MTO International STEM Olympiad - Mathematics Category
by Main Team Organisation GmbH
Digital Medals & Certificates
A global online mathematics competition by Main Team Organisation GmbH (MTO) for students in Grades 1-12, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
€20
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Approximately 60 minutes per exam round.
Time needed
60-minute qualification exam; each later round is 60 minutes
Eligibility
Students in Grades 1 to 12, typically aged 6 to 18, are eligible. The competition is open globally and conducted entirely online, requiring participants to register based on their current grade level.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a student enrolled in Grades 1 to 12.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of grade-level mathematics concepts.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Digital Medals
Top performers receive digital Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Honorable Medals based on their ranking.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement and Participation
All participants receive Certificates of Participation, and top performers earn Certificates of Achievement.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation provides a valuable addition to university application portfolios, demonstrating strong STEM aptitude.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 15 Aug 2026
- Registration closes
- 20 Jan 2027
- Competition
- 21 Nov 2026 to 30 Jun 2027
Registration Opens
Official start date for student registrations for the 2026-2027 Olympiad cycle.
1st Qualification Exam (Online)
First opportunity to take the online Qualification Round exam. The exam portal is accessible for 24 hours GMT.
Registration Deadline for 2nd Qualification Exam
Final deadline to register for the Olympiad, specifically for those wishing to take the 2nd Qualification Exam.
2nd Qualification Exam (Online)
Second and final opportunity to take the online Qualification Round exam. The exam portal is accessible for 24 hours GMT.
Final Round Exam (Online)
Online exam for qualified participants from the Qualification Round. Specific local times apply.
BOB Round Exam (Online)
Best of the Best Global Round online exam for top performers from the Final Round. Exam times will be announced after the Finals.
STEM Grand Final (Onsite)
Onsite Grand Final event in Lisbon, Portugal, taking place during the month of June.
To be announced, Lisbon
How to apply
- 1Students can register online through the official STEM Olympiad website by paying registration fees for the Qualification Round.
Rules and guidelines
- All types of calculators are strictly prohibited during the exam.
- Taking photos or copying questions is forbidden.
- For the Best of the Best (BOB) Global Round, two camera connections are required.
- Opening new windows other than the exam screen will result in a warning and system notation.
- The exam starts on time; no alternative or make-up exams will be offered for missed sessions.
- Any detected cheating will lead to disqualification and cancellation of exam results.
Technology requirements
- PC or laptop recommended for taking the exam.
- Device with an active, functioning camera is mandatory.
- Zoom connection is required during the exam, with student ID as display name.
- Mobile phone users (not recommended) must use two devices: one for STEM Panel/Zoom, one for exam.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A separate payment of €20 is required for each category and exam chosen in the Qualification Round. Participation in the Final Round and Best of the Best (BOB) Global Round Exams is free of charge for qualified students. Payments are final and non-refundable once completed.
Refund policy
Payments are final and non-refundable once completed. No refunds or make-up exams will be offered for missed exams.
About this opportunity
The International STEM Olympiad – Mathematics Category is a prestigious global online competition organized by Main Team Organisation GmbH (MTO). It aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities among students through engaging mathematical challenges. This Olympiad provides a platform for young learners to explore STEM-related topics and experience competition on an international stage.
This competition is open to students from Grades 1 to 12 worldwide, with no specific age restrictions. Participants are required to register according to their current grade level. The Olympiad helps students develop essential skills such as logical thinking, analytical reasoning, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Descriptive Problems
- Language
- English, Spanish, French, Russian, Azerbaijani, Turkish
Rounds and format
The Olympiad consists of four stages: Qualification Round, Final Round, and Best of the Bests (BOB) Global Round. All rounds are conducted online. The Qualification Round has two optional dates. Participation in the Final and BOB Rounds (for 6 to 11 grades) is free for qualified students. The last round is an onsite grand finale round (for 3 to 11 grades). The top 3 participants of BOB (6-11 grade) and the final round (grade 3, 4, and 5) will get 75%, 50%, and 25% discount awards to attend the grand finale.
How entries are judged
Participants are judged on the accuracy of their answers, the logical steps taken to solve problems, and their overall mathematical reasoning abilities. Performance in each round determines advancement to the next stage.
Selection process
Selection for the Final Round is based on performance in the Qualification Round. Top performers from the Final Round are invited to participate in the Best of the Best (BOB) Global Round. Top performers from the Final Round and the Best of the Best (BOB) Global Round are invited to participate in the onsite grand finale.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus varies by grade level (1-12) and is designed according to STEM education principles. It covers topics that build logical thinking and reasoning abilities. PhET Interactive Simulations are recommended for study, along with other open-source materials.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the MTO International STEM Olympiad to maximize their performance?
Effective preparation involves consistent practice with problem-solving, utilizing interactive simulations like PhET, and reviewing past papers. Focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization is crucial for success in this competition.
What strategies can participants employ to manage competitive pressure and anxiety during the online examination rounds?
Participants can manage pressure by practicing under timed conditions, ensuring a quiet exam environment, and taking short breaks if permitted. Familiarity with the online platform and technical requirements also reduces anxiety during the actual exam.
How are the ranking factors determined across the different qualification, final, and Best of the Best rounds of the competition?
Ranking is primarily based on the accuracy of answers and logical problem-solving. For advanced rounds, performance in previous stages is a prerequisite, and specific criteria like camera monitoring ensure fair play, influencing final rankings.
What are common mistakes participants make during the online exam, and how can these be avoided to ensure a smooth experience?
Common mistakes include technical issues (internet, camera), opening unauthorized tabs, or not understanding exam timings. These can be avoided by thoroughly checking technical setups, reviewing exam rules, and practicing with the platform beforehand.
How does participation in this International STEM Olympiad benefit students' long-term academic and career goals?
Participation enhances critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which are vital for academic success and future STEM careers. International recognition and certificates also strengthen university application portfolios.
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