Introduction and FAQ
What is it?
The World Scholar's Cup is a team academic tournament with participants in over 30 countries. Learn a special theme and then compete in a series of events, both locally and around the world. This year's theme is A World Divided - and you'll explore everything from Great Conflicts in Science to The Psychology of War.
What are the Team Events?
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.
Individual Events?
You'll write an essay and take a test called the Scholar's Challenge.
Both are opportunities to win individual medals and other prizes across multiple subjects.
What other activities take place at a tournament?
In the Scholar's Scavenge, you'll work with 9 students from 9 other countries to solve a series of clues and enigmas.
In the Debate Showcase, the top 12 debaters from 12 different countries are formed into new teams that quickly learn to work together.
When is it?
Local rounds take place around the world. You can also register directly for the global round, June 18-20 in Shanghai, China.
How to sign up?
Find two teammates, then 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: (American system/British system)
- Years 6-8*/7-9** are in the junior division.
- Years 10-12/11-13 are in the senior division.
- Year 9/10 students can choose their division.
- University students compete separately.
Students may also participate individually, but are not eligible for team events.
How to learn more?
Watch three minutes of the YouTube video.
Check out the poster
Read the press release.
Explore this website.
Additional Questions
Is everything you need to know in the introductory guides?
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 were never found, such as Shangri-La and Atlantis.
What are costs of participation?
The World Scholar's Cup is a nonprofit organization. All our materials are free to all participants. There is a small tournament fee (usually $25 USD per day) to cover all meals and in-town transport, but this can be waived on request.
How does the World Scholar's Cup compare to other academic tournaments and conferences?
The World Scholar's Cup emphasizes themed learning, teamwork and global community-building. No one is an expert in every topic, and two-third of our participants have never debated before. The program encourages you not just to work on your known strengths and skills, but to discover new ones.
Do teams need coaches?
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.
Is the World Scholar’s Cup too much work for students who are already busy?
We designed the World Scholar's Cup fully understanding how many commitments students already need to juggle. Most teams prepare for four to ten weeks, and split the topics up between team members, who then teach one another the essentials.
Which events are open book?
The Debate and the Writing events are open book; they focus on applying knowledge, not recalling it.
Do you need to participate in every event?
Teams can choose to do just one, two, or three of the four events. This limits their chances of winning overall team honors.