The International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT), also known as the "Physics World Cup," is a prestigious team-oriented scientific competition for secondary school students. Founded in 1988, the tournament challenges teams of 3 to 5 students to research, experiment with, and present solutions to 17 open-ended physics problems over the course of nearly a year. Unlike traditional physics exams, the IYPT emphasizes hands-on experimental work, scientific debate, and teamwork. During the competition, teams engage in structured "Physics Fights" where students take on the roles of Reporter, Opponent, and Reviewer, presenting and critiquing each other's research in front of an international jury. Five selective fights determine the top teams that advance to a final round. With over 35 countries participating annually and the tournament hosted in a different country each year, the IYPT offers a unique and rigorous experience that closely mirrors real-world scientific research and discourse.
International Young Physicists' Tournament
International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT)
About the Program
Eligibility
Participants must be secondary school students. University students are not eligible. Each country sends one team of 3 to 5 students, accompanied by 1 to 2 team leaders. All team members must either be citizens of the country they represent or be enrolled as a student in a school in that country. Teams are nominated by their national IYPT Member Organisation. Countries without an established program must secure an endorser with prior IYPT experience and form a prospective Member Organisation. Participants must be secondary school students. Secondary school graduates may participate in the year of their graduation.
Eligible Countries
citizenship, residency permanent: Worldwide🌎 Participants must be part of a national team nominated by their country's IYPT Member Organisation. All team members must either be citizens of the country they represent or be enrolled in a school in that country. Countries that have not previously participated may apply to send a team with approval from the Executive Committee.
How to Apply
Participation is through national teams. Most countries with active participation hold national qualifying tournaments to select their team. Each national IYPT Member Organisation nominates one team per year. Countries without an existing Member Organisation must pre-register months before the competition and secure an endorser with prior IYPT experience. Teams pre-register for the international tournament by the December deadline and finalize registration by April. All competition communication is in English.