⚠️ AIO Registration closes 16 August 2026 — Coding students, register now!
💻 Australia's Premier Computing Competition

Australian Informatics
Olympiad 2026

The AIO is Australia's most prestigious programming competition for school students — challenging young coders to invent algorithms and write code to solve complex real-world problems. High performers gain access to AMT's elite Olympiad programs.

27 Aug
Competition Date
16 Aug
Your Deadline
Grade 7–12
Eligible Levels
3 hours
Duration

💻 What is the AIO?

The Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) is run by the Australian Maths Trust and recognises students with outstanding ability in computer science and programming. It challenges students to invent algorithms and write code to solve complex computational problems — going far beyond standard school computing.

Unlike typical coding classes, the AIO tests deep algorithmic thinking — how efficiently and elegantly students can solve problems through programming. It is one of the most prestigious computing competitions available to school students internationally.

Students who perform exceptionally well in the AIO may be invited to AMT's elite Olympiad pathway programs — a gateway to representing your country at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).

🌟 Why Should Your Child Enter?

🚀
Elite University Applications
AIO recognition is outstanding for CS and engineering university applications at top institutions globally.
🧠
Advanced Algorithmic Thinking
Develops computational thinking skills that go far beyond school-level coding — genuinely sought by top universities.
🏆
Pathway to IOI
Top AIO performers are considered for AMT's programs leading to the International Olympiad in Informatics.
🌍
International Recognition
Gold, Silver and Bronze medals — internationally recognised performance benchmarks in computing.
💡
Real-World Problem Solving
Problems mirror real computational challenges in tech, science and engineering — highly relevant for future careers.
📈
Instant Feedback
Automated judging gives students real-time marks during the competition — a unique and motivating experience.

📋 Competition Format

6 programming problems of increasing difficulty. Students submit source code which is compiled and tested against multiple test cases. Marks are awarded based on correctness and efficiency.

⚠️ Programming Languages Allowed:

Python 3 Java C++ C

🎓 Divisions & Eligibility

Division AMT Year IB / IGCSE / Intl British (UK) American (US)
IntermediateUp to Year 10Up to Grade 10Up to Year 11Up to Grade 10
SeniorUp to Year 12Up to Grade 12Up to Year 13Up to Grade 12

Note: There is one AIO paper for all students. Divisions are used for awarding purposes only.

🏅 Awards

🥇
Gold
Top 10% of all participants
🥈
Silver
Next 15%
🥉
Bronze
Next 25%
📜
Credit
Next 20%
🎖️
Participation
All remaining students

🌟 Is your child ready for AIO?

Protostar Coaching can help assess if your child has the right coding foundation for AIO and guide their preparation. Get in touch →