Programme
Students take part in the Olympiads by first sitting one of several selection examinations. These examinations take place in mid-to-late April or early May. In addition to the above examinations, students in Western Canada and in Ontario may be invited to a Regional Olympiad training session based on their results in a year-long training program:
- A physics program for Alberta, BC, and Yukon students is run by the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia (alternating years)
- A chemistry program for Ontario students is run by the University of Toronto chemistry department
- A physics program for Ontario students is run by the University of Toronto physics department
In these programs, additional laboratory exercises and examinations are used to evaluate students as candidates for the National Olympiad Finals. Note that an on-line preparation program is also available for all Canadian chemistry students.
National Olympiad Finals:
The 10-15 top students, in each of chemistry and physics, are then invited to the National Olympiad Finals held each year in early June, usually at a university in Québec or Ontario. During this week, competitors sit through lectures, examinations, and laboratories. All aspects of this final competition are given in both French and English. Bilingual tutors are also available to help the students prepare for their examinations and laboratories.
At the Finals, the Canadian teams are selected to compete in the International Olympiads for Chemistry and Physics, where the best students from some 80 nations compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. Participation in the Canadian Finals or an International Olympiad is a tremendous experience and a unique opportunity to travel and meet fellow students from around the world who share similar interests.
Note that the two Olympiads (both national and international) are separate competitions; students should focus their efforts on only one in a given year.
Eligibility and Cost:
To be eligible for selection to the National Olympiad Finals, students must write one (or more) of the selection examinations. Eligible students must also be in full time attendance at a Canadian high school or CÉGEP and must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or have studied at a Canadian School for at least two years. They must be available for the whole week of the National Olympiad Finals and the period of the international competitions. Finally, they must not have reached 20 years of age at the time of the international competitions.
All travel and accomodation expenses for students winning places at the National Finals or the International Olympiads are covered by the Canadian Chemistry and Physics Olympiads and/or by the host countries of the International Olympiads. In Canada, funding is provided by a number of governmental, corporate and institutional sponsors.