Introduction

The United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) was established in 1996, aiming to enhance math education and foster problem-solving skills in young people. As the largest mathematics organization in the UK, UKMT annually hosts national-level math competitions for over 700,000 students aged 11 to 18.

The Team Maths Challenge (TMC), organized by UKMT, is a team-based mathematics competition attracting about 20,000 participants from 3,000 schools in more than 100 regions in the UK, competing for 160 places in the Global Final in the UK. The competition has a distinctive team problem-solving format, encouraging collaboration, math exploration, and skill/logical thinking development.

2026 UKMT-TMC will invite 8 Asian Junior/Senior teams to its Global Final, where Asian students compete, conduct academic exchanges with top UK teams to share the charm of math.

In the UK, the UKMT-TMC has been successfully running for over two decades. I am absolutely thrilled that this renowned competition is now coming to Asia! Each round is designed to test different modes of teamwork and communication. With a core focus on logical thinking throughout, it challenges students not only to solve problems through efficient collaboration with their partners but also to employ strategic thinking to decipher complex puzzles. I believe the team-based format of the UKMT-TMC is truly exceptional. Without a doubt, every student who participates in this two-day event will have a memorable and rewarding experience. We warmly welcome you to join this exciting challenge and look forward to your participation!

— STEPHEN JOHN MULLIGAN【Vice Chair of UKMT, Founder of TMC & Setter for the SMC】

UKMT Team Maths Challenge (TMC)

Organized by

the largest math organization in the UK—UKMT

Designed for

students in grades 4-12/year 5-13, participating in teams of four students

FeaturED

group math activities, teammates collaborate to solve problems, cultivate team collaboration skills.

Innovative

problem-solving formats covering various difficulties and themes to stimulate learning interest and enhance mathematical skills.

break

Rules

Language: English & Chinese

Date: Dec. 12 – 13, 2026 

Location: Shanghai (TBD)

Eligibility: Grade 4-12/Year 5-13, 4 students per team

Content and Form/Rules:
  • Group Round: 10 questions in 45 minutes, 6 points of each question.
  • Cross Number Round: In 45 minutes, 1 point of each correct answer. The team splits into two groups of two members each, tackling Across and Down questions independently. Communication is limited to the invigilating teacher. Promoting logical and reasoned problem-solving.
  • Shuttle Round: 4 rounds in total, with 4 questions per round in 8 minutes. The team is split into two groups of two members each, with no inter-team communication allowed. Each round starts with Question 1, which can be solved independently. Subsequent questions’ answers depend on the previous one’s result. Scoring is as follows: 3 points for a correct first attempt, 1 point for subsequent correct attempts. Teams answering within 6 minutes
    earn an extra 3 points.
  • Relay Round: In 45 minutes, 15 sets of 2 questions, 2 points of each question. The team of 4 divides into 2 groups of 2. This round required each group to complete the question, run to the invigilator’s position to submit their answer, pass the next question to the other group when correct, and run back to their original position.
  • Poster Round: A total of 50 minutes. Teams will receive a challenge poster before the competition. Questions will be based on its content, requiring drawing responses. Teams can prepare materials in advance but must document and assemble them into a poster on event day. Pre-assembled posters lead to disqualification.

 

Global Final

In 2026, the UKMT-TMC invited 8 outstanding Asian teams to the Global Final in the UK, competing with top UK math champion teams. For Asian students, the Global Final represent not only an opportunity to compete on an international top-tier platform, but also a unique academic-cultural journey.

Highlights

Highly Selective – Low advancement rate.

Champion Team Competition – Top teams battle head- to-head.

Challenging Problems – Tougher questions and more demanding rounds.

Elite Academic Exchange – Meet mathematicians and engage with top schools.

Eligibility

Only 8 outstanding teams in each division.

Award

Awards for each Round

● 1st, 2nd , 3rd overall
● Top Gold Award:5%
● Gold Award: 15%
● Silver Award: 30%
● Bronze Award: 60%

Poster Round Awards

● Math Pioneer 30%

Team Overall Awards

● Gold: 10%

● Silver: 30%

● Bronze: 60%

* The award presentation is based on the current year.

 

registration form

Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificates.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 21th November 2026

Consultation