GEC 2026 is organised by Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), with academic support from the Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Chemical Safety (IRECS). The competition aims to identify, select and nurture talented students for an advanced training programme in preparation for the International Geography Olympiad (iGEO) 2027. iGEO 2027 is scheduled to take place from 2–9 August 2027 in Jelgava, Latvia. This annual international geography competition brings together outstanding students aged 16–19 from around the world under the auspices of the International Geographical Union (IGU).
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to students aged 16–19 in Grades 9–12 who are studying at educational institutions in Vietnam, regardless of nationality. The tests are expected to be conducted in English, allowing participants to become familiar with the format and requirements of the International Geography Olympiad (iGEO). Participation is free of charge.
A Challenge in Geographical Knowledge and Thinking
GEC 2026 covers physical geography, human and economic geography, the environment and sustainable development, as well as the interpretation of maps, graphs and data, and analytical thinking. The preliminary round will be held online, with the 16 highest-scoring participants selected to compete in the in-person final round.
Through the Written Response Test (WRT) and the Multimedia Test (MMT), participants will use maps, graphs, statistics and other geographical data sources to identify connections between information and develop evidence-based explanations and arguments. The competition therefore emphasises the application of knowledge and problem-solving skills rather than memorisation alone.
12 Awards and an Opportunity to Work Towards iGEO 2027
GEC 2026 is expected to present 12 awards: four Gold, four Silver and four Bronze Awards. Award recipients will receive certificates and commemorative medals from the Organising Committee.
Among the finalists, the four participants with the highest overall scores will be selected for an advanced training programme in preparation for iGEO 2027. The programme is expected to cover Earth sciences, the environment and sustainable development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartography, academic English, fieldwork skills, presentation and argumentation skills, and practice tests following the iGEO format.
Tentative Schedule
- Until 15 November 2026: Registration period.
- 28–29 November 2026: Online preliminary round, comprising the WRT and MMT.
- 12–13 December 2026: In-person final round for the 16 participants selected from the preliminary round.
- 26–27 December 2026: Announcement of results and presentation of awards to 12 outstanding participants.
- January 2027: Selection of four participants for the advanced training programme.
- August 2027: The team participates in iGEO 2027.
How to Register
Interested students can find the competition rules and further information at: https://gecvietnam.com/
Register for Round 1 at: https://gecvietnam.com/exams
Registration deadline: 15 November 2026.