15 Competitions for High School Students in 2026
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
If you want to stand out in college applications, build a stronger academic profile, and demonstrate genuine ability in a subject you care about, competitions are one of the most effective ways to do all three simultaneously. Unlike programs that recognize participation, competitions evaluate output. You are judged on what you produce, what you solve, or what you build, and a strong result carries a kind of external validation that grades and coursework alone rarely provide.
Why should I participate in a high school competition?
Competitions develop skills that classroom learning rarely builds directly. You get comfortable working under pressure, applying knowledge to problems without predetermined answers, and communicating your thinking clearly in real evaluative conditions. Those habits carry forward into college and every professional environment you will encounter afterward in ways that are genuinely difficult to replicate through coursework alone. A strong competition result also carries significant weight in college applications. It demonstrates intellectual initiative, subject-specific ability, and a willingness to be evaluated on output rather than effort, which is exactly what admissions committees at competitive universities look for. Many competitions also connect you with peers, mentors, and organizations that open doors well beyond the competition itself.
To make the search easier, we narrowed this list down to 15 competitions for high school students in 2026 worth considering!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 competitions span entrepreneurship, academic writing, neuroscience, psychology, finance, STEM innovation, and business, so students with a wide range of interests can find a competition that matches their strengths and goals.
Most competitions are free to enter, including the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, Regeneron STS, International Brain Bee, International Psychology Olympiad, and Wharton Global Investment Competition, while others charge modest fees of $10 to $70.
Several competitions offer substantial prizes, including Regeneron STS (up to $250,000), Lumiere Scholars Essay Award ($11,000+ in cash and scholarships), Horizon Academic Essay Prize ($1,000 cash and $6,450 in scholarships), and Conrad Challenge (mentorship, IP support, and international travel).
Competitions vary significantly in format, from timed 12-hour team challenges, such as GYEC, to year-long independent research projects, such as Regeneron STS and Neuroscience Research Prize, so students should choose based on their available time and preferred working style.
Application deadlines are spread throughout the year, with some competitions opening as early as June or August, such as Regeneron STS and Conrad Challenge, so students should identify their target competitions in the summer and begin preparing well before the school year begins.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Approximately $70, nonrefundable registration fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; team-based participation
Program Dates: Preliminary Round: May 16; Final Round: June 20; Winners Announced: July 10
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14–18; teams of 3–8)
The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (GYEC) is a fast-paced, team-based competition where you develop a business solution to a real-world problem under strict time constraints. You and your team are given a surprise global challenge and have just 12 hours to create a structured response, including a two-page business plan and a three-minute video pitch. The competition requires you to think strategically while balancing innovation, feasibility, and impact. A key focus of GYEC is applying interdisciplinary skills. You integrate concepts from business, technology, and sustainability while conducting rapid market analysis and outlining execution strategies. The challenge often centers on global issues such as climate change, public health, or education, requiring you to design solutions with real-world relevance and scalability.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 6 winners + shortlist from 2,000+ submissions
Program Dates: Submissions open March 9 | Deadline April 26 | Results May 17
Application Deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a competitive, research-based writing competition where you develop and defend an original argument on complex, interdisciplinary topics. You choose from prompts spanning areas such as economics, AI, ethics, and physics, and write a formal essay supported by evidence and structured reasoning. Your submission is evaluated through a double-blind review process by an academic panel that includes professors from institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Cornell. A key strength of this competition is its emphasis on intellectual rigor. You are expected to demonstrate independent thinking, engage with counterarguments, and construct a well-supported thesis using credible sources. Top participants receive cash prizes and scholarships, with awards exceeding $11,000 distributed among winners.
Location: Virtual (global participation)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; 2,000+ participants across 80+ countries
Program Dates: Global Test – July 11 | Final Round – July 25–31
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) is a rigorous global competition where you test your understanding of psychology through advanced, application-based assessments. You engage with topics such as cognitive processes, behavioral science, research methodology, and mental health, often at a level comparable to introductory college coursework. The competition is structured to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and your ability to apply concepts in real-world contexts. A key component of IPsyO is its analytical focus. You may be required to interpret research studies, evaluate case scenarios, and solve complex problems related to human behavior. This approach helps you develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills, which are essential for fields like psychology, neuroscience, and medicine.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; top 1–10% recognized from a global pool
Program Dates: Submission Deadline – February 1 | Shortlist – February 22 | Results – March 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a rigorous global writing competition where you engage deeply with complex, real-world issues through analytical essays. You select from prompts centered around a central annual theme—such as “The Pursuit of Progress”—and develop a structured argument supported by evidence, critical reasoning, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The competition emphasizes intellectual independence, requiring you to construct persuasive arguments while engaging with counterpoints and broader societal implications. Essays are reviewed through a double-blind system by a panel of scholars and researchers from leading institutions, ensuring a high standard of assessment. Top participants receive cash prizes and substantial scholarships, with awards including up to $1,000 in cash and $6,450 in program scholarships.
