The Global Academic Challenge offers schools the chance to see how their students’ results compare to their Australian and international peers.

Administering the Challenge

1 session per learning area

Allow one session of 60 minutes to complete each learning area challenge.

Challenge dates

Online test platform

Delivered in your ACER school account, through our trusted delivery platform.

Platform details and requirements

Supportive, responsive team

Our friendly support team are available 9 am - 5 pm AEST, Monday to Friday.

Requests

Request sample questions

To help determine the appropriateness of the Challenge for each of your students and to help familiarise your students with the format of the questions, we recommend requesting sample questions to review.

Sample questions

Request accessibility accommodations

Please advise us of any special considerations that your students may require and we will work with you to provide appropriate accommodations. Accommodations must be approved by ACER prior to students commencing the Challenge.

Downloads

Information flyer

Your quick guide to the competition.

Social media pack

We’ve prepared assets to help you share your results with your school community.

Parent/carer letter

A template letter to inform parents and carers about the Challenge.

Preparation guide

This document will take you through all the steps you’ll need to follow to successfully prepare for and administer the Challenge.

Registration

To participate in the Global Academic Challenge, first register your school and then place your order.

Register your school for the Challenge

Registration is free and ensures you receive the support materials and updates you need to run the competition at your school.

Registrations are now open for our Spring session, 28 August - 8 September 2023.

Pricing

$15 per student per subject

Orders open 18 July 2023. You can purchase assessments through the store of your ACER school account.

Parents and students, please check with your school to confirm the cost of participating in the Global Academic Challenge.

Benefits for the whole school

Educators

Schools can rely on the results, as the Challenge is based upon ACER’s extensive experience in assessment within Australia and internationally.

Reports include a range of valuable data, allowing educators to analyse their students’ performance across the learning areas and to make comparisons to their peers nationally and internationally.

Schools can celebrate their students’ success with certificates and awards.

Students

The Challenge empowers students to see what they can achieve on the national and world stage.

With content based on internationally-endorsed frameworks, the Challenge allows students to use their skills and knowledge in problem-solving contexts that move beyond the Australian curriculum.

Students will also receive a certificate recognising their achievement from ACER, a globally-respected educational organisation.

Webinar: Introducing the Global Academic Challenge

Find out more about ACER’s new academic competition by attending one of our introductory webinars.

Webinar schedule

Frequently asked questions

How can I prepare my students for the Challenge?

Schools can request access to samples to familiarise students with the format of the questions, however, no other practice or revision is required as the Challenge focuses on a student’s ability to apply their understanding of each learning area in unfamiliar contexts, rather than use their knowledge of curriculum. Request samples

Is it possible for my students to participate in only one learning area of the Challenge?

Yes, every student does not need to take all learning areas within the Global Academic Challenge. You can opt for all your students to take the same one or two challenges, for example, Mathematics and Reading only. You can also select which students take which challenge, for example, you may want some of your students to only complete Mathematics and others to only complete Reading.

How much time should I set aside for my school to prepare for the Challenge?

Administration time for the Global Academic Challenge is minimal. You can find all the steps involved in ensure your school is set up for the Challenge in our Preparation Guide. Our customer support team are always available for any questions you may have, so please reach out with any queries.