Physics Competition

1. Physics Olympiad

• Eligibility: High school students (varies by country)

• Cash Prizes: No

• Cost: Varies by country and level

• When: Typically annual, dates vary

• Location: National and international stages, held in different countries

The Physics Olympiad is a top-tier physics competition for high school students involving multiple rounds. It tests deep understanding in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics through theoretical and experimental problems. It serves as a platform for students to compete nationally and internationally and promotes scientific passion and inquiry.

2. International Conference of Physics Students (ICPS)

• Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate physics students

• Cash Prizes: No

• Cost: Varies (conference fees)

• When: Annually, dates vary

• Location: Different international venues

ICPS is an academic conference rather than a competition, focused on sharing research, workshops, and networking among physics students worldwide. It fosters collaboration, innovation, and exposes students to cutting-edge physics research and discussions.

3. International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

• Eligibility: Top high school physics students selected through national competitions

• Cash Prizes: Sometimes medals or certificates, rarely cash

• Cost: Usually covered by national organizations

• When: Annually, typically July

• Location: Hosted by different countries each year

IPhO is the global pinnacle of high school physics competitions, with challenging theoretical and experimental exams. It encourages mastery of advanced physics concepts and promotes international friendship and cultural exchange.

4. American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) PhysicsBowl

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students

• Cash Prizes: Rare or symbolic

• Cost: Registration fee (usually low)

• When: Annually, typically March

Location: Participating schools across the U.S.

PhysicsBowl is a fast-paced, nationwide multiple-choice physics contest covering topics from mechanics to modern physics. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving among high school physics students.

5. Physics League Across Numerous Countries for Kick-Ass Students (PLANCKS)

• Eligibility: High school students worldwide

• Cash Prizes: Varies by organizer

• Cost: Usually minimal or free

• When: Annual, dates vary

• Location: Online or hosted in participating countries

PLANCKS challenges teams globally with creative and unconventional physics problems, combining theoretical puzzles and experiments. It encourages innovative thinking, collaboration, and cultural exchange. 

6. European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO)

• Eligibility: European high school students selected nationally

• Cash Prizes: Medals, certificates, sometimes scholarships

• Cost: Usually covered by national bodies

• When: Annually, mid-July (2024: July 15-19)

• Location: Hosted by European countries (2024 in Kutaisi, Georgia)

EuPhO features challenging theoretical and experimental physics exams and fosters international collaboration and cultural exchange among young European physicists.

7. International Conference of Young Scientists (ICYS)

• Eligibility: High school students with scientific research projects

• Cash Prizes: Varies, often symbolic awards

• Cost: Registration and travel fees apply

• When: Annually, dates vary

• Location: Rotates internationally

ICYS is a multidisciplinary scientific conference where young researchers present projects, attend workshops, and network. It promotes scientific inquiry, collaboration, and innovation among youth. 

8. International Physicists’ Tournament (IPT)

• Eligibility: High school student teams worldwide

• Cash Prizes: Varies by host

• Cost: Participation fees may apply

• When: Annually, dates vary

• Location: Hosted internationally

IPT is a team competition focused on solving complex physics problems via theory and experiments, emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and scientific communication.

9. National Science Bowl (NSB)

• Eligibility: U.S. middle and high school teams

• Cash Prizes: Yes, scholarships and awards available

• Cost: Usually free to enter

• When: Annually, typically in spring

• Location: Regional competitions across U.S.; national finals in Washington, D.C.

NSB is a fast-paced quiz bowl covering multiple sciences including physics, testing quick recall and teamwork among student teams nationwide.

10. International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC)

• Eligibility: High school students worldwide

• Cash Prizes: Varies, sometimes scholarships

• Cost: Registration fees vary

• When: Annually, dates vary

• Location: Online and/or international venues

IAAC challenges students on topics in astronomy and astrophysics, such as stellar evolution and cosmology, fostering deep understanding and curiosity about the universe.

11. Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO)

• Eligibility: Top high school physics students from Asian countries

• Cash Prizes: Medals, certificates

• Cost: Covered by national organizations

• When: Annually, June 3-10 in 2024

• Location: Hosted in Asian countries (2024: Malaysia)

APhO is a rigorous regional physics competition with theoretical and experimental exams, promoting excellence and cultural exchange among Asia’s best young physicists.

12. International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT)

• Eligibility: High school student teams worldwide

• Cash Prizes: Varies, medals and awards common

• Cost: Participation fees apply

• When: Annually, dates vary

• Location: Hosted internationally

IYPT emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and presentation skills, challenging teams to solve open-ended physics problems and present solutions in a tournament format.