Overview
The Bundeswettbewerb Informatik (Federal Computer Science Competition, BWInf) is Germany's national informatics competition for young people. It runs over roughly one year and is the German route into the national informatics olympiad team.
Who can take part
Participants must be young people up to 21 years old who are not yet enrolled at a university or in employment. They must be German citizens, or live at a German address, or attend a recognised German school abroad.
Levels or stages
| Round | Timing | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 1 to November 23, 2026 | Tasks solved at home without deep programming knowledge; group work is allowed |
| Round 2 | Early 2027 to April 2027 | Much harder tasks that must be solved individually |
| Round 3 (final) | September 2027 | An in-person evaluation round |
The dates above are for the 44th competition cycle, which starts in 2026.
Marking and results
Participants receive certificates, and finalists receive cash prizes. Winners are admitted to the German Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).
Fees
The official page does not list a participation fee.
How to apply
Register and submit solutions online through the competition website during each round.
After the competition
Beyond prizes, participants get access to workshops from organisations such as Google, the Hasso Plattner Institute, RWTH Aachen and Fraunhofer institutes. Depending on state and school rules, the entry can substitute for school coursework.
Preparation tips
Work through earlier rounds' tasks, which are published, and practise explaining your solution clearly, since documentation and ideas are assessed along with working programs.
Can I work with others in the first round?
Yes, group work is permitted in Round 1. Round 2 must be done individually.