Applications are currently open for the International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) 2026, an international mathematics competition for high school and university students from around the world. Participants have the opportunity to test their mathematical skills, gain international recognition and compete for cash prizes.
The competition begins with a free online Qualification Round consisting of five mathematics problems. Successful participants can progress to the Pre-Final and Final rounds, where top performers compete for cash awards, certificates and international honours.
SUMMARY
- Competition: International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) 2026
- Program Type: International Mathematics Competition
- Participation: Online
- Eligible Applicants: High School & University Students
- Nationality: All Countries
- Age Limit: Up to 26 Years
- Prize Pool: US$1,400
- Qualification Round: Free
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International Youth Math Challenge 2026 | Program Overview
The International Youth Math Challenge is a global online mathematics competition designed for high school and university students to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving abilities. The competition takes place across three stages: the Qualification Round, Pre-Final Round and Final Round.
For 2026, participants will compete for US$1,400 in cash awards, alongside Gold, Silver and Bronze Honours, National Awards and official certificates. Students participate in Junior, Youth and Senior categories, allowing them to compete with participants at a comparable age or educational level.
How the Competition Works
The International Youth Math Challenge consists of three rounds:
- Qualification Round: Participants solve five mathematics problems and submit their solutions online before the deadline.
- Pre-Final Round: Successful participants advance to a more challenging online examination. A participation fee applies at this stage, with financial assistance available in certain circumstances.
- Final Round: The highest-performing participants proceed to an online supervised final examination, where winners and international award recipients are determined.
To qualify from the first round, participants need at least:
- 15 points: Junior
- 17 points: Youth
- 20 points: Senior
Eligibility Criteria
Students interested in participating in the IYMC 2026 should:
- Be a current high school or university student.
- Be 26 years old or younger.
- Be interested in mathematics and problem-solving.
- Have internet access to participate and submit solutions online.
- Submit their own solutions to the Qualification Round problems.
- Meet the requirements for their respective competition category.
Students from all countries worldwide are eligible to participate.
The competition categories are:
- Junior: Grade 10 or below and under 16 years.
- Youth: Grades 11–13 and under 19 years.
- Senior: University students or participants aged 19 and above.
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Program Benefits
IYMC 2026 provides participants with cash prizes and opportunities for international recognition. Benefits include:
- A total of US$1,400 in cash awards for outstanding participants.
- Official participation certificates.
- Gold, Silver and Bronze Honours for top-performing finalists.
- National Awards recognising outstanding participants from individual countries.
- International recognition for mathematical achievement.
- Special recognition opportunities for participating schools and teachers.
Participants in the Qualification Round can receive an official certificate, while students who advance through the competition have opportunities to earn additional honours and awards.
How to Apply
Interested students should complete the application online through the official IYMC platform as follows:
- Visit the official International Youth Math Challenge website.
- Access the IYMC 2026 Qualification Round problems.
- Solve the five mathematics problems independently.
- Prepare clear handwritten or digitally typed solutions.
- Submit your solutions through the official online submission system.
- Wait for the Qualification Round results and further instructions if you qualify for the Pre-Final Round.
No school nomination or institutional affiliation is required to participate in the initial Qualification Round.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Completed solutions to the five Qualification Round problems.
- Basic personal information.
- School or university information.
- A valid email address and contact information.
- Any additional information requested through the online submission form.
The Qualification Round is free to enter. Applicants who progress to later stages should check the official IYMC instructions for the applicable participation fee and available financial assistance.
Application Deadline: September 27, 2026 (23:59 UTC+0).
