time irregularities, the student will have the option to explain any technical issues.
How many questions does the Final Round have?
The Final Round consists of a single online exam with 20 multiple-choice questions. Finalists have 60 seconds for each question. There are four possible answers to every question (only one is correct). A correct answer equals one point. The awards and prizes are given to the Finalists with the most points in the Final Round.
Can you refer me to some teachers who can supervise my Final Exam?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with teachers who can take your Final Exam. Please get in touch with the teachers of your school or teachers of other regional schools. Also, you can use the self-recording option in this case and conduct the exam yourself without a teacher.
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.
