Students, parents and schools interested in participating in the 2027 International STEM Olympiad will be able to begin registration after August 15, 2026, when organisers open the application portal for the next edition of the global competition.
The 2027 Grand Final has already been scheduled to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, following the successful conclusion of the 2026 edition in Rome, Italy.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
The competition is open to students in Grades 1 to 12, regardless of nationality. Applicants must register according to their current grade level rather than their age.
Step 2: Decide your competition category
Students can register for one or more of the following categories:
– Mathematics (Grades 1–12)
– Science (Grades 1–12)
– Technology and Engineering (Grades 6–11)
The organisers noted that the Coding Olympiad is now a separate competition.
Step 3: Wait for registration to open
Applications will begin after August 15, 2026, through the official International STEM Olympiad student portal.
Step 4: Create a student account
Once the portal opens, create an account using the required personal information before beginning your application.
Step 5: Complete your registration
Fill in the registration form by:
– Selecting your current grade.
– Choosing your preferred competition category or categories.
– Providing the required personal details.
Step 6: Pay the registration fee
Each category attracts a separate registration fee during the Qualification Round.
Students entering multiple categories must pay for each category separately.
The organisers stated that registration payments are non-refundable.
Step 7: Select your examination date
After registration, choose an available examination date from the options provided by the organisers or your school.
Step 8: Prepare for the online examination
The Qualification Round is conducted online.
Each examination lasts 60 minutes and contains 25 questions.
Participants should revise according to their chosen category and become familiar with the online examination platform before the test date.
Step 9: Ensure your examination setup meets the requirements
Before the examination:
– Use a device with a working camera.
– Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
– Prepare a quiet environment for the test.
For the Best of the Best Global Round, candidates must use two active cameras.
Step 10: Follow the examination rules
During the examination, candidates are not allowed to use:
– Calculators
– Books
– Printed materials
– Dictionaries
– Artificial intelligence tools
– Additional browser tabs
The organisers warned that all examination sessions are monitored and recorded. Candidates found cheating or using unauthorised materials risk immediate disqualification and cancellation of their results.
Step 11: Qualify for the next stages
Students who achieve the required score in the Qualification Round automatically advance to the Final Round, which is free of charge.
Top-performing students in the Mathematics and Science categories (Grades 6–11) may also qualify for the Best of the Best Global Round.
Successful finalists will earn the opportunity to compete at the 2027 International STEM Olympiad Grand Final in Lisbon, Portugal.
Step 12: Receive awards and recognition
All participants receive digital certificates based on their performance.
Top performers in the Final Round receive physical gold medals, Certificates of Achievement and Grand Final participation discounts of:
– 75% for first place
– 50% for second place
– 25% for third place
The organisers said detailed registration guidelines, examination schedules and portal access will be released when applications officially open after August 15, 2026
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.