ZAYMC 2026 AGE CATEGORIES: THREE KEY RULES

Competition Period:
1 September – 3 November 2026

1. If a participant moves into an older age category during the Competition period, they remain in their original category.
The participant’s age category is determined at the time of application submission.
Examples:

• A participant is 12 years old and turns 13 in October → they may compete in the 10–12 age category (Piano / String Instruments).
• A participant is 14 years old and turns 15 in October → they may compete in the 10–14 age category (Academic Vocal).

The age category is fixed upon application submission and does not change thereafter.

2. If a participant reaches the upper age limit of their category during the Competition period, they remain eligible.
The key requirement is that the participant meets the age requirements at the time of application submission.
Examples:

• A participant is 17 years old and turns 18 in October or November → they may compete in the 15–17 age category (Academic Vocal).
• A participant is 15 years old and turns 16 in October → they may compete in the 13–15 age category.

The age category is fixed upon application submission and cannot be changed later.
3. If a participant has not yet reached the minimum age at the time of application submission, but will do so before the end of the Competition period, they may participate.
This rule applies to the lower age limit of a category.
Examples:

• A participant is currently 9 years old but turns 10 before 3 November 2026 → they may compete in the 10–12 age category.
• A participant is 9 years old and turns 10 on 4 November 2026 → participation in the 2026 Competition is not possible, as the required age will be reached after the Competition period has ended. In this case, participation will only be possible in the following year.

Important

• The participant’s age category is determined once, at the time of application submission.
• Any change in age during the Competition period does not constitute grounds for transfer to another category.
• The Organizing Committee does not consider requests for individual exceptions, category transfers, or admission of participants who do not meet the established age requirements.
• The Competition’s age categories are final and mandatory for all participants without exception.