The International STEM Olympiad (ISO), originating in Germany in 2012 with 13 years of history, has expanded into 153 countries and gained worldwide popularity. Designed for students in Grades 1-12, the ISO sparks curiosity through picture-based questions for younger grades; while it presents complex, interdisciplinary challenges integrating mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, simulating real-world research scenarios for older students. In ISO, science transforms from textbook terms into an exciting adventure shared with tens of thousands of peers globally.

In 2025, ASEEDER partnered with the ISO organizing committee to introduce this challenge to China, providing Chinese students with a platform to compete and exchange ideas with STEM enthusiasts worldwide, laying a solid foundation for future applications to top global universities, pursuing STEM careers, and embarking on academic journeys. Top performers in the Final Round will be invited to attend the Grand Final in Rome, Italy. This not only adds an internationally recognized highlight to their academic profile but also helps them cultivate a global perspective, ignite a lasting passion for scientific inquiry, and truly embody the core values of quality education and lifelong learning through interaction with outstanding students from around the world.

Qualifier Round

Language: English

Date: Feb.1, 2026 (Sunday)

* Any 60 minutes on Sunday

Location: Online

Format: Individual Test

Eligibility: Grades 1-12

Rules: 25 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer will receive 4 points. An incorrect answer will receive -1 points, and an answer left blank receives 0 points. Total score: 100 points.

* For younger grades, the questions are mainly graphic-based to avoid language barriers.

Level: 6 difficulty levels

Level A: Grade 1 (Primary)
Level B: Grades 2-3 (Primary)
Level C: Grades 4-5 (Primary)
Level D: Grades 6-7 (Primary, Junior One)
Level E: Grades 8-9 (Junior Two & Three)
Level F: Grades 10-12 (Senior)

Advancement to Final Round: Achieve the qualifying score for your grade as follows:

* All participants receive a certificate.

Final Round

Language: English

Date: Feb.15, 2026 (Sunday)

Location: Online

Format: Individual Test

Eligibility: Finalists from the Qualifier Round.

Rules: 25 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer will receive 4 points. An incorrect answer will receive -1 points, and an answer left blank receives 0 points. Total score: 100 points.

Level: 6 difficulty levels

Level A: Grade 1 (Primary)
Level B: Grades 2-3 (Primary)
Level C: Grades 4-5 (Primary)
Level D: Grades 6-7 (Primary, Junior One)
Level E: Grades 8-9 (Junior Two & Three)
Level F: Grades 10-12 (Senior)

Awards

Global Awards:

Grades 1-3

Top Gold Award (Top 3): Top 3 in each grade.
Gold Award: Top 25%
Silver Award: Top 60%
Bronze Award: Top 80%

Grades 4-12

Top Gold Award (Top 3): Top 3 in each grade.
Gold Award: Top 15%
Silver Award: Top 35%
Bronze Award: Top 60%
Honorable Award: Top 80%

* All participants receive a certificate.

Advancement to Grand Final: Achieve the qualifying score for grades 3-11.

1

Grand Final Exam

All finalists are divided into three categories (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-11). They will answer 40 multiple-choice questions in English within a 75-minute time limit, testing their knowledge and critical thinking. Awards are allocated separately by grade. The ISO brings together elite students worldwide to unlock their potential and push their boundaries in scientific exploration. The event is not merely an ultimate test of their academic depth, but also a precious opportunity to broaden their global perspective and sharpen their scientific thinking.

3

Global Networking for Young Scientists

In 2026, the ISO in Rome offers more than just a science challenge. Explore the Eternal City, where every stone tells a story of empire and Renaissance. From the columns of the Roman Forum to the artist studios of Trastevere, from the light of the Pantheon’s dome to modern labs by the Tiber. This is a tour of civilization. Finalists can showcase their intellect on a world class academic stage while immersing themselves in Rome’s millennia of culture, exchanging ideas with global peers amidst history, art, and science. This is a priceless gift for personal growth in the summer of 2026.