SA Artificial Intelligence Olympiad
PLAY. LEARN. RISE.
Begin your AI journey here and experience the thrill of high school AI competitions.
AI is shaping the future—and you have the chance to be part of it.
The SA AI Olympiad gives high school learners the opportunity to build foundational AI skills, explore further learning pathways, and prepare for international AI competitions - showcasing their talent on a global stage.
More than an Olympiad, it’s your starting point in one of the world’s most exciting and in-demand fields. AI is transforming industries, careers and our future.
Why not start your AI journey here?
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for 2027!
The AI Olympiad is open to all high school learners in South Africa.
No coding experience? Participate in the first two open-book AI Literacy rounds without coding. Coding skills are required from Round 3 onwards.
We encourage all learners to explore artificial intelligence and use the competition as a stepping stone towards their own AI learning journey.
Participants will require 1 hour and a mobile phone or computer on which to answer multiple choice questions in round 1.
Only in the semi-finals (3) and final round (4), will participants be expected to code.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING in SAAIO 2027?
School registration
Schools and coding clubs working with secondary school learners are invited to participate.
The registration window is currently open. Schools may register several students using the bulk registration template.
Contact info@saaio.org if you have any registration queries or require support.
Download our promotional flyer for schools
Learner Self-registration
Individual registrations will be accepted until 20 Jan 2027.
Our Sponsors and Partners
How to Participate
Educators and Facilitators
Promote participation in the SAAIO and support access to school computers and allocating time for the online competition rounds. Contact us to stay informed and let's put your school on the map in the realm of the SA Olympiad.
High School Learners
Whether you're completely new to AI or have some background in coding, this AI training program meets you where you are. You’ll start by building a strong foundation in AI concepts and then progress to Python coding and to more advanced topics, preparing you for various competitions. Register and complete the tasks in your own time. Rounds 1 and 2 will take about 1-2 hours to complete.
Enablers
By becoming a regional or national partner, a volunteer or a sponsor, you can help unlock opportunities for talented learners to develop and showcase their problem solving skills on the global AI competition stage, ensuring they have the resources to excel in the field.
Your support provides more access and enhances learning and participation on the national and international level.
If this mission speaks to you, we'd love to hear from you!
Benefits of Participation
Feed your curiosity about artificial intelligence
AI is one of the most rapidly advancing fields in technology today. By participating in an AI competition, students can engage with the latest advancements in AI, making it an excellent opportunity for AI training.
These experiences not only enhance learning through competitions for high schools but also help ignite a passion for technology and innovation.
Develop 4IR Skills
AI competitions, such as the SA Olympiad, play a crucial role in developing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and technology literacy.
These AI training events for schools encourage creativity and innovation while promoting collaboration and digital fluency, equipping students with t
AI competitions, such as the SA Olympiad, play a crucial role in developing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and technology literacy.
These AI training events for schools encourage creativity and innovation while promoting collaboration and digital fluency, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated and interconnected world, particularly through competitions for high schools.
Demonstrate growth
Participating in or excelling in an AI competition, such as the SA Olympiad, can open doors to scholarships, internships and other educational opportunities.
Engaging in AI for schools programs can enhance college applications and demonstrates commitment and perhaps obsession for computer science and problem solving.