Extend your science knowledge!
The Junior Science Olympiad is a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools in Years 7 to 10.
The program is designed to inspire and challenge young science enthusiasts. It supports thousands of talented students through national exams, digital training squads, a virtual academy, intensive residential camps and international competitions. The JSO program aims to enhance student achievement in our Australian Science Olympiad Program.
The program consists of three stages:
- Sitting the Junior Science Olympiad Exam, which covers biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.
- Being invited to attend the Junior Science Olympiad Spring School.
- Being selected to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad.
To support students who may have limited opportunities due to their geographic location, socio-economic background, or indigenous status we offer additional training components:
- The Junior Science Olympiad Training Squad.
- The Junior Science Olympiad Academy.
Australian Science Innovations have been coordinating the selection and support of the Australian teams for over thirty-five years, with the Junior Science Olympiad program being added to our suite of programs in 2020. Our staff go above and beyond for the program, supporting our participants during every step of this exhilarating journey. We are proud of the quality of the program and the results achieved.
Take a look at our other great programs, the Australian Science Olympiads program, or the Big Science Competition.
The 2025 JSO Exam Dates
Years 9 & 10 – Wednesday 11 June 2025
Year 7 & 8 – Friday 13 June 2025
Registrations will open in 2025. Teachers and facilitators who are new to JSO, subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list for news on our 2025 programs.
On this page, find information about:
The Junior Science Olympiad Exams
The Junior Science Olympiad Exams are challenging but rewarding online exams held once a year, which includes topics in science such as biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental Science, and physics.
- Junior Science Olympiad Exam Years 9 & 10 – Wednesday 11 June 2025
- Junior Science Olympiad Exam Years 7 & 8 – Friday 13 June 2025
The cost is $16.50 (including GST) per student.
Exams are two-hours long and are completed wholly online.
In 2024, we introduced two exam levels – the JSOE Years 7 & 8 and the JSOE Years 9 & 10. Students can only sit one exam level.
All students sitting the same exam must do so at the same time, under normal exam conditions and supervision.
All students who wish to be considered for JSO Spring School and selection on the team representing Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad must sit our JSO Exam.
Registrations will open in 2025. Teachers and facilitators who are new to JSO, subscribe to the ASI Program Updates mailing list for news on our 2025 programs.
JSO Exam FAQs
The Junior Science Olympiad Exam covers science topics including biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental science, and physics.
Previously all students in Years 7 to 10 sat the same the Junior Science Olympiad Exam (JSOE) and were in competition for the one set of awards. From 2024, we will introduce two exam levels – the JSOE Years 7 & 8 and the JSOE Years 9 & 10!
Students will continue to be eligible for selection into the JSO Training Squad, JSO Academy and JSO Spring School.
This format makes the exam more accessible for younger students and results will more accurately reflect students ability against the relevant cohort.
You can also get insight into the content from our collection of JSO Past Exam Papers, available for free.
We accept Australian high school students in Years 7 to 10.
Registrations must come via schools, registered home schools or distance education facilities. We do not accept direct student registrations; all interested students should contact their science teacher or facilitator to discuss taking part.
Your school will require a member of staff to supervise the students during the two hours of the exam.
All students sitting the same exam must do so at the same time, under normal exam conditions and supervision.
For further details, please refer to the 2025 JSO Exam Technology Profile and the JSO Exam Administration & Troubleshooting Guide, when they become available.
We encourage all students to take advantage of our collection of JSO past papers available for FREE here.
Students need to set up their account by self registering ahead of time. An email has been sent to your teacher/ school.
Please note:
- As the Junior Science Olympiad program began in 2020, we have fewer past papers available.
- In 2024, papers are only available in the Years 7 to 10 format.
Stay tuned for the 2025 Technology Profile and instructions.
Not at this stage. The Junior Science Olympiad Exams are open to students enrolled in an Australian school or registered for home school or distance education.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept Australian citizens who attend a school overseas, or registrations from international schools. We encourage international schools to explore Olympiad opportunities within their own home country.
