Natural Science Olympiad®

1. 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. 
2. There are two papers to choose from:

• Natural Science Grades 4 – 6 and
• Natural Science Grades 7 – 9

    Only learners in grade 4 – 6 and 7 – 9 may enter respectively.

3. Closing date for entries: 31 March 2026

Entry Fee

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

1. Closing date for paymentof entry fees: 31 May 2026
2. Special arrangements can be made for schools/learners that cannot afford the entry fee. Principals should apply via letter by 15 May 2026 and email it to (please choose the relevant email address depending on the grades):  

Natural Science Grades 4-6:  Naturalgr456@saasta.nrf.ac.za

  OR

Natural Science Grades 7-9:  Naturalgr789@saasta.nrf.ac.za

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions: Tel: 012 392 9300 

1. Please motivate your learners to experience the thrill of competing with others from all nine (9) provinces around the country in the Natural Science Olympiad.
2. Help coordinate learners participation in this event.
3. Help your learners prepare by accessing Olympiad papers from previous years on our website: https://www.saasta.ac.za/competitions/natural-science-olympiad/ and scroll to Download papers

• November 2024:  Natural Science Grade 4-6 Results 2024
• November 2024: Natural Science Grade 7-9 Results 2024
• October 2019:  Natural Science Grade 4-6 Results 2019
• October 2019: Natural Science Grade 7-9 Results 2019
• October 2016: The 6th Natural Science Olympiad Results
• March 2016:  The 5th Natural Science Olympiad Results
• January 2015: Natural Science Olympiad: Where budding young scientists show off their talents

The Natural Science Olympiad comprises of two papers, namely Grades 4-6 and Grade 7-9.

Natural Science Grade 4 – 6: Tuesday, 29 July 2026

The paper consists of 40 multiple questions

Duration: 2 hours (11:30 – 13:30)

Eligibility: the Olympiad is open to all grade 4, 5 and 6 learners

Natural Science Grade 7 – 9: Wednesday, 30 July 2026

The paper consists of 60 multiple questions

Duration: 2 hours (12:00 – 14:00)

Eligibility: the Olympiad is open to all grade 7, 8 and 9 learners

Choose between an online examination or the usual pen-and-paper (you choose when registering the learners)

Prizes/awards are given to deserving learners, such as the top National and Provincial Winners.

1. Round: One round only
2. Where: The paper will be written at school (either online or pen-and-paper depending on which option you chose when registering)
3. Language: English and Afrikaans
4. Composition of paper:
   1. Remembering – 20%
   2. Understanding – 30%
   3. Applying – 30%
   4. Analysing – 20%
5. Preparation: Educators are welcome to download previous papers. Scroll down to “Download Past Papers”
6. Training session: Once enrolled, educators will be invited during term 2 to an online training session on how to assist their learners to complete the personal information on the answer sheet.
7. Papers and answer sheets: NRF-SAASTA will courier Olympiad papers to schools for those educators who selected the pen-and-paper option.

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

Queries:

• Natural Science grades 4-6: Naturalgr456@saasta.nrf.ac.za

• Natural Science grades 7-9: Naturalgr789@saasta.nrf.ac.za