Led by Optiver industry experts, this eight-session programme blends academic insights with practical application, taking you from the foundations of market making and options theory to hands-on algorithm development and testing, including lectures from our traders and senior Quantitative Researchers on how research shapes the way we trade, and on how we use AI at Optiver. You'll design and refine Python-based trading strategies on Optiver's simulated exchange, Optibook, and put your skills to the test in the final Varsity trading event.
Course overview
- Market making theory: foundations of options and market making, evolving to market data analysis and algorithm design.
- Hands-on practice: develop and optimise Python-based trading strategies in Optibook, our 24/7 trading simulator.
- Research at Optiver: a lecture from one of our senior Quantitative Researchers on how research works at Optiver, and how to bring that thinking to your own academy challenge.
- AI at Optiver: where AI is genuinely used in a live trading environment.
- Competitive challenges: the lectures and workshops build your knowledge step by step, helping you and your team refine your strategies in preparation for the Varsity Final.
- Varsity Final: on Saturday 21 November, Cambridge and Oxford participants face off in a live algorithmic trading competition, followed by a prize-giving and celebration.
Eligibility criteria
- A registered student at the University of Canbridge
- A strong aptitude in mathematics
- Basic coding proficiency — participants will use Python for this challenge
- No prior background in financial markets is required
Application procedure
- Complete the online application form.
- After you submit your application, you will receive an email inviting you to Optiver's Online Assessment Platform to complete the OAP test — a 30-minute assessment. Please check your Spam or Junk folder if you do not receive it. Should any issues arise, or if you do not receive the assessment email, please reach out to our recruitment team via email for assistance and include 'Cambridge Optiver Trading Academy' in the subject line to help us quickly identify the matter.
- You will hear back about your application decision by Monday, 19 October.
Key dates
- Course duration: 23 October – 21 November 2026
- Schedule: Friday evenings (17:30–20:00) and Saturday afternoons (14:30–17:30)
- Finale: Oxbridge Varsity Trading Final + prize giving — Saturday 21 November
- Applications deadline: Wednesday 14 October, 23:59 BST
Apply for this incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge and get practical skills in the world of algorithmic trading.
