Year 12 student Michael Nixon entered the challenge with a video describing in detail the quantum physics phenonmenon known as 'Schrodinger's cat'.

But, with literally thousands around the world also competing, the 17-year-old said he did not expect to even pass the first hurdle in the competition, let alone to make it to the finals.

Though, the enormity of his achievement was 'lost in the mail' after the email to inform him of his finals nominations failed to make it to his inbox on September 21.

"My mum actually found out before I did because she saw it on Facebook," Michael said.

"She came home and she was acting really weird because she thought I'd tell her. But I'd been waiting all day for the email, so when I hadn't got it, I was surprised to hear I was actually in."

The 15 final videos will now be judged by some of the world's best esteemed scientists before an overall winner is eventually chosen.

But when the winner will be announced remains a mystery to Michael.

"There's really no information about what happens now," he said.

"There was going to be an award ceremony in November in San Francisco, but that was moved to March and now I think that's cancelled too."

If Michael is successful in winning the overall prize, his school science teacher, Hamish Ryan, will receive a cut of $50,000 while Kooringal High School will receive a $100,000 makeover to its science labs.

"My science teacher has helped me so much. For the video it was very important to be precise with language around observation and predictions," Michael said.

"One of [Mr Ryan's] gifts is making sure everything that comes out of his mouth is scientifically respectful."

Additionally, Michael will be given $250,000 US in prize money, which will go ways to helping him achieve his post-HSC goals of studying at Stanford University, California.

With that goal on his horizon, the student is currently studying for two rounds of exams, having to complete both his HSC and his American-equivalent SATs.