STEM competitions give high school students a great way to showcase their work. Here are ten international competitions worth entering. Eligibility, dates, and prizes change year to year, so confirm the current details with each.
1. International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
- Description: the IJSO is an annual individual and team competition in the natural sciences for students who are under sixteen on December 31 of the competition year. It promotes excellence in science and encourages gifted students to develop their talents, while building friendships among students worldwide.
- Eligibility: students must be fifteen or younger on December 31 of the competition year. Open to both individuals and teams.
- Award: participants compete in theory and practical aspects of the natural sciences, with medals recognizing outstanding performance.
2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
- Description: ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition. High school students present original research across many scientific disciplines through research papers, posters, and oral presentations.
- Eligibility: high school students worldwide who qualify through regional or national science fairs. Projects must be research-based and show strong scientific inquiry.
- Award: winners receive scholarships, cash prizes, and valuable networking. Many ISEF alumni have gone on to significant contributions in research and innovation.
3. Microsoft Imagine Cup
- Description: the Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global student developer competition that challenges young innovators to build impactful technology solutions. Projects must include a Microsoft Azure component and address diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, across categories like Earth, Education, Health, and Lifestyle.
- Eligibility: students aged 18 and above, in teams of up to four, enrolled at accredited schools worldwide (universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and high schools).
- Award: participants get access to AI technology, Azure credits, and expert guidance. The winning team receives up to USD 100,000, global recognition, and a mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
4. International Research Olympiad (IRO)
- Description: the IRO is a global competition for students aged 13-18 that builds the core skills of the research process. Unlike subject-specific olympiads, it focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and analysis that apply across any research discipline.
- Eligibility: ambitious students in grades 6-12 engaged in research through local universities and summer programs.
5. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
- Description: the IMO is the world championship mathematics competition for high school students. Held annually in a different country, the first IMO took place in 1959 in Romania with 7 countries; it has since expanded to over 100 countries across 5 continents.
- Eligibility: high school students worldwide who qualify through their national math olympiad.
- Award: contestants individually attempt six challenging problems over two days. Awards go to roughly the top-scoring 50% of contestants, in gold, silver, and bronze medals.
6. Shape the Future Challenge
- Description: the Shape the Future Challenge invites young innovators aged 15 to 20 to tackle global challenges in sustainable mobility. Run in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, it has drawn over 1,300 participants from 150+ countries, with projects from AI-driven road safety to VR-enhanced urban planning.
- Eligibility: individuals aged 15 to 20. If you’re 14 turning 15 during the challenge, or 20 turning 21 during it, you’re still eligible.
- Award: a past winning team, Autopreneurs from Austria’s HTL Spengergasse, built an AI system that uses traffic camera streams to evaluate road risks. The winning team earns a trip to Silicon Valley, California.
7. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition
- Description: iGEM is the best-known synthetic biology competition for students. Teams design, build, and test biological systems using standardized biological parts, building an open community and collaboration across groups.
- Eligibility: high school students and undergraduates worldwide. Teams usually span disciplines including biology, engineering, and computer science.
- Award: teams present at the annual iGEM Jamboree. Awards include Grand Prizes (best overall projects by section), Track Awards (for areas like diagnostics, energy, environment, and food), and bronze, silver, or gold medals based on each team’s achievements and documentation.
8. International Science Olympiad (ISO)
Description: ISO is a series of international science competitions, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, that challenge students to excel in their fields.
- Eligibility: high school students, selected through national competitions, with a limited number of participants per country.
- Prestige: highly prestigious; winners receive medals and international recognition.
- Award: gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Free STEM guide with a list of 50+ opportunities, competitions, internships, and more.
9. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO)
Description: INEPO challenges students to develop solutions to pressing environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
- Individual or team projects are accepted.
- Students must be aged 14-19.
- A passion for environmental sustainability and strong research skills are key.
10. Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG)
- Description: the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG), in the UK, is an annual competition that encourages more girls to take part in mathematical olympiads. It challenges participants with five thought-provoking problems, building problem-solving skills and mathematical creativity.
- Eligibility: open to girls and young women across the UK, by discretionary entry through their school. A strong math background helps.
- Award: top scorers receive a Certificate of Distinction or Certificate of Merit, and the top 30 scorers also receive a book prize (the title varies each year).
More opportunities
Rishab Jain, who won ISEF, has succeeded across many research competitions and projects. For students eager to start working toward research and STEM competitions, Rishab offers science fair coaching and a free STEM student guide, where he shares his winning strategies.
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