British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad(Senior)
One of the most competitive physics challenges on Astronomy and Astrophysics in the UK
Top UK and international students compete together for the top awards
Beneficial for applying science majors in top universities
BAAO-Junior: Nov. 15, 2026 (Sun.) 50 mins
BAAO-Senior Round 1: Dec. 3, 2026 (Thu.) 120 mins
BAAO-Senior Round 2: Mar. 14, 2027 (Sun.) 180 mins
Introduction
The BAAO Senior and BAAO Junior are organized by British Physics Olympiad Committee located in the Physics Department of Oxford University, which is a charitable trust overseen by a committee of trustees.
The BAAO Junior and BAAO Senior papers are set to be stimulating, challenging students to think deeper, at the same time bringing them closer to many of the latest ongoing research topics and discoveries in astronomy. It aims to promote natural science knowledge, advance the development of astronomy and other sciences, and increase the interest of young people in astronomy, physics, and aerospace.
BAAO Junior Rules
BAAO-Junior
Language
English
Date
Nov. 15, 2026 (Sun.) 50 mins
Eligibility
Grade 7-10 /Year 8-11 (High achievers in the Junior Physics Challenge (JPC) are welcome to apply.)
* Students possessing British school enrollment status are not allowed to register via ASEEDER
Format
Individual test
Type
Multiple-choice questions
Form
Online
Global Awards
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
(For Global Awards: British participants are ranked first by their overall scores, which are used to establish the award thresholds. Subsequently, international participants have their awards allocated against these thresholds.)
BAAO Senior Round 1 Rules
BAAO-Senior Round 1
Language
English
Date
Dec. 3, 2026 (Thu.) (120 minutes)
Eligibility:
Grade 10-12 / Year 11-13
* Students possessing British school enrollment status are not allowed to register via ASEEDER.
Format
Individual test
Type
3 problems each including several questions with different points. The exact number of questions is subject to the competition year.
Form
Online
Global Awards
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
(For Global Awards: British participants are ranked first by their overall scores, which are used to establish the award thresholds. Subsequently, international participants have their awards allocated against these thresholds.)
BAAO Senior Round 2 Rules
BAAO-Senior Round 2
Language
English
Date
Mar. 14, 2027 (Sun.) 180 mins
Eligibility:
Round 1 qualified students
* Students possessing British school enrollment status are not allowed to register via ASEEDER.
Format
Individual test
Type
3 problems each including several questions with different points. The exact number of questions is subject to the competition year.
Form
Online
Global Awards
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
(For Global Awards: British participants are ranked first by their overall scores, which are used to establish the award thresholds. Subsequently, international participants have their awards allocated against these thresholds.)
Registration Details
Fee
Includes the exam administration, grading, past-papers, certificate.
Deadline
2 weeks before the competition
ASDAN EPQ Scholarship
3000RMB/std
Gold
2000RMB/std
Silver
1000RMB/std
Bronze
Noted：The ASDAN Scholarship is only available to Year 10, 11 and 12 students for participating ASDAN Extended Project Qualification(EPQ). EPQ is recommended by the G5 group and many leading universities as a competitive academic experience. Scholarships cannot be exchanged for cash. For further details see:http://www.seedasdan.org/epq/。
Exam Center
FAQ
