International Coding Competitions for Kids 2026
- Beyond Code Academy
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Beyond Code Academy has compiled a list of coding competitions for 2026. These competitions are fun activities that provide young people with the opportunity to practice their coding skills in a purposeful way, preparing them for the future. In addition, during the competition, young people will develop their creativity and learn to collaborate with their peers.
Whether your child is just starting out with Scratch or is already studying AI and algorithms, 2026 offers exciting competitions for all levels, including national competitions held in Thailand and international opportunities connecting with leading institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, and Apple.
This is a complete guide to the best coding competitions between February and May 2026, along with information on how Beyond Code Academy's Mentorship Program can help prepare your child.
In addition, we have a Mentorship Program for every event to support our students in achieving success in each competition.
For current students, parents can find in-depth competition information, preparation methods, timings, and age ranges for their child athttps://course.beyondcodeacademy.com/coding-competitions. They can also consult with their child's teacher about planning a curriculum to prepare for various competitions.
*You can request a password to access the Beyond Competition Portal from the Student Success Team at any branch.
Coding Competition for Kids - 2026
International Logic Olympiad by Stanford University
This competition challenges logical thinking, problem-solving, and algorithmic skills through puzzles and is organized by Stanford University.
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
Past Students' Achievements : Beyond Code Academy students achieved top rankings in Thailand.
More information ( logicolympiad.org )
Oxford Saïd Global Climate Tech Challenge 2026
Organized by Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, it is one of the most prestigious student competitions in the world. Students aged 15–18 are challenged to develop innovative climate technology solutions, using coding and engineering skills to address our most pressing environmental challenges. Last year, the 2025 competition attracted over 1,600 teams from 75 countries, and the standards for 2026 are expected to be even higher.
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
Relevant courses at Beyond Code Academy.
Full-Stack Web Developer
Code and Change the World with Python
Python for Data Science and AI
Data Science and AI Masterclass
More information ( https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/climate-change-challenge/oxford-said-global-climate-tech-challenge-2026 )
Apple Swift Student Challenge
The Apple Swift Student Challenge is a competition directly organized by Apple, giving students the opportunity to create a Playground app using Swift, the programming language Apple uses to develop iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Submitted projects must be interactive within 3 minutes and should reflect innovation, creativity, social engagement, or inclusion.
Apple will select 350 winners worldwide, and from that group, 50 Distinguished Winners will be invited to the Apple Campus in Cupertino, California for three days during the summer of 2026. All winners will receive an Apple Developer Program membership worth over 3,000 THB per year, along with special gifts from Apple. For Thai students interested in iOS app development, this is a world-renowned competition.
More information ( developer.apple.com/swift-student-challenge )
International Scratch Olympiad
The Scratch Olympiad is an international creative programming competition.
This program provides an opportunity for students aged 7 and above from all over Thailand to participate in the national qualifying round, using the Scratch or RobboScratch program to create their projects.
The competition is divided into several categories based on age and skill level, such as "My World" for ages 7-8 and "Games" for ages 13-14. Participants can choose the appropriate category, create their project, submit it for confirmation, and await the competition results.
Awards : Medals and the right to represent Thailand in competitions.
Age : 7-18
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
Past Student Achievements : Students from Beyond Code Academy represented Thailand and achieved top 10 rankings in every category they submitted entries to in 2025, 2024, and 2023.
Relevant courses at Beyond Code Academy.
Creative Coding with Scratch
Game on and Make Code
For more information ( https://creativeprogramming.org/th )
National Software Contest (NSC)
The software development competition involves submitting entries to the Thailand Computer Program Development Competition under the themes of: entertainment programs, programs to enhance learning skills, and application programs.
Awards : Royal Trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Age : Secondary School
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
Relevant courses at Beyond Code Academy.
Full-Stack Web Developer
Code and Change the World with Python
Python for Data Science and AI
Data Science and AI Masterclass
5. Computational & Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) from the Australian Mathematics Trust.
The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition, organized by the Australian Maths Trust, aims to develop problem-solving skills through algorithmic thinking. It is suitable for students from grades 5 through 12, and no prior programming experience is required.
The competition is designed as 'three-stage tasks' that allow students to practice developing algorithms and applying them to datasets of increasing size or complexity at each stage.
Awards : Medals
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
GENIUS Olympiad
Organized by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, the GENIUS Olympiad is a unique international high school competition dedicated to solving environmental problems through technology. GENIUS challenges students to use their skills to create a more sustainable world, and coding is particularly exciting. GENIUS AI invites students to develop AI agents that tackle environmental problems using machine learning and intelligence, while GENIUS Coding operates in a hackathon format in the final round, pushing competitors to build prototypes and present them under real competitive pressure.
Beyond Mentorship Program : Yes
Relevant courses at Beyond Code Academy.
Code and Change the World with Python
Python for Data Science and AI
Data Science and AI Masterclass
More information ( geniusolympiad.org )
International Research Olympiad
The International Research Olympiad challenges students to think beyond textbooks and engage with the real world through original scientific investigation. Competitors in grades 7–12 develop and present research projects that apply critical thinking and the scientific process to real-world problems. In doing so, they join a global community of young researchers who are shaping tomorrow's vision today.
What makes this competition stand out is its emphasis on the process as much as the result. Students will learn to formulate research questions, gather evidence, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate their findings with clarity and accuracy. These skills extend beyond any other competition; they are the foundation of academic excellence and success in almost every career field.
Relevant courses at Beyond Code Academy.
Code and Change the World with Python
Python for Data Science and AI
Data Science and AI Masterclass
More information ( internationalresearcholympiad.org )
*We believe in the potential of our Mentorship Program participants. This involves guidance and support, but participants must prepare and dedicate themselves to success throughout the week of the Mentorship Program.*
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