You enter the IMO through a national selection programme. Start with the country where you study or may be eligible to represent, then confirm its rules with the organiser. This website does not accept competition applications.
If your country is missing or has only a reference
- Search the country directory using your country name, common local name or three-letter IMO code. Clear any region filter first.
- Open the official IMO country directory. A listed national website is usually the next place to look. A profile may also identify a designated national contact.
- If neither is provided, ask your school, national mathematical society or education authority which body runs IMO selection. Use the IMO’s official contact page to ask how to identify the national representative when other official routes fail.
- Ask for a dated first-entry notice, not simply a team photograph or a past result. A country’s absence from this guide does not establish that you are ineligible.
If your school does not take part
Explain this to the national organiser before paying or making travel plans. Ask whether individual entry, another approved school, an open writing centre or a regional coordinator can help. These options depend on the country: none is a universal right. Give your school year and location; ask which documents are needed before sending any identity documents.
If you live or study across borders
Give the organiser the countries where you study and reside, your nationality or nationalities, your date of birth and whether you have begun university-level education. Ask separately about entering the first contest and representing the country. School grades and age cut-offs differ worldwide. Read the eligibility guide before requesting a ruling.
A short enquiry you can adapt
I would like to enter the next national Mathematics Olympiad selection cycle. I study in [school year and country] and live in [country/region]. My school [does/does not] enter the competition. Which first-stage contest should I enter, and who submits the application?
Please send the current official notice and confirm the deadline, time zone, fee, eligibility rules, examination language and approved venue. Is there an individual or alternative-centre route if my school cannot register me?
Send this through an official organiser contact. Do not post personal eligibility details publicly. Keep the reply and check whether its instructions refer to the cycle you intend to enter.
Do I need to work in English?
English is not a universal entry requirement. National rounds set their own examination languages. At the IMO, papers are supplied through the delegation’s language requests under the regulations, and contestants may write solutions in their own language. Ask your national team leader about the arrangements. IMO regulations, sections 5.2–5.3.
Start here in your language
These short introductions explain the first step. Detailed guides and lessons on this site are currently in English; the summaries below do not translate national eligibility regulations. Always read the organiser’s original notice.
Español
Para participar en la Olimpiada Internacional de Matemáticas (IMO), primero debes seguir el proceso de selección de tu país. Busca tu país en el directorio y consulta el aviso oficial de la primera ronda. Pregunta quién debe inscribirte, cuál es la fecha límite, cuánto cuesta y qué requisitos debes cumplir. Si tu escuela no participa, pregunta al organizador si existe otra vía autorizada. No se admite una inscripción individual directa a la IMO.
Français
Pour participer aux Olympiades internationales de mathématiques (IMO), il faut suivre la sélection nationale. Cherchez votre pays dans le répertoire, puis consultez l’annonce officielle du premier tour. Demandez qui doit vous inscrire, la date limite, les frais et les conditions de participation. Si votre établissement ne participe pas, demandez à l’organisateur s’il existe une autre procédure autorisée. Il n’y a pas d’inscription individuelle directe à l’IMO.
Português
Para participar da Olimpíada Internacional de Matemática (IMO), é preciso passar pela seleção do seu país. Procure seu país no diretório e leia o comunicado oficial da primeira etapa. Confirme quem faz a inscrição, o prazo, a taxa e os requisitos. Se sua escola não participa, pergunte ao organizador se existe outra forma autorizada de inscrição. Não há inscrição individual direta para a IMO.
العربية
للمشاركة في الأولمبياد الدولي للرياضيات، يجب أولاً اجتياز مسار الاختيار الوطني. ابحث عن بلدك في الدليل، ثم اقرأ الإعلان الرسمي للمرحلة الأولى. اسأل الجهة المنظمة عمّن يقدّم طلب التسجيل، وعن الموعد النهائي والرسوم وشروط الأهلية ولغة الامتحان. إذا كانت مدرستك لا تشارك، فاسأل عن وجود طريقة بديلة معتمدة للتسجيل. لا يوجد تسجيل فردي مباشر في الأولمبياد الدولي.