The Higher Education Language Carnival (HELCA) 2026 is a multilingual celebration that brings together language competitions, interactive exhibitions, cultural activities, and international engagement. The theme for this year is “A Voyage of Languages: Shaping a World without Borders.”

HELCA 2026 will be held on 22 and 23 October 2026 at Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC), Universiti Malaya. It will be held alongside the UM Mobility Fair, where UM’s partner universities will showcase mobility opportunities, including available financial assistance and scholarships. A small career fair focused on opportunities in language and linguistics will also be organised.

The HELCA 2026 competitions are open to eligible undergraduate students. One competition will also be specifically open to school students, providing them with an opportunity to participate in a language-based competition and earn PAJSK marks. Participants should refer to the respective competition guidelines for detailed eligibility requirements.

Visitors can explore language-based booths, cultural activities, interactive language experiences, a mobility fair, career-related activities, and other international programmes. Selected competition entries will also be presented during the winners’ showcase.

Yes, members of the public are very much welcome! We especially encourage students from higher education institutions and schools to attend. HELCA 2026 offers school students early exposure to language learning, university programmes, international mobility opportunities, and potential careers related to languages and linguistics. Visitors can also explore language-based booths, participate in interactive activities, and visit the UM Mobility Fair and career fair.

Participants must register through the official HELCA 2026 registration form. Registration is open from 3 August to 6 September 2026. Please refer to the competition guidelines before completing the form.

No. The first form is for participant registration only. Registered participants must submit their completed competition entries separately during the submission period.

Competition entries must be submitted between 28 September and 13 October 2026 via the official submission form. Participants will be required to provide the relevant information and a valid YouTube link to their entry, where applicable.

The competitions are designed primarily for participants with language proficiency at approximately CEFR A1 - A2 level. Participants should refer to the individual competition guidelines for specific language and content requirements.

AI tools may only be used within the limits stated in the competition guidelines. All entries must remain original and reflect the participants’ own work. The Team Manager will be required to confirm compliance with the originality, proficiency-level, and AI-use requirements.

Yes. Eligible participants will receive an electronic certificate of participation. Certificates of appreciation or achievement will also be issued to winners and other eligible individuals involved in the competitions. Winners may be invited to present their entries during the showcase on 23 October 2026.