top of page
PINNACLE LOGO White.png
Calendar
2026

COMC 2026

Competition date

Friday, 30 Oct 2026

Eligible students

NZ Years 10–13

New Zealand time

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Delivery

Online proctored, Paper-based

Registration closed 20 Oct 2026

Closed at 11:00 pm New Zealand time.

Register
Canada
• Closed

Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC)

Canada’s premier open mathematics competition: a 150-minute paper with 12 problems ranging from introductory questions to fully developed advanced solutions.

MATHEMATICS
​Overview
Resources
Preparation Courses
Help
Registration
Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC)

Competition Overview

​

  • Academic Value / Why Participate

    COMC provides a substantial enrichment experience for students who want to move beyond routine classroom exercises. It develops mathematical reasoning, written communication, persistence and the ability to construct complete solutions. Strong performance may earn Global Division recognition and provides valuable preparation for higher-level mathematics competitions.

  • Who It Suits

    Suitable for New Zealand Year 10–13 students who enjoy challenging mathematical problem solving and want experience with proof-style and olympiad-style questions.
  • Prerequisites and Readiness

    Open through PEC to students in New Zealand Year 10–13. Students should be comfortable with secondary-school mathematics and prepared to explain their reasoning clearly without a calculator.

ROUND  1

Open Round

​

Exam Date & Time

17:00-19:30 Fri 30 Oct 2026

Registration Deadline

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

FURTHER ROUNDS & PROGRESSION

Explore the later stages of the competition. Progression is subject to the organiser's current qualification requirements.

  • Semifinal Round

    The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.

    Exam Date & Time

    Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)

    Registration Deadline

    Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)

  • Semifinal Round

    The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.

    Exam Date & Time

    Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)

    Registration Deadline

    Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)

  • Semifinal Round

    The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.

    Exam Date & Time

    Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)

    Registration Deadline

    Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)

  • Semifinal Round

    The Semifinal Round builds on the earlier stage with more advanced questions and deeper application.

    Exam Date & Time

    Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (NZT)

    Registration Deadline

    Friday, 1 May 2026 · 11:59 pm (NZT)

All resources
Past Papers
Guide
Rules and
Exam Instructions
 A GOOD PLACE TO BEGIN

RESOURCES & PAST PAPERS

Find available practice, curriculum guidance and competition rules.

Practice

No resources found for these filters.

THE  RIGHT SUPPORT. AT YOUR STAGE

PREPARATION COURSES

Explore the programme, choose a teaching format and review the full tuition before enrolling.

CLASS

Placement for Advanced Class is confirmed after consultation.

STAGE

REGULAR CLASS · OPEN ROUND PREPARATION

Open Round Preparation

Build neuroscience knowledge, then apply it to research figures, experimental evidence and unfamiliar questions.

16 hours total

8 x 2-hour lessons

· Connect neural structures with function and disease.

​

· Intepret graphs, experiments and research extracts.

​

· Complete an Open Round-style mock with an individual error review.

  • Session 1 — Foundations
    ……

    Session 2 — Core concepts
    ……

    Session 3 — Problem solving
    ……

Choose your teaching format
  • Small-group preparation with up to 3 students, offering structured teaching, guided practice and personalised feedback.

    16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions

    NZ$1,060

    per student · full programme

  • Focused preparation for two students learning together, with guided teaching, targeted practice and personalised feedback.

    16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions

    NZ$1,280

    per student · full programme

  • Fully personalised one-to-one preparation with teaching, practice and feedback tailored to the student's needs.

    16 hours · 8 × 2-hour sessions

    NZ$1,840

    per student · full programme

Select a teaching format to view tuition, lesson format and enrolment details.

Competition Gallery

Submission and Confirmation

Please check your email address carefully before submitting the registration form.

​

Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email automatically.

​

All other important communications (including the Exam Instructions, Results and Certificates, etc) will be sent to the email address you submitted to us. Please check your email inbox and junk mail / spam folder regularly!

What Happens Next?

1

2

3

4

Registration Received
We will send you a confirmation email
We may review your registration if required
Eligibility Review
You will receive the Exam Instructions closer to the date
Exam Instructions
Participate and do your best!
Competition Day

Competition Overview

  • Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC)

    The Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) is the Canadian Mathematical Society’s premier open mathematics competition. It is designed for New Zealand Year 10–13 students who enjoy creative problem solving and clear mathematical reasoning. PEC delivers the competition as an online-proctored, paper-based session.
  • COMC provides a substantial enrichment experience for students who want to move beyond routine classroom exercises. It develops mathematical reasoning, written communication, persistence and the ability to construct complete solutions. Strong performance may earn Global Division recognition and provides valuable preparation for higher-level mathematics competitions.

  • Suitable for New Zealand Year 10–13 students who enjoy challenging mathematical problem solving and want experience with proof-style and olympiad-style questions.
  • ​

  • ​

  • Students compete in the COMC Global Division. Awards may include Gold, Silver, Bronze and Honourable Mention, with certificates and public recognition determined by the Canadian Mathematical Society.
  • The COMC provides strong preparation for higher-level national and international mathematics competitions and develops olympiad-style problem-solving and written-solution skills.
  • ​

bottom of page