Explore Top Competitions with helpful guides in this blog!

Enhance your knowledge and skills in the field while showcasing your talent and passion.

Participating in international competitions can be a transformative experience for high school students.

They offer the chance to showcase talents, gain global recognition, and earn scholarships.

Here’s a guide to 15 prestigious competitions in 2024: International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Description The ISEF is the world's largest international pre-college science competition.

It provides a platform for high school students to present their independent research in various scientific disciplines.

Participants compete in 21 different categories, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Eligibility High school students from 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.

Additional special awards are given by sponsors.

International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Description The IMO is the oldest and most prestigious international mathematical competition for high school students.

It consists of six challenging problems solved over two days, testing mathematical ingenuity, creativity, and skill.

The problems cover various areas of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.

Participation in the IMO is a significant achievement, reflecting a high level of mathematical ability and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility High school students who are selected to represent their country by their national mathematical organization.

Prizes Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded based on scores.

There are also honorable mentions for notable solutions.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Description FRC combines the excitement of sports with the rigors 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, trophies, and grants for team development.

International Biology Olympiad (IBO) Description The IBO is a worldwide competition for secondary school students, focusing on biology.

It involves theoretical exams and practical lab tests, covering various biological disciplines such as genetics, ecology, and biochemistry.

Eligibility Students selected through national biology competitions to represent their countries.

Prizes Medals (gold, silver, and bronze) and certificates are awarded to top performers. https://youtu. be/5oU8WGmc4_0?si=z8SvjIYs_leYbBRw How I Scored Ivy Leage Summer Program Opportunities International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) Description The IPhO is a competition for high school students demonstrating exceptional physics knowledge.

It consists of theoretical and experimental exams, testing students' understanding and application of physical principles.

The competition promotes excellence in physics education and encourages the development of scientific thinking among young people 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 competition encourages a culture of rigorous research and practical application of knowledge.

Participants tackle complex issues, present innovative solutions, and are evaluated by expert judges.

The IRO Finals, held at Harvard University, showcased some of the world’s most promising young minds, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and real-world applications.

Eligiblity Open to high school students aged 13-18 worldwide.

Prizes Gold, silver, and bronze medals for the winners.

Additional sponsor prizes.

Media opportunities and recognition.

Opportunities for mentorship and networking with industry leaders and researchers.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Description This competition recognizes the creative talents of young artists and writers in the United States.

Categories include art, photography, sculpture, poetry, fiction, and more.

It provides a platform for students to showcase their work and gain recognition from a panel of esteemed judges.

Winning entries are celebrated through national exhibitions and publications, helping young artists and writers to build their portfolios.

Eligibility Students in grades 7-12 from the U.

S.

Prizes National Medalists can earn scholarships up to $10,000, and works are showcased in national exhibitions and publications.

Global Social Leaders Competition Description This competition encourages students to develop social action projects addressing global issues.

It fosters leadership, creativity, and social responsibility.

Participants work on projects that create positive change in their communities, developing skills in project management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

The competition also provides opportunities for students to connect with like-minded peers and mentors from around the world.

Eligibility Students aged 11-17 from any country.

Prizes Winning projects receive funding for implementation, mentorship opportunities, and global recognition.

International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) Description The IChO tests students' knowledge and skills in chemistry through theoretical and practical exams.

It promotes international cooperation and friendship among young chemists.

The competition challenges students to apply their knowledge to solve complex problems and conduct experiments under timed conditions, fostering a deeper understanding of chemical concepts and laboratory techniques.

Eligibility High school students selected through national chemistry competitions.

Prizes Gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with certificates of merit. https://youtu. be/h7OlgFLByK8?si=9_Sd4bsWqE8UwTYw STEM Programs & Competitions for High Schoolers Conrad Challenge Description An innovation and entrepreneurship competition where students create solutions to global challenges in various categories, including aerospace, cyber technology, and energy.

Participants develop business plans and prototypes, pitching their ideas to a panel of judges.

The competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit, preparing students for future careers in science, technology, and business.

Eligibility Students aged 13-18 from around the world.

Prizes Awards include scholarships, grants for project development, and opportunities to present projects 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 limited time, promoting excellence in programming and problem-solving.

The competition brings together young programmers from around the world, fostering a community of future computer scientists and software engineers.

Eligibility High school students selected through national informatics competitions.

Prizes Gold, silver, and bronze medals, with additional awards for exceptional solutions.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Description This is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools.

It encourages young people to explore themes of global importance through creative writing.

Participants write essays, stories, or poems based on a given theme, showcasing their writing skills and perspectives on global issues.

The competition promotes literacy, creativity, and cultural exchange among young writers from Commonwealth countries.

