These competitions give high school students a global stage to show their skills, collaborate with peers worldwide, and gain real experience in their field. Whether you’re drawn to synthetic biology, environmental sustainability, or the global economy, there’s a competition here that can take you to the next level.
Before we start: Rishab Jain, a Harvard student and ISEF winner, has made his free Student STEM Guide public, with 50+ more opportunities and competitions. Worth a look after this post.
1. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition
- Location: varies; often in Europe or Asia.
- Cost: participation fee plus travel.
- Eligibility: high school teams with an adult supervisor.
- Application deadline: around February or March.
- Dates: the main event is in late October or early November.
- Description: iGEM introduces students to synthetic biology. Teams from around the globe design, build, and test genetically engineered systems, showcasing their projects at the Grand Jamboree. It offers hands-on experience and the chance to address real-world problems.
2. International Young Physicists’ Tournament
- Location: a different host country each year (recently Budapest, Hungary).
- Cost: participation fee plus travel.
- Eligibility: teams of high school students.
- Application deadline: varies, typically late winter or early spring.
- Dates: annually, usually in July.
- Description: known as the “Physics World Cup,” IYPT challenges teams to solve complex physics problems through collaboration and critical thinking. Teams present their solutions and defend them against peer criticism.
3. World Robot Olympiad
- Location: varies; recent events in Asia and Europe.
- Cost: registration fee plus travel.
- Eligibility: teams of 2-3 students, up to 19 years old.
- Application deadline: varies by country.
- Dates: annually, with the final event typically in November.
- Description: WRO is a platform where teams design and build robots to navigate challenges. It emphasizes creativity and applying STEM knowledge in a competitive but collaborative environment.
4. F1 in Schools STEM Challenge
- Location: the World Finals location varies.
- Cost: varies; includes building the car and travel.
- Eligibility: students aged 9-19, in teams of 3-6.
- Application deadline: varies by country.
- Dates: annually, with World Finals toward the end of the year.
- Description: this challenge merges engineering, marketing, and racing, as teams design, analyze, and race miniature Formula One cars. Students develop business and marketing strategies alongside their engineering work.
5. The Diamond Challenge
- Location: the Limitless World Summit is held in Wilmington, Delaware, with virtual participation options.
- Cost: free to enter.
- Eligibility: high school students aged 14-18 from any country.
- Application deadline: typically in early winter.
- Dates: submissions in winter, summit in spring.
- Description: run by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, the Diamond Challenge asks students to conceive and pitch viable business ideas. It focuses on real-world entrepreneurial skills, with feedback, mentorship, and the chance to win awards and scholarships.
6. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
- Location: online submission; winners are recognized at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony.
- Cost: free to enter.
- Eligibility: students aged 13-18 from around the world.
- Application deadline: typically in June.
- Dates: annually.
- Description: this global competition asks students to communicate complex scientific ideas in short, engaging videos. It celebrates scientific creativity and clarity, with significant educational prizes.
7. World Scholar’s Cup
- Location: regional and global rounds in various countries.
- Cost: registration fee for teams.
- Eligibility: students of all ages, including high schoolers.
- Application deadline: varies by regional round.
- Dates: an annual cycle, culminating in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.
- Description: the World Scholar’s Cup combines debate, collaborative writing, and a quiz-style challenge across a broad range of subjects, in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
8. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO)
- Location: various international locations.
- Cost: around €499.
- Eligibility: high school students aged 14-19.
- Application deadline: varies, generally in the winter months.
- Dates: typically in spring or early summer.
- Description: INEPO challenges students to present solutions to environmental problems, with an emphasis on sustainability. Projects address issues like renewable energy and biodiversity.
9. Bretton Woods Economics Competition
- Location: varies annually.
- Cost: free to a nominal fee, depending on location.
- Eligibility: high school students worldwide.
- Application deadline: varies annually.
- Dates: annually, typically a few days in spring or early summer.
- Description: this competition engages students in global economic discussions, requiring them to analyze, debate, and present on issues affecting the international economy. It’s a great forum for young economists to explore economic policy and development.
10. The Conrad Challenge
- Location: online, with the global summit held in various international locations.
- Cost: $499 for finalists attending the summit.
- Eligibility: students aged 13-18 from around the world.
- Application deadline: typically in the fall.
- Dates: an annual cycle, with the summit in spring.
- Description: the Conrad Challenge encourages entrepreneurial problem-solving, inviting students to create sustainable solutions to global challenges across several categories. It emphasizes innovation and real-world impact, guiding students from idea to potential commercialization.
More STEM competitions
Rishab Jain, an ISEF winner, has succeeded in many research competitions and projects during high school. His free Student STEM Guide lists 50+ more opportunities and competitions.
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