You may like to consider if the Big Science Competition, our international online science competition, is suitable to your international school.
No, we only accept registrations via schools, registered home schools or distance education facilities. This is to maintain the integrity of the competition.
We cannot accept registrations from tutoring centers.
We do not accept direct student registrations; all interested students should contact their science teacher or facilitator to discuss taking part.
We encourage all students to discuss options to sit the competition with their teacher. Students need a quiet space with a computer where they can sit the test under general supervision.
Stay tuned for the 2025 posters!
Students receive a certificate indicating their performance.
Teachers/ facilitators can access and download the reports and certificates via the ASI Teacher Portal.
Further opportunities may be extended to high achieving students after the JSO Exam. We will contact successful students directly via phone and email, to offer them a place in other JSO programs.
You can find information about the JSO Spring School, JSO Training Squad and JSO Academy, plus International Junior Science Olympiad Team further down this webpage.
Entry into the JSO Spring School program is by invitation only, offered to selected students. You must first sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exams and receive an exemplary result. However, a certain mark or level of result is not a guarantee that an invitation will be extended.
Please note, a student who scores around 40% in one or more past papers is in a good position to achieve a good result in a JSO exam.
A passable mark is not set for the exams as this varies based on the year and the exam.
We encourage students to try their best and prepare for the exams by studying using the Australian Science Olympiads Online and Past Exam Papers.
You can find more information in our Competition and Exam Support webpage.
The Australian Science Innovations (ASI) office will be open from 7 am to 5 pm AEST, Monday to Friday during the exam period.
Please contact us on 02 6125 6228, or email us on asi@asi.edu.au
Please refer to the 2025 ASO Exam Technology Profile and the JSO Exam Administration & Troubleshooting Guide, when they become available.
JSO Exams 11 & 13 June. Registrations will open in 2025.
Junior Science Olympiad Spring School
Following the completion of the exams, high achieving eligible students may be selected and offered a place at our residential camp, JSO Spring School, held at the Australian National University in September/ October. This part of the program is by invitation-only.
Each year, we invite twenty-four of the top performing eligible students from the Junior Science Olympiad Exam to the Australian National University for ten days of accelerated hands-on learning.
JSO Spring School is a chance for students to further extend themselves in their science endeavours, connect with subject experts, and develop new friendships with like-minded students from across the country.
JSO Spring School students grow so much as individuals, but also take their new-found confidence, leadership and team-building skills and expanded science-repertoire back to the benefit of their schools and peers.
All 24 students who attend are deemed to have the potential, and may be selected, to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads.
Statistics indicate that students who have attended a Junior Science Olympiad Spring School go on to perform well in one or more Australian Science Olympiad Exams.
JSO Spring School FAQS
In late September/early October, 24 students travel to Canberra for over ten days of intense science programs at the Australian National University.
Students will be exposed to science like never before and will be challenged to learn, adapt and extend themselves in hands-on practicals, challenging theory examinations and in-the-field research. It is an opportunity to use world-class science facilities and meet world-renowned experts in their fields.
This is a highly structured and intensive residential school. The students are fortunate to be guided by program directors and deputy directors, dedicated to sharing their skills, knowledge, and experience. They are mentored and supported by caring program staff. A team of support staff are available to ensure their experience is safe, fulfilling and enjoyable.
Being selected to attend JSO Spring School is not only a great opportunity to delve further into science, but the students undertake examinations and testing whilst here to be selected to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads.
Learning on-campus at the Australian National University is an amazing experience and a great opportunity to check out world-class labs and facilities. A highlight is meeting other like-minded individuals who share a passion for science.
JSO Spring School is a life-changing experience, available for selected high achieving students chosen after sitting the JSO Exams.
To be eligible to accept the Junior Science Olympiad Spring School invitation, students must:
- Have sat the Junior Science Olympiad Exam
- Hold current Australian citizenship at the time a Spring School offer is made
- Reside in Australia
- Students must be under 16 years old as at 31 December of the year the Spring School is attended.
