--- title: "AIO to IOI Pathway in Australia | Informatics Olympiad Steps" description: "The path from the Australian Informatics Olympiad to the IOI: AIIO, FARIO, the selection school, APIO and eligibility, from the AMT's 2026 calendar and rules." canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/aio-to-ioi-pathway-australia source: src/pages/aio-to-ioi-pathway-australia.html --- > The path from the Australian Informatics Olympiad to the IOI: AIIO, FARIO, the selection school, APIO and eligibility, from the AMT's 2026 calendar and rules. In short Students who do well in the Australian Informatics Olympiad may be invited into the Australian Maths Trust's olympiad programs. In 2026 the informatics calendar ran from the Australian Invitational Informatics Olympiad in February, through FARIO, the Informatics Selection School and APIO, to the International Olympiad in Informatics in August, with the European Girls Olympiad in Informatics in May. Every stage after the AIO is by invitation. For the invitational stages ## Three courses for students aiming past the AIO Deeper algorithms, harder contest practice, and the mathematical thinking olympiad problems lean on. [![Problem Solving for Teens course thumbnail](/images/problem-solving-teens.webp) IOIP / 01 Algorithms and data structures Graphs, dynamic programming and efficient structures, taught for understanding rather than memory. Open the syllabus →](/courses/problem-solving-dsa-masterclass-teens)[![Competitive Programming Course course thumbnail](/images/placement-prep-college.webp) IOIP / 02 Advanced competitive programming Harder contest material for students who have outgrown school-level problems. Open the syllabus →](/courses/competitive-programming-masterclass-college)[![Maths Olympiad & Competition Course course thumbnail](/images/olympiad-competition-maths.webp) IOIP / 03 Olympiad maths Proof, counting and invariants: the mathematical side of olympiad informatics. Open the syllabus →](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) The steps ## From one contest to an international team The Trust describes each step on its own pages. This is the order they appear in, with the Trust's wording. | Step | What the AMT says | | --- | --- | | Australian Informatics Olympiad | Open entry through schools; "students who perform well in the AIO may be invited to participate in the AMT's olympiad programs" | | Invitation | "Students with strong performance at the Australian Informatics Olympiad may be invited to participate in special mentoring and participate in exclusive events." | | Australian Invitational Informatics Olympiad | A February contest for Australian and New Zealand students; "Around 40 students are invited to participate each year" | | French-Australian Regional Informatics Olympiad | Held remotely between students from France, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium since 2004; "one of the main competitions used to select students" for the IOI team | | Informatics Selection School | A camp the AIIO page calls "an important step in the pathway to representing Australia" | | International Olympiad in Informatics | Described by the AMT as "the peak competition in computer science for high school students around the world" | Two points are easy to miss. First, every step after the AIO is by invitation; there is no way to enter the AIIO, FARIO or the selection school directly. Second, the Trust uses several contests and the camp together, rather than a single exam, to choose the team. The pathway also includes the Asian Pacific Informatics Olympiad, which appears in the Trust's 2026 calendar, and, for girls, the European Girls Olympiad in Informatics with its own mentor program. The AMT and Australian Science Innovations "do not permit students to participate in more than one Olympiad program" in a year. A student invited into both maths and informatics, or into a science olympiad, has to choose one subject for that year. The Trust also notes that the programs are supported by an Australian Government grant for mathematics and informatics olympiads. Invitations, selection and team announcements are entirely the Trust's decisions. Sources: AMT [Olympiad and Pathways Programs](https://amt.edu.au/olympiad-programs), [AIIO](https://amt.edu.au/australian-invitational-informatics-olympiad-aiio) and [FARIO](https://amt.edu.au/french-australian-regional-informatics-olympiad-fario) pages, and the [AIO page](https://amt.edu.au/aio), read on 7 October 2026. We are independent of the AMT. The 2026 calendar ## What the informatics year looked like in 2026 The Trust publishes an Olympiad Program Calendar each year. These are the informatics entries for 2026, exactly as listed. | Activity | Type | Dates | Location | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | AIIO | Exam | 12 February | School | | FARIO | Exam | 6 to 8 March | School | | EGOI Mentor Program begins | Problem solving | 20 March | Correspondence | | Informatics Selection School | Camp | 23 April to 1 May | Sydney | | APIO | Exam | 9 to 10 May | School | | IOI Mentor Program begins | Problem solving | 9 May | Correspondence | | EGOI | International event | 12 to 18 May | Cesenatico, Italy | | IOI | International event | 9 to 16 August | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | | Informatics School of Excellence | Camp | 10 to 19 December (to be confirmed) | Canberra | Read with the AIO's 2026 date of 27 August, the cycle is clear. A student does well in the AIO in late August, may be invited to the School of Excellence in December, then sits the AIIO in February and FARIO in March of the following year, before the selection school and APIO in autumn. That means the real preparation for the invitational stages happens in the months after the AIO, not before it. Students who stop practising once the AIO is over are the ones who find February hardest. The calendar is published year by year, and the 2027 version had not appeared when we checked. Dates and venues change, and the Trust's calendar is the only reliable source for them. Several stages are sat at school or by correspondence rather than at a central venue. Families should expect a busy run from February to May for an invited student, alongside normal schoolwork. Source: AMT, [2026 Olympiad Program Calendar](https://amt.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Olympiad-Program-Calendar.pdf) (PDF), informatics section, read on 7 October 2026. Who can be selected ## Eligibility for Australia's IOI and EGOI teams The Trust publishes eligibility criteria, valid from 1 October 2025. They are short and worth reading in full on the Trust's site. ### International rules Students must "meet all IOI regulations as stated in Section S2 of the IOI Regulations"; for EGOI, the EGOI regulations apply as well. ### An Australian school The criteria require that a student "be attending an Australian school". ### Time to take part Students must "have the capacity to participate in all Olympiad activities", which is why the calendar above matters. The criteria also note situations the Trust considers individually, and ask students in them to contact the Trust directly. We do not advise on eligibility; the published criteria and the Trust's staff are the authority, and anyone unsure should ask the Trust before relying on an invitation. Source: AMT, [IOI and EGOI Eligibility Criteria](http://amt.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/IOI-EGOI-Eligibility-Criteria-1.pdf) (PDF), read on 7 October 2026. The skill the later stages demand ## An operations budget: is my algorithm fast enough? The AIO already marks efficiency. In the invitational contests, almost every problem has an obvious slow solution and a hidden fast one. Strong students estimate the running time before writing a single line. The idea is simple. Count roughly how many basic steps an algorithm takes for the largest input, then compare that with how many steps the computer can do in the time allowed. If the count is far too big, no amount of tidying the code will save it; a different algorithm is needed. To make that concrete we timed a plain Python loop on our own laptop. It managed about 28 million simple steps per second. Faster languages such as C++ do many more, and contest machines differ, so treat the numbers below as an illustration of scale rather than a promise about any judge. The table shows why the jump matters. For 1,000 items, even an algorithm that compares every pair finishes almost instantly. For 100,000 items the same pairwise approach takes about 353 seconds, roughly six minutes. For a million items it takes about 35,000 seconds, nearly ten hours, while a sort-based approach still finishes in under a second. Olympiad problems are built around exactly this gap. The skill is to read the input limits in a problem statement, make this estimate in your head, and only then choose the method. | Items (n) | One pass: n | Sort-like: n log n | Every pair: n squared | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1,000 | 1,000 steps, under 0.001 s | about 10,000 steps, under 0.001 s | 1,000,000 steps, about 0.04 s | | 100,000 | 100,000 steps, about 0.004 s | about 1.7 million steps, about 0.06 s | 10 billion steps, about 353 s | | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 steps, about 0.04 s | about 20 million steps, about 0.7 s | 1 trillion steps, about 35,000 s | Our measurement: a plain Python loop of 10 million additions took about 0.35 seconds on our laptop on 7 October 2026 (about 28 million steps per second). Step counts use log base 2. This is an illustration, not a statement about any contest's machines or limits. Where a student stands ## Four levels on the informatics pathway Each level is about the kind of problem a student can solve reliably, not about awards. | Level | Typical work | The sign it is secure | | --- | --- | --- | | AIO entrant | First AIO problems, brute force | Solves the easier problems and tests them properly | | Strong AIO | Most AIO problems, sorting and greedy methods | Estimates running time before