The Junior Science Olympiad Exam covers science topics including biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.

Previously all students in Years 7 to 10 sat the same the Junior Science Olympiad Exam (JSOE) and were in competition for the one set of awards. From 2024, we will introduce two exam levels – the JSOE Years 7 & 8 and the JSOE Years 9 & 10!

Students will continue to be eligible for selection into the JSO Training Squad, JSO Academy and JSO Spring School.

This format makes the exam more accessible for younger students and results will more accurately reflect students ability against the relevant cohort.

You can also get insight into the content from our collection of JSO Past Exam Papers, available for free.

We accept Australian high school students in Years 7 to 10.

Your school will require a member of staff to supervise the students during the two hours of the competition.

All students sitting the same exam must do so at the same time, under normal exam conditions and supervision.

Further details about what IT/ Technology your school will require can be found here in the JSO Exam Administration Guide, “Before Exam Day – School IT” – page 5.

Note: The 2024 JSO Exam Administration Guide will be available when registrations open for the 2024 JSO Exam.

We encourage all students to take advantage of our collection of past papers available for free here.

Please note:

• As the Junior Science Olympiad program began in 2020, we have fewer past papers available.
• In 2024, papers are only available in the Years 7 to 10 format.

Not at this stage. The Junior Science Olympiad Exams are open to students enrolled in an Australian school or accredited home school.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept Australian citizens who attend a school overseas, or registrations from international schools. We encourage international schools to explore Olympiad opportunities within their own home country.

You may like to consider if the Big Science Competition, our international online science competition, is suitable to your international school.

No, we only accept registrations via schools, registered homeschools and distance education facilities. This is to maintain the integrity of the competition.

We cannot accept registrations from tutoring centers.

We encourage all students to discuss options to sit the competition with their teacher. Students need a quiet space with a computer where they can sit the test under general supervision.

Stay tuned! Posters for 2024 will be available when registrations are open.

Students receive a certificate indicating their performance.

We will contact you by email when the report and certificates are available to download via the ASI Teacher Portal.

Further opportunities may be extended to high achieving students after the JSO Exam. We will contact successful students directly via phone and email, to offer them a place in other JSO programs.

You can find information about the JSO Spring School, JSO Training Squad and JSO Academy, plus International Junior Science Olympiad Team further down this webpage.

Entry into the JSO Spring School program is by invitation only, offered to selected students. You must first sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exams and receive an exemplary result. However, a certain mark or level of result is not a guarantee that an invitation will be extended.

Please note, a student who scores around 40% in one or more past papers is in a good position to achieve a good result in a JSO exam.

A passable mark is not set for the exams as this varies based on the year and the exam.

We encourage students to try their best and prepare for the exams by studying using the Australian Science Olympiads Online and Past Exam Papers.

You can find more information in our Competition and Exam Support webpage.

The Australian Science Innovations (ASI) office will be open from 7 am to 5 pm AEST, Monday to Friday during the exam period.

Please contact us on 02 6125 6228, or email us on asi@asi.edu.au

In late September/early October, 24 students travel to Canberra for over ten days of intense science programs at the Australian National University.

Students will be exposed to science like never before and will be challenged to learn, adapt and extend themselves in hands-on practicals, challenging theory examinations and in-the-field research. It is an opportunity to use world-class science facilities and meet world-renowned experts in their fields.

This is a highly structured and intensive residential school. The students are fortunate to be guided by program directors and deputy directors, dedicated to sharing their skills, knowledge, and experience. They are mentored and supported by caring program staff. A team of support staff are available to ensure their experience is safe, fulfilling and enjoyable.

Being selected to attend JSO Spring School is not only a great opportunity to delve further into science, but the students undertake examinations and testing whilst here to be selected to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads.

Learning on-campus at the Australian National University is an amazing experience and a great opportunity to check out world-class labs and facilities. A highlight is meeting other like-minded individuals who share a passion for science.

JSO Spring School is a life-changing experience, available for selected high achieving students chosen after sitting the JSO Exams.

