BioOlympiad Initiative USA–China (BIOUS)
The China region is run independently by ASDAN using USABO’s own papers and judging standard — with its own registration, schedule and award tiers for students in China.
USABO preparation hub
- USABO Past Papers (2003–2025)
- USABO Exams — Format & Syllabus
- USABO Prep Resources
- USABO China Region (you are here)
Scan the QR on the past-papers page to get the full free pack.
An independent China region, same world standard
BIOUS (BioOlympiad Initiative USA–China) is the officially designated independent China region for the USA Biology Olympiad. It is operated by ASDAN and is entirely independent of the US program — with its own registration process, exam schedule and award tiers.
What makes BIOUS distinctive is that it uses USABO’s own exam papers and the same judging standard. That means a Gold award in China reflects the same level of achievement as a Gold award in the United States — students are measured against a single global benchmark without leaving their school.
Independently operated
Run by ASDAN with its own registration, schedule and awards structure for students in China.
Same papers, same standard
Uses USABO’s actual exam papers and judging standard — the same questions sat in the United States.
A global benchmark
Students in China are measured against peers worldwide — without travelling or changing schools.
China-region recognition
BIOUS awards are China-region distinctions recognised by universities internationally as a rigorous academic credential.
For the global organization and USABO’s history, see About USABO →
How Chinese students sit the Open Exam
High-school students in Grades 9–12 who are studying in China register through ASDAN and sit the BIOUS Open Exam at a designated partnering school. No travel is required beyond their own school or a nearby test centre.
Who is eligible
High-school students in Grades 9–12 currently studying in China. There is no citizenship requirement for the China-region Open Exam.
Where to sit
The exam is paper-based and sat at a partnering school designated by ASDAN. An online option may be available on request.
Exam format
50 multiple-choice questions in 50 minutes, sat individually, in English. There is no negative marking.
Topics covered
Cell biology, genetics, plant and animal physiology, ecology, evolution and biosystematics — the same breadth as USABO.
China-region awards, by percentile
Awards are given by percentile across all BIOUS candidates in China each season. The five tiers are:
Recent raw-score cutoffs (out of 50): Gold 40 · Silver 33 · Bronze 25. Exact thresholds are published each season after marking.
The ASDAN EPQ scholarship bonus applies to students who are enrolled in the ASDAN EPQ programme at the time of the exam. Cutoff scores & results →
BIOUS, USABO and the International Biology Olympiad
BIOUS uses the same exam papers and judging standard as USABO, so a China-region Gold is benchmarked identically to a Gold in the United States. It is a genuine, internationally calibrated measure of biology ability.
The Semifinal Exam and National Finals are the US team-selection path that leads to the International Biology Olympiad. These stages require US citizenship or legal residency and are not part of the China-region program. Chinese students earn a China-region distinction through BIOUS.
How the full competition works →
When and how to enter
China-region dates for 2027 will be announced later in 2026. Check the registration page for updates as soon as they are published.
Registration →How to register: Registration is handled through ASDAN. Students register via a partnering school or directly through the ASDAN platform. All fees and logistics are managed by ASDAN as the independent China-region operator. For details and deadlines, see the registration page.
Questions about the China region?
Our advisors can help with registration, eligibility and preparation. Reach us on WhatsApp.