14 Global Competitions for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 52 minutes ago
- 13 min read
Entering a pitch competition can be a strong way for you to test a business idea against real feedback rather than just classroom theory. Along the way, you'll build skills in financial modeling, market research, and public presentation that carry over into future ventures or careers in business. These competitions can also connect you with mentors, investors, and industry professionals who might otherwise be difficult to reach as a student.
What should you look for in a pitch competition?
A pitch competition can give you access to funding, mentorship, and investor connections that go beyond what a classroom project typically offers. Depending on the competition you choose, you could compete for cash prizes with an existing startup, submit a concept-stage idea, or work through a case-based challenge with a team. Whether you're looking for something local or an international competition open to student founders everywhere, you can find one suited to where your venture currently stands.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down 14 global competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for international online competitions, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These competitions span mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, economics, geography, robotics, and entrepreneurship, so students with a wide range of academic strengths can find a relevant global competition.
Most Olympiad-style competitions require qualifying through a national selection process, including IMO, IPhO, IChO, IOI, IEO, and iGeo, so students should research their country's national qualifying exams well before the international event.
Several competitions are free to enter, including Regeneron ISEF, the Math and Science Olympiads, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, and the Diamond Challenge, while others, such as Conrad Challenge and GENIUS Olympiad, involve registration or participation fees.
Prize structures vary widely, from medals and international recognition (IMO, IPhO, IChO, IOI) to substantial cash and scholarship pools, including the Diamond Challenge's $100,000 prize pool and Stockholm Junior Water Prize's $10,000 national award.
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Approximately 1,700 finalists
Dates: May 9 – 15
Application Deadline: All affiliated fairs must conclude by mid-April
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who win a Society-affiliated local, regional, state, or national science fair
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is the world's largest pre-college science competition, providing a massive platform for young innovators to showcase original research. You must first succeed at a local or regional level to earn your place among the global finalists who represent more than 60 different countries and territories. Once you reach the international fair, you participate in a full week of events, including networking sessions with world-class STEM leaders and rigorous judging interviews. The competition is divided into 22 scientific categories, ranging from Animal Sciences to Software Design, ensuring that your specific area of expertise is evaluated by qualified doctoral-level judges. Beyond the intellectual challenge, you have the opportunity to compete for a share of over $7 million in total awards, which include life-changing tuition scholarships and prestigious scientific field trips.
Location: Rochester, NY (Hosted by St. John Fisher University)
Cost: $60 application fee; $600 participation fee per participant
Acceptance size/cohort size: 892 projects accepted out of 3,254 submissions (27.4% acceptance rate)
Dates: June 8 – 12
Application Deadline: March 7 (April 16 for US/EU affiliated fairs)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with projects focused on environmental issues
The GENIUS Olympiad is an expansive international competition that challenges you to find creative solutions for global environmental problems across diverse disciplines. Unlike traditional science fairs, this program accepts entries in categories such as art, music, short film, robotics, and entrepreneurship, provided they maintain a strong ecological focus. You will present your work to a global audience and panel of experts, competing for prestigious awards and recognition in a high-energy academic environment. The event includes unique opportunities for cultural exchange, such as an international fair and organized trips to major cities like New York City, Washington, D.C., or Boston. By participating, you join a specialized community of young innovators dedicated to sustainability and to advancing environmental education.
Location: Houston, TX (Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston)
Cost/Stipend: $499 registration fee per team for the Innovation Stage; $499 fee per guest for the Innovation Summit
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies; only Innovation Stage finalists advance to the Innovation Summit
Dates: April 22 – 25
Application Deadline: October 30 (Activation Stage deadline)
Eligibility: Students ages 13-18 competing in teams of 2 to 5 members
The Conrad Challenge is a purpose-driven STEM competition that invites you to become a world-changing entrepreneur by designing sustainable solutions to global problems. You and your teammates will select one of five categories, such as aerospace and aviation or cyber technology and security, to develop an original innovation throughout a multi-phase process. During the program, you progress from the initial activation stage to the comprehensive innovation stage, where you must create a professional business plan and a technical pitch. If your team is selected as a finalist, you earn the chance to attend the Innovation Summit at Space Center Houston to present your work to a panel of expert judges and industry leaders. Beyond the academic prestige, participating in this challenge provides you with unique opportunities to compete for college scholarships, international trips, and the official title of Pete Conrad Scholar.
