Australian Science Olympiad Summer School

The Australian Science Olympiads Summer School is an enrichment program for secondary school students who are invited to attend based on their performance in the Australian Science Olympiad Exams.

The program is held at the Australian National University in Canberra, and provides opportunities for talented students to work with others who are passionate about science.

The work schedule is intense and covers the equivalent of first-year university studies in biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science and physics. It’s a great head start to further studies and careers in science.

High-achieving students at the Summer School, and those who perform well in final selection exams, earn a spot on the Australian Science Olympiads team and go on to compete at the International Science Olympiads – the Olympic Games for science students.

How to participate
Students invited to attend the Australian Science Olympiads Summer School first must sit one or more of the Australian Science Olympiad Exams and meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility
Students must be Australian citizens at the time they are offered a place to attend the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School.

Students must be 15 years or above at 1 January* in the same year of the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School; and students must not yet have completed year 12 at the time of attendance at the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School.

*students selected for the Junior Science Olympiads enrichment program must be 15 years or younger as of 31 December of that year.

What others have said about the Summer School
“The Olympiad program literally changed the course of our son’s life. Until then he cruised through school without a great deal of motivation or desire to push the limits. Fortunately, his teachers at high school insisted that he sit the Olympiad exam. Brilliant kids need programs like the Olympiads to extend and challenge their minds, to let them see the possibilities out there. Connecting with teachers and like-minded students at the summer school helped our son discover himself.”

– Parent of Australian Science Olympiads summer school participant

“Never have I been this extended in my school studies. It’s been very rewarding. It was all quite challenging. The best things were the people and the friendships I made.”

– Australian Science Olympiads summer school participant

“[It] was definitely the best thing I have ever done and I feel honoured to have met some of the most amazing people I will ever meet, so thank you so much for the opportunity.”

– Australian Science Olympiads summer school participant