Deadline:
September 27, 2026
Location(s)
Online
Overview
IYMC 2026 is a global mathematics competition based in Germany, intending to engage young minds with math through engaging, high-quality challenges.
The competition is open to middle school, high school and university students worldwide and consists of three accessible online rounds. The deadline to participate in the Qualification Round is 27 September 2026.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn recognition through awards, certificates, and over 1,500 USD in prizes. Every student who takes part receives a certificate of participation, while top performers may achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold Honours.
Details
Overview
- 45,000+ Participants
Since 2018, thousands of students from around the world participated, forming a global network. - 2,100+ Teachers
Numerous teachers are registered and encourage students to get engaged with mathematics. - 140 Countries
IYMC is an international opportunity with participants from around the world.
The International Youth Math Challenge is an educational mathematics competition.
1. Qualification Round (September): The Qualification Round consists of five problems. To qualify for the Pre-Final Round, you need to solve at least three to four problems. Please submit your solution online by 27 September 2026. All participants receive certificates.
2. Pre-Final Round (November): This round is a 60 minute exam with five problems, which include reading a real-world research paper as preparation. The registration costs are 15 EUR to make the edition possible.
Financial aid is available to assist socio-economically disadvantaged participants.
3. Final Round (December): The Finalists take an online supervised exam with multiple short-form questions. The winners receive certificates and prizes worth over 1400 USD.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who can participate?
Current high school and university students from all grades and countries are eligible to participate.
Depending on your age group, you will have to solve more problems to qualify for the next round. To solve the problems, you should be open-minded and creative.
As some problems may require you to read real-world research material, fluency in English is beneficial. You should have a working internet connection to submit your solution online.
For Teachers and Schools
Teachers, schools, and parents are invited to share IYMC as an extracurricular learning opportunity for students with an interest in mathematics. We provide learning materials, flyers and posters, and our team supports you with any issue. There are also awards for teachers and schools.
Dates
Deadline: September 27, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Why participate?
Participants receive certificates, awards, cash prizes, recognition, and an international network.
Participating allows you to apply your math skills to interesting problems, and to learn about topics beyond the school curriculum. All participants receive participation certificates. The top performers receive the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes with cash prizes worth 1400 USD. There are also national awards for the best participants from each country.
Global Network
Successful participation allows you to join the IYMC network: You will get the rare chance to connect and exchange with outstanding and inspiring students worldwide.
Become Ambassador
Talented students can apply to become official IYMC ambassadors: They inspire other students to engage with mathematics, establish an active local community and initiate events.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