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Teams of up to 6 students per participating country
Dates: July 12 – 23
Application Deadline: Varies by country (National selection tests usually conclude by May)
Eligibility: High school students who have not yet started university and are under 20 years old
The International Mathematical Olympiad is the premier world championship mathematics competition for high school students, featuring talent from over 100 different countries. To participate in this elite arena, you must first secure a spot on your national team through a series of rigorous regional and national qualifying exams. Once at the competition, you will face two days of intensive testing where you must solve complex problems involving geometry, number theory, and algebra. The event is celebrated for its long-standing history and its role in identifying the next generation of global mathematical leaders. Beyond the academic rigors, the IMO offers you the chance to engage in cultural exchange activities and build lasting connections with the most gifted young mathematicians in the world.
Location: Bucaramanga, Colombia (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: National teams of up to 5 students and 2 leaders per country
Dates: July 4 – 12
Application Deadline: May 15 (National selection timelines vary)
Eligibility: Secondary school students who are among the top performers in their country
The International Physics Olympiad is recognized as the most prestigious physics competition for high-school students, challenging you to apply advanced theoretical knowledge to complex scenarios. Throughout this nine-day event, you will engage in both rigorous theoretical examinations and hands-on experimental laboratories that test your practical scientific skills. National teams are selected through highly competitive internal processes, ensuring that only the most capable young physicists represent their respective nations. Beyond the examination halls, the competition fosters global friendship and cultural appreciation through organized social activities and tours within the host region. Successful participation demonstrates a mastery of presentation and analysis that is highly regarded by top-tier universities worldwide.
Location: Uzbekistan (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 per team participation fee; accommodation and local costs covered by the organizer
Acceptance size/cohort size: National teams of 4 students and 2 mentors per country
Dates: July 10 – 19
Application Deadline: November (Individual country selection processes occur through the spring)
Eligibility: Secondary school students or recent graduates who have not started university and are under 20 years old
The International Chemistry Olympiad serves as a premier global platform for you to demonstrate your independent and creative problem-solving abilities within the field of chemical sciences. This annual event brings together the most talented young chemists from around the world to compete in rigorous theoretical and experimental examinations. You will spend several days performing high-level laboratory tasks and taking comprehensive written exams covering advanced topics such as organic synthesis, thermodynamics, and biochemistry. The competition concludes with a formal award ceremony where gold, silver, and bronze medals are presented to the top-performing students based on their cumulative scores. Beyond academic rigor, the program emphasizes international understanding and collaboration, offering you numerous opportunities to build cordial relationships with peers from different nationalities.
Location: Shenzhen, China (Host country varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free participation; estimated $450–$500 for accommodation and $100–$150 for meals
Acceptance size/cohort size: Teams of up to 5 students and 1–2 leaders per country
Dates: July 12 – 20
Application Deadline: April 30 (Late-stage application deadline)
Eligibility: High school students under age 20 who have not yet graduated or graduated after December 1
The International Economics Olympiad is a prestigious global competition that tests your mastery of economics, finance, and business through a series of rigorous academic challenges. You will participate in three distinct competitive stages, beginning with a multiple-choice exam and a set of open questions that test your deep understanding of economic theory and financial literacy. The final stage requires you to solve a complex business case and present your strategic solution in English to a panel of expert judges, mimicking real-world corporate decision-making. The program emphasizes cultural exchange and networking, providing you with opportunities to meet Nobel Prize laureates and like-minded peers from over 70 countries. Successful participation in this Olympiad not only highlights your analytical prowess but also demonstrates your ability to apply logical reasoning to solve pressing global economic problems.