To be eligible to accept the Junior Science Olympiad Spring School invitation, students must:

• Have sat the Junior Science Olympiad Exam
• Hold current Australian citizenship at the time a Spring School offer is made
• Reside in Australia
• Students must be under 16 years old as at 31 December of the year the Spring School is attended.

Entry into the JSO Spring School program is by invitation only. Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.

Whilst you cannot apply directly to attend JSO Spring School, you can contact your science teacher or school admin about participating in the JSO Exam at your school.

In 2024, the cost will be $2,500, which covers all travel, meals, accommodation, tutoring and equipment. Financial assistance is available where students can show financial need.

Alumni are former ASI students who have attended an ASO Summer School, JSO Spring School or have represented Australia at the International Science Olympiad or International Junior Science Olympiad. They proudly advocate and network on our behalf, volunteer and work as program staff, and tell their stories. Find out more about our Alumni Program here.

If you are an Alumni from the above ASI programs or teams, who would like to register for our Alumni program, or update your details, please email alumni@asi.edu.au

International Junior Science Olympiad: December – Romania

Please note that travel plans for Australian teams are to be determined. We prioritise student and staff safety and will only travel to locations DFAT advise to be safe and, as part of the planning process, we monitor the advice issued by them for all locations. While usually minimal, there is always a risk that things may change and we cannot travel. However, we continue with normal training and select a team. In the very worst case of not being able to travel, we will look to find an alternate option.

To be eligible to be selected for the team representing Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads, students must:

• Have qualified through the JSO Exam
• Be an Australian Citizen travelling on an Australian Passport
• Not have commenced University
• Be under the age of 16, as at 31 December of that year

Attendance at the International Junior Science Olympiads is by selection only. Successful students will be contacted via phone and email.

Whilst you cannot apply directly to the IJSO Australian Team, you can contact your science teacher or school admin about participating in the JSO Exam at your school.

In 2024, the cost will be $3,000 per student to attend an international event. Financial assistance is available where students can show financial need.

Alumni are former ASI students who have attended an ASO Summer School, JSO Spring School or have represented Australia at the International Science Olympiad or International Junior Science Olympiad. They proudly advocate and network on our behalf, volunteer and work as program staff, and tell their stories. Find out more about our Alumni Program here.

If you are an Alumni from the above ASI programs or teams, who would like to register for our Alumni program, or update your details, please email alumni@asi.edu.au

The Australian Curriculum up to Year 10, with some extension. Squad materials can often be matched with the topics students are covering at school.

Australian students who show promise in the Junior Science Olympiad exam and/or the Big Science Competition.
Students in Years 7 or 8 and from regional, remote, and low socioeconomic schools, or from an Australian indigenous background.

Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.

In general, students take part in the Training Squad in their own time, working through as much or as little of the materials as they like at their own pace and reaching out to the Junior Science Olympiad staff as needed. However, the student/s may also approach you to discuss how they might integrate their work in the Training Squad with their schoolwork.

Students should prepare an achievable self-study timetable. We also recommend connecting with a school teacher with whom you can check-in from time to time.

The Junior Science Olympiad Training Squad is only open to students enrolled in an Australian school or accredited home school.

Test new skills by sitting the next Junior Science Olympiad Exam – it is free for all Training Squad members. Email asi@asi.edu.au to receive the Promo Code.

Training Squad students need to sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exam if they wish to be considered for the JSO Spring School.

You can find further information in the 2024 JSOA Syllabus Summary PDF.

Students who performed well in the Junior Science Olympiad and who will still be under the age of 16, as at 31 December in the same year they attended Academy.

To assist our commitment to supporting a diverse range of students, places are limited to two per school.

Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.

Students take part in the Academy in their own time, with direct and regular contact with Junior Science Olympiad staff. However, the student/s may also approach you to discuss their progress.

Students should plan to attend all online lessons and prepare an achievable homework timetable. We also recommend connecting with a school teacher with whom you can check-in from time to time.

The Junior Science Olympiad Training Academy is only open to students enrolled in an Australian school or accredited home school.

Test new skills by sitting the next Junior Science Olympiad Exam – it is free for all Academy members. Email asi@asi.edu.au to receive the Promo Code.

Academy students need to sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exam if they wish to be considered for the JSO Spring School.