WSC World Scholar's Cup
The World Scholar's Cup (WSC) is an international academic competition designed to celebrate learning and collaboration among students aged 11-18. Founded in 2007, it brings together thousands of participants from over 60 countries to engage in academic challenges, team-based events, and cultural exchange.
Interested in the competition?
Competition Overview
Students 10 years and above
Eligibility
Free
Entry fee
Varies depend on students' home countries
Submission deadline
Competition Details
1. Divisions
The World Scholar’s Cup has two main divisions:
- Junior Division: For students aged 10-13 (though there is no minimum age, most are at least 10).
- Senior Division: For students aged 14 and older.
The Senior Division includes students up to their final year of pre-university education (e.g., high school, A-levels, IB Diploma Program). Students enrolled in such a program as of January 1 of the competition year remain eligible for all events, including the Global Rounds and the Tournament of Champions.
2. Teams
Individual Registration: Students can register individually and will be paired with others seeking teammates.
Mixed Teams: Teams can include members from different schools or countries, providing an opportunity for cross-cultural collaboration.
Coaches and Advisors: While schools often have a program advisor or chaperone, the competition is largely student-driven, and having a dedicated club advisor is optional.
Two-Member Teams: Allowed to compete but limited to a maximum score of 30,000 points instead of 40,000. They will unlikely to win recognition in Collaborative Writing, the Scholar’s Challenge, or Team Debate, as one-third of the scoring opportunities are missing. For the two-member team, they must meet the same qualification thresholds as three-person teams for advancement to the Global Round and Tournament of Champions.
3. Dates
Event Schedule:
- Regional Rounds: Held globally throughout the year.
- Global Rounds: Take place in June, July, and August.
- Tournament of Champions: Hosted at Yale University from November 14-20
- The opening ceremony for the Junior Division: November 14 in the morning
- Junior Division awards ceremony: November 19 in the evening
- Awards Ceremony and Scholar’s Ball: November 20.
- Additional rounds are frequently updated on the WSC calendar page.
Team Events:
- Team Debate: Three-on-three debates on motions related to the annual theme.
- Scholar’s Bowl: A fast-paced quiz using special clickers to answer questions.
- Collaborative Writing: Teams write essays arguing different perspectives on thematic topics.
- Scholar’s Challenge: An individual test across multiple subjects with opportunities for medals.
Community-Building Activities:
- Scholar’s Scavenge: Collaborative photo challenges with students from up to 14 different countries.
- Debate Showcase: Top 12 debaters from different nations form new teams for live debates.
- Scholar’s (Talent) Show: A platform to showcase talents, from dancing to reciting pi digits.
- Scholar’s Ball: A dance party for participants.
- Scholar’s Fair: Cultural exchange through traditions and experiences.
- Keynote Address and Panels: Engage with guest speakers from leading universities and firms.
Certificates and Invitation Letters:
- Participation certificates and invitation letters are emailed to delegation contacts post-round.
- Delegation leaders should contact WSC via email if they do not receive the documents.
Visa Support:
- Standard invitation letters are provided post-registration.
- For embassy-specific requirements, email WSC at contact@scholarscup.org with the necessary details.
Community Events
Debate Showcase: In the Debate Showcase, the top speakers from each delegation are grouped into mixed teams, presenting them with the challenge of working with entirely new teammates. Together, they debate a fresh and thought-provoking motion, engaging the entire community. Audience participation is encouraged, with students and adults alike invited to join the discussion, ensuring a space where every voice can be heard.
Scholar’s Show: The Scholar’s Show is a lighthearted and optional talent showcase that encourages participants to share their unique abilities and quirks with the community. Performances range from solving Rubik’s Cubes with feet to teaching cultural lessons, making every act distinctive and memorable. Whether you’re a practiced performer or simply eager to share something fun, this event is a celebration of creativity, individuality, and joy.
Scholar’s Scavenge: During Global Rounds, the Scholar’s Scavenge brings together teams of 14 scholars from up to 14 different countries for a night of quirky challenges and city exploration. Participants engage in fun activities like taking unusual photos or persuading coaches to join in the antics, all while navigating a new city. The event fosters cross-cultural connections, leaving participants with lasting friendships and a collection of delightfully awkward memories.
Scholar’s Fair: The Scholar’s Fair is a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity held at Global Rounds and the Tournament of Champions at Yale. Schools set up booths representing their countries, offering traditional foods like Turkish delight or Norwegian reindeer jerky, and showcasing cultural performances and activities such as Chinese calligraphy or tree bark painting. This lively event highlights the richness of global traditions, fostering appreciation for the unique stories and experiences of scholars from around the world.