Entry into the JSO Spring School program is by invitation only. Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.
Whilst you cannot apply directly to attend JSO Spring School, you can contact your science teacher or school admin about participating in the JSO Exam at your school.
In 2024, the cost will be $2,500, which covers all travel, meals, accommodation, tutoring and equipment. Financial assistance is available where students can show financial need.
Alumni are former ASI students who have attended an ASO Summer School, JSO Spring School or have represented Australia at the International Science Olympiad or International Junior Science Olympiad. They proudly advocate and network on our behalf, volunteer and work as program staff, and tell their stories. Find out more about our Alumni Program here.
If you are an Alumni from the above ASI programs or teams, who would like to register for our Alumni program, or update your details, please email alumni@asi.edu.au
International Junior Science Olympiad
A chance to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad!
Following the intense learning sessions and further exams at the JSO Spring School, six students are selected for the team that represents Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad. Olympiad medal wins provide recognition for the Australian schools and teachers leading the way in shaping our scientists of the future.
Making an Junior Science Olympiad Team involves:
- Further training days
- An official Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement – affectionately known as the Blazer Ceremony, students receive their team uniform. Immediate family, teachers and principals are invited to attend.
- Travel to the host country in December to compete on an international stage, and to engage in exciting cultural activities.
This competition encourages students to develop their talents and provides an environment for students to connect with people from unique backgrounds from across the world and experience different cultures. They have worked so hard to be selected and to prepare for the international competition, their achievements thus far are inspiring. The many medals and awards that our teams have won are well deserved, as you can see on our Honour Roll!
International Junior Science Olympiads Australian Team FAQS
International Junior Science Olympiad: December – Romania
Please note that travel plans for Australian teams are to be determined. We prioritise student and staff safety and will only travel to locations DFAT advise to be safe and, as part of the planning process, we monitor the advice issued by them for all locations. While usually minimal, there is always a risk that things may change and we cannot travel. However, we continue with normal training and select a team. In the very worst case of not being able to travel, we will look to find an alternate option.
To be eligible to be selected for the team representing Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiads, students must:
- Have qualified through the JSO Exam
- Be an Australian Citizen travelling on an Australian Passport
- Not have commenced University
- Be under the age of 16, as at 31 December of that year
Attendance at the International Junior Science Olympiads is by selection only. Successful students will be contacted via phone and email.
Whilst you cannot apply directly to the IJSO Australian Team, you can contact your science teacher or school admin about participating in the JSO Exam at your school.
In 2024, the cost will be $3,000 per student to attend an international event. Financial assistance is available where students can show financial need.
Alumni are former ASI students who have attended an ASO Summer School, JSO Spring School or have represented Australia at the International Science Olympiad or International Junior Science Olympiad. They proudly advocate and network on our behalf, volunteer and work as program staff, and tell their stories. Find out more about our Alumni Program here.
If you are an Alumni from the above ASI programs or teams, who would like to register for our Alumni program, or update your details, please email alumni@asi.edu.au
Junior Science Olympiad Training Squad
The JSO Training Squad is an acceleration program for younger students in regional, remote, and low socioeconomic schools.
We identify and invite 50 participants from the Junior Science Olympiad exam and the Big Science Competition who show promise and help them enhance their science knowledge and skills over a nine-month period.
JSO Training Squad students receive:
- Online resources curated by JSO staff in collaboration with Stile Education.
- Individual support and feedback from JSO staff.
- Online masterclass lessons on key topics to help stay motivated and engaged.
- Access to simulated practical exercises via a subscription to Pivot Interactives.
The student/s will also be exposed to a community of other students who love science and have opportunities to broaden their networks. We will provide schools with a summary of student results at the conclusion of each course to assist with overseeing their progress.
The cost $100 per student. Includes all learning tools and subscription fees.
The Training Squad program runs for nine months, commencing Term 4 each year.
Selection to the Training Squad is by invitation, based on the performance in the Junior Science Olympiad Exam and/or Big Science Competition and meeting eligibility requirements.
