11 Prestigious International Competitions for High School Students
If you are an ambitious high school student looking to gain admission into top universities, you should definitely consider participating in competitions. They offer unique problem-solving opportunities, enable networking with high-achieving peers, and can significantly impress college admissions officers.
Below, we have curated a list of 11 international competitions that are specially tailored to high school students!
The Conrad Challenge is an annual, multi-phase competition that encourages high school students worldwide to solve global challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. There are four stages which include registration, research and development, business plan creation and pitch presentation. Teams of 2-5 students, aged 13-18, develop sustainable solutions in categories like aerospace, cyber-technology, health, and nutrition. The challenge emphasizes applying STEM concepts, creativity, and critical thinking, guiding students from idea conception to potential commercialization. Finalist teams present their solutions at the Innovation Summit to a panel of industry experts, competing for seed funding, patent support, and commercial opportunities. This platform enables young innovators to turn their ideas into reality and make a positive impact on the world.
Check out our blog on 8 tips to win the Conrad Challenge here.
Location: The competition is primarily conducted online, with the final summit event held in various international locations. In 2024, the summit will take place at Space Center Houston in Texas, USA.
Dates: The Conrad Challenge runs on an annual cycle, The full competition timeline spans from August to April with the summit event taking place typically in late April.
Cost: $499 for finalists attending the summit.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 13-18 from around the world are eligible to apply
Deadline: Applications for 2024-25 are set to open in early fall.
2. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO)
INEPO challenges students to present solutions to environmental problems, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Projects address issues like renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, and biodiversity, promoting global environmental awareness. Through their participation, students gain valuable research experience and have the opportunity to share their ideas with an international community, fostering global collaboration and awareness of environmental sustainability.
Location: Various international locations, outside the U.S.
Dates: Typically in spring or summer.
Cost:€499
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-19.
Deadline: Varies, typically in the winter.
3. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global competition for students aged 13-18 to share their passion for science and mathematics. Participants create short, imaginative videos that simplify complex scientific theories and concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience. The challenge values creativity, clarity, and the ability to inspire through storytelling. Winners are recognized for their exceptional communication skills and receive significant educational prizes, including scholarships and a grant for their school's science lab. This platform allows young scientists and mathematicians to showcase their talents and potentially transform how people understand the world.
Note: The competition accepts only individual entries.
Location: Online submission; winners are recognized at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony.
Dates: Submission Deadline is typically around end of June (based on previous years)
Cost: None
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from all countries are eligible
Deadline: Same as application deadline
The Diamond Challenge is a global competition for high school entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Participants develop a viable business concept and present it to a panel of judges. The challenge focuses on practical business planning, creativity, and strategic thinking, offering feedback, mentorship, and the chance to win awards and scholarships. It cultivates business acumen, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, providing a comprehensive platform for aspiring business leaders.
Location: The summit is held outside the U.S., with virtual participation options.
Dates: Annual competition with submissions in winter and the summit in spring.
Cost: None
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 from any country.
Deadline: Typically in early winter.
The World Scholar's Cup is a global academic competition that encourages students to explore a wide range of subjects, including science, history, literature, and art, all centered around an annual theme. It goes beyond being just a contest by fostering a sense of global community, teamwork, and the joy of learning. Collaborative events such as team debates, collaborative writing, and the quiz-style Scholar's Bowl are key components. Participants, known as "scholars," engage with students worldwide, making it a culturally enriching experience that celebrates diversity and the pursuit of knowledge. The competition is known for its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and its focus on empowering students to confidently discuss and analyze complex topics.
Location: Regional and global rounds held in various countries outside the U.S.
Dates: Annual cycle, culminating in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.2024 Global Rounds will take place in Baku, Kuala Lumpur, Stockholm, Seoul, Dalian, Bangkok, Auckland, and Du
Cost: Registration fee for teams varies according to location and rounds.
Eligibility: Students of all ages, including high schoolers.
Deadline: Varies by regional round. Check this website for upcoming regional events.