Location: Northeastern Pennsylvania (final round in-person)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; individual or team participation
Program Dates: March 13 – April 29
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school and homeschool students in select Northeastern Pennsylvania counties
The tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition (HSBPC) is a structured entrepreneurship competition where you develop a detailed, STEAM-focused business concept from ideation to execution. You are required to conduct research across key domains such as market analysis, product development, operations, and financial projections, ensuring that your idea is both innovative and feasible. The process mirrors real-world startup development, giving you exposure to how ventures are evaluated in professional settings. A key feature of this competition is its multi-stage evaluation model. You begin by submitting written deliverables outlining your business plan, and if selected as a finalist, you present your concept to a panel of judges in a live setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; awards up to $300
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; individual submissions only
Program Dates: Annual cycle (submission deadline March 20)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The APA TOPSS High School Psychology Video Competition is a research-driven contest where you translate complex psychological concepts into a concise, engaging video format. For 2026, the theme centers on artificial intelligence and learning, requiring you to analyze how AI influences cognitive processes such as memory, intelligence, and decision-making. You must integrate scientific evidence into your explanation, grounding your content in established psychological theory. You create a video (up to three minutes) that includes a real-world example, clear definitions of key concepts, and a summary of at least one peer-reviewed study. You are also expected to critically evaluate the research and propose future directions or ethical considerations, demonstrating higher-order thinking beyond simple explanation.
Location: Virtual + Power Pitch Summit (U.S., in-person finals)
Cost: Free; Teams advancing to the Innovation Stage pay a $499 per team fee (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; multi-stage team-based competition
Program Dates: August – April | Power Pitch Summit: April 22–25
Application Deadline: August–October
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 (teams of 2–5; global participation)
The Conrad Challenge is a prestigious global innovation competition where you work in a team to design a scalable solution to a real-world problem using STEM and entrepreneurship. You begin by selecting a focus area such as aerospace, energy, health, or cybersecurity, and then identify a specific challenge within that domain. Over several months, you develop a structured solution supported by tools like a Lean Canvas, an Innovation Brief, and a pitch video, along with a basic website to present your idea. A defining feature of the competition is its emphasis on iterative development and applied innovation. You refine your concept through multiple stages, integrating research, technical design, and business strategy. You also gain access to curated resources and mentorship that guide you in improving both your product and its real-world viability. Finalist teams are invited to present at the Power Pitch Summit, where they pitch their ideas to industry experts and judges.
Location: Virtual + Finals Week in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; awards up to $250,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective (2,000 applicants; 300 scholars; 40 finalists)
Program Dates: Application closes November | Scholars announced January 7 | Finalists announced January 21 | Finals Week March 5–11
Application Deadline: Typically November (opens June 1 for next cycle)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors conducting independent research
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the most prestigious science competitions globally, designed for you if you have conducted original, independent research. You submit a detailed research project that demonstrates rigorous methodology, analytical depth, and real-world relevance. Projects often span fields such as neuroscience, psychology, biology, engineering, and data science, with many entries reflecting near undergraduate-level research quality. A defining feature of STS is its highly selective, multi-stage evaluation process. From thousands of applicants, 300 are recognized as Scholars based on their research, academic achievement, and leadership. From this group, 40 finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., where you present your research to expert judges, participate in interviews, and engage in public exhibitions.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; global participation with multi-stage selection
Program Dates: Top 100 announced April 6 | Winners announced May 13
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14–18; individual or team participation)
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition is a global pitch competition where you design an innovative business idea targeting untapped market opportunities. You begin by learning the fundamentals of “blue ocean strategy,” which focuses on creating value in low-competition spaces rather than competing in saturated markets. This framework helps you identify problems and develop differentiated solutions. A key component of the competition is the submission of a five-minute video pitch, where you clearly present your idea, its value proposition, and its competitive advantage. Your work is evaluated based on originality, feasibility, and clarity, requiring you to balance creativity with practical execution.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; awards and national recognition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 10 finalists
Program Dates: Annual cycle (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, grades 9–12; individual research projects
The Neuroscience Research Prize is a highly selective competition where you submit an original research project focused on the brain and nervous system. Your work must demonstrate a clear connection to neuroscience, spanning areas such as cognition, behavior, neurophysiology, or neurological disorders. This makes it particularly great if you are interested in interdisciplinary fields like psychology, biology, or medicine. A key strength of this competition is its emphasis on scientific rigor. You are evaluated on the originality of your research question, the strength of your experimental design, and your ability to analyze and interpret data. Your submission includes a detailed written report outlining your hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions, requiring strong scientific writing and analytical skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; multi-stage individual competition
Program Dates: March 2 to June 5
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Students aged 13+ (individual entries only)
The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (CEC) is a global entrepreneurship competition where you design a business idea aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You begin by identifying a real-world social or environmental problem and proposing a solution that is both impactful and feasible. The competition emphasizes purpose-driven innovation, encouraging you to think beyond profit and focus on measurable global impact. A defining feature of CEC is its structured, multi-phase format. You progress through stages that include idea submission, training sessions, and iterative refinement using frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Design Canvas. Throughout the process, you build skills in problem identification, solution design, and business modeling.
