April: what BC parents need to know
Contests and programs where families usually register, apply or take part in April. Exact dates are on each page and marked when confirmed.
ELMACON Elementary Mathematics Competition
BC's own math competition for Grades 5–7, held in person at UBC on a Saturday in late April or early May. Parents register online.
Grades 5–7$40 last yearMathGauss Mathematics Contest
Canada's best-known middle school math contest for Grades 7 and 8. Written at school between May 10 and 21, 2027.
Grades 7–8$5 per studentMathEuclid Mathematics Contest
The University of Waterloo's senior contest for Grade 12, written at school on April 6, 2027.
Grade 12$18 per studentScienceGreater Vancouver Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, the North Shore and nearby districts. The 2027 fair is April 8–10 at UBC.
Grades 7–12$65 per student last yearScienceSouth Fraser Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Surrey and Delta, held at KPU Surrey. The 2027 fair is April 7–8.
Grades 7–12$60 per student last yearScienceScience World Future Science Leaders
A school-year STEM program at Science World for students entering Grade 10 or 11. Students apply in the spring before the program starts.
Grades 9–11About $1Language & readingVancouver Writers Fest Youth Writing Contest
A free-to-enter short story and personal essay contest for BC students in Grades 5–12. The next contest opens in spring 2027.
Grades 5–12No entry fee is listedArts, music & chessBC Youth Chess Championship and Canadian Youth Chess Championship
Rated chess tournaments for players under 18. Score 50% at a qualifier, such as the BC Youth Chess Championship, to play at the national CYCC each July.
K–Grade 12Varies by tournamentCamps & enrichmentVancouver community centre summer day camps
Recreation day camps at Vancouver community centres. Since 2026, summer camps open on one city-wide registration day in April.
K–Grade 7Varies by community centre and…