Computer Olympiad / Rekenaarolimpiade

 
 
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Computer Olympiad South Africa

Are You Ready for the
2026 Programming Olympiad?

Challenge your mind. Write your best code.

Dear Teacher,

🎉 There's Still Time to Join Us!

We want your school to participate in the 2026 Programming Olympiad for FREE! Your commitment to nurturing logical thinking and problem-solving is what makes this competition special.


Round 1 has
One Day Remains!
Competition window: 27 – 31 July 2026

📅 Important Competition Dates

Date Round Activity
27 – 31 July 2026 ROUND 1 Competition window — choose any day that suits your school (06:00–18:00)
27 July 2026 ROUND 1 Platform opens at 06:00
31 July 2026 ROUND 1 Final day — platform closes at 18:00
August 2026 ROUND 2 By invitation — top Round 1 performers write at their school on one official day
2 – 5 October 2026 FINALS National Finals at a central venue — top performers from across SA; travel & accommodation provided
Languages accepted in this competition:
🐍 Python ☕ Java ⚙️ C / C++ 📜 Pascal

📚 Your Preparation Materials

To help your learners feel confident and ready, we've compiled practice contests from previous years. These are excellent for:

  • Familiarising learners with the question format and grading system
  • Understanding the level of algorithmic thinking required
  • Building confidence in reading, analysing, and solving problems under time pressure
  • Identifying which learners have real programming aptitude

🎯 Practice Contests (Past Years)

Click any contest to start practising. We recommend trying the most recent one first!

💻 2025 Programming Olympiad
Most recent contest — try this one first!
▶ Start Contest
💻 2024 Programming Olympiad
Great variety of problem types and difficulty levels
▶ Start Contest
💻 2023 Programming Olympiad
Strong algorithmic challenge — excellent for advanced learners
▶ Start Contest
💻 2022 Programming Olympiad
Build foundational problem-solving skills with classic problems
▶ Start Contest
💻 2021 Programming Olympiad
Perfect for learners just getting started with competitive programming
▶ Start Contest

💡 Top Tips for Success

Start Early: Have learners try practice papers before competition week begins
Read Carefully: Encourage learners to read every problem statement in full before coding
Subtask Strategy: No Partial marks are awarded in Round 1.
Language Check: Confirm your learners know which language they'll be using and have it set up
Inclusive Approach: Encourage ALL learners to participate — hidden talent often surfaces here

🖥️ Technical Requirements

  • Internet-connected computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • Any supported programming language installed (e.g. Python, Java, C/C++, or Pascal)
  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge)
  • Approximately 3 hours per learner for Round 1
  • No special software beyond a compiler or interpreter required

🌟 Remember:

The Programming Olympiad rewards logical thinking and perseverance, not just prior coding experience. Surprising performers appear every year — learners who think clearly and methodically can outscore those who've been coding for years. This is about problem-solving and discovery! Be sure to enter your school.

🆘 Need Help or Have Questions?

Our support team is here for you! Whether you have technical questions, need clarification on rules, or want advice on preparing your learners — just reply to this email. We typically respond within a few hours.

Thank you for being part of the 2026 Programming Olympiad.
We can't wait to see what your learners will achieve!

Good luck, and let's find South Africa's next generation of problem-solvers! 🚀

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Computer Olympiad South Africa

2026 Programming Olympiad  |  Round 1: 27–31 July  |  Round 2: 26 August  |  Finals: 2–5 October

Questions? Simply reply to this email — we're here to help!