How Valuable and Challenging is the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)? Complete Preparation Guide with 10 Past Papers

In recent years, with the rising popularity of international mathematics competitions, the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) has become one of the most influential math contests for primary and secondary students worldwide. Each year, it attracts participants from over 30 countries, totaling more than 16 million students. The number of participants from China has grown by over 40% annually for the past five years.

Despite its popularity, many parents and students still have questions:

• What is the Australian AMC?

• When is the registration period?

• How valuable are past AMC papers?

• How significant is the AMC credential?

• How difficult is the competition?

• How does AMC compare to other competitions?

This article provides a comprehensive analysis from three perspectives: basic competition information, difficulty assessment, and the value of past papers—helping students prepare effectively.

1. What is the Australian AMC?

• Language: Bilingual (English and Chinese)

• Difficulty Levels: Divided into 5 levels, from Grade 3 to Grade 12

• Venue: Participating schools nationwide (schools can provide online testing services)

• Format: Individual competition

• Scoring: 30 questions, total 135 points (no penalty for unanswered or incorrect answers)

  • Questions 1–10: 3 points each

  • Questions 11–20: 4 points each

  • Questions 21–25: 5 points each

  • Questions 26–30: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 points respectively

• Awards:

  • Peter O’Halloran Award: Full score globally

  • Prize: Top 0.3% in Levels A–E

  • High Distinction: Top 3% for Levels A–D, Top 5% for Level E

  • Distinction: Top 20% for Levels A–D, Top 25% for Level E

  • Credit: Top 55% for Levels A–D, Top 60% for Level E

  • Proficiency: Passing score varies yearly; average ~32 points

2. Australian AMC Registration and Exam Dates

• Registration Deadline: September 16, 2025

• Exam Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

• Time Schedule:

  • Levels A & B: 10:00–11:00 (60 minutes)

  • Levels C, D & E: 14:00–15:15 (75 minutes)

3. How Valuable is the Australian AMC?

The value of AMC can be observed in several dimensions:

1. University Recognition: The Group of Eight (G8) universities in Australia explicitly consider AMC performance as a key academic reference. Leading institutions such as UNSW prioritize award winners in scholarship evaluation.

2. International Recognition: AMC results are acknowledged in countries like the USA, UK, Singapore, and other top schools worldwide.

3. Domestic School Admissions: Many international and elite high schools in China consider AMC scores as an important evaluation metric.

Unique Advantages Compared to Other Competitions:

• Unlike American AMC, which is primarily a selection competition, Australian AMC balances novelty and fun with logical thinking and practical problem-solving.

• Compared to Math Kangaroo, which leans toward lower-grade participants, Australian AMC has greater academic depth.

• Compared to Euclid Mathematics Contest, Australian AMC provides a reasonable difficulty gradient, making it a balanced benchmark for assessing math ability.

4. Difficulty Assessment: Australian AMC vs Other Competitions

1. Australian AMC vs AMC 8 (USA)

• Difficulty: Lower-grade Australian AMC is easier than AMC 8, but higher-grade AMC problems may involve complex logic, elementary algebra, and geometry, comparable to AMC 8.

• Question Types: Both are mainly multiple-choice; Australian AMC includes some fill-in-the-blank questions for senior levels, with stronger focus on real-world application and mathematical modeling.

• Content: AMC 8 is strictly middle school math; Australian AMC senior levels include more high school topics (e.g., combinatorics, basic number theory).

2. Australian AMC vs SASMO (Singapore)

• Difficulty: SASMO is close to Australian AMC for middle and high grades but emphasizes Olympiad-style techniques (number theory, combinatorics). Australian AMC emphasizes flexible application of fundamental knowledge.

• Question Types: Both have multiple-choice + fill-in-the-blank; SASMO sometimes uses reverse-thinking problems, while Australian AMC is more straightforward.

3. Australian AMC vs Math Kangaroo

• Difficulty: Math Kangaroo is generally easier, especially for Grades 1–6, focusing on fun problems. Australian AMC is more systematic, with clearer difficulty progression.

• Purpose: Math Kangaroo aims at cultivating interest, while Australian AMC is closer to traditional math competitions.

4. Australian AMC vs Chinese Math Olympiad (e.g., Hua Cup, Spring Cup)

• Difficulty: Chinese Olympiads are harder, especially finals requiring deep number theory, combinatorics, inequalities. Australian AMC senior questions are roughly beginner Olympiad level.

• Question Types: Chinese competitions are largely proofs; Australian AMC is multiple-choice / fill-in-the-blank, emphasizing speed and accuracy.

5. Australian AMC vs Euclid Mathematics Competition (Canada)

• Difficulty: Euclid is significantly harder for high school students, with comprehensive algebra, geometry, and number theory proof problems. Australian AMC is more basic.

• Purpose: Euclid serves as a benchmark for top Canadian universities (e.g., Waterloo), while Australian AMC is more widely accessible.

6. Australian AMC vs BMO (UK)

• Difficulty: BMO is a high-level competition for advanced students (IMO selection), far exceeding Australian AMC. It involves abstract algebra, combinatorics, and proof-based questions.

• Positioning: Australian AMC is an entry to intermediate-level competition, while BMO challenges professional Olympiad students.

Summary Difficulty Ladder: