National Science Olympiad™

Overview

The National Science Olympiad is in its 60th year and the project offers learners in grades (10 -11) an exciting opportunity to compete in science with fellow learners from all nine (9) provinces as well as SADC countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The competition comprises an annual examination in science (Physical and Life Sciences).

The top national performers stand to win prizes. The main aim of the competition is to identify talent, encourage excellence in science education and to stimulate interest in the sciences. It seeks to inspire young people to consider careers in science and technology.

Entry Details & Key Information

How to enter the competition
Entry fee
Examination & Dates
Educators
Prizes and Awards

Educators register learners on the following online registration platform. Please click on this link: https://olympiads.co.za/eduregister NB: The registration platform will only be active from Monday,16 February. All other information will be deleted on Sunday, 15 February while we complete updates.
Learners can enrol for both Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
Only learners in grade 10, and 11 may enter.
Closing date for entries: 30 March 2026

The entry fee for the National Science Olympiads is R35.00 per learner per paper.

Closing date for payment of entry fees: 31 May 2026

What if the learner cannot afford the entry fee?

Special arrangements can be made for schools/learners that cannot afford the entry fee. Principals of the HOD should apply via letter by 16 May 2025 and email it to scienceolympiad@saasta.nrf.ac.za.

The National Science Olympiad comprises of two papers and the Olympiad dates are as follows:

Life Sciences – Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Physical Sciences – Thursday, 04 August 2026

Minimum 50% of the paper will be based on CAPS (Grade10 to 11).

Round: One round only
Duration: 3 hours (12:00 – 15:00)
Where: The paper will be written at school (Manual or online using any device)
Format: Multiple choice questions (100 questions)
Language of paper: Available in English and Afrikaans
Eligibility: The Olympiads are open to all grade 10 and 11 learners only
Composition of paper:

Remembering – 20%
Understanding – 30%
Applying – 30%
Analysing – 20%

Preparation: Educators are welcome to download previous papers from the SAASTA website to use in the classroom. www.saasta.ac.za Click on competitions and choose the competition you are interested in. Scroll down to “Download Past Papers”

Papers and answer sheets: NRF-SAASTA will courier Olympiad papers only to schools who selected the pen-and-paper option when registering the learners

Note: Schools courier answer sheets back to SAASTA. An envelope will be provided for this purpose

Queries:

Life Sciences: LifeSci@saasta.nrf.ac.za

Physical Sciences: Physics@saasta.nrf.ac.za

Tel: 012 392 9300

Please motivate your learners to experience the thrill of competing with others from around the country in the National Science Olympiad.
Help coordinate learner participation in this event.
Help your learners prepare by accessing Olympiad papers from previous years on our website

Prizes/awards are given to deserving learners such as the top national and provincial winners.