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Teams of up to 4 contestants per participating country
Dates: August 9 – 16
Application Deadline: Varies by country; national qualifying rounds typically conclude by early summer
Eligibility: Secondary school and high school students who are selected through their respective national informatics competitions
The International Olympiad in Informatics is a premier algorithmic competition that brings together exceptional high school students to sharpen their computer science skills through intensive problem-solving. During this prestigious eight-day event, you will participate in two separate competition days, each requiring you to solve three complex algorithmic problems within a strict five-hour window. The challenges test your ability to design efficient data structures and algorithms while performing under high-pressure conditions using C++ as the primary programming language. Participation in this Olympiad is widely recognized by top-tier global universities and technology companies as a mark of significant technical talent and logical reasoning.
Location: Global Rounds in Kuala Lumpur, Prague, Seoul, Shanghai, Bangkok, Da Nang, Christchurch, and Tokyo-Yokohama; Tournament of Champions at Yale University
Cost/Stipend: Small tournament fee (varies by round); study materials are free.
Acceptance size/cohort size: Open to all qualifying teams from regional rounds.
Dates: June through September (Global Rounds); November (Tournament of Champions).
Application Deadline: Varies by regional round (Regional rounds take place year-round).
Eligibility: Junior Division (under 14) and Senior Division (14-18); teams of three (mixed-school teams permitted).
The World Scholar's Cup is a unique, interdisciplinary team competition that encourages you to explore diverse subjects such as science, history, literature, and the arts. Your team will participate in four core events, including the Scholar's Bowl, Collaborative Writing, the Scholar's Challenge, and the highly engaging Team Debate. This program emphasizes community building and whimsical celebration through activities like the Scholar’s Scavenge and the high-energy Scholar’s Ball. By excelling at a regional event, you earn a spot at a Global Round, which serves as a gateway to the prestigious Tournament of Champions hosted at Yale University. This competition is specifically designed to help you discover new academic strengths while fostering international friendships with fellow scholars from across the globe.
Location: International Final location varies (previous host: Singapore)
Cost/Stipend: Participation fees vary by National Organizer; teams provide their own hardware
Acceptance size/cohort size: Over 32,000 teams involved globally across 95 countries
Dates: International Final typically held in November; season launch — January 15
Application Deadline: Varies by country; contact your National Organizer for local timelines
Eligibility: Students aged 8-19; up to 22 years old for the Future Engineers category
The World Robot Olympiad is a global robotics competition dedicated to science, technology, and education, challenging you to develop creativity and problem-solving skills through four distinct categories. You can choose to compete in RoboMission, RoboSports, Future Innovators, or Future Engineers, each offering a unique set of hardware and software challenges tailored to different skill levels. The 2026 theme, "Robots Meet Culture," encourages your team to explore how robotics can protect, grow, and shape art and cultural traditions. Unlike many other competitions, the WRO is platform-agnostic, meaning you have the freedom to use any robotics kit, sensors, or custom parts that fit your budget and are locally available. The season culminates in an International Final where thousands of participants from around the world gather to showcase their technical designs and compete for prestigious global recognition.
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye (Location varies annually)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Teams of up to 4 students and 2 leaders per country
Dates: August (Specific dates vary by host)
Application Deadline: Varies by country; national qualifying rounds typically conclude by spring
Eligibility: Students aged 16–19 who are selected through their respective national geography competitions
The International Geography Olympiad is a high-level academic competition that tests your ability to analyze complex spatial issues and environmental patterns. You will participate in three distinct examination components, including a written response test, a multimedia test, and a substantial fieldwork exercise that requires on-site observation and cartographic representation. The challenges evaluate your skills across a wide range of topics, including climate change, urban planning, and environmental geography, emphasizing the integration of physical and human geography. The program includes team poster presentations and cultural exchanges, allowing you to collaborate with fellow top-tier geographers from around the world.
