AI Problem Solving
Correspondence Program
Applications open August 2026 · Program starts Term 1, 2027
About the Program
The Correspondence Program offers high school students support in developing their AI problem-solving skills. During the program we will go through fundamental AI concepts, Python programming, and a number of methods and techniques used in machine learning — from the basics through to topics covered in the IOAI syllabus.
The program will make students better prepared for the National Olympiad in AI (NOAI) selection rounds and other AI-related challenges. No prior programming or AI experience is required.
Program Description
The program starts in Week 3 of Term 1, 2027 and runs through Term 3, 2027. Applications open August 2026.
In Terms 1–3, three times a term, a set of notes on a topic and a problem set with 3–5 questions will be released. Every participant is expected to read through the notes and then submit a fair attempt at the problems.
| Term | Focus | Topics & Problem Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 Foundations |
AI concepts & Python basics |
Set 1: What is AI? History, types, applications Set 2: Python fundamentals & data types Set 3: Probability, statistics & data exploration |
| Term 2 Machine Learning |
Supervised & unsupervised learning |
Set 4: Classification & regression (kNN, decision trees) Set 5: Model evaluation, cross-validation & overfitting Set 6: Clustering, dimensionality reduction & feature engineering |
| Term 3 Competition Prep |
Advanced topics & NOAI preparation |
Set 7: Neural networks & deep learning concepts Set 8: NLP & computer vision introduction Set 9: IOAI-style practice problems |
| Term 4 Projects |
Research & showcase | Groups of 3–5 students undertake an AI project and present their findings at the end-of-year AI Project Showcase. A panel will select the best presentations. |
Mentorship & Feedback
Every participant will be assigned a mentor who will review submitted work, provide supportive feedback, and give a score for each problem attempted. Partial solutions and honest attempts are always valued.
Community
There will be an online forum where all participants can ask questions, discuss problems, and communicate with their peers and program staff. Once a term, an online meetup session will be organised where participants can meet, hear from guest speakers on AI topics, and work through problems together.
NOAI Selection Rounds
In Term 1 2027, the program will align with the NOAI Round 1 timeline, where every participant is encouraged to enter. Students who progress further through the NOAI selection may go on to represent Australia at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). See our Selection Guide for details.
Time Commitment
Each problem set is designed to take approximately 2–3 hours of independent work over a fortnight. There is no fixed schedule — students work at their own pace within the submission window. The program is designed to complement, not conflict with, schoolwork.
How to Participate
This is an invitation-based program. We are inviting approximately 200 schools across Australia to each nominate one student.
①
School Receives Invitation
We contact school coordinators with an invitation to nominate one student.
②
Teacher Nominates 1 Student
The school selects one student who shows curiosity and commitment to learning.
③
Student Receives Materials
The nominated student receives access to the program portal and the first problem set.
One student per school. This ensures broad participation across schools and gives each nominee a unique opportunity. Schools may nominate a different student each year.
Fees
The cost of running this program is not insignificant, and while our sponsors and partners support it, we ask participants to make a small contribution each term, whatever you are comfortable with.
Base rate
$60 per student per term
Students who are not able to make this contribution are asked to contact the Program Director to discuss possible arrangements.
Important: the contribution amount will be kept strictly confidential and does not affect what activities the student can participate in, or how the student will be treated, in any way.
Registration
This is an invitation-only program.
Please only register if you receive an invitation from your teacher or program organisers. Invitations will be sent from August 2026.
Registration opens August 2026. The program commences Term 1, 2027.
Getting Ready (Aug–Dec 2026)
Once registered, students will receive a welcome pack with recommended preparation to get a head start before Term 1:
- Complete the free Elements of AI online course (approx. 10 hours, no coding)
- Try the Kaggle Learn: Python tutorial (approx. 5 hours)
- Join the program online forum and introduce yourself
For teachers
If your school has not received an invitation but you would like your student to participate, please contact us at noai@ioai.org.au to express interest. We will add your school to the invitation list.
Sponsors & Partners
This program is made possible through the support of our sponsors and partners:
Interested in supporting the program? Contact noai@ioai.org.au
Resources
Program Materials
- Topic notes and problem sets (released via program portal)
- Python starter notebooks (Google Colab — no installation needed)
- Sample solutions released after each submission deadline
Recommended Self-Study
| Level | Resource | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Elements of AI | AI concepts, no coding required |
| Beginner | Kaggle Learn: Python | Python fundamentals in-browser |
| Intermediate | Kaggle Learn: Intro to ML | Build your first ML models |
| Intermediate | Google ML Crash Course | ML concepts with visualisations |
| Advanced | fast.ai Practical Deep Learning | Deep learning, project-based |
Competition Practice
- awesome-ioai-tasks — past IOAI & regional problems
- IOAI 2026 Official Syllabus (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my school get an invitation?
Invitations are sent to school coordinators at the start of each year. If your school has not received one, your teacher can contact noai@ioai.org.au to express interest.
Is this an online program?
Yes. It is a correspondence program — notes and problem sets are released online, and students work through them independently. There is no fixed class time. Online meetup sessions are held once a term.
What year levels can participate?
The program is designed for Year 7–12 students. The teacher should nominate the student they believe will benefit most.
How much time will this require?
Each problem set is designed to take 2–3 hours over a fortnight. Three sets are released per term. Students work at their own pace within the submission window.
I am a teacher. What is required from me?
Nominate one student and help them register. After that, the program is run by the NOAI team — no ongoing teacher involvement is required. Teachers are welcome to use the released materials in their own classes.
Do I need programming or AI experience?
No. The program starts from the basics. Term 1 covers Python fundamentals and AI concepts from scratch.
I can’t solve all the problems. Maybe I am not good enough for this program?
The problems are meant to be challenging. You are not expected to solve everything. Partial solutions and attempts are valued — your mentor will provide feedback on whatever you submit. The most important quality is willingness to try.
Are partial solutions accepted?
Yes. We encourage students to submit whatever progress they have made. A thoughtful partial solution is always better than no submission. Your mentor will give credit for the reasoning shown.
Does this lead to the IOAI competition?
The program is excellent preparation for the NOAI selection rounds. Students who perform well may progress through to represent Australia at the IOAI. See our Selection Guide for the full pathway.
Can a school nominate more than one student?
The standard allocation is one student per school to ensure broad participation. If places are available after the initial round, schools may be invited to nominate additional students.
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