This article is devoted to the consideration of the didactic possibilities of natural science Olympiads in relation to students of universities in various areas of training. The article provides a description of the concept of the Olympiad, the types of Olympiads, their didactic possibilities, and also provides a psychological and pedagogical justification for the didactic possibilities of Olympiads in natural sciences among students as future professionals of biologists, chemists, geographers, ecologists, etc.

The purpose of the article is to study the impact of natural science Olympiads on improving the quality of knowledge among university students

Methods: Empirical analysis of literature on the topic, analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization of results The result of the study is the formation of the concept of Olympiads in terms of their impact on

the professional characteristics of students in the natural sciences and pedagogical areas of training associated with the natural sciences, on the impact on the main standard for assessing professional readiness - knowledge, skills, as well as auxiliary ones - the education of a professional culture of the individual specialist and the formation of psychological neoplasms of students as a result of participation in natural science Olympiads.

As a result of the study, it was concluded that Olympiads in natural sciences are an effective means of increasing the level of general professional literacy, erudition of students, help to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of students, provide practical application of accumulated knowledge, help strengthen self-esteem and self-confidence, and otherwise have a beneficial effect on student learning. Thus, holding Olympiads, as a form of extracurricular activity of students, is one of the effective forms of innovative work with students, which can not only contribute to the development of their own student team, but also strengthen ties within universities in the team of teachers and ensure the influx of new applicants to the university when using open or even International Olympiads.