International olympiad

NextGen Olympiad — enter from New Zealand

A global academic and cultural competition for ages 6–17. Students sit online rounds in Maths, English and Science — right here in Auckland — and the best go on to the Global Round in Sydney, competing alongside students from 15+ countries.

Ages 6–17 Maths · English · Science Online exams 24 Oct 2026 Global Round: Sydney, Apr 2027
Register Your Interest See Key Dates
Mathematics
Problem solving
English
Reading & writing
Science
Curiosity, tested
How it works

Two rounds. One big stage.

One online round, sat here in Auckland. Then, for the students who qualify, the Global Round in Sydney.

1 · Online round

Curriculum-based exams in Maths, English and Science, sat under supervision. Vertex students sit theirs at our Avondale centre with familiar faces around them.

2 · Global Round, Sydney

Top performers are invited to the live Global Round in Sydney — a week of competition, ceremonies, campus visits and cultural exchange with students from 15+ countries.

More than medals

Beyond prizes and certificates, students gain exam experience, resilience and friendships that span continents — a genuine head start, whatever the result.

Divisions & subjects

Two age groups. Three subjects.

Every student competes against others their own age, in whichever subjects they choose. On the organiser's registration site you'll see the two divisions called Cooee and Bunji.

Juniors

Ages 6–12

Early years and primary. The questions reward curiosity and clear thinking rather than speed — for most children it's their first taste of a real competition, and that's the point.

Seniors

Ages 13–17

Intermediate through to NCEA years. Harder problems, tighter timing and genuine international competition — the kind of thing that reads well on a CV and prepares students for exams that matter.

Mathematics

Number, algebra, geometry and problem solving, pitched at the student's age group.

English

Comprehension, vocabulary and written expression — a real test for second-language students too.

Science

Everyday science reasoning across biology, chemistry, physics and the world outside.

Key dates

The 2026–27 season

Now open
Registration

Registration for the 2026–27 season is open. Register your interest below and we'll guide your family through entry.

24 Oct 2026
Online exams

Maths, English and Science rounds, sat under supervision in Auckland.

31 Oct 2026
Results released

Scores and qualification for the Global Round are announced.

13–21 Apr 2027
Global Round — Sydney

Qualifying students travel to Sydney for the live Global Round, ceremonies and cultural programme.

The Global Round

Eight days in Sydney

Students who qualify travel to Sydney in April 2027. The week is built in two halves — the competition itself, then an optional cultural tour for families who want to stay on.

First four days

The Olympiad

  • Sat papers in each entered subject, alongside students from every participating country
  • Opening ceremony and team events
  • Awards ceremony — medals and certificates
Optional · next four days

Cultural tour

  • Sydney landmarks, harbour and museums
  • Campus visits and sessions on Aboriginal heritage
  • Time with the families and students you've just competed against

Every competitor receives a certificate; medals go to the top performers in each subject and division.

How Vertex helps

We handle the details. You focus on the learning.

1

Entry & eligibility

We confirm your child's age division and subjects, and walk you through registration step by step.

2

Preparation

Targeted practice in our Study Hub builds exam technique in all three subjects. Members are already halfway there.

3

Exam day in Auckland

Students sit the online round at our Avondale centre — supervised, calm and properly set up.

4

The road to Sydney

If your child qualifies, we help with the Global Round logistics — travel, consent paperwork and what to expect.

Questions?

NextGen Olympiad FAQs

Students aged 6–17. Juniors (ages 6–12) and Seniors (ages 13–17) compete in separate divisions, in Maths, English and Science. You don't need to be a Vertex member to enter — though members get preparation built into their weekly sessions.
At our Avondale centre in Auckland, under supervision, on 24 October 2026. If you're outside Auckland, register your interest anyway — supervised remote sitting may be possible and we'll confirm the details with you directly.
No — the Global Round in Sydney is for students who qualify through the online round. Results are released on 31 October 2026, and qualifying families choose whether to take up their place. We'll help with the logistics if you do.
There are two separate costs. The online round has an entry fee set by the organisers each season. The Global Round in Sydney is priced as a package — the four competition days, with the four-day cultural tour as an optional add-on — and there is usually an early-bird rate for families who commit well ahead. Flights, visas and travel insurance are not included in either. Register your interest and we'll send you this season's actual figures and what each one covers, before you commit to anything.
Register Interest

Put your hand up for the 2026–27 season

Tell us who's keen and we'll come back with fees, preparation options and everything you need to enter — no commitment yet.

Please enter the student's name.
Please enter a parent or guardian name.
Please enter a valid email address.

You're on the list!

Thanks — we've noted your interest in the NextGen Olympiad and we'll be in touch with fees, dates and next steps.

Registering interest doesn't commit you to anything — it just means we'll keep you in the loop for this season.