The International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) is an annual competition for secondary school students held each May in a rotating host country. Students from 40+ countries participate, writing philosophical essays on topics chosen from four options spanning classical and contemporary philosophy. The competition promotes independent philosophical thinking and international intellectual exchange.
Entry is exclusively through national selection — students must qualify by winning or placing in their country's national philosophy olympiad. Each national delegation sends its top students to the international event. Medals are awarded in gold, silver, and bronze, with honorable mentions also recognized.
The 2026 edition was held May 14–17 in Warsaw, Poland. The 2027 host country has not yet been announced. Visit philosophy-olympiad.org for updates and links to national organizing committees.