6. F1 in Schools STEM Challenge
The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge is a global competition for students aged 9-19, where teams design, analyze, manufacture, and race miniature Formula One cars. Using professional CAD/CAM software and engineering principles, teams create cars that are both fast and aesthetically appealing. Beyond engineering and racing, students also engage in project management, teamwork, budgeting, and presentation skills. This challenge mirrors real-world Formula One processes, providing a hands-on STEM learning experience and fostering competition, collaboration, and innovation. To know the procedure for participation, check here.
Location: The World Finals location varies each year, but has been hosted in countries outside the U.S. such as Australia, Malaysia, England, Singapore, and the UAE.
Dates: Annually, with the World Finals typically held towards the end of the year
Cost: Varies; there are costs associated with building the car and traveling to competitions
Eligibility: Students aged 9-19, in teams of 3-6 members.
Deadline: Varies by country
The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is an international robotics competition where teams of young people develop, design, and build robots to tackle challenges. Emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, participants apply their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to compete in various categories for different age groups, including high school students. The WRO promotes hands-on learning and innovation, offering a global platform for students to showcase their robotics skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.
For more information on the categories, check here.
Location: Varies; recent events in Asia and Europe. You can find your national organiser through this link
Dates: Annually, with the final event typically taking place in November.
Cost: There is a Registration fee depending on your national organizer. Moreover the travel expenses must be borne by the participant
Eligibility: Teams of 2-3 students, from 8-19 years old
Deadline: Varies by country
8. International Young Physicists’ Tournament
The International Young Physicists' Tournament (IYPT), known as the "Physics World Cup," is a prestigious global competition for high school students. Teams tackle complex physics problems, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking. Participants present their solutions, engage in discussions, and defend their findings against peer criticism. Hosted in different countries each year, the IYPT offers students a chance to explore physics deeply, develop teamwork and communication skills, and connect with fellow young physicists worldwide.
Location: Locations across the world. The 2024 tournament is taking place in Budapest, Hungary
Dates: Annually, usually takes place inJuly
Cost:There is a registration fee but the amount hasn’t been mentioned.
Eligibility: High school students who belong to the countries listed here
Deadline: Varies, typically in the months of December-January
9. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition is a global event that immerses high school students in the field of synthetic biology. Teams work collaboratively with mentors to design, build, and test genetically engineered systems using standardized biological parts. Their efforts culminate at the Grand Jamboree, where students present their innovative projects, connect with the international scientific community, and contribute solutions to real-world issues through synthetic biology. iGEM provides young scientists with valuable hands-on research experience in biotechnology, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Location: Varies; often held in Europe or Asia
Dates: The main event typically takes place in late October or early November. Here’s the competition calendar
Cost: $5500- $6500USD
Eligibility: High school teams with an adult supervisor
Deadline: Around February or March
10. The Blue Ocean Competition
The Blue Ocean Competition stands out as a premier virtual pitch competition for high school students delving into entrepreneurship, drawing over 2293 participants from 135 countries. Upon registration, participants engage in global mentorship and peer collaboration, receiving feedback and support through Q&A and brainstorming sessions. The culmination involves delivering a 5-minute pitch either individually or as a team. It's recommended to review the suggested resources before entering this dynamic challenge!
Location: Virtual.
Dates: February. Keep an eye on the timeline using this link
Cost: None but it provides cash prizes of $1000, $750, and $500 respectively for the top three winners, and an additional $750 for a people’s choice award winner. Certificates for participants, and awards for participating schools.
Eligibility: High school students aged between 14 to 18 years at the time or at registration, including international students.
Deadline: Registration for 2025 is open, you can apply using this link. They will close by 16th February 2025
11. United Nations World Wildlife Day Youth Art Contest
The UN World Wildlife Day Art Contest is a prestigious global competition designed for high school students passionate about wildlife conservation. Participants are encouraged to spotlight species that have flourished thanks to collaborative conservation efforts. Artwork may celebrate the contributions of local leaders, scientists, governments, or communities dedicated to preserving biodiversity. Submissions, created using markers, crayons, colored pencils, and/or paint, are eagerly accepted.
Location: Virtual
Dates: The submissions deadline is usually in Early February with event taking place in March
Cost: None but the winning entry will be presented at the World Wildlife Day Event.
Eligibility: Students from all over the world between the ages of 4-18.
Deadline: Same as submission deadline mentioned above
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Image Source - Conrad Challenge Logo