The competition is open to students studying at recognised educational institutions in the first year of post-16 education:

Y12 in England and Wales
Y13 in Northern Ireland
S5 in Scotland
equivalent year groups worldwide.

The 2026 competition consists of two 35 minute papers to be taken online. Questions are set on topics students are likely to have covered at GCSE and in their first year of A level. Some additional ideas will be introduced requiring their problem solving skills and understanding of core principals.

Students who take part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad are encouraged to reference their participation in their higher education applications.

Eligibility and Registration of Students

All UKBC competitions are designed to support the enrichment of biology education within schools and colleges. Our papers are set by a small team of volunteers and are intended to complement formal, full-time education.

Only recognised educational institutions may register students. These include:

• State-funded (government) schools
• Independent (fee-paying) schools
• Further Education colleges
• International schools that are formally licensed or recognised by a governmental education authority in the country in which they operate
  
  Recognition or accreditation by private organisations alone is not sufficient.
  
  Students must:
• Be enrolled as full-time students at the registering institution
• Sit the competition under the direct supervision of staff from that institution
• Complete the paper on the physical premises of the school or college at which they are enrolled

Remote invigilation is not permitted under any circumstances. Students must not sit the competition from home or any off-site location.

The following are not permitted to register candidates or act as examination centres:

• Private tutoring companies or tuition centres
• Online-only tuition providers
• University admissions or counselling organisations (including those whose primary purpose is preparation for university entry)
• Organisations that do not provide full-time education
• Individuals acting independently of a recognised school or college

Institutions may only register their own enrolled students unless authorised by UK Biology Competitions.

Candidates may not be entered through a third party, even if supervision is offered.

Account holders are responsible for ensuring that their institution meets the eligibility criteria at the point of registering for a competition, and that all students entered subsequently also meet these requirements. By registering for a competition and submitting student entries, the account holder confirms that all criteria are satisfied and agrees to follow all instructions issued for the administration of that competition.

Any organisation in doubt about its eligibility must contact UKBC for clarification before registering for a competition or entering students. Given the complexity and variation in education systems internationally, UKBC will determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis where necessary.

UKBC reserves the right to refuse or cancel entries where eligibility criteria are not met, including where candidates are not supervised on-site by their own full-time school or college.