For high school students who love academics, olympiads are a chance to test your skills and compete internationally. Here are ten of the top international olympiads, across subjects from mathematics to economics. Eligibility and dates change year to year, so confirm the current details with each.
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
About: the world’s most prestigious math competition, challenging students with problems that test creativity and analysis. Held annually since 1959, it draws students from over 100 countries.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
About: a global competition with challenging theoretical and experimental physics problems that push students to apply their knowledge in new situations.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
About: the top chemistry students worldwide solve complex theoretical and practical problems, building a deeper understanding of chemistry.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
About: rigorous practical and theoretical tasks in biology, aimed at promoting interest in the life sciences.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Geography Olympiad (iGeo)
About: tests geographical knowledge and skills through written and multimedia tasks, fieldwork, and geographic analysis, with a focus on global issues.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)
About: theoretical, observational, and data-analysis tasks in astronomy and astrophysics, promoting interest in space science.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
Free Student STEM Guide with 50+ opportunities and competitions
International Economics Olympiad (IEO)
About: tasks in economics, finance, and business that need both theory and practical problem-solving, good preparation for careers in those fields.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International History Olympiad (IHO)
About: tests students on history through exams, quizzes, and creative challenges, deepening their understanding of history and its impact.
Eligibility: high school students from a range of educational backgrounds.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
International Research Olympiad (IRO)
About: the IRO is a research-based competition that has students analyze research and apply scientific reasoning across disciplines, giving young researchers an international platform.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: awards for top performers, plus recognition and opportunities.
International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL)
About: problems that involve deciphering unfamiliar languages, testing logical thinking and linguistic aptitude. No prior knowledge of the languages is needed.
Eligibility: high school students under 20 who haven’t started university.
Prizes: gold, silver, and bronze medals; certificates of participation.
More competitions
Rishab Jain, an ISEF winner, has done well across many research competitions. His free Student STEM Guide lists 50+ more opportunities and competitions. You can also learn more about the International Research Olympiad.
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