Mathematics is widely recognized as a core foundational subject and is often described as a “universal skill” for students studying abroad. It is essential for nearly all STEM fields, including computer science, physics, engineering, and even finance. Participating in high-level mathematics competitions not only strengthens students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also helps them stand out in university applications.
Below is an overview of major competitions related to the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).
1. American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
The AMC is organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and is one of the most prestigious mathematics competitions in the U.S., with over 70 years of history. Each year, more than 300,000 students worldwide participate, making it highly influential for U.S.-bound students.
AMC Levels
AMC 8
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Target: Grade 8 and below
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Exam Date: January annually
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Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes
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Content: Covers middle school mathematics, including probability, ratios, basic geometry, and more
AMC 10
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Target: Grade 10 and below
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Exam Date: November annually
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Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes
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Content: Includes topics for grades 9–10, such as algebra, geometry, area and volume, number theory, and probability
AMC 12
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Target: Grade 12 and below
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Exam Date: November annually
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Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes
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Content: Covers the entire high school curriculum, including AMC 8 topics, trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry (excluding calculus)
[Learn More About AMC Competitions]
2. British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO)
The BMO is organized by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) and is one of the most competitive math competitions in the UK. It consists of two rounds:
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Only the top 10% of Round 1 participants advance to Round 2.
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The best students from Round 2 are invited to the UK National Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp, potentially representing the UK internationally.
BMO Round 1
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Target: Grades 10–12
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Exam Date: November annually
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Format: 6 long-answer questions, 3.5 hours
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Content: Includes number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and graph theory
BMO Round 2
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Target: Round 1 qualifiers
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Exam Date: January annually
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Format: 4 long-answer questions, 3.5 hours
[Learn More About BMO]
3. Euclid Mathematics Contest
The Euclid Mathematics Contest, organized by the University of Waterloo, Canada, is a globally recognized competition for high school students. It attracts over 20,000 participants annually and is considered a high-value benchmark for mathematics proficiency.
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Target: Grades 9–12
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Exam Date: April annually
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Format: 150 minutes, 10 questions (each worth 10 points, with 2–3 sub-parts per question), paper-based, no multiple-choice
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Scoring: Total 100 points; answer sheets submitted physically
[Learn More About Euclid]
4. UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC)
The SMC (Senior Mathematical Challenge) is a preliminary competition for BMO, designed to develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
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Target: Grade 12 and below
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Format: Individual paper or online exam, 25 multiple-choice questions
[Learn More About SMC]
5. Math Kangaroo
Founded in 1980 by Australian mathematician Peter O’Halloran, Math Kangaroo is a global mathematics competition for students Grades 1–12. It entered China in 2019 and established a local organizing committee.
Levels
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Level 1 (Grades 1–2)
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Level 2 (Grades 3–4)
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Level 3 (Grades 5–6)
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Level 4 (Grades 7–8)
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Level 5 (Grades 9–10)
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Level 6 (Grades 11–12)
Format
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Levels 1–2: 24 multiple-choice questions
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Levels 3–6: 30 multiple-choice questions
[Learn More About Math Kangaroo]
6. SASMO (Singapore & Asian Schools Math Olympiad)
The SASMO, founded in 2006 by the Singapore International Math Competition Center (SIMCC), is a large-scale mathematics competition for students in Grades 1–12 across Asia.
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Format: Online, bilingual (English & Chinese), 25 questions
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Structure:
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Section A (Multiple Choice): 30 points, +2 for correct, 0 for blank, -1 for wrong
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Section B (Short Answer): 40 points, +4 for correct, 0 for blank or wrong
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Total Score: 85 points, with 15 initial points to prevent negative scores; calculators not allowed
[Learn More About SASMO]
This version emphasizes international recognition, target grades, exam formats, and unique features for each competition.