Explore top competitions with helpful guides throughout this post. They’re a great way to build your knowledge and skills while showing your talent and passion.
Taking part in international competitions can be a transformative experience for high school students. They offer the chance to show your talents, gain global recognition, and earn scholarships. Here’s a guide to some of the most prestigious ones.
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Description
ISEF is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. It gives high school students a platform to present independent research across scientific disciplines, with participants competing in around 21 categories, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Eligibility
High school students in grades 9-12 who have conducted individual research projects.
Prizes
Top awards include the Gordon E. Moore Award of $75,000, multiple $50,000 scholarships, and various category awards of $3,000 each, plus special awards from sponsors.
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
Description
The IMO is the oldest and most prestigious international math competition for high schoolers. It consists of six challenging problems solved over two days, testing mathematical ingenuity, creativity, and skill across algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Competing is a significant achievement.
Eligibility
High school students selected to represent their country by their national mathematical organization.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded based on scores, plus honorable mentions for notable solutions.
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
Description
FRC combines the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and technology. Teams of students design, build, and program robots to compete in a themed challenge, promoting STEM learning and teamwork.
Eligibility
High school students, typically in teams sponsored by schools or community organizations.
Prizes
Awards include scholarships totaling over $80 million across the program, trophies, and grants for team development.
International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
Description
The IBO is a worldwide competition for secondary school students, focused on biology. It involves theoretical exams and practical lab tests covering genetics, ecology, biochemistry, and more.
Eligibility
Students selected through national biology competitions to represent their countries.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals and certificates for top performers.
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)
Description
The IPhO is a competition for high school students with exceptional physics knowledge. It includes theoretical and experimental exams that test understanding and application of physical principles, promoting excellence in physics education worldwide.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national physics competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, with special prizes for outstanding performances.
International Research Olympiad (IRO)
Description
The IRO encourages rigorous research and the practical application of knowledge. Participants tackle complex issues, present innovative solutions, and are evaluated by expert judges. The IRO Finals, held at Harvard University, bring together some of the world’s most promising young minds, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world applications.
Eligibility
Open to high school students aged 13-18 worldwide.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals for the winners, plus sponsor prizes, media recognition, and opportunities for mentorship and networking with researchers and industry leaders.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Description
This competition recognizes the creative talents of young artists and writers in the United States, with categories including art, photography, sculpture, poetry, and fiction. Winning entries are celebrated through national exhibitions and publications, helping students build their portfolios.
Eligibility
Students in grades 7-12 in the U.S.
Prizes
National Medalists can earn scholarships up to $10,000, and their work is showcased in national exhibitions and publications.
Global Social Leaders Competition
Description
This competition encourages students to develop social action projects addressing global issues, fostering leadership, creativity, and social responsibility. Participants create positive change in their communities while building skills in project management, teamwork, and problem-solving, and connect with peers and mentors worldwide.
Eligibility
Students aged 11-17 from any country.
Prizes
Winning projects receive funding for implementation, mentorship, and global recognition.
International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
Description
The IChO tests students’ chemistry knowledge and skills through theoretical and practical exams, and promotes international cooperation among young chemists. Students apply their knowledge to solve complex problems and run experiments under timed conditions.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national chemistry competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with certificates of merit.
Conrad Challenge
Description
An innovation and entrepreneurship competition where students create solutions to global challenges in categories like aerospace, cyber-technology, and energy. Participants develop business plans and prototypes and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, building creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills.
Eligibility
Students aged 13-18 from around the world.
Prizes
Awards include scholarships, grants for project development, and opportunities to present to industry leaders.
International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)
Description
The IOI is one of the most prestigious computer science competitions. Students solve complex algorithmic problems within a time limit, promoting excellence in programming and problem-solving and building a global community of future computer scientists.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national informatics competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, with additional awards for exceptional solutions.
The King’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
Description
This is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, run by the Royal Commonwealth Society. It encourages young people to explore themes of global importance through creative writing, with participants writing essays, stories, or poems on a given theme. (It was previously known as The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.)
