The competition brought together 17,250 students from 399 educational institutions across 23 departments of Colombia. The Selective Test will take place on October 15.
The School of Mathematics at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) has announced the results of the Qualifying Test for the 15th UIS Mathematics Olympiads (OMU) for Elementary School Students 2026, an initiative that has promoted interest in mathematics among elementary school students in different regions of Colombia for 14 years.
This year, 17,250 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from 399 educational institutions in 125 municipalities and 23 departments across Colombia accepted the challenge of testing their mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
This year’s participation represents a new record for the competition and demonstrates the growing national reach of the UIS Mathematics Olympiads.
2,027 Students Advance to the Next Stage
Between September 16 and 18, 2026, participants took the Qualifying Test. In accordance with the competition’s established rules, 2,027 students were selected to advance to the Selective Test, the second stage of the Olympiads.
The next test will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in person at each participating educational institution. Schools may schedule the test at any time between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Students should check with their mathematics teachers for the specific time established by their school.
The Selective Test will be administered through the same platform used during the Qualifying Test.
UIS Expands Its Presence Across the Territories
One of the highlights of this year’s edition is the participation of students connected to the UIS in the Territories program, an initiative that has helped expand the reach of the Mathematics Olympiads to different regions of Colombia.
A total of 3,738 students from Arauca, Caquetá, Casanare, Cesar, Guainía, Guaviare, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, Vaupés and Vichada participated in the Qualifying Test.
Of this group, 378 students qualified for the next stage of the competition.
This participation was made possible through the UIS in the Territories program and the efforts of the Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander, Ocaña campus, in its region of influence.
A Competition Designed to Learn and Enjoy Mathematics
The UIS Mathematics Olympiads are an outreach initiative led by the School of Mathematics that seeks to contribute to strengthening mathematics education at the elementary school level.
In addition to providing an academic competition, the initiative promotes problem-solving as a learning tool and seeks to bring children closer to mathematics and the sciences in an engaging and meaningful way.
The project also provides participating teachers with opportunities for reflection, particularly regarding strategies that can help strengthen mathematics teaching in the classroom.
The Olympiads are supported by the Rector’s Office, the Academic and Administrative Vice-Rector’s Offices, the Office of Admissions and Academic Records, the Faculty of Sciences, the School of Mathematics and the Mathematics Education Research Group – EDUMAT.
A Free Initiative with National Reach
Participation in the UIS Mathematics Olympiads is free of charge, a feature that has helped expand access to students and educational institutions from different regions of Colombia.
In its 15th edition, the competition reached the following participation figures:
- 17,250 students registered.
- 399 participating educational institutions.
- 125 municipalities represented.
- 23 departments represented.
- 2,027 students qualified for the Selective Test.
- 3,738 students from territories participating through UIS in the Territories.
- 378 students from the territories qualified for the next stage.
The Organizing Committee of the UIS Mathematics Olympiads recognized the commitment of the students, their families, educational institutions and, especially, the liaison teachers who supported the development of the first stage of the competition.
The University also encouraged students who did not qualify to continue practicing and enjoying mathematics, emphasizing that participation, learning, perseverance and curiosity are fundamental parts of the educational process.
The next stage will take place on Thursday, October 15, when the qualified students will compete in the Selective Test of the 15th UIS Mathematics Olympiads for Elementary School Students 2026.