Location: Chicago, IL (National Competition); Stockholm, Sweden (International Final)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: One winner or team representing each of the 50 U.S. states, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Dates: National Competition: June 8 – 10; International Competition: August
Application Deadline: State Competition entry: April 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 who are at least 15 years old by August 1
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is widely considered the most prestigious award for high school students conducting original water research projects. To participate, you must develop a scientific study focused on improving water quality, managing water resources, or advancing wastewater treatment technologies. The competition emphasizes a rigorous, research-oriented approach, requiring you to use accepted methodologies and conduct detailed statistical analysis in your final report. If you are selected as a state winner, you advance to a two-phase national competition that includes a virtual judging round and an in-person final event. The national champion receives a $10,000 cash prize and earns the opportunity to represent the United States at the international competition during World Water Week in Sweden.
Location: Cambridge, MA (Hosted at Harvard and MIT)
Cost/Stipend: $80 registration fee per team; $10 per individual application
Acceptance size/cohort size: Close to 1,000 students per tournament
Dates: November 8 and February 14
Application Deadline: September 21
Eligibility: High school students under the age of 21 currently enrolled in primary or secondary education
The Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament is one of the world's most prestigious student-organized math competitions, specifically designed to push you beyond the traditional school curriculum. You will participate in a series of rigorous individual tests, a team round, and the signature high-energy guts round. The event is split into two distinct dates, with the November tournament typically focused on teams of four to six and the February session catering to teams of six to eight. Beyond the competition itself, you can participate in optional Friday night social activities and Sunday education sessions featuring guest speakers and panels from both Harvard and MIT. This program provides an invaluable opportunity for you to connect with a diverse community of peers who share a passion for advanced mathematical problem-solving.
Location: Newark, DE (Limitless World Summit at the University of Delaware)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance size/cohort size: Varies; finalists from global pitch sites advance to the summit
Dates: April 23 – 24
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 in teams of 2 to 4 members
The Diamond Challenge offers you a world-class platform to transform your creative ideas into viable business or social venture concepts. You can choose to compete in either the business innovation or social innovation track, where you will develop a comprehensive pitch deck and present your solution to a global network of professionals. The competition offers a unique opportunity to access a dedicated entrepreneurship curriculum and receive high-value feedback from over 2,000 industry experts and mentors. If your team advances to the final round, you will travel to the University of Delaware for the Limitless World Summit to compete for a share of a $100,000 prize pool.
Frequently asked questions
What global competitions are available for high school students?
Options include academic Olympiads, such as IMO, International Physics Olympiad, International Chemistry Olympiad, and International Olympiad in Informatics, science fairs, such as Regeneron ISEF and GENIUS Olympiad, entrepreneurship competitions, such as Conrad Challenge and the Diamond Challenge, and interdisciplinary competitions, such as World Scholar's Cup and World Robot Olympiad.
How do I qualify for an international science or math Olympiad?
Most Olympiads, including IMO, IPhO, IChO, IOI, IEO, and iGeo, require students to first succeed in a national selection process, which typically involves a series of qualifying exams administered by their home country. Only a small national team, usually four to six students, advances to represent that country at the international event.
Are there free global competitions for high school students?
Yes, Regeneron ISEF, IMO, IPhO, IOI, iGeo, and Stockholm Junior Water Prize are all free to enter, though some require covering personal travel or accommodation costs. The Diamond Challenge is also free. Others, such as Conrad Challenge, GENIUS Olympiad, and IChO, involve registration or team participation fees.
Which global competitions focus on entrepreneurship or business skills?
Students interested in entrepreneurship might consider the Conrad Challenge, which guides teams through a multi-phase innovation process culminating in a summit at Space Center Houston, and the Diamond Challenge, which awards a share of a $100,000 prize pool at the Limitless World Summit. The International Economics Olympiad also tests business case analysis and strategic presentation skills.
When should I apply to global competitions for high school students?
Early deadlines include HMMT (September 21) and IChO (November, with country-specific selection through spring). Winter and spring deadlines include the Diamond Challenge (January 15), Conrad Challenge Activation Stage (October 30), GENIUS Olympiad (March 7), and Stockholm Junior Water Prize state entry (April 15). Since most Olympiads depend on national qualifying rounds, students should check their country's specific timeline well in advance.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
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.