Owlypia is a global learning platform that empowers students to develop their soft skills through exciting challenges. Students who qualify in Fast Track, Online, Local, or Regional rounds earn the opportunity to participate in Owlypia Globals, an international event that celebrates creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Who can participate?
Students aged 9-18 are invited to join the Owlypia journey. Owlypia classifies students into three categories:
- Owlins (Ages 9-11)
- Owlets (Ages 12-14)
- Owlys (Ages 15-18) (not “Owlies” 😊)
Age groups are determined as of September of the current academic year. Participants should have a solid command of the English language and be eager to improve their soft skills for future success.
Which subjects does Owlypia cover?
Owlypia offers five subject areas:
- Art & Design
- Economics & Business
- Literature & Culture
- Science & Technology
- Social Sciences
Participants select one subject when they register, and it remains the same for both team and individual challenges.
How can I access the study materials?
Once students create an Owlypia account, they can access introductory courses on the Owlypia LMS (Learning Management System). After registering for a specific round, they will also gain access to the corresponding study materials on the LMS.
Does each student get an individual password?
Once students register on the Owlypia Student Portal using their own email account, they will be able to register for competitions through this portal and track all stages before, during, and after the competition. They will be able to view any schedules, venues, dates, and instructions related to the competition. After the competition, students will find links to their medals, discount codes (if applicable), the discount percentage they earned, and the certificates they are entitled to. Therefore, students must securely store the email and password they use to access the portal.
Do Owlypia’s theme and subject content relate to one another?
Yes, each academic year features a new theme, which connects with the subject-based challenges. Students are encouraged to explore the LMS content and conduct their own research in preparation for the competition.
Isn’t there too much to study, given that students already have schoolwork?
Owlypia understands the demands of schoolwork and projects. However, the competitions are designed to complement students’ education by enhancing their soft skills and helping them discover potential career paths. Most participants dedicate 2 to 6 weeks to prepare for an Owlypia competition, often following their own study plans.
What do students gain from participating in Owlypia competitions?
Owlypia aims to foster intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. The materials provided encourage students to enhance their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Regardless of rankings or prizes, all participants will leave with valuable skills that prepare them for future educational and career challenges.
What is Linguaowl?
Linguaowl is a personalized English language assessment designed to evaluate participants’ core language skills. Offered free of charge, Linguaowl is both a diagnostic tool and a launchpad for students beginning their Owlypia journey.
Owlypia Online is a global online competition in five different subjects.
How do I sign up for the Owlypia competition?
The Owlypia participation fee is £20 – students can register for the competition up to one week before the exam dates.
Does each student get an individual password?
Owlypia Online exam system works with emails only. Each student must provide a unique and valid email address and all the related information about Owlypia is sent to this link automatically. All a student needs to do is click on the personal link in the email provided to start the test on the competition day. Participants should follow the instructions on their screen on the day of examination. Moreover, all communication between Owlypia and the participants are done through emails.
Can I take Owlypia Online at home?
Yes.
Do I have to choose a favorite subject?
Yes, you have to choose your favourite subject during the registration process.
What type of questions are asked?
All questions are multiple choice based on your favourite subject only.
Where can I get the sample questions?
You may click here to get the sample questions.
What happens if my internet is disconnected in the middle of the test?
If you face a disconnection in the middle of the test, you do not have to start from the beginning as the session resumes from you have left. You still have 90 minutes from the second you have started even if you have disconnected from the internet. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have a stable internet connection.
What is the length of Owlypia Online?
Participants have 90 minutes for 90 questions.
Is the awarding per age or for an age group?
Prizes are given based on each category. There are 5 subjects and three age categories in all Owlypia competitions.
What are the awards*?
TOP 225 students are awarded based on their rankings in their subject category.
If students get prizes from multiple competitions, they can use the higher one only.
The discounts are based on the fee when the students make the payment; thus, if students have paid earlier and win prizes in a competition held later, the discounts are given based on when the competition is held.
Students that qualify through an Owlypia Online can choose to participate at an Owlypia Global of their choice.
For more information, please see the “Prizes” section on “Owlypia Online” page.
How can I get my certificates?
All certificates of participation and achievement are emailed to both students and their supervisors within one week.
What are the guidelines?
To see the complete list of guidelines, please click here.
*If students win awards at an Owlypia Online and Local, they need to use the higher one within the deadline.
What is an “Owlypia Local”?
Owlypia Locals are two-day long intellectually stimulating competitions based on team challenges for students aged 9-11 (OWLINS), 12-14 (OWLETS) and 15-18 (OWLYS).
There are two types of Owlypia Locals Competitions (Onsite / Virtual) and they all take place in different countries all around the world.
When and where do Owlypia Locals take place?
Please go to Owlypia Locals registration page to see the dates and venues.
What are the competitions in Owlypia Locals?
There are four Team Challenges:
- Knowledge Challenge
- Speech-Craft Challenge
- Impromptu Challenge
- Team Spirit Challenge
Do you have to enter all 4 challenges above?
Yes, all participants must take all 4 challenges.
