What Is the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL)? A 2026 Complete Guide for Students
The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) is an annual contest for secondary-school students that asks you to crack the puzzle-logic of unfamiliar languages with no prior knowledge required. Founded in 2003, the 23rd IOL runs in Bucharest from 26 July to 2 August 2026. This independent guide explains the format, the five problem types, how national olympiads like NACLO and UKLO feed into it, who should enter, and how China-based students train through the IOL Club cohort.