For the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, the following qualification systems were in place.
A National Olympic Committee (NOC) may enter a maximum of 2 qualified athletes in each individual event, only if both athletes have attained the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT).
The first twelve teams in each relay event at the 2015 World Championships will automatically compete for the relay events at the Olympics; while the remaining four per relay event must obtain their fastest entry times based on the FINA World Rankings of 31 May 2016 during the process.
Additionally, OST places will be distributed by event according to the position of the FINA World Rankings during the qualifying deadline (3 July 2016).
[1] FINA qualifying standards are as follows:[2] Those who have achieved the Olympic Qualifying Time (OQT) or the Olympic Selection Time (OST), or have been guaranteed a Universality place are listed below for each of the following individual events:[3]