Competition journey
Your competition journey
From the moment you register to the national finals on 18 September 2026, here is everything you need to know about the path ahead.
How the competition is structured
AAQC is a staged national competition. Participants begin with registration and, if selected, progress through preliminary rounds before the national finals.
Each stage is designed to uphold the integrity and dignity of the competition. Participants are expected to be available for all stages relevant to their category. Details of each stage are confirmed to registered participants directly.
Key dates and milestones
Stage 1 — Registrations open
Participant registrations officially open across Australia.
Stage 2 — Registrations close
Final submissions and registration applications close.
Stage 3 — Preliminary rounds
Preliminary recitations are conducted virtually with participants.
Stage 4 — Finalists announced
Selected finalists are officially announced for the national event.
Stage 5 — National finals and awards ceremony
National competition and awards ceremony take place.
How to prepare for each stage
The most important thing a participant can do is ensure their memorisation is solid, consistent and regularly revised — not just before the competition, but over months of preparation.
Judges do not expect perfection in every recitation. They expect evidence of genuine, deep memorisation that remains calm and reliable under pressure.
Revise your full portion regularly, not only your strongest sections.
Practice being asked to begin from unfamiliar points.
Review tajwīd rules and common recitation errors carefully.
Read the judging criteria carefully before competition day.
Arrive early, remain calm and recite with confidence.
Common questions about the journey
What happens if I cannot attend?
Contact the AAQC team as early as possible. Genuine cases may be accommodated where practical.
Will scores be released after each stage?
Scores are not released during the competition. Results are announced at the relevant stage.
What do finalists receive?
Participants receive recognition certificates. Finalists and winners receive national recognition and awards.
What if my dates change later?
Contact the AAQC team immediately. We will always try to accommodate genuine circumstances.