Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SAIO competitions, eligibility, fees and how to get your learner to the international stage.
Everything you need to know about SAIO competitions, eligibility, fees and how to get your learner to the international stage.
About SAIO
What is SAIO?
The South African International Olympiad (SAIO) is an academic competition platform dedicated to connecting South African learners with international academic competitions — and to hosting world-class international events right here in South Africa.
SAIO is backed by SA Olympiads & FEMSSISA NPC — South Africa’s premier academic competition programme for learners in Grade 1 to Grade 12.
What is the relationship between SAIO and SA Olympiads?
SA Olympiads runs academic competitions for South African learners from Grade 1 to 12 across subjects including Mathematics, English, Natural Science, Afrikaans and more. It is the domestic competition programme in South Africa.
SAIO is the international arm — it takes the top performers from SA Olympiads and creates pathways for them to compete globally. Eligibility for most SAIO international events is earned through the SA Olympiads National Round.
Think of it this way: SA Olympiads is how you qualify; SAIO is where you go next.
What competitions does SAIO offer?
SAIO hosts the following international events in South Africa:
- SIMC 2027 — SA International Mathematics Competition, hosted in Johannesburg (August 2027)
- SAIO — English & Science 2028 — International English and Science Event, hosted in Cape Town/Durban
Additional international competitions hosted by our partner countries are also available to SA learners through SAIO. Contact us for more information.
Eligibility
How does a learner become eligible to compete at SAIO events?
For SAIO-hosted events like SIMC 2027, eligibility is earned through the SA Olympiads National Round. Learners must participate in SA Olympiads at their school, progress through the school and regional rounds, and achieve a qualifying score or placement at the National Round.
Once eligible, learners receive a registration code from their school’s SA Olympiads coordinator, which is required to complete SAIO registration.
What grade levels are eligible for SIMC 2027?
SIMC 2027 is open from Level 3 (Grade 3) and above. This is a Mathematics-only competition.
Note: Level 2 (Grade 2) learners are not eligible for SIMC 2027. Level 2 is open to partner countries for some events — check with the SAIO team for clarification.
My child isn't yet in SA Olympiads. Can they still participate in SAIO?
For SIMC 2027 and most SAIO-hosted events, SA Olympiads eligibility is required. Some international competitions hosted by our partner countries are open to SA learners regardless of prior olympiad participation — these can be entered directly through the International Competitions registration form.
If your child is not yet in SA Olympiads, we strongly encourage you to speak to their school about entering the programme. Visit saolympiads.co.za for more information.
SIMC 2027
What is SIMC 2027?
The SAIO International Mathematics Competition (SIMC) 2027 is SAIO’s flagship international event. It will be held in Johannesburg in August 2027, bringing together top Mathematics students from South Africa and partner countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Mexico and the GLOW network.
The competition covers Mathematics only, from Level 3 (Grade 3) and above. Eligibility for South African learners is earned through the SA Olympiads National Round.
When and where exactly is SIMC 2027?
SIMC 2027 will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa during August 2027. The specific venue and exact dates will be announced to registered participants. Follow SAIO’s communications for venue updates.
What subjects are covered in SIMC 2027?
SIMC 2027 is a Mathematics-only competition. It is not a multi-subject event. SAIO’s 2028 event will include English and Science.
Are there mock exams or preparation resources available?
Yes. SAIO will make past papers and mock exams available through the website’s Past Papers (Coming Soon) and Mock Exams sections. Registered participants will also receive preparation guidance closer to the event date.
Registration & Fees
How do I register a South African learner for SIMC 2027?
Follow these steps:
- Confirm your learner has participated in SA Olympiads and achieved eligibility at the National Round
- Obtain a registration code from your school’s SA Olympiads coordinator
- Complete the SA Learner registration form on the Registrations page
- Pay the R3,000 deposit via the secure payment gateway after submitting the form
What is the R3,000 deposit for? What are the total fees?
The R3,000 is a non-refundable deposit to secure your learner’s place at SIMC 2027. It confirms your registration and guarantees entry to the competition.
The full competition fee — covering entry, event materials and related costs — will be communicated to registered participants. Travel, accommodation and meals are the responsibility of the participant unless otherwise stated.
For detailed fee breakdowns, email info@saolympiadsinternational.co.za.
I don't have a registration code. What should I do?
Registration codes are issued by your school’s SA Olympiads coordinator to learners who have achieved eligibility through the National Round. First contact your school’s olympiad coordinator.
If you believe your learner is eligible but your school has not received a code, contact us directly at info@saolympiadsinternational.co.za and we will assist.
Can a parent register directly, or does it have to go through the school?
Parents can complete the registration form directly. However, a valid registration code (issued by the school’s SA Olympiads coordinator) is required to complete and pay for the SA Learner registration. We recommend coordinating with the school’s olympiad teacher throughout the process.
For Schools & Partners
What does it mean to be a SAIO Member School?
SAIO Member Schools are recognised partner institutions that receive:
- Priority communications about competition dates, registration windows and deadlines
- A dedicated SAIO contact for coordinator queries
- Recognition on the SAIO website as an official partner school
- Support for coordinating bulk learner registrations
Member school registration is free and open to any South African school currently participating in the SA Olympiads programme.
How do I issue registration codes to eligible learners?
Registration codes are distributed to school coordinators for learners who qualified at the SA Olympiads National Round. If you are a school coordinator and have not received codes for your qualifying learners, contact the SAIO team at info@saolympiadsinternational.co.za.
International Partners
What countries are currently SAIO partner countries?
Current SAIO partner countries and networks include Vietnam, the Philippines, Mexico, and the GLOW international education network. We are actively expanding our partner base ahead of SIMC 2027.
How can a country or organisation become an SAIO partner?
International education organisations, national olympiad bodies and school groups can register as Partner Countries through the Registrations page. After submitting the form, a SAIO coordinator will be in touch within 3–5 business days to discuss logistics, fees and delegation numbers.
What are the fees for partner country delegations?
Partner country fees are tailored based on delegation size, country of origin and the levels being entered. Fees are discussed directly with partner coordinators after registration. Submit the Partner Country registration form and our team will follow up promptly.
Didn't find your question?
Email info@saolympiadsinternational.co.za — we’ll reply within 2 business days.