International Computer Science Competition 2026
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Fancy testing your coding brain on a global stage? Join the International Computer Science Competition 2026 to solve algorithmic challenges, build advanced problem solving skills, and tackle a research based round - boost your uni and career prospects while competing online across three rounds.
The International Computer Science Competition (ICSC) 2026 is a global, online competition that challenges participants in computer science concepts, algorithms, logical thinking, and problem-solving beyond the standard curriculum. The competition is open to middle school, secondary school, and university students worldwide and runs across three rounds: a self-paced Qualification Round (five problems), a supervised Pre-Final Round (three problems, including a research-based problem), and a Final Round (30-minute online exam).
All participants receive participation certificates; top performers earn Bronze/Silver/Gold honours, national awards, and cash prizes. Participation in the Qualification Round and the Final Round is free; qualified students must register and pay a 15 EUR fee to enter the Pre-Final Round (financial aid is available).
Key dates for 2026 include the Qualification Round submission deadline on 2026-07-05 (23:59 UTC), Pre-Final registration deadline 2026-08-11 (23:59 UTC) with the Pre-Final exam window from 2026-08-14 to 2026-08-16, and the Final Round on 2026-09-15. Entrants need a computer and may upload handwritten or typed solution documents; programming solutions should use Python, Java, C (C99) or C++ and can be included as runnable files where permitted.
5 July 2026
Other key dates: Pre-Final registration deadline 2026-08-11T23:59:59+00:00 (registration costs 15 EUR for qualified students; financial aid available). Pre-Final exam window: 2026-08-14 to 2026-08-16. Final Round: 2026-09-15.
Dates from the previous cycle. New dates are announced when applications reopen.
5 July 2026, 01:00 – 6 July 2026, 00:59
Qualification Round Deadline
11 August 2026, 01:00 – 12 August 2026, 00:59
Pre-Final Registration Deadline
14 August 2026 – 16 August 2026
Pre-Final Exam Window
15 September 2026
Final Round
Location
- Open to students worldwide (middle school, secondary school, and university students).
- Three age categories: Junior (10th Grade and below, <16 years), Youth (11th to 13th Grade, <19 years), Senior (1st year college/university and higher, ≥19 years).
- Qualification required to enter later rounds: participants must submit solutions for the Qualification Round to progress to the Pre-Final Round.
- Pre-Final Round: only qualified students may register; registration costs 15 EUR unless financial aid is granted.
- Final Round: only students who qualify through the Pre-Final Round may participate.
- Participants need access to a computer; English reading comprehension is helpful.
- ICSC Ambassador applicants (separate programme) must be at least 14 years old.
Qualification Round and Final Round participation is free. Qualified participants who wish to register for the Pre-Final Round pay a registration cost of 15 EUR; financial aid is available to waive or reduce this fee.
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