Participating in competitions to receive awards can be a game-changer for high school students looking to make their mark but most of the competitions focus on native students who live in the USA, but in this blog I present to you the 10 Best International Competitions for High School Students in 2024.

Excelling in competitions can make you stand out in a applications showing college a commitment, passion, and ability to compete at an international level.

Before we start, 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 after this post.

1. Bretton Woods Economics Competition

Description: In the Bretton Woods International Economic Championship, teams of 2-4 students will test their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic general knowledge to win the title of best young economists.

Location: Varies annually

Application Deadline: February, 4th

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school are eligible to enroll in teams of 2-4

Cost: Free to nominal fee, depending on location

Dates/Duration: Annually, typically a few days in spring or early summer

2. International Genetically Engineering Machine (iGEM) Competition

Description: iGEM educates the workforce and the leaders of the Synthetic Biology industry. The iGEM Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open, collaborative, and cooperative community.

Location: Varies; often held in Europe or Asia

Cost: Participation fee required; plus travel expenses

Eligibility: High school teams with an adult supervisor

Application Deadline: May 22, 2024

Dates/Duration: October or early November

3. International Young Physicists’ Tournament

Description: The International Young Physicists’ Tournament is a prestigious global competition where teams of high school students tackle complex physics problems. Unlike traditional contests, the IYPT emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking, as teams not only present their solutions but also engage in discussions and defend their findings against criticism from peers. This tournament is hosted in different countries each year, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore physics in depth, develop teamwork and communication skills, and connect with fellow young physicists from around the world.

Location: Budapest, Hungary for 2024

Cost: Participation fee plus travel expenses

Eligibility: Teams of high school students

Application Deadline: Varies, late winter or early spring

Dates/Duration: July

4. World Robot Olympiad

Description: The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is an international robotics competition that invites teams of young people to develop, design, and build robots to address challenges. The WRO fosters a hands-on approach to learning and innovation, providing a global platform for students to showcase their abilities in robotics and to connect with fellow robotics enthusiasts from around the world.

Location: Varies; recent event in Asia and Europe

Cost: Registration fees plus travel expenses

Eligibility: Teams of 2-3 students

5. F1 in Schools STEM Challenge

Description: Developed to introduce students to STEM subjects in the most engaging way possible – through the creation of a miniature F1 car – F1 in Schools is an educational project like no other. Designed for teachers, informed by engineers, and endorsed by F1, this program sets students on the fast track to STEM success; and provides a lot of fun on the way there.

Location: The World Finals Location varies

Cost: Varies

Eligibility: Students aged 9-19, in teams of 3-6 members

6. The Conrad Challenge

Description: In the Conrad Challenge, high school students go step-by-step through the entrepreneurial process and design an innovation that solves an important problem. The competition is broken up into four stages––activation, lean canvas, innovation, and power pitch––through which students gain experience in ideation, implementation, and presentation of STEM discovery.

Location: Online, with global summit held in various international locations

Cost: $499 for finalists attending the summit

Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from around the world

Challenge Categories:

• Aerospace & Aviation
• Cyber-technology
• Security
• Energy & Environment
• Health & Nutrition

7. World Scholar’s Cup

Description: The World Scholar’s Cup is a global academic competition that encourages students to explore a broad range of subjects, from science and history to literature and art, all within the context of an annual theme. It’s designed to be more than just a contest; it fosters a sense of global community, teamwork, and the joy of learning through collaborative events such as team debates, collaborative writing, and a quiz-style challenge known as the Scholar’s Bowl.

Location: Countries outside the U.S.

Cost: Registration fee

Eligibility: All high school students

8. The Diamond Challenge

Description: The Diamond Challenge invites high school students worldwide to build solutions to solve problems they are passionate about and join a growing community of innovators and changemakers. It offers students the opportunity to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. Participants are tasked with developing a viable business concept, which they then present to a panel of judges. The challenge emphasizes the practical aspects of business planning, creativity, and strategic thinking, providing participants with invaluable feedback, mentorship, and the chance to win awards and scholarships.

Location: Held outside the U.S. with virtual participation options

Cost: Free to enter

Eligibility: High School students

Application Deadline: Early winter

9. Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Description: Participants create short, imaginative videos that simplify complex scientific theories and concepts, making them accessible and engaging to a broader audience. The challenge encourages creativity, clarity of expression, and the ability to inspire through storytelling. Winners are recognized for their exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas in compelling ways and receive significant educational prizes, including scholarships and a grant for their school’s science lab.

Cost: Free to enter

Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from around the world

Application Deadline: Typically in June

Dates/Duration: Annually

10. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO)

Description: The International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO) is a prestigious competition that invites high school students from around the globe to present innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Participants work on projects that address issues in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and biodiversity, among others.

Location: Various international locations, outside the U.S.

Cost: 499 Euros

Eligibility: High School Students aged 14-19

Application Deadline: Varies

Dates/Duration: Typically in spring or early summer

Want More Competitions?

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.