About The Competition

Mathema Contest is a South African-based international online math competition that seeks to enhance the importance of math education worldwide while equipping the younger generation with the mathematical abilities necessary for success.

Our mission is to empower the next generation of problem solvers with the mathematical skills they need to succeed. We strive to foster a passion for mathematics in students and educators around the world by providing a stimulating and engaging competition.

2

Competitions per year

3

Rounds each

6

Categories

Why Participate in Mathema Contest?

Cash Prizes

Win up to $300 USD and other exciting rewards for top performers in each category.

E-Certificates

All participants receive digital certificates to enhance their academic profiles.

Skill Development

Enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning skills.

Contest Categories

Choose the category that matches your age group or academic level

Primary Math

Primary Category

Grades: 4 - 7 (10-13 years)

Format: 20 questions in 30 minutes

Topics: Basic arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and statistics

Junior Math

Junior Category

Ages: 14-17 years old

Format: 40 questions in 40 minutes

Topics: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions

Senior Math

Senior Category

Ages: 18-21 years old

Format: 40 questions in 40 minutes

Topics: Advanced algebra, calculus, statistics

Open Math

Open Category

Ages: 14-50 years old

Format: 60 questions in 60 minutes

Topics: Comprehensive math review

University Math

University Category

For: University students

Format: 60 questions in 60 minutes

Topics: Higher mathematics concepts

Team Math

Team Category

Teams of: 4 participants

Format: 60 questions in 60 minutes

Categories: Primary, Junior, Senior, Open, University

Prize Structure

Rewards for top performers in each category

Junior & Senior Categories

$250

1st Place Champion


$150
2nd Place
$100
3rd Place

Plus custom contest T-shirts for top scorers in each round!

Open Category

$300

1st Place Champion


$200
2nd Place
$150
3rd Place

Plus custom contest T-shirts for top scorers in each round!

Team Categories

$250

Winning Team Prize


All team members receive certificates and recognition for their achievement.

Teams compete in Primary, Junior, Senior, Open, and University categories.

Competition Timeline

Two competitions per year with three rounds each

First Competition

March - June 2025

Registration Deadline: March 19, 2025

Round 1: Qualifying Round

March 21-24, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: March 21, 2025

Open & University: March 22, 2025

Teams: March 24, 2025

Top 50-75% advance to semi-finals based on participation numbers.

Round 2: Semi-Finals

April 18-21, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: April 18, 2025

Open & University: April 19, 2025

Teams: April 21, 2025

Top 16.5-20% advance to finals based on participation numbers.

Round 3: Finals

May 16-19, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: May 16, 2025

Open & University: May 17, 2025

Teams: May 19, 2025

Winners announced and prizes awarded.

Second Competition

August - November 2025

Registration Deadline: August 13, 2025

Round 1: Qualifying Round

August 15-18, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: August 15, 2025

Open & University: August 16, 2025

Teams: August 18, 2025

Round 2: Semi-Finals

September 19-22, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: September 19, 2025

Open & University: September 20, 2025

Teams: September 22, 2025

Round 3: Finals

October 17-20, 2025

Primary, Junior & Senior: October 17, 2025

Open & University: October 18, 2025

Teams: October 20, 2025

Mathematics Topics Covered

Comprehensive range of topics tailored to each category

Primary Category (Grades 4-7)
  • Basic Arithmetic (Fractions, Percentages)
  • Simplification & Substitution
  • Basic Geometry (Lines, Shapes, Polygons)
  • Number Theory & Bases
  • Basic Probability & Statistics
Junior Category (14-17)
  • Algebra 1 & 2
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Trigonometric Ratios
  • Functions & Graphs
  • Coordinate Geometry
Senior Category (18-21)
  • Pre-Calculus & Calculus
  • Advanced Algebra
  • Probability & Statistics
  • Number Theory
  • Combinatorics

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the competition

To register, visit our website and click on the 'Register Now' button. Follow the instructions and complete the registration process, including payment of the entry fee according to your category. Registration deadlines are March 19 for the first competition and August 13 for the second competition.

Entry fees vary by category:
  • Primary Category: $1 USD
  • Junior Category: $2 USD
  • Senior Category: $3 USD
  • University Category: $4 USD
  • Open Category: $5 USD
  • Team Categories: $4-20 USD per team depending on category
Fees are non-refundable and payable via PayPal or credit/debit card.

The contest has three rounds:
  1. Qualifying Round: Open to all registered participants. Top 50-75% advance based on participation numbers.
  2. Semi-Finals: Top 16.5-20% from qualifying round advance to finals.
  3. Finals: Winners are determined based on correct answers and time taken.
Each round has different question formats and difficulty levels.

We provide various resources on our website to help you prepare, including:
  • Practice problems with solutions
  • Instructional videos on key concepts
  • Past competition questions (where available)
  • Recommended study guides and textbooks
Focus on problem-solving techniques and time management as the contest emphasizes application of concepts rather than rote memorization.

Winners receive:
  • Cash prizes: Up to $300 USD depending on category
  • Custom T-shirts: For top scorers in each round
  • E-certificates: All participants receive certificates for each round they complete
  • Recognition: Winners announced on our website and social media
Specific prize amounts vary by category (see Prize Structure section for details).

Mathema Contest 2026 Promo

Watch our promotional video for the upcoming competition

Ready to Challenge Yourself?

Join hundreds of students worldwide in this exciting mathematical journey. Register now for the Mathema Contest 2025!