Overview
The South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) is run by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) in three rounds, each harder than the last. The best performers can be considered for South Africa's teams at the International Mathematical Olympiad and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad.
Who can take it
Learners in grades 8 to 12. The junior division is for grades 8 and 9, and the senior division for grades 10 to 12.
Levels or stages
First round
Written in March, with four papers: grade 8, grade 9, grade 10, and grades 11 and 12. Each paper has 20 multiple-choice questions and lasts one hour. Teachers mark the papers using solutions supplied to the school. Schools outside South Africa write this round online.
Second round
Learners with 50 percent or more in the first round qualify. It is written in May. Junior (grades 8 and 9) and senior (grades 10 to 12) learners write two-hour papers of 25 questions, marked by computer at the SAMF office.
Third round
About 100 of the best senior and 100 of the best junior learners qualify. It is written in July.
Important dates
For 2026, the entry deadline was 20 February, the first round was on 12 March, the second round on 14 May from 14:00 to 16:00, and the third round on 30 July from 9:00 to 13:00.
How to apply
Entries are made online by schools only, through a teacher or organiser registered on the SAMF site, paying by credit card or EFT. Individual learners and parents may not register directly. The fee is shown on the entry form.
Preparation tips
Work through past SAMO papers by round; SAMF also offers online training on its YouTube channel.
What score gets me to the second round?
50 percent or more in the first round.