How many students form a team?
Three. Two-person teams are accepted in exceptional circumstances but may find they are at a disadvantage for some team challenges. A single student can also apply for team challenges but they are responsible for forming their own team.
Can different age categories form a team?
No, when students form a team, all of them must be from the same age category.
Can the students in the same team choose different favourite subjects?
Yes! The three team members can choose the same or different favourite subjects; it’s all up to them.
Can we form a team from different schools?
Yes, you certainly can! Teams can be formed with students from different schools and/or countries. It can also help you start new friendships!
What should I do if I would like to participate in an Owlypia Local but I don’t have a team?
If you need one more member or two more members to complete your team but don’t know what to do, then please post it on our FB page and/or let us know; we will do our best to help you find a team.
Do I need a supervisor?
As the contest is student-driven, teams can attend by themselves to the local competitions; however, we highly recommend that teams be accompanied during Owlypia Locals.
What is the role of supervisors?
Supervisors accompany teams throughout the competition. They are expected to ensure all students are aware of and understand the event rules and instructions. All supervisors that have a good command of English are expected to judge at local competitions if not requested otherwise. Supervisors are also responsible for liaising with the Owlypia organisers to ensure the competition runs smoothly.
What are the awards*?
An international certificate of participation and achievement** along with medals, trophies and lots of lovely owlets and owlys! Teams that qualify at Owlypia Locals can choose to participate at an Owlypia Global of their choice. Top 3 team members in Owlets and Owlys get a 20%, 15% and 10% discounts for Owlypia Globals as long as they register in 30 days after the local competition.
What are the costs of participation?
You may visit the Owlypia Locals registration page to see the fees for each local event.
Do supervisors have to pay?
Supervisors do not have to pay any fees for Owlypia Locals. All supervisors are required to judge the challenges if requested by the Owlypia team.
Who judges the challenges?
Academics, educators and accompanying supervisors.
How can I get my certificates?
All certificates of participation are given during the Owlypia competition. The certificates of achievement are emailed to the supervisors in 30 days after the competition.
*If a student wins a discount at an Owlypia Online and Local and in any other Owlypia competition, they can use the higher one only within the deadline given.
**It usually takes two-three weeks to get the achievement certificates. The certificates will be sent to the supervisors.
What is an “Owlypia Global”?
An Owlypia Global is a five-day intellectually stimulating competition based on individual and team challenges for students aged 9-11 (Owlins), 12-14 (Owlets) and 15-18 (Owlys). Owlypia Globals are held at prestigious institutions around the world.
When do Owlypia Globals take place?
Please go to our Owlypia Globals to see the venues.
Is there any prerequisite to participate in Owlypia Globals?
All students must get a medal certificate from Owlypia Online or a medal from Owlypia Local to qualify for Owlypia Globals.
What are the competition categories in Owlypia Globals?
- Knowledge Challenge
- Pen Down Challenge
- Speech-Craft Challenge
- Impromptu Challenge
- Team Spirit Challenge
Can the students in the same team choose different favourite subjects?
Yes! The three team members can choose the same or different favourite subjects; it’s all up to them.
What should I do if I would like to participate in Team Challenges but don’t have a team?
If you need one more member or two more members to complete your team but don’t know what to do, then please post it on our FB page and please let us know, we will do our best to help you find a team.
- Creative Writing Challenge
- Short Film Challenge
- Photography Challenge
- Painting Challenge
Can I participate in both team challenges and individual challenges?
No. You can either participate in Team Challenges OR one of the Individual Challenges. You cannot participate in more than one Individual Challenge, either.
If one of your teammates is an Owly, does the whole team compete in Owlys?
Yes! Even if there are two Owlets and an Owly in a team, the team competes in Owlys category.
Do I need a supervisor?
All participants are to be accompanied by a supervisor during the Owlypia Globals.
Is accommodation provided?
No. Participants are expected to organise their own accommodation during the contest.
In some events, where we work with local accommodation and event management partners, we offer extra service packages and/or additional educational trips for participants of Owlypia Globals. Please refer to the specific Owlypia Global page to learn more about such offers and packages.
How can I get my certificates?
All certificates of participation are given during the Owlypia competition. The certificates of achievement are emailed to the supervisors in 30 days after the competition.
Who judges the challenges?
Academics, educators and accompanying supervisors.
What is included in the fee?
The participation fee includes:
- All materials used during the contest
- Lunch for the competition days
- Certificates of participation and achievement for students
- Entrance to the keynote speeches (if available)
- Medals and Trophies for the top students
- Invitation letter for visa application (if requested)
What is NOT included in the fee?
The participation fee does not include:
- Visa (Invitation letters are provided upon registration)
- Flights
- Transfers
- Accommodation
- Meals (except for the two days)
- Insurance
How can I win discounts?
You may take Owlypia Online, Locals and some other competitions such as video challenges during the year to win discounts for Owlypia Globals; however, if a student wins a discount at an Owlypia Online and Local and in any other Owlypia competition, they can use the higher one only within the deadline given.