coding | | Invitational | Graphs, dynamic programming, data structures | Solves unseen problems under time pressure | | Selection level | Proof of correctness, advanced techniques | Explains why a solution is right, not just that it passes | ### Keeping it healthy The pathway is long and selective. Students who enjoy problem solving for its own sake cope best with not being invited, which is the most common outcome. Schoolwork and sleep come first; olympiad work should fit around them. ### Related reading Start with our [AIO preparation page](/australian-informatics-olympiad-preparation) for the contest itself. For the maths route, see the [AMT competitions page](/australian-maths-trust-amc-aio-cat-preparation). The catalogue ## Nine courses for olympiad-minded programmers Grouped by depth. Each card opens a full outline. I ### Fluency Languages contests accept IOIP / L / 01 #### C++ for teens The language most olympiad competitors use. [Open the syllabus](/courses/cpp-programming-masterclass-for-teens) IOIP / L / 02 #### Python for teens Quick to write, good for testing ideas. [Open the syllabus](/courses/python-complete-masterclass-teens) IOIP / L / 03 #### Java for teens Accepted at the AIO, strongly typed. [Open the syllabus](/courses/java-programming-masterclass-for-teens)II ### Algorithms The core toolkit IOIP / A / 01 #### Algorithms and data structures The ideas every round tests. [Open the syllabus](/courses/problem-solving-dsa-masterclass-teens) IOIP / A / 02 #### Competitive programming for teens Judged practice problems. [Open the syllabus](/courses/competitive-programming-for-teens-course) IOIP / A / 03 #### Advanced algorithms University-level depth. [Open the syllabus](/courses/data-structures-algorithms-masterclass-college)III ### Beyond For the invitational stages IOIP / X / 01 #### Advanced competitive programming Harder contests and techniques. [Open the syllabus](/courses/competitive-programming-masterclass-college) IOIP / X / 02 #### Olympiad maths Proof and combinatorics. [Open the syllabus](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) IOIP / X / 03 #### Maths through coding Number theory explored in code. [Open the syllabus](/courses/maths-through-coding) How coaching runs ## One-to-one and small-group olympiad coaching Our coaches work from India, behind every Australian time zone. An 8 pm session in Sydney during daylight saving begins at 2.30 pm India time, which suits senior students who train in the evening. After the AIO September to January, when invitational preparation really happens. Weekly coaching Problem sets with written solutions reviewed. Contest simulations Timed sets under realistic conditions. ### Estimate first Every problem starts with an operations budget. ### Prove, then code Students explain why a method is correct before writing it. ### Groups Fifteen to twenty students of similar level. ### One-to-one coaching The usual choice at this level. ### Honest feedback Clear advice on readiness, without inflating it. ### No selection promises Invitations and teams are the Trust's decisions alone. Student work ## Projects from our students Work learners built for themselves, apart from any contest. See more in the [student labs](/student-labs). ![NutriLife AI nutrition coach project screenshot](/images/projects/nutrilife.webp) AI and ML #### NutriLife An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target. by Bhavya · [Open it](https://nutrilife-bhavya.lovable.app) ![Misti AI chatbot for maths and coding screenshot](/images/projects/misti.webp) AI and ML #### Misti A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student. by Harshit · [Open it](https://misti.modernagecoders.com) ![GuardianX AI internet safety assistant screenshot](/images/projects/guardianx.webp) AI and ML #### GuardianX An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online. by Vivaan · [Open it](https://guardianx-cybersaver.lovable.app) ![SkyCast weather forecast application screenshot](/images/projects/skycast.webp) Web app #### SkyCast A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location. by Krish Fees ## Fees Families in Australia pay monthly in US dollars, the rate we charge everywhere outside India, with no deposit and no minimum term. The Trust's programs are separate and by invitation. Free first class USD 0 no card required - A real session with a coach - An honest assessment of level - No card details Book it Group batch USD 100 a month, billed in US dollars - Fifteen to twenty students at one level - The same coach every week - Solutions reviewed in depth - A certificate at the end Start here One to one USD 150 a month, billed in US dollars - A coach for one student - Built around the pathway calendar - A weekly time that suits you Enquire What families say ## Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews Parents' and students' reviews, quoted as posted on Google. ★★★★★ "The one step solution for my son. Modern Age Coders make learning coding so simple that kids love it. The teachers explain complex concepts clearly with practical exercises and interactive content." Ria Mukherjee Parent ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders has been a game-changer for me. I struggled to grasp IT concepts and coding before joining, but their classes transformed everything. I can now confidently write complex programs with ease." Samriddha Mondal Student ★★★★★ "One of the most wonderful education centres out there. Education is not limited to school syllabus but focuses on skill development." Vansh Agarwal Student ★★★★★ "My child Dhairya is really enjoying the Modern Age Coders classes. This is his first online class and he eagerly looks forward to it. I can already see his improvement, and the teachers are very cooperative." Sonam Oswal Parent of Dhairya ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders have wonderful teachers who teach in a clear, easy and practical way. The teacher boosts students' confidence and inspires them to learn without hesitation." Sonu Goyal Parent ★★★★★ "I highly recommend this computer coding class! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coding." Ritu Kedia Parent Questions about the pathway ## What families of olympiad students ask ### How does a student get from the AIO to the IOI? Students who do well in the AIO may be invited into the AMT's olympiad programs. From there, invitational contests such as the AIIO and FARIO, the Informatics Selection School and APIO lead to selection of Australia's IOI team. ### What is the AIIO? The Australian Invitational Informatics Olympiad, a February contest for invited Australian and New Zealand students. The AMT says around 40 students are invited each year. ### What is FARIO? The French-Australian Regional Informatics Olympiad, held remotely between students from France, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium since 2004. The AMT calls it one of the main competitions used to select the IOI team. ### Can a student enter the invitational contests directly? No. Every stage after the AIO is by invitation from the AMT. ### Who is eligible for the Australian IOI team? The AMT's criteria require students to meet the IOI regulations in Section S2, attend an Australian school, and be able to take part in all olympiad activities. ### Can a student do the maths and informatics olympiads in the same year? The AMT and Australian Science Innovations do not permit participation in more than one olympiad program in a year, so students choose one subject. ### What is an operations budget? A quick estimate of how many basic steps an algorithm needs for the largest input, compared with what a computer can do in the time allowed. It shows before coding whether an approach can possibly be fast enough. ### Where was the IOI in 2026? The AMT's 2026 calendar lists the IOI as 9 to 16 August in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. ### Can you get my child selected? No one can promise that. We teach algorithms and contest skills; invitations and selection are decided by the AMT. ### Are you connected with the AMT? No. We are an independent online school, and the facts here come from the AMT's published pages. Related pages ## More for Australian competitors The contest that starts the pathway and the competitions around it. ### [AIO preparation](/australian-informatics-olympiad-preparation) Format, judging and a testing habit. ### [AMC, AIO and CAT](/australian-maths-trust-amc-aio-cat-preparation) The Trust's school competitions compared. ### [Bebras practice](/bebras-challenge-australia-practice) Code-free computational thinking. ### [Competitions calendar](/australian-coding-maths-and-ai-competitions-calendar) The school-level contests by month. ### [Maths olympiad tutoring](/math-olympiad-amc-tutoring) The parallel maths route. ### [Coding classes in Australia](/coding-classes-in-australia) Our main Australian page. Start here ## Book a free olympiad coaching session Tell us your student's year level, AIO experience and language. The free session works through a real problem, including the operations budget, and ends with candid advice about readiness. Want to look around first? The [course atlas](/course-atlas) has every course, and [how we teach](/how-we-teach) describes a session. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919123366161?text=Hello%20Modern%20Age%20Coders%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20free%20class%20about%20the%20informatics%20olympiad%20pathway.) · [+91 91233 66161](tel:+919123366161) · [connect@modernagecoders.com](mailto:connect@modernagecoders.com) WhatsApp is normally the fastest route. The number begins +91, India's code; the school runs from India and has no Australian office. ### Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo A priority demo is a full class of about 45 to 60 minutes. After the class the mentor sends a written skill report and a personal learning roadmap on WhatsApp. If you enrol, the demo fee is adjusted against your first month's fee. 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