International Youth Math Challenge 2026

Deadline: 27 September 2026

Open to: students worldwide

Prize: cash Prizes

Description

Pursue your passion for mathematics with the International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC), an international mathematics competition for high school and university students. As an accessible, research-inspired, and globally connected program, the IYMC encourages participants to explore mathematics beyond the standard curriculum through creative and challenging problem-solving.

The competition consists of three rounds, where participants tackle problems ranging from mathematical puzzles to advanced proof-based and applied questions. Outstanding participants are recognized with international awards, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prizes, as well as Gold, Silver, and Bronze Honours, national awards, and official certificates for all participants.

With only a pen, paper, and internet access required, students from anywhere in the world can take part. The IYMC provides an opportunity to discover fascinating areas of mathematics, develop analytical and creative thinking skills, and join a global community of talented students, educators, mentors, and alumni.

Eligibility

Open to all high school and university students worldwide.

Participants are grouped into three age categories

Junior: Grade 10 or below (under 16)

Youth: Grades 11–13 (16–18/19)

Senior: University level (19+)

Students in all age groups solve the same problems, but qualification thresholds differ.

Requires only basic equipment (paper, pen, internet access).

Solutions may be submitted in any supported language on the ICSC website (e.g., English, German, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, etc.).

Benefits

International Recognition: All participants receive official digital certificates, with finalists and top performers earning special distinctions.

Cash Prizes (Total: 1,500+ USD): Top finishers in each age category receive: 1st Prize Senior: 250 USD, 2nd Prize Senior: 175 USD, 3rd Prize Senior: 125 USD, 1st Prize Youth: 200 USD, 2nd Prize Youth: 150 USD, 3rd Prize Youth: 100 USD, 1st Prize Junior: 175 USD, 2nd Prize Junior: 125 USD, 3rd Prize Junior: 100 USD.

National Awards: The top three participants from each country who achieve at least 50% in the Final Round receive national honorary certificates.

Honours System: High-scoring finalists receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze Honours based on performance.

Special Awards: Additional awards recognise outstanding teachers, schools, and ambassadors for their contributions to the competition.

Career & Academic Support: Access to an international alumni network, scholarship information, regional meetups, and opportunities curated by the ICSC team.

Skill Development: Participants strengthen logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and computational problem-solving across conceptual and programming challenges.

Process

• Qualification Round

Five math problems of varying difficulty and topics

Completed at your own pace; collaboration is permitted

Submission deadline: 27 September 2026

• Pre-Final Round

Supervised 60-minute online exam with three problems of increasing difficulty

A research paper is released during the preparation phase ahead of the exam

• Final Round

Digitally monitored exam with questions covering the material from previous rounds and beyond.

Conducted on a single global exam day

Final rankings and prizes determined by performance in this round

How to apply?

For more information please visit us the official website.