ICAS 2026 entries are open! Enter now
There are three ways your child can take part in the ICAS academic competition. The right option depends on your school and where you’re located, so we’ve made it easy to find the pathway that suits you best.
Whichever way your child enters, they’ll experience the same nationally recognised competition, the same expertly designed questions and the same meaningful recognition for their effort and achievement.
Most students take part in ICAS tests through their school, and it’s the simplest way to get involved. Your child’s school manages the competition experience, including scheduling and supervision, so your child can focus on the challenge itself.
If your child’s school doesn’t offer ICAS, they can still take part at an ICAS testing centre – a professional, supervised environment hosted at Cliftons locations across Australia.
How it works
Students outside Australia can enter ICAS through an authorised partner – an approved provider who coordinates the competition locally.
How it works
A few things worth checking before you register your child for ICAS 2026:
ICAS offers six literacy and STEM subjects for Year 2 to Year 12: English, Writing, Spelling Bee, Science, Mathematics and Digital Technologies. Students can enter the subjects chosen by their school.
The ICAS 2026 competition runs across August, with each subject sitting in a dedicated week. Register before the closing dates so your child doesn’t miss out.
Preparation isn’t strictly required, but ICAS past papers are a great way to build confidence and get familiar with the question style, so your child can achieve their best result.
We’re here to make sure your child’s ICAS experience is smooth from start to finish. If you need help with registration, subjects, preparation or results, our support team is happy to assist.
How you register for ICAS depends on your pathway. If your child's school offers the ICAS competition, registration is managed through the school. Look out for communication from your school coordinator with details on how to enter.
If your school doesn't offer ICAS, you can register your child directly through an ICAS testing centre (Australia and New Zealand) or an authorised ICAS partner (outside Australia and New Zealand).
Your child can still participate in ICAS.
In Australia, ICAS testing centres provide a supervised environment where students can sit the ICAS test independently of their school.
Outside Australia, authorised ICAS partners coordinate the competition locally. Both options offer the same assessment and recognition as school-based entry.
The best way to find out is to ask your child's teacher or school coordinator whether they're participating in the ICAS competition this year. If they're not currently registered, you can let them know that schools can register through our website.
If your child is participating in ICAS through their school, the school will let you know which subjects are available, which may include more than one.
If your child is participating through an ICAS testing centre or authorised ICAS partner, the subjects are determined by availability. You can learn more about our ICAS testing centres here, or find and contact a partner here.
If your child is entering through their school, the school will coordinate the sitting schedule and supervise the ICAS exam on the day. If entering through a testing centre or ICAS partner, you'll receive confirmation of your session details directly.
Yes. Registration closes before the ICAS competition period begins in August. Closing dates differ depending on whether your school uses the parent payment system or direct entry, so it's worth registering early to make sure your child doesn't miss out.
Give your child the chance to take on a meaningful challenge and earn recognition they can feel proud of. Choose your pathway and register today.