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Competition · Online

National Cipher Challenge 2026

University of Southampton · United Kingdom

Applications upcomingNo foreign travel required

Break a story told in weekly coded messages, solo or as a team, in the University of Southampton's national codebreaking contest.

Grade
Year 10–13 / S3–S6
Same as Grades 9–12 in the US
Age
Not published
Details under Eligibility
Residence
United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey
School attendance: United Kingdom, Jersey and 1 more
Entry
Open application
Check it against your grade and where you live

Each challenge has an easier part A and a harder part B, with ciphers growing in difficulty as the story unfolds. Points come from accurate, timely solutions. Prizes totalling £6,000 are awarded, and top solvers explain their methods for the final challenge.

Topics

MathematicsTechnologyCryptographyCodebreakingTeams allowed
Read more on cipherchallenge.org