The Qualification Round is always free. Financial aid, including full waivers, is available so the Semi-Final Round fee is never the reason a student sits out.
Running an international competition at this scale has real costs: evaluation, technical infrastructure, materials, and support for participants across more than 150 countries. Sponsors and partners cover part of this, and the Semi-Final Round registration fee covers the rest — there are no other required costs.
Financial aid exists specifically so this fee never becomes a barrier to participation.
Aid ranges from a partial reduction to a full waiver of the Semi-Final Round registration fee, based on socio-economic need. Ambassadors who have helped five or more students reach the Semi-Final Round typically receive priority consideration for their own registration.
There is no separate fee for the Qualification Round or the Final Round.
Requests are reviewed confidentially and do not affect your Qualification Round result.