Welcome to the SA Artificial Intelligence Olympiad website
PLAY. LEARN. RISE.
inaugural artificial intelligence olympiad in SA
AI is shaping the future—and you have the chance to be part of it.
We recognize that artificial intelligence isn’t covered in South African high school curriculums, so this programme gives you the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in AI, then provides pathways to build on that foundation and compete in international AI olympiads and competitions, opening doors to opportunities and showcasing your talent on a global stage.
This isn’t just another initiative. It’s a chance to gain real-world skills in one of the most exciting and in-demand fields today. AI is changing industries, careers, and the world—why not start your journey here?
WHO IS IT FOR?
This olympiad is designed specifically for high school learners with no prior artificial intelligence or computer science knowledge, providing an accessible and engaging introduction to AI.
From building foundational knowledge to programming, we empower students to explore artificial intelligence, develop problem-solving skills and use technology to create solutions for real-world challenges.
What you'll be doing
You will be answering application-based questions and solving logic, analytical and pattern recognition problems and will be presented with programming tasks and advanced AI concepts and applications in the latter rounds.
Timelines 2025
BASIC Cycle: Rounds 1& 2 | 3rd March -7th April
PREPARATORY Cycle: Round 3 | 14th -30th April
TEAM PREP Stage: June and July
Contestants will be selected to participate in international competitions or to pursue the olympiad fundamentals and intermediate training programmes from July to September.
How to Participate
Teachers
High School Learners
High School Learners
Promote participation in the SAAIO
Support students by providing access to school computers and allocating time for the online competition rounds to be completed, thus helping them take full advantage of this exciting opportunity.
Subscribe to stay informed and let's put your school on the map.
High School Learners
High School Learners
High School Learners
Whether you're completely new to AI or have some background in coding, engineering, or tech-related subjects, this program meets you where you are.
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in AI concepts and then progress to more advanced concepts and applications.
Register and complete the tasks in your own time. Round 1 will take about 1-3 hours to complete.
Enablers
High School Learners
Enablers
By becoming a sponsor or partner, you can help SAAIO unlock opportunities for talented students, ensuring they have the resources to excel. Your support can provide access to training, mentorship, and competition preparation.
Community training centres play a vital role by offering access to computers for the online rounds, ensuring that every participant has a fair chance to compete and succeed.
Benefits of Participation
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
AI is one of the most rapidly advancing fields in technology today. By participating in an AI olympiad, students get the opportunity to learn about and work with the latest advancements in AI. This exposure can ignite a passion for technology and innovation.
Develop 4IR Skills
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
AI Olympiads play a crucial role in developing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological literacy.
These competitions encourage creativity and innovation and promote collaboration and digital fluency, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated and interconnected world.
Demonstrate growth
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
Demonstrate growth
Participating and excelling in an AI olympiad can open doors to scholarships, internships, and other educational opportunities. It can also enhance college applications and demonstrates a student's commitment to learning in challenging fields.
Our Partners
