The Challenge aims to show both programming ability and teamwork with limited resources. University Teams of up to four members participate in the challenge. 

This is a competition for teams of students at undergraduate and honours level. Each of the participating universities enters a number of teams. The teams attempt to solve as many problems as possible during the Heats which take place at the universities during the first semester each year. The top team from each of the nine best performing universities is invited to the Finals in Johannesburg. The winning teams receive prizes while the universities get cash awards.