Physics Olympiads

The Physics Olympiad Runway

A general guide to the Physics Olympiad journey for students in Singapore.

  1. Year 1-4 Students

    Participate in the Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad, which typically happens in May.

  2. Year 5 Students

    Participate in the Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO), which is typically in October.

  3. SPhO Gold Medalists

    SPhO gold medalists will get the opportunity to join the Singapore Physics Olympiad Training (SPOT).

  4. Year 6 SPOT Trainees

    SPOT Trainees will participate in the SPOT selection test, which is a theory paper lasting for 4 hours. This typically happens in March / April and determines the National Teams.

About the Physics Olympiads

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Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO)

The SPhO is the national-level Physics Olympiad in Singapore for Year 5 students, consisting of a theory round and an invite-only experimental round. One must be selected by their school to participate.

Why Try for SPhO?
  • Deepen your physics knowledge beyond the school curriculum.
  • Develop advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Boost your portfolio with a globally recognized academic achievement.
  • Unlock the opportunity to enter the national training team.

Annually, over 240 students participate, with around 30 achieving Gold medals.

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International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

The IPhO is the most prestigious international physics competition for pre-university students. It involves challenging theoretical and experimental exams. Only 5 students get to participate per country annually.

Why Try for IPhO?
  • Compete with and learn from the brightest physics talents worldwide.
  • A highly esteemed achievement recognized by top universities globally.
  • Experience diverse cultures and build international friendships.

Over 80 countries typically participate in IPhO.

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Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO)

The APhO is the premier regional Physics Olympiad for students from Asian and Oceanian countries. It mirrors the IPhO in difficulty and format. Only 8 students get to participate per country annually.

Why Try for APhO?
  • Gain invaluable international competition experience.
  • Test your skills against top students from the Asian region.

Over 30 countries typically participate in APhO.

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Int'l Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO)

INSO offers a platform for students with a keen interest in the specialized areas of nuclear science and particle physics. The delegation is selected through SPOT. Only 4 students get to participate per country annually.

Why Try for INSO?
  • Specializes in niche areas of modern physics, particularly nuclear science.
  • Showcase specialized knowledge and advanced problem-solving skills.
  • Organized by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • Connect with peers and experts in a focused field.

The 1st INSO made its debut in 2024.