About the Contest
The International Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for young people around the world, encouraging students to explore the human brain and consider future study and careers in neuroscience, medicine, psychology and related fields. Active in more than 50 countries and regions, the programme generally progresses through local or regional, national and international rounds.
In China, Brain Bee is open to students in Grades 5-12. Students in Grades 9-12 enter the Brain Bee division, while those in Grades 5-8 enter Brain Bee Junior. The regional round is primarily a closed-book written test with multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. National rounds are more comprehensive: the senior division typically includes a written test, image or specimen identification and patient diagnosis, while Junior usually combines an individual written test with a team science poster presentation.
The syllabus spans five areas: brain basics, brain functions, brain disorders, brain research and brain enhancement. Topics include brain structure, neurons, sensation, cognition and memory, neurological disorders, brain imaging and neuroethics. Brain Bee builds on AP, IB and A-Level Biology while extending into university-level neuroscience, making it well suited to students interested in biology, medicine, psychology and interdisciplinary brain science. Exact schedules, question formats and advancement rules are subject to the organiser's annual announcement.
Key Facts
- Open to Grades 5-12: Brain Bee for Grades 9-12 and Junior for Grades 5-8
- A regional, national and international pathway, with opportunities for top students to advance
- Five modules covering brain basics, functions, disorders, research and enhancement
- Senior national rounds combine written tests, specimen identification and patient diagnosis
- Junior combines an individual written test with a team science poster, offering an accessible introduction
2027 Season Schedule
- Regional round: 9 January 2027
- National round: 13-14 March 2027
- International round: August 2027
2027 Regional Round Format
- Written tests held simultaneously at authorised base schools
- 80 questions for the Brain Bee division and 60 questions for Brain Bee Junior
- Papers are in Chinese with multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions; technical terms are labelled in both Chinese and English
- Fill-in-the-blank answers may be written in Chinese or English, and English abbreviations are accepted for technical terms
2027 Regional Round Registration
- Registration is conducted through base schools. Base schools accept applications from their own students until 5 December 2026; individual applications are not accepted during this period
- Students whose schools are not base schools may register through the individual application channel from 5 to 12 December 2026, with venues arranged by the organiser
- The individual application channel will be announced on 5 December 2026
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 5-12, Junior and senior divisions
- Contest Time
- Regional and national rounds, usually in the first half of the year
- Format
- Closed-book regional written test; multi-part national rounds
LighTon Coaching Programmes
Brain Bee Training Courses
Foundation Course
For students new to the contest
- Systematic coverage of the syllabus and key terminology
- Build a solid framework bridging schoolwork and contest level
- Small group or 1-on-1, online and in person
Intensive Course
For students with a foundation aiming at awards
- Past-paper drills with proven question patterns
- Topic training with biweekly tests to adjust priorities
- Progress reports keeping parents in the loop
Sprint Course
For students nearing the exam date
- Full mock exams with question-by-question review
- Targeted gap filling and score-maximising strategy
- Exam mindset and time-management coaching
Tutors
Brain Bee courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- Our students regularly win awards in major contests — results updated continuously
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is Brain Bee suitable for?
Grade 5-12, Junior and senior divisions
When is the Brain Bee held?
Regional and national rounds, usually in the first half of the year
What is the format of the Brain Bee?
Closed-book regional written test; multi-part national rounds
What Brain Bee coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the Brain Bee, in 1-on-1 or small-group formats, online and in person. Contact us for a free preparation plan and a trial lesson.
Preparing for Brain Bee?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.