Final Day to Register: AJMO & AIMO 2026
- Pinnacle Exam Centre
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Registration for the Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (AJMO) and the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) closes today, Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Both competitions will take place on Thursday, 10 September 2026, giving mathematically talented students an opportunity to move beyond routine classroom mathematics and experience challenging Olympiad-style problem solving.
Not sure which competition is right for your child? Here is a simple guide.
AJMO 2026 — Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad
The Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (AJMO) is a new competition designed to introduce younger students to challenging mathematics and Olympiad-style problem solving.
AJMO gives students more time to explore a smaller number of unfamiliar problems. Rather than simply applying memorised formulas, students are encouraged to experiment, recognise patterns, draw diagrams, organise information and develop logical strategies.
AJMO 2026 Details
Competition Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Recommended Year Levels: NZ Years 6–9
Format: In-person supervised examination
Duration: 90 minutes
Expected Finish Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, 1 September 2026
The competition consists of 10 mathematical problems and is designed to develop mathematical reasoning, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Is AJMO Only for Year 6–9 Students?
Years 6–9 are the recommended year levels for AJMO in New Zealand, rather than a minimum entry requirement.
Students below Year 6 who are mathematically advanced and would like an additional challenge may also enter AJMO.
However, students above Year 9 should not enter AJMO. Older students should instead consider the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO).
For families choosing between the two competitions:
Below Year 6: May challenge themselves by entering AJMO
Years 6–9: AJMO is the recommended option for students beginning or developing their Olympiad problem-solving experience
Years 8–9 with substantial advanced mathematics experience: AIMO may also be considered
Year 10 and above: Students should enter AIMO rather than AJMO
The most important factor is not simply age, but the student's current mathematical experience and readiness for sustained Olympiad-level problem solving.
AIMO 2026 — Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad
For students ready for a significantly greater challenge, the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) provides a pathway into more advanced Olympiad mathematics.
AIMO is a demanding four-hour mathematics competition organised by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT).
It is designed for talented students who are comfortable working on complex, unfamiliar and multi-step mathematical problems over an extended period.
Unlike shorter competitions, AIMO requires students not only to find answers but, for selected questions, to clearly communicate their mathematical reasoning and written solutions.
AIMO 2026 Details
Competition Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Competition Time: 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Eligible Year Levels: NZ Years 8–11
Format: In-person, paper-based examination
Duration: 4 hours
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 at 11:00 pm (NZ Time)
AIMO consists of 10 questions, including integer-answer problems and questions requiring complete written mathematical solutions.
It is particularly suitable for students who already have significant experience with mathematics competitions, extension mathematics or advanced problem solving.
AJMO or AIMO — Which One Should My Child Choose?
Although AJMO and AIMO take place on the same day, they are designed for different stages of mathematical development.
Choose AJMO if your child:
is generally in Years 6–9;
enjoys mathematical puzzles and challenging problems;
would like to experience Olympiad-style mathematics;
is developing confidence with non-routine problem solving;
has not yet had extensive experience writing mathematical proofs; or
wants a shorter introduction to Olympiad mathematics.
Younger students below Year 6 may also choose AJMO if they are ready for a significant mathematical challenge.
Choose AIMO if your child:
is in Years 10–11;
is an exceptionally strong Year 8 or Year 9 mathematics student;
has substantial mathematics competition experience;
enjoys difficult, multi-step problems;
is comfortable spending a long time exploring a small number of challenging questions;
wants to develop mathematical proof and written reasoning; or
is interested in progressing further through an Olympiad mathematics pathway.
For an advanced Year 8 or Year 9 student, the decision may depend more on mathematical readiness than year level alone.
Why Participate in a Mathematics Olympiad?
Olympiad mathematics is very different from simply completing more difficult versions of classroom exercises.
Students are encouraged to ask:
“How can I approach this problem?”
rather than simply:
“Which formula should I use?”
Through competitions such as AJMO and AIMO, students can strengthen:
logical and analytical reasoning;
mathematical creativity;
pattern recognition;
persistence;
strategic problem solving;
confidence with unfamiliar mathematics; and
the ability to communicate mathematical ideas clearly.
For younger students, AJMO can provide an introduction to this style of thinking.
For more experienced students, AIMO provides a substantially deeper challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate readiness for higher-level mathematics enrichment and Olympiad opportunities.
Final Registration Reminder
Both AJMO and AIMO will take place on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Registration closes today — Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Families who would like their child to participate are encouraged to complete registration before the deadline.
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