The International History Olympiad is a competition organized by International Academic Competitions which is designed to bring the top history students from around the world together for an unforgettable two weeks full of various competitions with a history-based theme, and a chance to meet students with similar interests and talents from around the world. The next International History Olympiad will be held in July 2025, most likely in London, England. Provided that occurs, an optional day trip to Stonehenge and Oxford will also be organized before the competition, and an optional week-long extension trip to other sites in England and Scotland will take place following the competition for interested students and their accompanying family members.
In contrast with other Olympiads for other disciplines, the International History Olympiad differs in a number of respects including the following:
- Participants are divided into four divisions (Elementary, Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity) depending on their birthdate and/or grade in school.
- Numerous events are held, but only one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal will be distributed per event, per division (though on team events, all team members in medal position receive medals).
- Citizens and residents of the United States represent their state (or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other territories), not their country.
- Qualification is conducted through the International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam, participation in National History Bee and Bowl (in the USA) or International History Bee and Bowl events, or by having medaled at a prior International History Olympiad.
- The events of the Olympiad are tailored to meet the requirements of a normally non-quantitative discipline such as history.
Location(s)
- Paris, France
Schedule
- July 20th - July 26th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- Costs are broken down into three tiers, based on when payment is received
- For payments received by December 29th, 2024
- Tuition: $1,900
- Accommodations, Public Transit, & Supervision for Unaccompanied Varsity & JV Students: $1,000
- Extra Night of Accommodations (June 18th): $150
- For payments received by May 29th, 2025
- Tuition: $2,100
- Accommodations, Public Transit, & Supervision for Unaccompanied Varsity and JV Students: $1,100
- Extra Night of Accommodations (June 18th): $200
- For payments received by June 29th, 2025
- Tuition: $2,200
- Accommodations, Public Transit, & Supervision for Unaccompanied Varsity and JV Students: $1,250
- Extra Night of Accommodations (June 18th): $250
- Family and Friends Program options are available for an additional cost
Eligibility Requirements
- There are several ways to qualify for the Olympiad, depending on the country in which the student is attending school during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years. Please note that in addition to the methods described below, students who have medaled at past Olympiads continue to be qualified for future Olympiads (subject to age eligibility restrictions).
- For full details, click HERE
- U.S. students can qualify through the following paths:
- National History Bee and Bowl tournaments
- The US History Bee
- The International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam
- International students can qualify through the following paths:
- International History Bee and Bowl tournaments
- The International History Olympiad Qualifying Exam
Deadline
- Registration closes June 28th, 2025
- Payment is due in full no later than June 25th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- Participants are not considered officially registered until payment has been made in full
- Completed online registration form
- Completed health and medical form
- Unaccompanied student travel form (if applicable)
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
International Academic Competitions (IAC) is a global organization that hosts academic tournaments, quizzes, and competitions for students across various subjects. Founded with the mission to foster intellectual curiosity and camaraderie among young scholars, IAC offers a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in history, geography, science, and other disciplines. These competitions attract participants from different countries, promoting cultural exchange and friendly competition on an international scale.