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 in prestigious outlets. iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition) Description iGEM is a global competition that focuses on synthetic biology, challenging students to design and build genetically engineered systems.

Teams use standard biological parts and work on projects that address real-world issues, from environmental sustainability to healthcare.

Participants conduct research, develop prototypes, and present their findings at the annual Giant Jamboree, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of synthetic biology.

Eligibility High school and undergraduate students organized into teams, typically affiliated with educational institutions.

Prizes Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as special awards for excellence in categories like Best Project, Best Poster, and Best Presentation.

Winning teams may also receive funding opportunities for further research. https://youtu. be/TKHlaiPVXgE?si=9-R5Zh4C36O3U3SD How to Win ISEF (by 1st Place Winner) | Regeneron ISEF World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) Description The World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) is an international robotics competition that brings together young people from around the world to develop their creativity, design, and problem-solving skills through challenging and educational robotics competitions.

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.

Teams are typically affiliated with schools, clubs, or educational organizations.

Prizes Awards vary by age group and category, including trophies, medals, and certificates.

Top teams may also receive invitations to participate in international robotics events and exhibitions.

Breakthrough Junior Challenge Description The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global competition for students to create original videos that simplify complex scientific ideas in the fields of physics, mathematics, and life sciences.

The competition aims to inspire creative thinking and effective communication of scientific concepts to a broader audience.

Participants submit videos that are judged on their ability to engage and educate.

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 is a competition that invites students to develop innovative AI-based projects that address global challenges.

Participants use artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to create solutions in areas such as healthcare, environment, education, and social issues.

The festival provides a platform for students to showcase their AI projects and receive feedback from industry experts.

Eligibility Students aged 13-19 from around the world, either individually or in teams.

Prizes Awards include cash prizes, scholarships, and opportunities to present projects at Intel events and other international forums.

Winners also receive mentorship and support for further development of their projects.

International Economics Olympiad (IEO) Description The International Economics Olympiad (IEO) is an annual competition that brings together the brightest high school students to compete in the field of economics.

The competition includes tests on economic theory, business case analysis, and financial literacy.

It aims to enhance students' understanding of economics and finance, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to real-world economic issues.

Eligibility High school students selected through national economics competitions.

Prizes Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of merit, and special prizes for excellence in individual and team categories.

Top performers may also receive scholarships and opportunities to participate in international economic forums.

International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) Description The International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) is an annual competition for high school students that focuses on geographical knowledge and skills.

Participants take part in written tests, multimedia quizzes, and fieldwork exercises, demonstrating their understanding of physical and human geography.

The competition promotes geographical education and encourages students to explore global issues and sustainability.

Eligibility High school students selected through national geography competitions.

Prizes Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of participation, and special recognition for exceptional geographical projects.

Winners may also receive opportunities to attend international geography conferences and workshops.

Microsoft Imagine Cup Description The Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global technology competition that encourages students to develop innovative software solutions using Microsoft technologies.

Participants form teams to create applications, games, or other digital solutions that address social, environmental, or health-related challenges.

The competition fosters creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas.

Eligibility Students aged 16 and older from around the world, typically in teams.

Prizes The top prize includes a $100,000 cash award, mentorship from Microsoft experts, and opportunities to present projects at global technology events.

Additional awards include cash prizes, software licenses, and internships. https://rishabacademy. com/how-to-win-microsoft-imagine-cup-for-students/ How to Win Microsoft Imagine Cup for Students 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 from around the world to compete in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics.

Participants engage in theoretical and observational rounds, including data analysis and night sky observation.

The competition aims to enhance the interest and knowledge of young students in astronomy and astrophysics, fostering international collaboration and friendship among participants.

Eligibility High school students selected through national astronomy and astrophysics competitions.

Prizes Awards include gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of participation, and special prizes for outstanding performance in theoretical and observational rounds.

Winners also receive opportunities to attend international astronomy events and further their studies in astrophysics through scholarships.

International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) Description The International Youth Math Challenge (IYMC) is a global competition that encourages students to solve challenging mathematical problems.

Participants tackle a series of math problems that test their creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The competition is designed to inspire a love for mathematics and to recognize young mathematical talent worldwide.

Eligibility Students aged 12-18 from around the world.

Prizes Awards include certificates of achievement, medals for top performers, and cash prizes.

Winners also receive recognition on the IYMC website and opportunities to participate in advanced math programs and workshops.

More STEM Competitions Rishab Jain, who won at ISEF, has achieved success in numerous research competitions and undertaken several research projects during his high school years.

His FREE Student STEM guide has a list of 50+ opportunities and competitions!

And sign up for International Research Olympiad 2025 now!.