Eligibility
Students aged 18 and under from Commonwealth countries.
Prizes
Awards include medals, certificates, a trip to London for the winners, and the chance to be published.
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition)
Description
iGEM is a global synthetic biology competition that challenges students to design and build genetically engineered systems. Teams use standard biological parts to address real-world issues, from environmental sustainability to healthcare, and present their findings at the annual Jamboree.
Eligibility
High school and undergraduate students organized into teams, typically affiliated with educational institutions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, plus special awards for excellence in categories like Best Project, Best Poster, and Best Presentation. Winning teams may also receive funding for further research.
World Robot Olympiad (WRO)
Description
The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is an international robotics competition that brings together young people worldwide to build creativity, design, and problem-solving skills. Participants design, build, and program robots to complete tasks based on annual themes, encouraging innovation and teamwork.
Eligibility
Students aged 8-19, organized into teams, typically affiliated with schools, clubs, or educational organizations.
Prizes
Awards vary by age group and category, including trophies, medals, and certificates. Top teams may receive invitations to international robotics events.
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Description
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global competition for students to create original videos that explain complex scientific ideas in physics, mathematics, and the life sciences. It rewards creative thinking and clear communication of scientific concepts.
Eligibility
Students aged 13-18 from around the world.
Prizes
The Grand Prize winner receives a $250,000 college scholarship, a $50,000 prize for their teacher, and a $100,000 science lab makeover for their school. Regional winners and finalists also receive recognition and awards.
Intel AI Global Impact Festival
Description
The Intel AI Global Impact Festival invites students to develop AI-based projects that address global challenges, using artificial intelligence and machine learning to create solutions in areas like healthcare, the environment, education, and social issues. It gives students a platform to present their projects and get feedback from industry experts.
Eligibility
Students aged 13-19 from around the world, individually or in teams.
Prizes
Awards include cash prizes, scholarships, and chances to present at Intel events and other forums, plus mentorship and support to develop projects further.
International Economics Olympiad (IEO)
Description
The International Economics Olympiad (IEO) is an annual competition that brings together top high school students in economics. It includes tests on economic theory, business case analysis, and financial literacy, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world economic issues.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national economics competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of merit, and special prizes for individual and team excellence. Top performers may also receive scholarships and invitations to economic forums.
International Geography Olympiad (iGeo)
Description
The International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) is an annual competition for high school students focused on geographical knowledge and skills. Participants take part in written tests, multimedia quizzes, and fieldwork exercises across physical and human geography, exploring global issues and sustainability.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national geography competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of participation, and special recognition for exceptional work.
Microsoft Imagine Cup
Description
The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global technology competition where students build innovative software solutions using Microsoft technologies. Teams create applications, games, or other digital solutions that address social, environmental, or health-related challenges. There’s also a Junior edition aimed at younger students.
Eligibility
The main competition is for students aged 16 and older, typically in teams; the Junior edition is geared toward high school students.
Prizes
The main competition’s top prize includes a $100,000 cash award, mentorship from Microsoft experts, and chances to present at global technology events, along with additional cash prizes, software licenses, and internships.
International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)
Description
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is an annual competition that brings together high school students worldwide in astronomy and astrophysics. Participants engage in theoretical and observational rounds, including data analysis and night-sky observation.
Eligibility
High school students selected through national astronomy and astrophysics competitions.
Prizes
Gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of participation, and special prizes for outstanding performance in the theoretical and observational rounds.
International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC)
Description
The International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) is a global competition that challenges students to solve difficult mathematical problems, testing creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving. It aims to inspire a love of mathematics and recognize young talent worldwide.
Eligibility
Students aged 12-18 from around the world.
Prizes
Certificates of achievement, medals for top performers, and cash prizes, plus recognition on the IYMC website and opportunities to join advanced math programs.
More STEM Competitions
Rishab Jain, who won at ISEF, has succeeded in numerous research competitions and completed several research projects during high school. His free Student STEM guide lists 50+ opportunities and competitions. You can also sign up for the International Research Olympiad.
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