UBC Physics Olympics
A hands-on team physics competition for BC high schools at UBC. The 2027 event is Saturday, February 27. Schools register teams in the fall.
- Grades
- Grades 8–12
- Format
- In person at UBC Vancouver, about 9 am to 5 pm. Teams have 1 to 30 students, with up to five in each event.
- Cost
- $80 per team last year, including one t-shirt. 2027 fee not announced yet.
- Official site
- physoly.phas.ubc.ca
Key dates
- Not confirmed yetTeam registration opensOctober 2026 (2025: October)
- Not confirmed yetTeachers' workshopNovember 2026, date to be posted
- ConfirmedPhysics Olympics at UBCSat, February 27, 2027
What it is
School teams compete in six events: two pre-built devices, two labs, Fermi estimation questions and Quizzics!, a game-show-style physics round.
About 80 teams from across BC took part in 2026. The team with the top overall score wins a trophy for its school.
It's open only to BC schools and runs in person.
A good fit if: High school students who like building things and testing ideas with a team.
How to register
- A teacher or school registers the team. Schools registered with the Province of BC get priority, and homeschool groups are welcome.
- Registration is first come, first served. Last year it opened in October 2025 and reached capacity by December 5.
- Each team needs a coach on the day. It doesn't have to be the physics teacher. A parent can coach.
How to prepare
- Past rule books are on the Physics Olympics website. Pre-build rules are posted by January.
- Teachers can join a free online workshop in November.
For grade-by-grade options see Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.
Common questions
Can a parent coach a UBC Physics Olympics team?
Yes. Any responsible adult can be the designated coach, including parents.
When is the 2027 UBC Physics Olympics?
Saturday, February 27, 2027, on the UBC Vancouver campus.
What comes next
Sources
Last checked October 2, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.