DIHK International School Competition – Students Build Bridges Worldwide

Through the DIHK International School Competition under the motto "Students Build Bridges Worldwide," the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports outstanding projects of German international schools. The focus is on ideas that connect economy, society, and education – from digital innovations and sustainability projects to new forms of career and study orientation. The competition is held biennially and serves as a significant showcase for the engagement of international schools worldwide.

Overview

The DIHK International School Competition is aimed at approximately 135 German international schools in over 70 countries. It awards projects where students develop their own ideas, take responsibility, and actively network with partners from the economy, science, or civil society. The competition is endowed with attractive total funding; contributions are evaluated by an independent jury from education, economy, and the chamber community.

Announcement and Dates

10. DIHK-Auslandsschulwettbewerb 2026/2027

Die DIHK bereitet den 10. DIHK-Auslandsschulwettbewerb vor. Die Ausschreibung des Wettbewerbs planen wir für Mai/Juni 2026; der Bewerbungszeitraum endet voraussichtlich im Oktober 2026. Die Preisverleihung am Festabend der AHK-Weltkonferenz findet nach aktuellem Stand am 11. Mai 2027 statt. Aktuelle Informationen zum nächsten Wettbewerbsdurchgang finden Sie in Kürze an dieser Stelle.

Wir freuen uns, wenn Sie Ihre Bewerbung für den 10. DIHK-Auslandsschulwettbewerb einreichen, und sind bereits gespannt auf Ihre Projekte.

Benefits for School & Economy

German international schools are a central component of Germany's foreign economic relations. They convey German educational standards, promote multilingualism, and strengthen exchange between countries and cultures. At the same time, they are important partners for companies looking for young talents with an international profile. The International School Competition highlights this potential – showing how young people worldwide build bridges that extend far beyond everyday school life.

Participation

Each international school can submit project ideas that have been significantly shaped by students. Key criteria include:

Students' initiative and innovative strength
Practical relevance and economic proximity, e.g., collaboration with companies, IHKs, or AHKs
Sustainability and long-term impact
Transferability to other schools

The best projects are honoured biennially at the AHK World Conference – an additional occasion to make the results visible internationally.

Further information can be found in the dossier "International Schools".