Computer Science is the bedrock of the modern world, driving innovation and shaping nearly every aspect of our lives. From the algorithms that connect us globally to the artificial intelligence transforming industries, its principles empower us to solve complex problems and build the future. Our society urgently needs talented computer scientists, engineers, and innovators to design, develop, and sustain the technologies of tomorrow.

Vision, Mission, and Values

The International Computer Science Competition offers students a platform to challenge their critical and logical thinking, explore diverse CS concepts, and delve deeper into this exciting discipline beyond the standard school curriculum. We believe that blending education with friendly competition can inspire students to develop a lasting passion for computer science, potentially leading to fulfilling careers in research, development, or engineering.

The International Computer Science Competition aims to be accessible to all students from all countries, regardless of their background, school, or institution: all you need is a pen, paper, access to a computer, and an internet connection to join!

What makes ICSC unique?

While competition is part of ICSC, our core mission is to foster genuine engagement with computer science, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration in this and related scientific fields. ICSC is a learning journey, enabled by diverse problem formats that enhance a student's understanding through practical application. Key aspects that distinguish ICSC include:

• Internationality:
  From the very first round, ICSC is a truly global event. All participants tackle the same challenges, ensuring fair assessment and fostering international connections often reserved for elite national teams.


• Digital Accessibility:
  We utilize the power of the internet to open participation to students everywhere, regardless of geographic location or school affiliation. While teacher guidance is beneficial, motivated individuals can participate independently from anywhere.


• Broad Exploration of CS:
  ICSC explores the breadth of computer science. Unlike many competitions that emphasize programming, we also focus heavily on conceptual and mathematical thinking, covering areas such as computer architecture, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision fundamentals, and theoretical computer science.


• Real-World Research:
  ICSC problems typically incorporate concepts from recently published research papers, offering participants early exposure to real-world CS research and developments in the field.


• Adjusted Difficulty Curve:
  Our problems range from accessible, concept-reinforcing tasks to more challenging, research-driven problems, ensuring a positive and stimulating experience for participants of all levels.


• Online Tools for Educators:
  We equip teachers and schools with resources and a dedicated interface for managing student submissions, tracking results, accessing certificates, and supervising the Final Round exam.


• Local Communities & Ambassadors:
  ICSC encourages the creation of local groups and communities focused on computer science. Our Ambassador Program empowers students and mentors to inspire peers and organize local meetups and events.

How does ICSC compare to other science competitions? (e.g., IOI)

Comparing the International Computer Science Competition to established competitions such as the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) can be misleading: ICSC does not intend to replace or compete with these prestigious contests but rather serves as a complementary program that engages a broad range of students.

Unlike many competitions which focus primarily on programming skills, ICSC emphasizes broader computer science concepts and abstract logical thinking, though programming remains an important part of the challenge. Our mission is centered around education, encouraging students to explore the richness and diversity of the CS field beyond conventional coding contests.

ICSC prioritizes learning, curiosity, and accessibility, offering both approachable and challenging problem formats that promote deeper understanding rather than focusing solely on competition.

History, Organization, and Funding

The International Computer Science Competition is coordinated by Edu.Harbour. Launched following the success of previous educational initiatives, it seeks to offer an equally impactful opportunity for aspiring computer scientists.

The full organizing team of ICSC 2025 can be found on this page: Organizing Team of 2025.

Organizing such an international competition involves considerable expenses, including human resources, technical infrastructure, and educational materials. As an independent and globally accessible program, ICSC is grateful to its sponsors for covering some of these expenses. The remaining costs are funded through participant contributions, such as the registration costs for the Pre-Final Round (Flyer).

As a growing initiative, ICSC continues to evolve and improve each year to enrich the participant experience and expand its positive impact worldwide.