What is the ISWEO olympiad?

ISWEO is the International Software Engineering Olympiad — a global olympiad that tests students on software engineering, algorithms, system design, programming, and real problem-solving. Students take an online qualifier, and top scorers advance to the international olympiad finals.

Who can participate in the olympiad?

Anyone in grades 9 through 12 (or equivalent), or recent graduates aged 21 or under. The olympiad qualifier is open to students worldwide.

How much does the olympiad cost?

$20 — a one-time, non-refundable registration fee covers the olympiad exam and proctoring.

What topics are covered in the software engineering olympiad?

Algorithms, data structures, object-oriented design, system design, databases, networking, and general programming concepts — the core topics tested in computer science and informatics olympiads.

Which programming languages are allowed in the olympiad?

Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript are all supported in the olympiad coding section.

Global Qualifier / Aug 29, 2026

International
Software Engineering
Olympiad

Compete. Code. Conquer.

The premier global programming competition. 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;

}

Managed & sponsored by students and faculty from

Stanford UniversityHarvard UniversityUC BerkeleyMITCarnegie MellonUniversity of MichiganCornell UniversityGeorgia TechStanford UniversityHarvard UniversityUC BerkeleyMITCarnegie MellonUniversity of MichiganCornell UniversityGeorgia Tech

// 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 International Software Engineering Olympiad 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 olympiad.

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 qualifier earn a spot to compete 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 Qualifier

On May 20, 2026, you'll sit for an 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 compete at the International Software Engineering Olympiad finals.

git log --oneline

// competition-details

What you need to know

The essentials for the 2026 Qualifier.

Questions total

Hours to complete

Supported languages

// 2025 results

Participants worldwide

Countries represented

Schools entered

Avg. score (out of 100)

Date & Time

Aug 29

August 29, 2026
Online, proctored

Exam Format

Mixed

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

Eligibility

Open

Grades 9 through 12 or recent grads
21 years old or younger
Open to students worldwide
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 exam.

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 ISWEO 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 advance to the international finals.

// faq

Questions people actually ask

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

// register

Ready? Let's go.

Qualifier: May 20, 2026 / Fee: $20

Registration fees are non-refundable.

// contact

Get in touch

Have a question, want to partner, or just want to say hi? Drop us an email and we'll get back to you.

us.isweo@gmail.com

InternationalSoftware EngineeringOlympiad