What is the International Humanities Challenge?
The IHC is designed to sit between a quiz competition, an essay competition, and an academic symposium, giving students a richer and more balanced humanities experience.
The competition was created for academically curious students who enjoy exploring big ideas across history, geography, economics, politics, culture, philosophy, and current global issues.
It rewards students who can think clearly, use evidence, discuss ideas, build arguments, communicate confidently, and work effectively as part of a team.
The aim is to offer something rigorous, broad, accessible, and genuinely rooted in the humanities: a competition that values knowledge, inquiry, argument, communication, and collaboration in equal measure.
Read more about the visionCompetition Format
All teams take part in every event. The competition is designed to reward different strengths across the humanities, from knowledge and analysis to teamwork and communication.
The Big Question
Students first discuss a major humanities question in teams, then write an individual structured response using evidence, argument, and critical thinking.
Individual Mega Quiz
Students complete an individual humanities quiz covering history, geography, politics, economics, culture, and global issues.
Team Quiz
Teams work together to answer more challenging humanities questions, rewarding discussion, collaboration, and breadth of knowledge.
Humanities Challenge
Teams prepare a short presentation responding to a contemporary or historical issue, supported by examples and clear argument.
2027 Pilot Theme
Each IHC event is shaped by a central theme. The Bangkok pilot theme gives students a broad, engaging way into major humanities questions.
Students will explore change across society, technology, economics, politics, geography, culture, and the environment. Preparation materials will be shared in advance.
How innovation reshapes societies, work, communication, and power.
How trade, development, inequality, and opportunity shape lives.
How people respond to climate, resources, sustainability, and risk.
How identities, beliefs, communities, and ideas change over time.
Who Can Enter?
The Bangkok pilot is open to international school students aged 11–16. Schools may enter teams of three students. The event is designed to be accessible, stimulating, and enjoyable for a wide range of learners.
Junior Division: ages 11–13
Senior Division: ages 14–16
Age is determined on January 1 of the competition year. Teams compete in the division of their oldest member.
Bangkok Pilot Details
Location: Bangkok
Date: February 2027
Entry fee: $45 USD per student
Team size: 3 students
Theme: A Changing World
Schools can register interest now or submit an entry for the Bangkok pilot.
Designed for Schools
The IHC is built to be academically credible, affordable, and manageable for schools following IB, British, American, or other international pathways.
For students
A chance to research, think critically, present confidently, and compete in a genuinely humanities-focused event.
For teachers
A competition with intellectual depth, clear educational value, and preparation materials that can support clubs or enrichment.
For schools
A polished one-day event that enriches academic provision without the cost or complexity of larger international competitions.
For host schools
An opportunity to lead a flagship regional event and bring together strong student thinkers from across the local school network.
Teacher Materials
Preparation materials will be shared in advance of the pilot theme. These will include a manageable selection of readings, videos, guiding questions, and discussion prompts that teachers can use in lessons, enrichment sessions, or after-school clubs.
Materials are designed to support preparation without becoming a giant syllabus.
Interested in Hosting?
We are also looking ahead to future regional events. Schools interested in hosting a future International Humanities Challenge event are warmly invited to get in touch.
Host schools can help shape the future of a growing academic humanities competition across the region.
2027–28 Planned Cities
The International Humanities Challenge is beginning with the Bangkok pilot and looking ahead to a wider regional season across major international school hubs.
Would you like to host in one of these cities — or elsewhere in the region? Register host interest.
Join the International Humanities Challenge
Register interest, enter the Bangkok pilot, or discuss hosting a future regional event.