International Linguistics Olympiad
International Linguistics Olympiad
Overview of International Linguistics Olympiad
The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) is a competition for secondary-school students. Each participating country sends 1-2 teams of four contestants, typically chosen from the winners of their national Linguistics Olympiad. No prior linguistic knowledge is required, as every problem is self-contained. The best preparation is to practice with past problems.
📍Location
In-Person, Worldwide🌎
📅 Application deadlines
- No upcoming deadlines
Eligibility Requirements
📋 General Requirements
No prior knowledge of linguistics or languages is required. The competition problems are self-contained and require logical ability, patient work, and a willingness to think outside the box.
👥 Age Requirements
The IOL is a contest for secondary-school students; current university students are ineligible to compete.
📚 Grade Requirements
The IOL is a contest for secondary-school students.
🌍 Eligible Countries
High school student Australia🇦🇺 Bangladesh🇧🇩 Bulgaria🇧🇬 Brazil🇧🇷 Canada🇨🇦 Switzerland🇨🇭 China🇨🇳 Colombia🇨🇴 Czechia🇨🇿 Germany🇩🇪 Spain🇪🇸 Estonia🇪🇪 Finland🇫🇮 UK🇬🇧 Hong Kong🇭🇰 Hungary🇭🇺 Isle of Man🇮🇲 India🇮🇳 Ireland🇮🇪 Japan🇯🇵 Kazakhstan🇰🇿 South Korea🇰🇷 Latvia🇱🇻 Moldova🇲🇩 Malta🇲🇹
Application Process
Contestants are chosen from the winners of national Linguistics Olympiads in participating countries. The methods of choosing contestants and composing teams differ from country to country. If your country does not participate, you can contact the organization.
📅 Summer
Duration
6 days
Program Dates
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
Application Deadlines
- Jan 31, 2025 — Requesting new working language
Deadline for countries to request a new working language for the contest.