Help your students turn their hobby into a career in tech

For many Australian students, programming starts as a hobby – a way to solve problems, build games, or explore technology beyond the classroom. But for some, it can become the beginning of a future career.

This August, students across the country will have the chance to put their skills to the test as the WiseTech Global Programming Competition hosted on Grok Academy returns in 2026, offering over $30,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to tackle real-world programming challenges in a national competition against the country’s best.

The competition is completely free to enter and is open to all Australian high school students, with younger aspiring programmers also encouraged to participate. All that is needed to compete is a free Grok Academy account.

Taking place from 14-15 August 2026, the competition challenges students to think beyond textbook exercises and apply their programming knowledge to complex problem-solving scenarios that reflect real-world industry thinking.

More than just a competition

Unlike traditional academic competitions, the WiseTech Global Programming Competition is designed to mirror the kinds of challenges programmers and software engineers face in the real world. Participants will have 100 minutes to solve between five and seven programming problems, testing not only technical ability but also logical thinking, creativity, and resilience under pressure.

The flexible online format allows students to compete outside school hours, giving participants the freedom to start any time within the competition window and complete the challenge in their own environment.

For many students, the appeal goes beyond the prize pool. The competition offers a rare opportunity to gain exposure to the technology industry at an early stage, while also connecting high-performing students with pathways that could extend well beyond the event itself.

A glimpse into the tech industry

Top-performing competitors are in the running to receive official recognition, cash prizes, and exclusive opportunities, including tours of WiseTech Global’s Sydney headquarters and exposure to future study and career pathways.

For Year 12 students beginning to think seriously about life after school, the competition can also provide insight into what a future in technology might actually look like.

One of the most exciting opportunities associated with the competition is WiseTech Global’s Earn & Learn program. This program is a pathway designed for school leavers seeking to build a career in tech by offering the opportunity for successful applicants to work as a software engineer at WiseTech Global while studying a computer science degree. It allows participants to gain hands-on industry experience, work alongside professionals, and learn directly from mentors contributing to some of the world’s leading technology solutions.

For students passionate about programming, it’s the kind of opportunity that can transform coding from a personal interest into a professional future.

Building skills before the big event

Students looking to sharpen their skills before the big competition in August can also explore additional learning opportunities through Grok Academy, including Python courses and competitions, and the WiseTech Global Advanced Python Competition taking place in July. These experiences allow students to practise in the Grok platform environment and build confidence ahead of the main event.

For beginners and experienced programmers alike, the competition offers something increasingly valuable: the chance to challenge yourself in a real-world setting, learn new ways of thinking, and discover where your skills could take you.

The 2026 WiseTech Global Programming Competition opens Friday 14 August 2026 at 5:00pm AEST and closes Saturday 15 August 2026 at 5:00pm AEST.

Click here for more information about the WiseTech Global Programming Competition and details on how to register:

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