Introduction

The World Scholar's Cup is a co-curricular enrichment activity with participants in over 30 countries. Explore a cutting-edge global theme and then take part in a series of regional and global rounds. Check out some videos to experience the program in person. Don't worry: each one is only 30 seconds long!

FAQ

What are the Team Events?

Check out the longer descriptions here.

In Team Debate, you'll face teams from other countries, three-on-three.
In Scholar's Bowl, your team will race the clock to answer  questions using a special clicker.
In Persuasive Writing, you'll work with your team to argue positions related to the theme in written form.
In Scholar's Challenge, you'll take theme-related test called the Scholar's Challenge -- which is an opportunities to win individual medals and other prizes across multiple subjects.

What community-building activities take place at each round?

In the Scholar's Scavenge, you'll work with up to 11 students from 11 other countries to solve a series of clues and enigmas - and take pictures together for points.
In the Debate Showcase, the top 12 debaters from 12 different countries are formed into new teams that quickly learn to work together in front of the whole community.
In the Scholar's (Talent) Show, you'll perform whatever you'd like - check out the video above.
In the Scholar's Ball, you'll have the chance to socialize over music and ice cream. There isn't always that much dancing.
At Scholar's World 

When is it? 

Regional rounds take place around the world throughout the year, but primarily in the spring months. The World Finals for 2012  are June 21-24 in Bangkok. 

How to sign up?

Find two teammates. Each of you should set up a free account.
From there you can download introductory guides to each topic and register for local and global rounds.

Who can participate?

Secondary schools can field unlimited teams at local rounds and up to 12 teams (6 in each division) at the global round.

• All years listed as follows: 
• Ages 11-14 (as of January 1, 2012) participate in the junior division (or may elect the Senior Division)
• Ages 15+ (as of January 1, 2012) participate in the senior division.

Students may also register individually, but individual participants are not eligible for team events.

Is everything you need to know in the introductory guides? 
Mostly - but not quite. In each subject, certain topics are “directed research areas” which teams are asked to explore online. For example, in 2008, teams researched places that explorers never found, such as Shangri-La and Atlantis. 

What are costs of participation?
The World Scholar's Cup is a not-for-profit organization. All our materials are free to all participants. There is a small tournament fee (usually about $40 USD per day) to help cover tournament expenses. We always provide meals as part of that fee.  

How does the World Scholar's Cup compare to other academic tournaments and conferences? 
The World Scholar's Cup emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, teamwork and global community-building. No one is an expert in every topic, and two-thirds of our first-time participants have never previously debated. The activity encourages you not just to work on your known strengths and skills, but to discover new ones. 

Do teams need coaches or teachers-in-charge? 
Most schools have a program advisor or sponsor who helps teams plan and prepare for tournaments. However, the program is mostly student-driven. 

Do all members of a team need to be from the same school?
No; you can form consolidated teams with students from other schools or countries. It is not as common, but can be a great opportunity to get to know students outside your school. 

Is the World Scholar’s Cup too much work for students who are already busy? 
We designed the World Scholar's Cup knowing how many commitments students already need to juggle. Most teams prepare for four to eight weeks for a round, and split the topics up between team members,.

Which events are open book?
The Debate and the Writing events are open book; they focus on applying knowledge, not recalling it. The Writing Event d