How are participants for IMO 2025 selected? Can I apply to participate as an individual?
How are participants for IMO 2025 selected? Can I apply to participate as an individual?
In each country or territory, a recognized national authority selects a team of (up to) 6 students by open competitive examinations. You cannot apply directly to IMO or the host country to participate as an individual.
The designated contact person for each authority is shown here: https://www.imo-official.org/countries.aspx.
Selection of participants is a matter for your national authority.
How can my country sign up to contest the IMO if we’re not listed?
See https://www.imo-official.org/documents/InvitationIMO.pdf for the procedure to apply for your country to participate in IMO. You will need the support of either your Ministry of Education, your national Mathematical Society or the organisation which administers mathematics competitions in your country. The IMO only recognizes one competent authority from each country or territory.
In the event of a dispute, the IMO will seek guidance from the relevant Secretary of State or Minister for Education of the country concerned.
Who runs IMO?
The ultimate source of authority is the IMO Jury made up of all the attending countries. When the IMO is not in
session, the IMO Board takes necessary decisions to protect the interests of IMO. See here for more details International Mathematical Olympiad.
Who is responsible for maintaining ethical standards at IMO?
All participants are responsible for the ethical standards of IMO. There is an Ethics Committee which monitors and advises on such matters https://www.imo-official.org/ethics.aspx, and the host country’s legal framework also applies at all times.
What are the rules of IMO?
There are general regulations which govern all IMOs. You can find them, and associated annual regulations (which vary from year to year) at https://www.imo-official.org/documents.aspx. The Annual Regulations for 2025 are not yet finalised.
Are there cash prizes for doing well at IMO?
The prizes at IMO are medals and certificates, not cash prizes, however strong performances have traditionally seen third-party organisations such as universities offering scholarships and/or placements in their programs.