Global Academic Championship

Do you have what it takes to compete against the best schools from around the world?

The Global Academic Championship is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for future global leaders. We're looking for the brightest minds to join us. This isn't just about language; it's about igniting your potential and forging the skills you'll need to succeed. The Global Academic Championship is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, build both academic and soft skills, and gain essential real-world competencies. Beyond the competition, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in British culture and become a true citizen of the world. Step up, showcase your talents, and start your journey with us! Coming in 2027 we're also offering 10-night programmes, alongside the standard 14-nights.

Registration for 2027 Download the Factsheet

What are the benefits?

Linguistic agility and creative thinking

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Get a head start on future international academic opportunities

Build knowledge & understanding of other cultures, become a global citizen

Improve your critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills

Develop key skills such as leadership, public speaking, team-building, negotiation and debating

About the programme

The Global Academic Championship expands students’ English and academic skills, whilst also being a unique life-changing experience!

Welcome to the Global Academic Championship, where your students can go beyond the classroom and become the leaders of tomorrow. This isn’t just an English competition. It’s a transformative experience designed to build crucial skills for the 21st century.

Develop Core Leadership Skills: through challenges focused on public speaking, teamwork, and time management, students will learn to collaborate effectively, support one another, and perform under pressure.
Explore Global Issues: our annual themes—which have previously covered topics like globalisation, sustainability and artificial intelligence—provide a platform for students to engage with vital global political and social issues, broadening their perspectives and fostering critical thinking.
Compete and Shine: your school will compete in a series of dynamic challenges, showcasing their talents and strategic thinking. Teams will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges, providing a rewarding and competitive environment.

10-night Programme available in 2027!

Standard Programme Length

The core Global Academic Championship programme remains a 14-night experience and will continue unchanged through 2027.

Because we aim to provide a truly international experience, we adapt!

By listening to our partners, we’ve created a 10-night programme specifically for schools whose academic calendars require more flexibility. This option is carefully designed to ensure a truly international experience and deep global immersion, making it easier than ever for your students to join our global community.

Introducing 10-night programmes

New 10-night programme options have been introduced alongside the standard programme. Same academic experience, shorter duration!

Download 2027 Factsheet

Global Academic Championship Highlights

Dates

10-night

Arrive 31 March 2027

Departure 10 April 2027

14-night

Arrive 29 March 2027

Departure 12 April 2027

Months
Days
Hours

Until next competition

Competition Stages

First Round

At each of our campuses, schools will be divided into two competition groups of 8-12 teams. These teams will compete against each other in all academic events. The top four teams from each competition group go forward to the semi-finals.

Semi-Finals

Semi-final competition groups are formed by 8 teams mixed from typically two different campuses. The teams compete in two events.

Grand Finals

The top two teams from each semi-final group will go through to the Grand Final. The Grand Final events are: a Mystery Event & The Debate.

*Competition structure will depend on final numbers of students, centres and teams.

Judging & Prizes

CAMPUS AWARDS
Each campus will hold its own awards ceremony, with trophies awarded for the best performance of every event in each group. There will also be a ‘Fair Play’ award for the school that has contributed most to their campus and shown the best team spirit, along with awards for the talent show and individual excellence.

GRAND AWARD CEREMONY & PRIZES
The finale of the annual Global Academic Championship is the glittering closing awards ceremony, which takes place at a world-famous London venue and is attended by VIP guests – ambassadors, cultural attachés and business leaders from participating countries. At the Grand Award Ceremony winning teams in some other events throughout the competition will kick start the the celebrations with their winning performances from the Talent Shows.

APEX AWARDS
Student & Group Leader attendees will be automatically entered into special acknowledgement of Oxford International’s core values. Pride & Passion, Smile, Creativity, Care, and Integrity. Students & Group Leaders have special recognition for best exemplifying the core values of the competition and of Oxford International with special prizes.

Cultural Programme

Enjoy three extended full-day visits to London and a full-day in Oxford or Cambridge included as part of the programme. The programme will also include a visit a full-day visit to Thorpe Park! The programme will include entrances to some of London’s top attractions, professional walking tours, photo challenges and filled with a lot of excitement!

Attractions

Entrance to the Thorpe Park & London Eye included

London Attractions

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and many more

Explore

Explore London and Oxford or Cambridge though expert walking tours

Notable Sites

Museums, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and beyond

Timeline

Step 1

Schools register for the competition – Registrations are open now!

Step 2

An Oxford International representative will arrange a video call to discuss all details of the competition and deadlines.

Step 3

In November, all registered schools will access our Academic Portal, where they can download the competition guidelines and academic materials. From that moment Webinars will be available for competing schools.

Step 4

Teams work together and prepare for their events. Getting in the competitive spirit!

Step 5

Travel to the UK to represent your school and country!

Eligibility & Registration

HOW CAN YOU JOIN THE GLOBAL ACADEMIC CHAMPIONSHIP?

The Global Academic Championship is a highly academic competition and we encourage you to select 10 to 20 of the most gifted students from your school to participate. Our recommended minimum number of students per team is 10. For every group of 10 students, 1 Group Leader is included for free. Teams as low as 6 are welcome.

ELIGIBILITY

Please complete the registration form that you will find at the top of the page. To enter the competition, schools must meet the following criteria:

Students must be between 12-16 years of age at the time of the competition.
Students should have a minimum of B1+ English level.
Students must be accompanied dedicated teacher whose English proficiency is no lower than C1.

One of our experienced team members will be happy to arrange an online call to discuss the programme with you in detail prior to enrolling to ensure you are ready to join the programme. To reach out to our Spring Competitions team, please contact us on spring@oxfordinternational.com.

Registration 2027