Applying with an Olympiad medal
Bristol is opening a new admissions pathway for Bronze, Silver and Gold International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) medalists. If your medal was awarded within the last three years and you meet our eligibility criteria, you could receive an unconditional offer to an eligible undergraduate programme without the standard admissions qualifications. This offer will be subject to English language requirements.
A new admissions pathway for Olympiad medalists
Who is eligible?
You can use your International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) or International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) medal as an alternative to Bristol's standard admissions qualifications if:
- Your medal was awarded within the last three years. Bronze, Silver and Gold medals are all eligible.
- You have studied in an academic environment within the last three years. This could be another educational qualification, school attendance or study in your country of origin. The qualification does not have to be one Bristol normally recognises.
What can I study?
- Aerospace Engineering Courses
- Civil Engineering Courses
- Computer Science Courses
- Design Engineering Courses
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Courses
- Maths and Data Science Courses
- Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Courses
- Physics Courses
Funding your studies
Your Olympiad achievement opens up further opportunities for you.
If you're an international student, you may be eligible for Bristol's international scholarships and funding, including:
Olympiad admissions: your questions answered
Does Bristol accept International Mathematical Olympiad and International Olympiad in Informatics medals?
Yes. Bristol's new Olympiad admissions pathway accepts Bronze, Silver and Gold medals from the IMO and IOI, subject to the eligibility criteria.
Can an IMO or IOI medal replace A levels or other qualifications?
Yes. Eligible Olympiad medalists can use their medal as a substitute for Bristol's standard admissions qualifications route.
Does an Olympiad medal guarantee an offer from Bristol?
For students who meet the published eligibility criteria, Bristol will make an unconditional offer. This is subject to availability and English language requirements.
How old can my Olympiad medal be?
The medal must have been awarded within the last three years.
What if I don't have a qualification Bristol recognises?
You don't necessarily need one. You need to be able to evidence that you have studied in an academic environment within the last three years.
How do I show my IMO/IOI achievement in my application?
You should mention your medal in your personal statement and ask your referee to mention it in your reference.
Do I have to attend an interview?
Some candidates may have attend an interview depending on their specific application. All Physics applicants will be required to attend an interview.