Open entry
Canadian Heat Round
- Grades offered
- 2–12
- Contest date
- Sat, Apr 24, 2027
12 pm ET / 9 am PT - Format
- Online on Zoom
- Registration closes
- Apr 3, 2027
- Questions
- 25
- Time allowed
- 90 minutes
- Total score
- 100 points
Mathematics Olympiads · Canadian entry 2026–27
Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad
Apply mathematical ideas to unfamiliar problems in logic, arithmetic and algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics. A spring heat leads to a separate late-summer final for qualifying students.
Grades 2–12Online on Zoom
Grades 2–12 · Online on Zoom
Dates and registration
Register for the heat to enter. Gold, Silver and Bronze heat award winners are invited to the optional final, which requires separate registration.
By invitation
HKIMO Global Final
- Grades offered
- 2–12
- Contest date
- Fri, Aug 27, 2027
6:30 pm ET / 3:30 pm PT - Format
- Online on Zoom
- Registration closes
- Aug 6, 2027
- Questions
- 30
- Time allowed
- 120 minutes
- Total score
- 150 points
Heat and final awards are separate. Your heat award is retained whether or not you enter the final. Canadian finals take place on Friday evening, corresponding to Saturday in Hong Kong.
About HKIMO
Five mathematical topics. Many ways to think.
HKIMO develops mathematical reasoning through logical thinking, arithmetic or algebra, number theory, geometry and combinatorics. Grade-specific papers give students a challenge suited to their stage of learning, from numerical fluency to more demanding problem solving.
What students work on
Syllabus and question areas
The published format spans five topic areas: five questions in each area at the heat and six in each area at the final. The difficulty and mathematical content depend on the student’s grade.
Logical thinking
Use clues, patterns and deductions to work through an unfamiliar situation. Explain why a conclusion follows rather than relying on a guess.
Arithmetic / Algebra
Work with numbers and operations at primary level, and algebraic relationships at secondary level. Look for structure that makes a calculation simpler.
Number theory
Explore properties of whole numbers, divisibility, factors and multiples. Test a pattern and use it to narrow the possibilities.
Geometry
Reason about shapes, lengths, angles and area. A carefully labelled sketch can reveal relationships that a calculation alone misses.
Combinatorics
Count possibilities systematically. Organise cases, avoid counting something twice and check that every valid case is included.
These descriptions explain the skills involved; they are not the complete grade-specific syllabus. Ask CKSTEM for the syllabus and sample questions for your entry category.
Recognition and results
Scoring, awards and certificates
The following minimum scores apply to Gold, Silver and Bronze in each grade. These are scores, not percentiles.
| Award | Heat score | Final score |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 80 / 100 | 120 / 150 |
| Silver | 60 / 100 | 90 / 150 |
| Bronze | 40 / 100 | 60 / 150 |
The published heat has 25 questions worth 4 points each; the final has 30 questions worth 5 points each. Follow the answer and marking instructions supplied with the current paper.
What recognition is available?
The mathematics prize structure gives Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients a certificate and medal. Merit awards receive certificates. Participation certificates are listed for the heat. The highest three scorers in each grade by global ranking are recognised as Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up, with trophies; perfect scorers have additional recognition.
For tied scores, the younger participant ranks higher. The organiser makes the final award decision. Families can collect awards free of charge on the announced pickup date, attend the CKSTEM award ceremony, or request shipping. See award collection and shipping details.
See previous CKSTEM contest winners →
Is the final the same as WIMO?
No. The HKIMO final is this contest’s own final. World International Mathematical Olympiad (WIMO) is a separate invitation pathway. Qualification is through Gold or above in at least two qualifying finals in the same year; BBB counts once. WIMO is separate from the Canadian heat and final described on this page.
CKSTEM achievements
Previous HKIMO results
Explore past heat and final results, award recipients and contest highlights.
Practice resources
Preparing for HKIMO
Enrolled students receive a free practice test. Access it through the CKSTEM portal to try the question format and practise within the round’s time limit.
CKSTEM mathematics students can ask their instructor for grade-specific preparation. Explore self-learning resources or watch mathematics solution videos.
Enrol through the CKSTEM portal
Registration and fees
Heat entry: CAD $50. Final entry: CAD $250, by invitation and registered separately. Eligible CKSTEM students can ask their instructor for the heat discount code. Schools can enquire about group registration and financial support.
Shipping is an additional charge per package. View shipping rates and free pickup options.
Sign in with the student’s CKSTEM account. Final registration is for invited heat medal winners.
Create a portal account · Registration help
School registration
Email info@ckstem.org with the contest, participating grades and number of students for group registration and financial-support enquiries.
Contest access
Joining on Zoom
Both Canadian rounds take place online on Zoom. Use an internet-connected computer and the contest login supplied after registration. Zoom and test-access instructions will be sent to registered participants.
Check your Zoom connection and portal login before contest day. For missing access details, email info@ckstem.org.
Policies and practical questions
Cancellation and refund policy
Contest fees paid to Competitive Kids STEM are generally non-refundable. CKSTEM pays external organisers and incurs administration, processing and other hosting costs, so withdrawals and cancellations beyond CKSTEM’s control cannot normally be refunded.
If CKSTEM charges a student incorrectly, or cancels an event for reasons within its control and receives a refund from the external organiser, it will refund the eligible fees. Processing charges may be deducted. Review the current registration terms before paying.
Are the heat and final online?
Yes. Both CKSTEM Canadian rounds take place online on Zoom. Registered students receive the Zoom and test-access instructions.
Can we keep a heat award without entering the final?
Yes. Heat and final awards are separate. Qualifying for the final gives you a choice; declining the invitation does not remove an earned heat award.
How do we receive results and awards?
CKSTEM shares results and any qualifying invitation after receiving the organiser’s results. Award-delivery and any local ceremony arrangements are communicated separately. See the collection and shipping options below.
How can we collect awards, and what does shipping cost?
Families can pick up awards free of charge on the announced pickup date, or collect them at the CKSTEM award ceremony. Pickup and ceremony details will be announced separately.
If you prefer shipping, medals and certificates are shipped after results are announced. Shipping is charged separately from contest entry, per package:
- Canada: CAD $30 per package
- USA: CAD $50 per package
- International: CAD $100 per package
What if our school needs financial support?
Contact CKSTEM before registration with your school’s situation and approximate student count. The previous school-entry guidance includes support for underprivileged students; current assistance and group rates are confirmed individually.
Further resources
For grade-specific syllabus, sample papers, registration or accessibility questions, contact CKSTEM.
Plan your year
HKIMO dates & deadlines
Dates below are for CKSTEM’s Canadian entries. ET means Toronto time; PT means Vancouver time. Use “Other time zones” for your location.
2 calendar entries
| Contest & round | Date & start time | Duration / format | Register by |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKIMO · HeatOpen entry | Sat, Apr 24, 2027 12 pm ET / 9 am PT Other time zones | 90 minutes | Apr 3, 2027 |
| HKIMO · FinalQualification required | Fri, Aug 27, 2027 6:30 pm ET / 3:30 pm PT Other time zones | 120 minutes | Aug 6, 2027 |
No contests match both filters. Choose another format or reset the filters.
For a fixed-date contest, registration closes three weeks before the sitting. For a submission or sitting window, registration closes two weeks before it begins, except Math, Science, Computing and Writing: their confirmed deadline is March 15, 2027. Finals require qualification and a separate invitation or registration.
Download contest calendar (CSV) · Academic calendar and class schedule