US Competition / April 20, 2026

International
Software Engineering
Olympiad

Compete. Code. Conquer.

The premier global competition for high school programmers. Show us what you can build, design, and reason through.

system.ts

class SystemDesign {

private cache: LRUCache;

private queue: MessageQueue;

async handleRequest(req: Request) {

const cached = this.cache.get(req.id);

if (cached) return cached;

const result = await this.process(req);

this.cache.set(req.id, result);

this.queue.publish('completed', result);

return result;

}

// about

Why this competition exists

Here's the thing: anyone can prompt an AI to spit out code. But understanding why a system should be built a certain way, knowing when to reach for a queue vs. a cache, designing something that won't fall over at scale? That takes a different kind of thinking.

The ISEO tests the stuff that matters more than ever. Architecture. Design instincts. The ability to reason about software, not just write it. If you care about building things that work, this is your competition.

Built for the AI Era

AI can write code. But it can't architect systems, make tradeoffs, or debug what it doesn't understand. We test the skills that actually matter now.

Real Problems, Not Puzzles

You won't just invert binary trees here. Expect system design, architecture decisions, and challenges that mirror what engineers face in production.

A Path to the World Stage

Top performers from the US qualifier earn a spot to represent the country at the international round. It starts here.

Recognition That Means Something

Medals, certificates, and a track record that speaks for itself on college apps and beyond.

npm install

$ npm install

// how-to-qualify

Three steps. That's the whole process.

From your laptop to the world stage.

Step 01

Sign Up

Fill out the registration form and pay the $20 fee. Takes about two minutes. That's it.

Step 02

Take the US Qualifier

On April 20, 2026, you'll sit for a 3-hour online exam. It covers algorithms, system design, and hands-on coding. Proctored, timed, the real deal.

Step 03

Make It to Internationals

Score high enough and you earn a spot to represent the United States at the International Software Engineering Olympiad.

git log --oneline

// competition-details

What you need to know

The essentials for the 2026 US Qualifier.

Questions total

Hours to complete

Supported languages

Date & Time

April 20

April 20, 2026
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST
3-hour exam window
Online, proctored

Exam Format

Mixed

40 Multiple Choice Questions (40%)
15 Short-Answer Questions (30%)
3 Coding Challenges (30%)
Languages: Python, Java, C++, JS

Eligibility

Open

Grades 9 through 12 or recent grads
21 years old or younger
US resident or attending a US school
No prior qualification needed

// rules

The ground rules

Nothing complicated. Just be honest and be prepared.

No outside help. No Google, no friends, no second screens. Just you.

You'll need a stable internet connection for the full three hours.

Coding challenges support Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.

All answers are final once the timer runs out. You can revise until then.

Proctoring is on the entire time. Camera and screen sharing are required.

Cheating means instant disqualification. We take this seriously.

Results go out within two weeks of competition day.

By registering, you agree to the full set of rules and guidelines.

Breaking any of these rules means disqualification and a permanent ban from all future ISEO events. No exceptions.

terminal

// awards

What you can earn

Do well, and you walk away with something to show for it.

Gold

Top 5%

Advances to the International Round

Silver

Top 10%

Digital certificate and distinction

Bronze

Top 20%

Digital certificate and distinction

Honorable Mention

Top 35%

Official recognition

Every medalist gets a digital certificate. Gold winners go on to represent the US at the international competition.

// faq

Questions people actually ask

If yours isn't here, reach out and we'll get you sorted.

// register

Ready? Let's go.

US Competition: April 20, 2026 / Fee: $20

Registration fees are non-refundable.

InternationalSoftware EngineeringOlympiad