Registrations for IKLC 2026 will be announced soon.
Unlock Language
Challenge Yourself!
History
The International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition (IKLC) was established in Europe in 2004, emerging from a shared academic vision: to celebrate language not merely as a subject, but as a tool for thinking, reasoning, and cultural connection..
Developed within the wider Kangaroo educational movement, IKLC was created to engage students through carefully designed linguistic challenges that reward clarity of thought, attention to nuance, and creative interpretation. Over the years, the competition has expanded steadily, reaching schools across dozens of countries and reflecting the growing importance of multilingual competence in an interconnected world.
Today, IKLC stands as an international academic initiative that encourages students to explore language as a living system — shaped by logic, culture, and meaning.
Value
At its core, IKLC is built on a simple idea:
strong language skills shape strong thinkers.
The competition invites students to work with language in thoughtful, engaging ways — analysing structure, meaning, and context rather than memorising rules. Through this approach, IKLC nurtures precision, interpretation, and expressive confidence — skills essential for academic success across disciplines.
Aligned with the UAE’s emphasis on communication, cultural literacy, and future-ready education, IKLC supports the development of globally aware students who can think critically, articulate clearly, and engage confidently across languages and cultures.
Benefits for Students
Participation in IKLC offers students a unique intellectual experience that goes beyond conventional language assessments. Students develop:
-
Stronger analytical and interpretive skills
-
Increased confidence in reading, reasoning, and expression
-
Exposure to international standards of linguistic thinking
-
Recognition through certificates and awards valued in academic portfolios
Most importantly, students experience language as something to explore and enjoy — not simply a subject to be tested.
Benefits for Schools
By offering IKLC, schools demonstrate a commitment to holistic education and international academic engagement. Participation helps schools:
-
Enrich their language and humanities programmes
-
Promote critical thinking and cultural awareness
-
Engage students in a global academic initiative
-
Strengthen their profile as institutions preparing students for a connected world
IKLC encourages whole-school participation and fosters a culture of curiosity, dialogue, and intellectual confidence
Participating Countries
IKLC is conducted across network of 90 participating countries, reflecting its growing international presence and relevance. Students worldwide engage with the same carefully designed challenges, creating a shared academic experience that transcends borders and curricula
Levels/ Years 1-12
90 Participant Countries
MCQ Based
Every Participant Recognised, with International Medals and Badges for High Achievers
Duration: 120 Mins
Conducted on your school/ educational institution campus
Benefits of Participation
For Students:
-
Stronger Linguistic Reasoning Skills
Students engage with carefully designed language challenges that develop analytical thinking, interpretation, and clarity of expression across reading, reasoning, and contextual understanding. -
Broader Language Exposure
The competition introduces diverse linguistic structures, styles, and contexts beyond routine classroom exercises, encouraging curiosity and deeper engagement with language. -
International Recognition
Participation in an internationally recognised linguistic competition adds academic distinction to students’ profiles, supporting school records and future educational pathways.. -
Increased Confidence in Communication
Successfully working through challenging language problems builds confidence in comprehension, reasoning, and expression — skills essential across all academic disciplines. -
Support for Academic and Higher Education Readiness
Regular exposure to reasoning-based linguistic questions strengthens skills relevant to higher education entry assessments, aptitude tests, and academic writing. -
Appreciation for Language and Meaning
Engaging and thought-provoking tasks help students experience language as something to explore and enjoy, fostering a lasting interest in reading, reasoning, and communication. -
Early Competitive Readiness
Participation nurtures focus, resilience, and adaptability, preparing students for future academic challenges and international competitions. -
Awards and Recognition
All participants receive International Kangaroo Certificates of Participation, while high-performing students are awarded medals, badges, and certificates recognised across participating countries.
For Hosting Schools and Educational Institutions
-
Academic Standing & Credibility
Participation in a globally recognised linguistic competition reflects a school’s commitment to intellectual development, communication skills, and academic enrichment. -
Recognition of School Leadership
Principals and school coordinators receive Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their role in supporting language development and international academic engagement. -
Alignment with Literacy and Communication Priorities
IKLC supports language reasoning, comprehension, and expression skills aligned with national and international educational priorities. -
Student Engagement & Learning Culture
The competition promotes curiosity, dialogue, and motivation, contributing to a positive and intellectually active learning environment. -
Development of Higher-Order Thinking
Exposure to non-routine linguistic problems strengthens interpretive and analytical thinking, supporting success across subjects. -
Meaningful Insight into Student Performance
Individual performance outcomes provide schools with valuable insight to support academic guidance and enrichment planning.
Participating Countries
90
Rewards
For Students:
-
Certificates of Participation for all students across 90 participating countries
-
Medals and badges for high-achieving students based on performance
For Educators:
-
Certificates of Appreciation for participating school coordinators and principals
Download School Poster
🇦🇪
🇺🇸
Click to download poster. If you want a printed poster to be sent to your school, please email us at info@kangaroouae.org
HOW TO REGISTER?
Students may only register through their public, private schools and educational centres/ institutions only. Only licensed schools and educational centers may host the IKLC.
1) REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL
Register your school (free) with official email, school details (Address, contact numbers, Principal and Coordinator information address etc) and set up a password. Click below to register.
2) LOGIN TO SCHOOL PROFILE
Once registered, click login (click "School Login on top menu" and enter). Once created, the same school profile should be used to participate in future contests. In case you forgot your password, click "forgot password" to get password change instructions on the registered email.
3) SELECT COMPETITION
Once on school dashboard, click "Competition" > "IKLC".
4) ADD STUDENTS
After selecting the desired competition, click "add students". You need student name, father's/ guardian's name and grade/class. Once all students are added, you may proceed to payment.
5) MAKE PAYMENT
Payments should be sent consolidated i.e AED 150 x total number of students registering for the competition. Payments to be made by the school in the following account via deposit or online transfer:
Bank: EMIRATES NBD
Branch: BUSINESS BAY BRANCH
Account title: Thinktanks Child Skills Development LLC
Account No: 1015935246001
IBAN No: AE590260001015935246001
BIC Code: EBILAEADXXX
6) ATTACH PROOF OF PAYMENT
Attach proof of payment within the contest page after adding all students and making the payment.
7) SUBMIT & CHECK CONFIRMATION EMAIL
Once complete, submit your entries and you shall get an email confirmation of your participation details on the registered email.
Should you have any questions or require assistance in the registration, please feel free to reach us at info@kangaroouae.org and a representative will get in touch.