IOAA Exam Date 2026: Schedule, Important Dates & Venue

The 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2026 will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from September 25 to October 5, 2026. The event will include the Theory, Telescope, Data Analysis and Planetarium examinations, along with other academic and cultural activities. 

Phenikaa University is the main venue for IOAA 2026. Students and participating delegations can check the complete IOAA exam schedule, important dates, venue and eligibility details below. 

IOAA Exam Date 2026 Overview

The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics is an international competition for high school students in astronomy and astrophysics. IOAA 2026 will be the 19th edition of the Olympiad.

The official IOAA announcement confirms Hanoi, Vietnam, as the host location for the 2026 Olympiad. Phenikaa University will serve as the primary venue.

IOAA 2026 Venue

The IOAA 2026 venue is Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam. The official IOAA announcement identifies Phenikaa University as the host institution for the 19th IOAA.

The venue will be used for the major academic and programme activities associated with the Olympiad. The official participant information also provides details about the competition facilities and arrangements.

IOAA 2026 Eligibility

The official IOAA participant information provides eligibility requirements for students participating in the Olympiad. The important conditions include:

• Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2006.

• Candidates must not have completed high school or an equivalent qualification before January 1, 2026.

• Participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the country they represent.

• Students participate as part of their respective national delegations.

Candidates should check the official IOAA participation rules and their national delegation's instructions for the latest requirements.

How to Prepare for IOAA 2026

Students can follow a structured preparation strategy to cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the Olympiad.

• Follow the official syllabus: Cover the prescribed astronomy, physics and mathematics topics.

• Practise numerical problems: Strengthen calculations and problem-solving skills.

• Solve previous papers: Use past IOAA question papers to understand the competition format.

• Develop observational skills: Practise concepts related to astronomical observations and telescopes.

• Work on data analysis: Learn to interpret astronomical data accurately.

• Practise time management: Attempt problems within the prescribed examination duration.

The IOAA Exam Date 2026 is scheduled from September 25 to October 5 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Students can check the complete exam schedule, important dates, venue, eligibility, syllabus and preparation details. 

Candidates should follow the official IOAA updates and prepare according to the prescribed examination requirements. 

Preparation Resources:

• IOAA Syllabus

• PW Olympiad Online Batches

• PW Olympiad Test Series