Competition · Science · Canadian Brain Bee (local bee at UBC)

Vancouver Brain Bee

A free neuroscience quiz for BC high school students, held at UBC, usually in March. The winner goes on to the national Brain Bee in May 2027.

Last checked October 5, 2026 against the official page

What do I need to do?

Watch for registration in early 2027 (free)

Who acts
Student
Preparation
Some preparation Study the official neuroscience reading list
Eligible grades
Grades 9–12
Format
In person at UBC. The national first round is online.
Cost
Free.
Official site
brainbee.ca

Key dates

  • ExpectedVancouver Brain BeeExpected March 2027 (2026: March 28)
  • ConfirmedNational Brain Bee, online roundMon, May 3, 2027Remind me

Get a reminder before every deadline for your child →

Confirmed official date · Expected based on last year · Not announced yet

What it is

The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for Grades 9–12. The Vancouver bee is open to all BC high school students.

In 2026 it was held at UBC's Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, with free online prep sessions beforehand.

Local winners go to the national Brain Bee. Its first round is online on May 3, 2027, and the top 3 go to a final in Calgary, June 6–9, 2027. National prizes are $1,500, $1,000 and $500.

A first Surrey Brain Bee is planned for 2027.

A good fit if: High school students curious about the brain, psychology or medicine.

How to register

  1. Students sign up themselves on the Vancouver local bee page.
  2. The 2027 date hasn't been posted. Check the page in January.

How to prepare

  • Join the free prep sessions the local bee offers.
  • Read an introductory neuroscience book.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12.

Common questions

Can my child sign up without the school?

Yes. Students register individually for the Vancouver bee.

Is there a bee in Surrey?

The Canadian Brain Bee says the first Surrey Brain Bee will be in 2027, with details posted closer to the date.

What comes next

Competition · Science

Canadian Biology Olympiad

A free one-hour national biology exam written at school, usually in April. It's the first step toward Canada's International Biology Olympiad team.

Grades 9–12Free for schoolsSome preparation

Sources

Last checked October 5, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.