If you’ve recently heard about FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) and thought “That sounds amazing… but also slightly confusing” — you’re not alone.
Every year across Australia, parents, teachers, mentors, and students ask the same core questions when they’re deciding whether to join. This guide answers the most common ones, in plain English, without the robot jargon overload.
What is FIRST® LEGO® League?
FIRST® LEGO® League is a global STEM education program that introduces children to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through hands-on, collaborative learning and robotics. It’s a guided robotics program where participants design, build and program LEGO-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Who can participate in Australia? (Age groups)
FIRST® LEGO® League is available to young learners aged 5 to 16, depending on the division they participate in. Students aged around 5–10 can join either the Founders Edition Explore or Future Edition 5+ divisions, while older students—generally 8–16 years old—take part in the Founders Edition Challenge or Future Edition 8+ divisions.
Exact age cut-offs can change slightly depending on the season and local rules, so it’s always best to check FIRST Australia’s official eligibility guidelines for the current year.
Do you need to be in a school to join?
Nope. Many teams are school-based, but you can also join through:
- Community Organisations
- Homeschool Groups
- After-School Programs
- Robotics Clubs
All you really need is a group of young learners, a coach, and the willingness to learn.
What do teams actually do?
Each year FLL has a theme or challenge based on a real-world problem (e.g., oceans, energy, cities). Teams:
- Explore and research the theme
- Design a research project solution
- Build and program a robot using LEGO® Education technology
- Compete in events or festivals to show what they learned
The robot must complete missions on a specially designed mat — and teams are scored on how well their robot performs, their research, teamwork and creativity.
When does the season run?
- A new challenge season is released globally in August each year.
- Teams spend several months preparing — building, coding and doing research.
- At the end of the season, teams attend local competitions or festivals to present their work.
What is FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition?
This year (2026), FIRST® LEGO® League launches a new evolution of the program called the Future Edition — a global shift in how FLL works.
Key points about Future Edition:
- It is the next phase of FLL designed to be more flexible and easier to understand globally.
- It will officially launch in August 2026 and will gradually replace the existing format.
- It introduces updated ways of learning and participating while maintaining the core mission of inspiring kids in STEM.
- Important: Future Edition is not compatible with older LEGO® Education SPIKE™ technology or legacy products.
How do kids benefit from FLL?
Participation helps students:
- Learn and apply STEM concepts in real-world contexts
- Develop critical thinking and research skills
- Build teamwork, leadership and communication skills
- Engage in creative problem-solving
Because the focus is on exploration and learning (not just competition), students gain valuable confidence working together on challenging problems.
How do I sign up or start a team in Australia?
- Form a team with young learners and at least one adult mentor.
- Register the team and purchase the required materials (including the official themed kits and suitable LEGO® Education sets).
- Gather resources and guides to plan your season.
- Prepare for your local festival or competition event.
No prior robotics experience is required — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
What costs are involved?
- Registration fees per team
- Official themed kits (which include mission models and field mats)
- LEGO® Education sets
Pricing varies by season and organiser.
Do Australian teams compete internationally?
Yes! Australian FLL teams participate in regional, national and even international opportunities — like the Asia Pacific Open Championship — where young innovators from around the world come together to celebrate STEM achievements
FIRST® LEGO® League is more than a robotics challenge — it’s a global, educational journey that sparks curiosity, creativity and confidence in young people. In Australia, it’s a vibrant community where kids learn important skills for the future while having fun building, coding and solving problems together.
If you’re thinking about joining a team or starting one, now you have the facts — and the excitement — to get started!
