The most prestigious
chemistry competition for school students in the UK
Special opportunity
for international students to compete on the same problems as UK students
Awards provide evidence
supporting applications to top universities
UK Chemistry Olympiad
You Be The Chemist Challenge®
INTRODUCTION
The problems given in the UK Chemistry Olympiad often stimulate a lot of debate, raising awareness of what chemistry is all about. It provides a great opportunity for the students to develop and showcase some of the skills they’ll need in university and beyond.
UKChO aims to offer keen students more opportunities to develop their chemistry knowledge and problem-solving skills. Through UKChO, international students will have the opportunity to compete for gold, silver, and bronze awards.
UK Chemistry Olympiad
Advancement system
Rules
Language: English
Date: Jan. 31, 2026 (Sat.) 120 mins
Form: Online
Eligibility: Grade 10- 12 / Year 11-13
Format: Around 5-6 analysis problems, each problem consisting of 3-10 parts (subject to the actual paper).
Difficulty: The questions require A-level or equivalent chemistry knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to new situations and problems in a creative way.
* Students with British nationality are not allowed to register via ASEEDER.
Award
Global Awards
● Gold
● Silver
● Bronze
(Grade boundaries for each award are set according to performance by students from UK. Typically, 60-65% of entrants in the UK gain at least a Bronze certificate, with the top 7-8% of UK entrants achieving Gold. Scores from international participants will receive awards according to these grade boundaries.)
Advancement system
UKChO Asia Camp
Date: Aug. 2026 (TBD)
Location: Beijing
Language: English
Eligibility: Students who achieve the UKChO Award
* Registration is limited to 80 students, and the enrollment will be closed once full
registration form
Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificates.
registration deadline2 weeks before the competition