Entering the IEO
The main IEO route uses national or regional selection; OpenTrack is a separate online route. Below, the Chinese Mainland pathway is updated from the IEOC 2027 handbook, while dated 2026 international and OpenTrack entries are retained as closed historical references.
We’re an independent guide — and our team helps you enter. The IEO itself and its official registration are run by the organisers: your national or regional organiser for the main track, and the official OpenTrack page online. We’re not that official body — what we do is take you through the whole process: registration, team formation, full-competition guidance and training. Add us on WeChat and we’ll help you choose a route and get in.
Choose your route
Represent your region
Qualify through your country’s or region’s national selection. The top performers form the team that represents that region at the international finals. Entry is through your national organiser — for Chinese Mainland students, the official China programme (see below) — not through the international office directly. This is the path to medals and team trophies.
Best for: students aiming for the full IEO experience and the finals.
Enter online, directly
A parallel category with no selection — register yourself online. People of all ages and backgrounds can join. It uses the same three tests as the main competition but is scored and normalised separately, and it’s free. A great low-stakes way to try the real format.
Best for: younger students, first-timers, or anyone who wants a genuine run at the papers.
Who is eligible for the IEO?
The international eligibility summary below describes the 2026 regulations. For the 2027 international final, confirm the new regulations; Chinese Mainland IEOC divisions have the separate grade and team rules described below.
- AgeUnder 20 on 30 June of the competition year — for 2026, born after 30 June 2006.
- LevelWorking toward a high-school (secondary) diploma as of 1 December of the year before.
- TeamUp to 5 contestants, with 1–2 team leaders (adults responsible for the team).
- RepresentThe country/region you’re a citizen or resident of; international students on a study permit may compete for their host country.
- LanguageEnglish throughout — tasks are not translated.
- One teamOne team per country; the host country may field additional teams.
The China route, step by step
The IEOC 2027 handbook lists an online Preliminary Round in December 2026, an Annual Summit in East China in spring 2027, and international opportunities in summer 2027. Exact dates, current entry deadlines and fees require the latest organiser notice. The IEOC 2027 handbook lists Junior-SL for G9 and below, entering individually or in teams of 3–5; Junior-HL and Senior for G9–G12, in teams of 3–5. Junior groups use Chinese and English; Senior uses English.
1 · Register
Choose your IEOC 2027 division. Junior-SL is for G9 and below, entering individually or in teams of 3–5. Junior-HL and Senior also use 3–5-student teams.
2 · Preliminary
An online round in December 2026; subjects depend on the chosen division. Confirm the precise assessment date and format in the current student handbook.
3 · Annual Summit
The 2027 handbook lists the Annual Summit in East China–spring 2027. Exact dates and venue require the later organiser notice.
4 · Advance
The 2027 handbook lists international opportunities in summer 2027. Junior-SL has invitation opportunities; Junior-HL lists Hong Kong and Singapore; Senior lists Singapore and the national-team pathway. Qualification is subject to organiser rules.
The IEOC 2027 handbook lists Junior-SL for G9 and below, entering individually or in teams of 3–5; Junior-HL and Senior for G9–G12, in teams of 3–5. Junior groups use Chinese and English; Senior uses English. The handbook’s RMB 198 early offer ended before 1 October 2026 and is not a current price. Use the latest notice for payable fees and final registration deadlines.
What is OpenTrack?
OpenTrack is individual, fully online and free. You sit the same three rounds — a 40-question Economics & Finance MCQ, five open questions (best four graded), and a Business Case recorded in English for peer-grading and an alumni jury. Scoring and normalisation are independent from the main track. Register on the official OpenTrack page; questions go to OpenTrack@ieo-official.org.
- CostFree
- Competition13–19 Jul 2026
- Registration closes9 Jul 2026
- WhereOnline
Check the season before planning
- IEOC 2027 registration deadlineConfirm current organiser notice
- China preliminary round (online)December 2026 · exact date pending
- IEOC 2027 Annual Summit · East ChinaSpring 2027–exact dates pending
- 2026 OpenTrack registration · closed9 Jul 2026
- 2026 OpenTrack · completed13–19 Jul 2026
- 2026 International finals · completed12–20 Jul 2026
The China rows use the IEOC 2027 handbook. The July 2026 international and OpenTrack dates are historical and have passed. Other regions publish their own schedules; contact us for the relevant regional notice. The 2026 international-final city listed here is Shenzhen. Confirm 2027 international arrangements separately; the China handbook does not establish the next global-final dates or location.