Want to Improve Your GPA in Middle School and High School?
The IPsyO competition is dedicated to identifying and nurturing talented young minds from around the world. By participating, students gain valuable academic exposure and cultivate critical thinking and research skills essential for future careers in psychology, neuroscience, education, and related fields. Many past participants have gone on to study at top universities, and their IPsyO participation stands out as a key achievement in their college applications.
To help you prepare, Aralia Education has put together a comprehensive participation guide that walks you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and structure to preparation strategies and timelines. Whether you’re just discovering your interest in psychology or already dreaming of a career in cognitive science, this guide will serve as your roadmap to success.
Who Can Participate in the IPsyO?
The IPsyO is open to all high school students globally, regardless of nationality, school curriculum, or previous experience in psychology. The competition is designed to be intellectually challenging and rewarding, pushing students to think critically and creatively. While there are no strict prerequisites, a strong interest in psychological science and a willingness to explore new ideas are essential.
Competition Format
There is no registration fee; the competition is free to enter. The 2025 IPsyO consists of two main stages:
- Global Grand Test (individual round)
- International Final round (team competition)
The Global Grand Test assesses students’ foundational knowledge of psychology. It consists of 300 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 150 minutes.
Top-performing students from each country or region (who achieve Distinction or higher) will be selected to advance to the International Final Round. These students will form national teams of 1-3 members. Each team is automatically formed based on national/regional rankings as follows:
- Team One: Composed of the 1st to 3rd place scorers
- Team Two: Composed of the 4th to 6th place scorers
The International Final Round includes two core components:
- Material-based Objective Exam: Students must review 5 readings and answer 20 objective questions for each, all within a 120-minute time frame.
- Research Proposal Presentation: Each team will design and present a psychological research proposal over seven days, integrating their theoretical understanding with real-world applications.
Competition Timeline
2025 IPsyO Global Grand Test:
- Registration opens: January 15, 2025
- Registration deadline: July 15, 2025, at 23:59:59 (your local time)
- Exam date: July 26, 2025
- Result announcement: August 6, 2025
2025 IPsyO International Final Round:
- Research Topic Release: August 16, 2025
- Research Proposal Presentation Submission: August 22, 2025
- Exam date: August 23, 2025
- Result announcement: August 30, 2025 (estimated)
What Makes IPsyO Unique?
- A Globally Recognized Credential: IPsyO stands out on any college application, especially for students planning to pursue majors in psychology, neuroscience, behavioral sciences, or education. Earning a high distinction—such as a Gold Medal—signals to top universities that you are both academically capable and genuinely passionate about your field of interest.
- Real-World Application of Psychology: The competition doesn’t just test textbook knowledge. It invites students to consider how psychological theories can be applied to real-world problems, including mental health, education, and social dynamics. This encourages a deeper understanding of the subject and promotes innovation, curiosity, and empathy.
- Building a Global Network of Future Psychology Leaders: Through IPsyO, talented students from across the globe connect with like-minded peers. The competition aims to identify and nurture the next generation of psychology scholars and practitioners, fostering a vibrant international community dedicated to discovery, impact, and growth.
Aralia Connects Expert Teachers with Students
Awards and Recognition
IPsyO offers multi-tiered awards for both the Preliminary and Final Rounds. Students meeting the corresponding thresholds will receive official certificates acknowledging their achievements.
Global Grand Test:
- Highest Distinction
- Higher Distinction
- Distinction
- Excellence
Final Round Awards:
- Gold Award
- Silver Award
- Bronze Award
Additional Special Awards may be given to individuals or teams that demonstrate outstanding performance in specific Final Round modules—whether for analytical thinking, presentation, or innovative research design.
More details can be found at the IPsyO’s official website: https://www.ipsyo.org/2025-ipsyo.
How to Prepare for the IPsyO
Preparing for the IPsyO involves more than memorizing terms—it requires a solid understanding of psychological theory, research methodology, and application-based thinking. Here’s how students can strategically prepare to succeed in both the Grand Test and the Finals.
Read IPsyO Recommended Resources:
IPsyO has provided a clear set of preparation materials that align with the structure and content of the competition. Start your preparation here:
- Sample Questions (Updated Feb. 20, 2025): These questions reflect the most recent format of the Grand Test and are essential for understanding the types of questions you’ll encounter.
- IPsyO Syllabus (Updated May 14, 2024): This is your roadmap. The syllabus outlines all the psychological topics and skills covered by the competition, ranging from general psychology to applied research methods.
- Recommended Readings: While these textbooks are not required or directly tied to exam content, they provide foundational knowledge across key areas:
- “Psychology” by David G. Myers
- “Psychology: A Concise Introduction” by Richard A. Griggs
- “Research Methods in Psychology: Evaluating a World of Information” by Beth Morling
- “Research Methods in Psychology” by John J. Shaughnessy
Practice with Timed Simulations:
The Grand Test consists of 300 questions to be answered in 150 minutes, so speed and accuracy are crucial. Use the official sample questions to simulate test conditions and evaluate your pacing. After each mock session, don’t forget to review your errors and identify areas that need more review. Then, you can adjust your study plan accordingly.
IPsyO Preparation Class
To support students aiming to succeed at the 2025 IPsyO, Aralia Education has invited a former psychology professor from a top U.S. private university to design a high-quality preparation course. This course will help students build strong foundational knowledge, master competition strategies, and gain the confidence to stand out at both stages of the competition.
International Psychology Olympiad
The International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) is a global competition that challenges high school students to explore and apply their understanding of psychology. Participants engage in rigorous tests and activities, including research-based tasks, fostering their analytical and critical thinking skills. The Olympiad aims to cultivate a deeper interest in psychological sciences and offers a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and research abilities while collaborating with peers worldwide.
