About the Competition

The competition has been in existence since 1972. It is wholly organised and run by volunteer staff of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Melbourne. The competition is of a demanding standard, designed to identify real mathematical talent. Between 3000 and 5000 students enter, and some 150 are awarded prizes. The nature of the problems is different from that encountered in school mathematics syllabi, being less mechanical and requiring a higher level of mathematical insight and creativity. As such, participation is likely to be rewarding only to those students who have a real love for, and ability in, mathematics.

The competition is separated into three divisions:
Junior Division - Students in years 7 and 8 sit a two hour exam
Intermediate Division - Students in years 9 and 10 sit a three hour exam
Senior Division - Students in years 11 and 12 sit a three hour exam

University of Melbourne - BHP Billiton School Mathematics Competition 2009

The competition is sponsored in 2009 by The University of Melbourne and BHP Billiton . It is organised by members of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Melbourne. The Competition is open to all students in secondary schools in Victoria. Over the years the number of participants has steadily increased from around 2500 students to the current level of approximately 4000 students, all coming from about 120 Victorian secondary schools.