As the registration deadline for the first half of 2026 Euclid Mathematics Contest approaches, high school students around the globe are preparing for this grand mathematical competition. Hosted by the University of Waterloo in Canada, this contest is hailed as the “TOEFL of Mathematics.” It is widely recognized not only for its high value but also attracts numerous math enthusiasts due to its rigorous assessment standards and rich challenges.
I. Basic Contest Information (2026 Season)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Organizer | CEMC, University of Waterloo, Canada |
| Registration Deadline | March 11, 2027 (Schools are advised to complete registration 1–2 weeks in advance) |
| Exam Date | • North America + South America: Tuesday, April 6, 2027 • Other Regions (including China): Wednesday, April 7, 2027 |
| Exam Format | Paper-based, in-person exam (organized by authorized test centers) |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Question Type & Scoring | 10 short-answer questions, total score 100 points • Some questions include parts (a) and (b) • Must provide a complete solution process (answers alone receive no points) |
| Results Release | 5–6 weeks after the contest (Expected mid-to-late May 2026) |
II. Target Audience
Those with Clear Goals:
Planning to apply to Canada’s Top 5 universities (Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, McMaster).
Intending to apply to the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Actuarial Science, or Business programs.
Aiming to use contest results to compete for undergraduate scholarships (Waterloo has specific Euclid score thresholds for scholarships).
Those Seeking Background Enhancement:
Grade 10–12 students wanting to add high-value academic credentials to their applications for UK, US, or Canadian universities.
Students with a solid math foundation (equivalent to Chinese Grade 12 / Canadian Grade 12 level) but who have not participated in advanced contests like AIME.
Those Seeking High Value for Effort:
Compared to AIME (average score only 4–5/15), achieving a score of 75+ in Euclid is more attainable, and its recognition is extremely high in Canada.
III. Exam Content and Weight Distribution
Euclid’s knowledge points are highly stable, focusing on core high school mathematics + logical expression:
| Module | Approx. Weight | High-Frequency Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Plane Geometry & Analytic Geometry | ≈35% | Properties of triangles, power of a point theorems, coordinate method for area calculation, vector applications, proofs involving proportional division |
| Algebraic Operations | ≈30% | Solving equations, inequalities, properties of functions, sequences (arithmetic/geometric), polynomials (factoring, relationship between roots and coefficients) |
| Permutations, Combinations & Probability | Must-appear | Basic counting principles, probability models (often combined with number theory/algebra, appears in Q5–Q10) |
| Trigonometry | ≈1 question | Trigonometric identities and transformations, solving triangles (a strong area for Chinese students) |
| Number Theory | 1–2 questions | Prime numbers, GCD/LCM, modular arithmetic, Diophantine equations (often appears in Q9–Q10) |
| Functions & Logarithms | Interspersed | Inverse functions, composite functions, change of base formula for logarithms |
Exam Features:
Does not test calculus, complex numbers, or solid geometry.
Emphasizes the solution process: Even if the final answer is incorrect, a clear logical process can earn partial marks.
Strong comprehensiveness in final questions: Q8–Q10 often integrate 2–3 modules (e.g., “Sequences + Number Theory,” “Geometry + Algebra”).
IV. Question-Specific Answering Strategies (Progressive Breakdown of the 10 Questions)
Q1–Q4: Foundational Questions (Goal: Perfect Score)
Features: Direct application of formulas, mainly calculation.
Strategy:
Strengthen speed training; aim to complete the first 4 questions within 10 minutes.
If English reading is challenging, familiarize yourself with the wording of questions from the last 5 years’ past papers in advance to build a vocabulary of common expressions.
Q5–Q7: Intermediate Questions (Goal: Score 70%+ Marks)
Features: Require simple modeling or case discussion.
Strategy:
Sub-questions are independent: If you can’t solve part (a), you can directly attempt part (b).
Avoid brute-force calculation: Complex equations often have clever solutions (e.g., using symmetry, substitution, factorization).
Write clearly and standardly: Even if your train of thought stalls, write down the given conditions and your attempted approaches.
Q8–Q10: Challenging Questions (Goal: Secure Partial Marks)
Features: Highly comprehensive, require deep thinking.
Strategy:
Priority: Ensure accuracy on the first 7 questions before tackling the challenging ones.
Write down key steps: e.g., “Let the common ratio be r,” “From the Pythagorean theorem, we get…”.
Time management: Spend no more than 15 minutes on each of these questions. Stop if you exceed the time limit and return to review the foundational questions.
Euclid Math Contest registration is now open! Scan the code to inquire about Agent Registration (agency registration) details!
Scan the code and send [Grade + School + Curriculum System]
Free access to past papers and solutions (1998-2025) + Essential Formulas + Categorized Question Banks!
Categorized Exercise Booklets + Competition Preparation Books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline I should actually work to?
Not the published one. The organiser’s ordering deadline for the 2027 paper is March 11, 2027, but a school or test centre closes its own list earlier so that seats and paperwork can be settled before the portal shuts. Whichever institution is signing for you sets the date that binds you, so ask them rather than counting back from the official one.
What does the paper consist of?
Ten questions across 2.5 hours for 100 marks, each question worth ten and often split into sub-parts. Some ask for a final answer only; the rest are full-solution and are marked on the written argument. The topics stay within senior secondary mathematics and the paper does not assume calculus.
How much preparation is realistic before the sitting?
It depends where you start, but plan in months rather than weeks. Topic gaps can close reasonably fast; the habit of writing a complete argument under time pressure takes longer because it has to survive an unfamiliar question. A common shape is topic work first, full written solutions second, and timed whole papers last.