Hanoi is hosting the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) from 25 September to 5 October 2026. It is the first time the Vietnamese capital has hosted the international competition.
According to organisers and Vietnam News Agency reporting, the event has 67 teams — 65 international teams and two Vietnamese teams — with 320 secondary-school contestants from 66 countries and territories. Vietnam is represented by ten students.
The eleven-day programme
Official registration and arrivals take place on 25 September. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 26 September from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the main competition and cultural programme through early October.
The official schedule lists the theoretical examination on 28 September; team and telescope observations on 29 September; data analysis on 1 October; and the planetarium round plus Cultural Evening on 2 October. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 4 October from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with departure on 5 October.
Five competition components
IOAA tests more than classroom knowledge. Contestants work through theoretical problems, data analysis, observational tasks, planetarium exercises and a team competition. The format combines physics and mathematics with the practical interpretation of astronomical observations.
The olympiad also serves as a meeting point for young scientists and educators. Organisers describe scientific exchange, international friendship and cultural understanding as central goals alongside the medals and rankings.
Phenikaa University and Hanoi
Phenikaa University is the principal venue for the core activities, including the main competition programme. The university is in Hà Đông, southwest of central Hanoi, so accredited participants and delegations should follow organiser transport instructions rather than assuming events are based near Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
The wider programme includes Hanoi cultural experiences and visits to historic and educational sites. These activities are organised for registered delegations and are not necessarily open to walk-in visitors.
What residents and visitors should know
IOAA is an accredited academic competition, not a public astronomy festival. The official schedule is useful for understanding when major activities occur, but it does not mean examination rooms or delegation events are open to spectators. Anyone hoping to attend a ceremony or associated public activity should check the organiser's latest access guidance first.
For residents near Phenikaa University, the event may bring busier campus access and organised transport at arrival, examination and ceremony times. Visitors should allow extra time around scheduled sessions and respect controlled areas for contestants.
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