2026 National OLYMPIAD KEY DATES
ROUNDS 1 & 2
Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQ)
Assessment: Assess participants’ foundational understanding of artificial intelligence concepts, machine learning and problem solving. Theory-based, this round is designed to evaluate general knowledge and comprehension of key AI principles and and applications of AI and includes logic, sequencing and analytical problems — no coding required!
Participants scoring a minimum of 50% in round 1 will progress to round 2.
Round 1: Open from 1 December 2025 to 7th February 2026
Round 2: Open from 10 to 17 February 2026
** Competition window extended to 7th March for rounds 1 and 2 **
Participants may complete their 1–2 hour online test at any time during the respective round’s participation window.
ROUND 3 / SEMI-FINAL
Format: Theory and Practice, Online
Assessment: Theory and practical submissions (notebook), requires the ability to analyze data and code in Python,
Date/s: 1-3 May 2026
Training: Self-paced LMS and Wednesday and Saturday online workshop series from 25th March to 30th April (excluding over the Easter break)
NATIONAL FINAL 2026
Format: Practical Challenges, On-site
Assessment: Theory and practical task submissions on Kaggle
Dates: 13-15 June 2026
Awards: 16 June 2026
Training: Self-paced LMS, AI challenges and Wednesday and Saturday online workshop series over May and June for beginners and intermediate level participants.
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD PREP
The shortlisted participants and training schedule for international competitions will be announced on 16th June 2026.
Register your interest in saaio 2027
Learner Survey
Take the survey now to plot your 2026/2027 learning journey with SAAIO.
Promotional content for educators
School registrations for the 2026 South African AI Olympiad are now open! Educators can easily register their schools to take part.
To make the process simple, we’ve provided a promotional flyer to encourage participation in schools and a bulk registration form for easy submissions.
Download the resources below and give your learners the chance to explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence while representing their school on a national stage!
Email the completed bulk registration spreadsheet to info@saaio.org.
CALL FOR QUESTIONS AND TASKS
INVITATION
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
TASK REQUIREMENTS
AI & mathematics researchers, lecturers and practitioners are invited to contribute to the design of olympiad questions and tasks for the national finals and international competition preparation stages of the programme.
Topics include, but are not limited to, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing and mathematical and algorithmic reasoning skills.
With your permission, task contributors will be listed on the SAAIO website.
TASK REQUIREMENTS
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
TASK REQUIREMENTS
The proposed tasks must be:
- Tailored to the capabilities of top high school students at national level striking a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application.
- Aligned with the international olympiad Syllabus
- Original, unseen by participants, and not reused from other competitions.
As a reference point you can find previous IOAI tasks here.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
Tasks and task ideas can be submitted to tasks@saaio.org
Ideas do not need to include a full task statement or code.
There is no closing date for tasks as we build our task bank.
Contact Us
Email: info@saaio.org
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