Location: Virtual (UK-based; global participation)
Cost: Free (may vary by entry route); awards and recognition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; multi-round selection via Olympiad pathway
Program Dates: Round 1 – February 8 | Round 2 – February 22 | Essay Deadline – April 3
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Primarily Year 12 (Grade 11 equivalent), open to other high school students
The Minds Underground™ Psychology Essay Competition is a rigorous academic competition where you explore complex psychological topics through research-driven writing. You select from prompts that require you to engage with areas such as intelligence, personality theory, or experimental design, and construct a well-supported argument using evidence from existing research. The competition is designed to reflect university-level expectations, emphasizing depth of analysis and clarity of reasoning. You can either progress through the British Psychology Olympiad rounds or submit an essay directly, depending on your preference. The evaluation process focuses on analytical thinking, originality, and your ability to synthesize research into a coherent argument.
Location: Online
Cost: $10 (individual) / $20 (team events)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; varies by event category
Program Dates: Submissions due April 1 | National Showcase: May 6–10
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: BPA members (middle school, high school, and post-secondary)
The BPA Virtual Competitions are structured, skills-based events where you apply business, technology, and marketing knowledge to real-world scenarios. You can choose from a wide range of categories such as finance, programming, graphic design, and marketing, allowing you to specialize or build interdisciplinary expertise. Each event is designed to simulate professional tasks, requiring you to create deliverables like business plans, websites, or strategic proposals. You work on project-based challenges that require critical thinking, time management, and attention to detail. Depending on the event, you may compete individually or in teams, which helps you develop both independent problem-solving skills and collaborative workflows.
Location: Virtual, finals in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Typically free or low-cost (varies by region)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 25,000+ participants across 50+ countries
Program Dates: November 6–11 (tentative for international finals)
Application Deadline: Varies by local chapter
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The International Brain Bee (IBB) is a prestigious, multi-stage neuroscience competition where you demonstrate your knowledge of the brain and nervous system. You begin at a local level and, if you advance, compete at national and international stages against top students globally. The competition covers a wide range of topics, including neuroanatomy, cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders. A defining feature of the IBB is its rigorous, tiered format. As you progress, you are tested through live questioning, case-based analysis, and practical problem-solving scenarios that simulate clinical and research applications. This requires not only strong memorization but also the ability to apply concepts in real-world contexts.
Location: Virtual + Global Finale at Wharton (Philadelphia, U.S.)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 50 teams advance globally, top 10 reach finale
Program Dates: Trading Period – September 29 to December 5 | Finale – April 24–25
Application Deadline: September 12
Eligibility: High school students, grades 9–12; teams of 4–7 with a teacher advisor
The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a highly competitive, team-based finance challenge where you develop and manage an investment strategy for a fictional client. You are given access to a virtual trading platform with $500,000 in simulated funds, requiring you to analyze financial markets, evaluate risk, and construct a diversified portfolio aligned with specific client goals. The competition mirrors real-world asset management, emphasizing disciplined, research-driven decision-making. You collaborate with your team to justify investment choices through detailed midterm and final reports, explaining how your decisions align with your client’s objectives and risk tolerance. This process develops your financial literacy, analytical reasoning, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Teams that advance to later rounds present their strategies to experts, gaining exposure to high-level evaluation and feedback.
Frequently asked questions
What competitions are available for high school students in 2026?
Options include research and science competitions, such as Regeneron STS and Neuroscience Research Prize, academic writing competitions, such as Lumiere Scholars Essay Award and Horizon Academic Essay Prize, entrepreneurship challenges, such as Conrad Challenge, GYEC, and Blue Ocean, psychology and neuroscience competitions, such as IPsyO, IBB, and Minds Underground, and business and finance competitions, such as Wharton Global Investment Competition and BPA Virtual Competitions.
Are there free competitions for high school students?
Yes, the majority of competitions on this list are free, including Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, Regeneron STS, International Psychology Olympiad, International Brain Bee, Blue Ocean Entrepreneur Competition, Neuroscience Research Prize, Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition, APA TOPSS Video Competition, and Wharton Global Investment Competition.
Which competitions are best for students interested in science and research?
Regeneron STS requires original independent research and is among the most prestigious science competitions globally, while Neuroscience Research Prize and International Brain Bee are strong options for students specifically interested in brain science, and Lumiere Scholars Essay Award rewards rigorous academic research and argumentation.
Which competitions offer the largest prizes for high school students?
Regeneron STS awards up to $250,000, the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award distributes over $11,000 in cash and scholarships, Horizon Academic Essay Prize offers up to $1,000 cash and $6,450 in scholarships, and Conrad Challenge finalists receive international travel, mentorship, and IP support.
Which competitions are open to international students?
Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, International Psychology Olympiad, International Brain Bee, Conrad Challenge, GYEC, Blue Ocean, Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition, APA TOPSS Video Competition, and Minds Underground are all open to students worldwide.
When should I start preparing for high school competitions in 2026?
Regeneron STS opens its application cycle June 1, Conrad Challenge begins in August, and Wharton Global Investment Competition opens in September, so students aiming for the most competitive entries should begin planning and developing their research or business ideas over the summer.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.