If you’re interested in the field of astrophysics, there is a range of opportunities that can take your knowledge beyond the classroom and competitions are one of them. Competitions showcase your passion for the field of study and give your college applications an overall boost.

Rishab Jain, a Harvard student who has achieved success in numerous international competitions has made his FREE Student STEM guide public with a a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions. You should definitely check it out next.

Astrophysics Competitions for High School Students

1. International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

Description: The main goal of the IOAA is to promote the growing interest in Astronomy and related STEM subjects, especially through the general education of young people, and enhancing the development of international contacts among different countries in promoting Astronomy and Astrophysics in schools. It is expected that, through events like the IOAA, more bright high-school students will be eager to study astronomy at the university level to become the next generation of astronomy and astrophysics professionals.

Application Deadline: TBD

Eligibility: High School students

2. International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

Description: The International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition gives you the unique opportunity to show your knowledge and astronomy skills! The IAAC is an online astronomy competition for students from all countries. Win awards and cash prizes or become IAAC ambassador in your country!

Application Deadline: April 26, 2024

Prizes: Up to $150 in cash as well as special awards for select participants

Program Dates: Submission deadlines are as follows. Qualification round: April 26, 2024, Pre-final round: June 2, 2024, Final round exam: June 25, 2024

Location: Online

3. International Space Olympiad

Description: The International Space Olympiad seeks to encourage students to explore the field of space science and astrophysics. The competition has 3 levels of online exams and the syllabus covers space science, space technology and history of space explorations. Application Deadline: April

Eligibility: Students from grades 5 to 12 across the world (there are three categories based on age: Junior, Senior, and Super Senior)

Prize: A free trip to NASA!

Location: Online

4. NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

Description: The NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest is an annual contest organized by the National Space Society (NSS). The contest has a more specific focus than other entries on this list as it challenges students to design space settlements and come up with practical ideas for human habitation beyond Earth. As a participant, you will end up looking at a number of different areas to complete the assignment like engineering, agriculture, economics, and social factors Application Deadline: February 15

Eligibility: All students up to 12th grade

Location: Online

Fee: $15 entry fee which can be waived in certain cases

5. The European Astro Pi Challenge – Mission Space Lab

Description: The European Astro Pi Challenge offers young people the amazing opportunity to conduct scientific investigations in space by writing computer programs that run on Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Application Deadline: February 19, 2024

Eligibility: Students under the age of 19 can form teams of 2-6 people

Program Dates: November to February

Location: Online

Fee: Free

6. US Invitational Young Physicists Tournament(USIYPT)

Description: Hosted by the United States Association for Young Physicists Tournaments, a non-profit organization, the USIYPT is a physics research/debate tournament. In teams of four, you will develop solutions to four problems and then take part in ‘physics fights’ — debate-style events where you showcase your solution against an opposing team. Application Deadline: January 10, 2024

Eligibility:

• All High School Students
• International Students
• 2-4 Teams
• Same school

Location: North Caroline State University, Raleigh, NC

Fee: $1000 per team

Want More STEM Competitions?

Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years. His FREE STEM Student Guide has a list of 50+ opportunities and competitions.