International Academic Research Competition (IARCO)

An international online academic research competition for high school and university students. Participants choose a research topic and develop an original research proposal. The competition includes educational bootcamps on research methodology and academic writing. Top projects advance to a final video-pitch round.

International format; broad range of research fields; development of research methodology, academic writing and proposal-development skills; educational bootcamps; international recognition, certificates and cash prizes; strong addition to an academic portfolio.

Junior participants: Grades 8–12; Senior participants: university students from Year 1 onward. Eligible gap-year students may also participate. Open to residents of all countries, including Central Asia. Previous research experience is not required. The main submission is an original research proposal. Junior proposals are limited to 2 pages, excluding the cover page, title, citations and references. No separate motivation essay is required. There is no standard interview; finalists submit a video pitch. Participants must comply with academic-integrity and AI-use requirements.