From the classroom to the world stage!
The Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) is a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated senior students in Australian high schools. The program covers four separate disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics.
The program allows schools to test student abilities against the national cohort; provides opportunities for teachers to challenge and extend their very best students; and allows students to build their skills, experience, knowledge and connections.
The program consists of three stages:
- Competing in one or more Australian Science Olympiad Exam; offered in biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.
- Being invited to attend the Australian Science Olympiad Summer School in one of the four disciplines.
- Being selected to represent Australia at an International Science Olympiad.
While only a select few will go on to make the international teams, participation in the ASO Exam and Summer School is a prestigious and valuable experience for schools and students alike.
Australian Science Innovations have been coordinating the selection and support of the Australian teams for over thirty-five years, with staff who go above and beyond for the program. Our dedicated participants are supported during every step of this exhilarating journey. We are proud of the quality of the program and the results achieved.
Take a look at our other great programs, the Junior Science Olympiad program for Year 7 to 10 students, or the Big Science Competition.
Important Updates for 2025 – more information here
Registrations for the 2025 ASO Exams are open. Registrations close Wednesday 2 July 2025 5pm AEST. Find out how to register.
On this page, find information about:
Australian Science Olympiad Exams
The Australian Science Olympiad Exams are challenging but rewarding online exams held once a year in the following disciplines:
- Physics – Monday 4 August 2025 (pen-and-paper format)
- Biology – Tuesday 5 August 2025
- Earth and Environmental Science – Wednesday 6 August 2025
- Chemistry – Thursday 7 August 2025
Students may sit the exam for one or more disciplines. Exams are two-hours long.
The cost is $16.50 (including GST) per student, per exam.
All students sitting the same exam must do so at the same time, under normal exam conditions and supervision.
All students who wish to be considered for ASO Summer School and selection on the team representing Australia at the International Science Olympiads in the following year must sit our ASO Exam.
Registrations for the 2025 ASO Exams are open.
Registrations close Wednesday 2 July 2025 5pm AEST. Find out how to register.
Important Updates for 2025
Based on valuable feedback from both teachers and students, we have decided to revert the Physics Olympiad paper to a pen-and-paper format this year. This change comes in response to requests for a more traditional assessment experience that better supports students’ problem-solving and working styles. Teachers will receive the paper exams by registered mail ahead of the Physics exam.
The ASO Biology, Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science Exams will continue to be conducted on devices, with enhanced security and integrity ensured through the use of LockDown Browser. This added measure is also being utilised for the 2025 JSO Exam.
- The LockDown Browser must be installed on all student devices prior to exam day.
- Installation guides will be emailed to registered teachers and will be available in the ASI Teacher Portal.
For further details, please read the 2025 ASO Exam Key Information. Administration and installation guides will be emailed to registered teachers, and available in the ASI Teacher Portal. Please contact our team on asi@asi.edu.au if you have any queries.
ASO Exams FAQs
Registrations for the 2025 ASO Exams are open!
Interested but not ready to register? Subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list!
It starts with the ASO Exam....
In 2020, Olivia sat the ASO Exam from her school, Darwin High School in the Northern Territory. Olivia’s dedication, exceptional abilities and outstanding performance in subsequent qualifying exams earned her a spot on the team to represent Australia at the 2021 IESO.
Australian Science Olympiads Summer School
Following the completion of the exams, high achieving students may be selected and offered a place at our residential camp, ASO Summer School, held at the Australian National University in January. This part of the program is by invitation-only.
Each year, we invite twenty-four of the top performing eligible students from each of the Australian Science Olympiad Exams (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics) to the Australian National University for two-weeks of accelerated hands-on learning. Students are selected to participate in one discipline only.
ASO Summer School is a chance for students to further extend themselves in their discipline, connect with subject experts, and develop new friendships with like-minded students from across the country.
The students grow so much as individuals, but also take their new-found confidence, leadership and team-building skills and expanded science-repertoire back to the benefit of their schools and peers.
All 96 students who attend the ASO Summer School are deemed to have the potential, and may be selected, to represent Australia at the International Science Olympiads.
The ASO Summer School has been a staple of the Australian Science Olympiads experience for over thirty years!
Lily's Summer of Chemistry
“At Summer School, our tutors’ passion was clear and shone through in their dedication to every student. Being in an environment where curiosity was encouraged definitely confirmed for a number of us that STEM is the right pathway for us.”
International Science Olympiads
A chance to represent Australia at the International Science Olympiads!
Following the intense learning sessions and further exams at the ASO Summer School, the teams are selected to represent Australia at one of the International Science Olympiads. Four students are selected in Biology, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Science. Five are selected in Physics.
Olympiad medal wins provide recognition for the Australian schools and teachers leading the way in shaping our scientists of the future.
Making an Australian Science Olympiad Team involves:
- A further residential training program – in April for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and in July for Earth and Environmental Science.
- For physics only, eight students are selected to attend the Asian Physics Olympiad in May.
- An official Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at Parliament House in June – affectionately known as the Blazer Ceremony, students receive their team uniform with the official Australian Coat of Arms. Immediate family, teachers and principals are invited to attend.
- Travel to the host country in July or August to compete on an international stage, and to engage in exciting cultural activities.
This competition encourages students to develop their talents and provides an environment for students to connect with people from unique backgrounds from across the world and experience different cultures. They have worked so hard to be selected and to prepare for the international competition, their achievements thus far are inspiring. The many medals and awards that our teams have won are well deserved, as you can see on our Honour Roll!
International Science Olympiads Australian Team FAQS
Elizabeth's new perspective
After outperforming other students through tough rounds of selection, Liz competed at the 2000 International Chemistry Olympiad in Copenhagen, Denmark. This experience opened her eyes up to how much bigger science is than what you learn at high school.
Try Past Exam Papers with Answers!
Are you thinking about sitting the Australian Science Olympiad Exams this year? Check out the past ASO Exam Papers with Answers. Such a great tool to help your students!
Study with Olympiads Online
Australian Science Olympiads Online will help you get in shape for the Australian Science Olympiad Exams – the first step to becoming a Science Olympian.
Exam Support for Teachers & Facilitators
The Competition and Exam Support page supports teachers and facilitators to administer our exams with helpful troubleshooting options and support documents.