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Maths / AMO

Australian Mathematical Olympiad Guide

The Australian Mathematical Olympiad is an elite invitation pathway for students who already have strong proof-based mathematical maturity.

SubjectMaths
YearsInvited students
DifficultyElite
Exam date25 February, 29 July, 1-2 September 2026
Entry pathwayInvitation pathway

What is this exam?

Australian Mathematical Olympiad

The Australian Mathematical Olympiad is an elite invitation pathway for students who already have strong proof-based mathematical maturity.

Use this page to turn exam information into a clear preparation decision for your child.

Exam date 25 February, 29 July, 1-2 September 2026
Registration Invitation pathway; school notification applies.
Year levels Invited students
Official institute Australian Maths Trust

Key date timeline

Now
Read the official guide

Check whether the exam is appropriate for the student.

Next
Download the free sheet

Use it as a parent-friendly preparation checklist.

Then
Choose one preparation focus

Foundation, advanced question types or mock exam readiness.

Content map

What do students need to know for the Australian Mathematical Olympiad?

Core focus

Olympiad proof and construction.Deep problem solving across number theory, geometry, algebra and combinatorics.Mathematical communication and persistence.

Preparation focus

Use AIMO and other proof-based work as stepping stones.Build a weekly proof-writing rhythm.Review solutions for structure, not just correctness.

Format and focus

Where to go next

The senior olympiad sits at the top of a long ladder. These are the rungs below it.

Advanced
AMC Y7-8 Advanced
Lessons
18 lessons
Learning time
25–35 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y7–8
Best for
  • Already scoring Credit or Distinction
  • Targeting HD and the hardest questions
By the end: Able to attack Questions 26–30, where Distinction becomes High Distinction.
A$299 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →
Olympiad
AIMO Preparation
Lessons
21 weeks
Learning time
60–80 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y9–12
Best for
  • Already at AMC Distinction or HD
  • Moving from competition maths into olympiad
By the end: Ready for AIMO-style proof and problem-solving, not just multiple choice.
A$499 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →
Practice
AMC Y7-8 Mock Exams
Lessons
6 mock papers
Learning time
8–12 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y7–8
Best for
  • Knows the content, loses marks to timing
  • Wants exam-day rehearsal
By the end: Used to full-length AMC timing, with a worked solution for every question.
A$149 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →

Which questions carry the marks in the AMO?

Focus 1 Olympiad proof and construction.
Maths
Focus 2 Deep problem solving across number theory, geometry, algebra and combinatorics.
Maths
Focus 3 Mathematical communication and persistence.
Maths

AceAchievers preparation pathway

How should students prepare for the Australian Mathematical Olympiad?

Preparation runs in three stages: build a solid foundation, then learn by topic and question type, then mock exam and targeted practice.

1

Build a solid foundation

Make sure the core school skills behind this competition are stable before moving into harder questions.

2

Learn by topic and question type

Practise the topic patterns and question types that appear most often in this competition.

3

Mock exam and targeted practice

Use timed mocks to find weak areas, then practise those exact topics deliberately.

Questions parents ask

FAQ

Is this suitable for my child?

Parent signal 1: Use AIMO and other proof-based work as stepping stones. Parent signal 2: Build a weekly proof-writing rhythm. Parent signal 3: Review solutions for structure, not just correctness.

Who should consider AMO?

The Australian Mathematical Olympiad is an elite invitation pathway for students who already have strong proof-based mathematical maturity.

Where should families verify final information?

Check the official Australian Maths Trust page and your school before registering.