Participation in the JSO Training Squad aims to student enhance performance in the Junior Science Olympiad Exam and the Australian Science Olympiad Exams but does not guarantee a place at any residential training school or International Olympiad.
JSO Training Squad FAQS
The Australian Curriculum up to Year 10, with some extension. Squad materials can often be matched with the topics students are covering at school.
Australian students who show promise in the Junior Science Olympiad exam and/or the Big Science Competition.
Students in Years 7 or 8 and from regional, remote, and low socioeconomic schools, or from an Australian indigenous background.
Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.
In general, students take part in the Training Squad in their own time, working through as much or as little of the materials as they like at their own pace and reaching out to the Junior Science Olympiad staff as needed. However, the student/s may also approach you to discuss how they might integrate their work in the Training Squad with their schoolwork.
Students should prepare an achievable self-study timetable. We also recommend connecting with a school teacher with whom you can check-in from time to time.
The Junior Science Olympiad Training Squad is only open to students enrolled in an Australian school or accredited home school.
Test new skills by sitting the next Junior Science Olympiad Exam – it is free for all Training Squad members. Email asi@asi.edu.au to receive the Promo Code.
Training Squad students need to sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exam if they wish to be considered for the JSO Spring School.
Junior Science Olympiad Academy
The JSO Academy is a national invitation-only online program, offered to 50 high-performing students under 16.
The aims of the Academy are to provide a diverse group of students across Australia with the opportunity to follow their interest in science, make new friends, and support them to perform well in future Australian Science Olympiads.
The format of JSO Academy involves:
- Four courses taught by subject experts, covering advanced Year 10 and some Year 11 content.
- Each course will involve a weekly 1-hour Zoom lesson combined with approximately 2 hours of weekly homework.
- Two courses run for ten weeks – Biology and Chemistry in Term 1 and Earth Science and Physics in Term 2.
- Each course concludes with an exam.
- The student/s will also be exposed to a community of teachers and other students who love science and have opportunities to broaden their networks. We will provide schools with a summary of student results at the conclusion of each course to assist with overseeing their progress.
The cost is $300 per student. Includes all learning tools and subscription fees.
The JSO Academy program runs for 20 weeks during Terms 1 and 2.
Selection to the JSO Academy is by invitation, based on performance in the Junior Science Olympiad Exam. Students must be young enough to be eligible to attend the next Junior Science Olympiad Spring School.
Participation in the JSO Academy aims to student enhance performance in the Junior Science Olympiad Exam and the Australian Science Olympiad Exams but does not guarantee a place at any residential training school or International Olympiad.
JSO Academy FAQS
You can find further information in the 2024 JSOA Syllabus Summary PDF.
Students who performed well in the Junior Science Olympiad and who will still be under the age of 16, as at 31 December in the same year they attended Academy.
To assist our commitment to supporting a diverse range of students, places are limited to two per school.
Successful students will be contacted via phone and email to offer them a place.
Students take part in the Academy in their own time, with direct and regular contact with Junior Science Olympiad staff. However, the student/s may also approach you to discuss their progress.
Students should plan to attend all online lessons and prepare an achievable homework timetable. We also recommend connecting with a school teacher with whom you can check-in from time to time.
The Junior Science Olympiad Training Academy is only open to students enrolled in an Australian school or accredited home school.
Test new skills by sitting the next Junior Science Olympiad Exam – it is free for all Academy members. Email asi@asi.edu.au to receive the Promo Code.
Academy students need to sit the Junior Science Olympiad Exam if they wish to be considered for the JSO Spring School.
Try Past Exam Papers with Answers!
Studying for the Junior Science Olympiad Exams? Check out the past JSO Exam Papers with Answers. A great way to practice and learn!
Get Competition and Exam Support
The Competition and Exam Support page supports teachers to administer our programs with helpful troubleshooting options and support documents.
Curious about the Alumni Program?
Former ASI students who attended an ASO Summer School, JSO Spring School or on the team for International Science Olympiads or International Junior Science Olympiad.