2027 International Business Olympiad
For high school/secondary students graduating in 2028 or later. Entirely online: earn your qualification through the IBO Study Bundle, then compete in a single round of two complementary modules.
Important Dates 2027
Mark your calendar for these key milestones
Registration Opens
Begin your journey to the International Business Olympiad
Qualification Deadline
Complete the IBO Study Bundle and earn 470+ points to qualify. Study at your own pace — registration closes on the same date.
Module A: Analytical Reasoning
Convergent thinking examination — all qualified students participate
Module A Results & Medalist Announcement
Announcement of the Regional Top 6 Medalists advancing to Module B
Module B: Advanced Thinking
Generative thinking written response — Medalists only
Final Results
Announcement of winners and awards
Competition Structure
A single-round competition: qualify through LearningFirst, then compete in two complementary modules
Qualification: Learn & Qualify on LearningFirst
The IBO: One Final Round, Two Modules
Together, the two modules assess the full range of higher-order thinking: from reaching sound conclusions to building them.
Why qualification requires study
A place at the competition should mean something. Over the years, we have seen too many students register without genuinely preparing — some never intended to compete at all — and that cost everyone: their own time, and ours.
So beginning in 2027, qualification is no longer a separate examination. It is earned by completing the official IBO Study Bundle on LearningFirst — structured lessons and practice materials that reach well beyond a syllabus. A single test measures one moment; completing the full study bundle measures genuine engagement with business.
We believe a competition is only as meaningful as the preparation behind it. When every qualifier has truly prepared, the field is stronger for everyone: serious students compete among peers who share their commitment, and every award stands for real, earned achievement. If you are serious about business, this is exactly the preparation you would want anyway. Study at your own pace, earn your qualification, and compete knowing you have earned your place.
Learn more about why qualification is changing →One Competition, Two Modes of Thinking
Analytical Reasoning is convergent — it moves from material to conclusion: candidates identify the best-supported answer.
Advanced Thinking is generative — it moves from material to construction: candidates build and defend an original response.
Awards & Recognition
Excellence recognized at multiple levels
Medalist Awards (Regional Top 6)
The top 6 students from each country or designated region in Module A are named Medalists and advance to Module B (Advanced Thinking). Each Medalist receives a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal, determined by the combined Module A + Module B score.
Gold Medal
Combined Module A + Module B score
Silver Medal
Combined Module A + Module B score
Bronze Medal
Combined Module A + Module B score
Medals are awarded to Medalists based on fixed global proportions of the combined Module A + Module B score. Award proportions are announced together with the Module A results.
Tiered Grade Certificates (Module A)
Students who do not place in the Regional Top 6 receive a tiered grade certificate based on their Module A (Analytical Reasoning) score:
Highest Distinction
Based on the Module A score threshold
Higher Distinction
Based on the Module A score threshold
Distinction
Based on the Module A score threshold
Excellence
Based on the Module A score threshold
Tiered grades are granted based on absolute score thresholds rather than fixed percentages or quotas. The score thresholds are determined after reviewing the difficulty of Module A and may vary by year.
Eligibility Requirements
Who can participate in the 2027 IBO
Student Status
Students enrolled in high school/secondary/pre-collegiate education at the time of competition and graduating in 2028 or later
Registration Process
Schools/institutions submit Organization Registration Form; Individual students submit Student Registration Form
Ineligible Participants
Fresh graduates from high school (Class of 2027), gap year students, and college students are not eligible to participate
Ready to Register for 2027 IBO?
Registration opens January 1, 2027. Register, then complete the IBO Study Bundle to earn your place in the competition.
Registration Fee: IBO competition registration is free for students and schools.
Qualification Pathway: Registration is free, but qualifying requires completing the official IBO Study Bundle on LearningFirst — 6 collections (780 points total) — and earning 470 points or more before June 30, 2027. There is no separate qualification examination; study at your own pace. Qualification is earned through study — every competitor has genuinely prepared. Learn more →
IBO Study Bundle Access: The IBO Study Bundle is a separate purchase on LearningFirst and is not included with registration. After registering in the EAE system, students purchase the bundle directly on LearningFirst and complete the 6 collections to earn qualification.
For Schools/Institutions: After you submit the school registration form, we will manually verify your registration and come back to you within 3-5 business days with dedicated school/advisor accounts and exclusive student registration links for your school to enter students.