15 Online STEM Competitions for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 14 min read
If you're interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, online STEM competitions can be a great way to challenge yourself beyond the classroom. These opportunities cover a wide range of fields, including research, coding, biology, neuroscience, engineering, data science, and science communication, allowing you to explore topics that match your interests. Since they are conducted online, many competitions are accessible to students regardless of location and can often be completed alongside school commitments.
Why should I participate in an online STEM competition in high school?
Online STEM competitions give you the opportunity to apply what you learn in class to complex questions, projects, and challenges. Depending on the competition, you might conduct research, write essays, analyze data, solve advanced problems, build software, design engineering solutions, create educational content, or collaborate with teammates on long-term projects. These experiences can help you strengthen technical and analytical skills, explore specialized STEM fields, and gain exposure to the work of researchers, engineers, scientists, and technology professionals.
To help with your search, below is a list of 15 online STEM competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These competitions span research and essay writing (Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Regeneron STS, Horizon Academic Essay Prize), neuroscience (International Brain Bee, Brain Awareness Video Contest, Neuroscience Research Prize), coding and AI (Veritas AI Hackfest, Mission Space Lab), and innovation and entrepreneurship (Conrad Challenge, Modeling the Future Challenge).
Most competitions are free to enter, including Regeneron STS, Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, USABO, Brain Awareness Video Contest, BAFTA Young Game Designers, AI Hackfest, Conrad Challenge, and Mission Space Lab, making them broadly accessible to students regardless of financial background.
Several competitions offer substantial prizes, including Regeneron STS (up to $250,000), Modeling the Future Challenge (scholarships up to $60,000), Brain Awareness Video Contest ($4,000 for first place), and the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award (over $11,000 in total awards).
Mission Space Lab stands out for deploying selected student programs on the International Space Station, making it one of the most unique real-world applications available in any high school competition.
Many competitions are open to international participants, including the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, Brain Awareness Video Contest, International Brain Bee, Conrad Challenge, and Mission Space Lab, though several others, such as Regeneron STS and USABO, are restricted to U.S. students.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Cash prizes and scholarships (>$11,000 total awards)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective | ~6 winners + shortlist from 2,000+ submissions
Program Dates: March 9 (submissions open) | May 17 (result announcement)
Application Deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a highly competitive, research-based writing competition where you develop and defend an original argument on complex interdisciplinary topics. You select from prompts spanning fields such as economics, artificial intelligence, ethics, and physics, and produce a structured essay grounded in evidence and analytical reasoning. The competition is designed to reflect university-level academic writing expectations. A defining feature of this competition is its rigorous evaluation process. Your essay is assessed through a double-blind review by an academic panel that includes faculty from institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Cornell. You are expected to demonstrate independent thinking, engage with counterarguments, and synthesize credible sources into a cohesive argument. This ensures a high standard of intellectual depth and originality.
Location: Virtual + Finals Week in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free | Awards up to $250,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Extremely selective (~2,000 applicants; 300 scholars; 40 finalists)
Program Dates: January 7 (scholars announced) | January 21 (finalists announced) | March 5–11 (Finals Week)
Application Deadline: Typically November (opens June 1)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors conducting independent research
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the best-known STEM research competitions available to high school students. You submit an original, independent research project that demonstrates strong methodology, analytical depth, and real-world relevance. Projects often span fields such as neuroscience, biology, engineering, and data science, and are typically comparable to early undergraduate research in scope and rigor. A defining feature of STS is its multi-stage selection process. From thousands of applicants, 300 are named Scholars based on the quality of their research, academic achievement, and leadership. From this group, 40 finalists are selected and invited to Washington, D.C., where they present their work to expert judges, participate in interviews, and exhibit their work to the public. This stage evaluates both your research and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Cash prizes and scholarships available; check here
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Shortlist: February 22 | Results: March 8
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Horizon Academic Essay Prize is a highly rigorous global writing competition where you analyze complex, real-world issues through structured, research-driven essays. Each year, you respond to prompts centered around a unifying theme, such as “The Pursuit of Progress,” and are expected to construct a well-supported argument using evidence, critical reasoning, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The competition mirrors university-level academic writing, requiring clarity, depth, and intellectual independence. A key feature of this competition is its emphasis on analytical rigor and evaluation quality. Essays are assessed through a double-blind review process by scholars and researchers from leading institutions, ensuring fairness and high academic standards. You are expected to engage with counterarguments, synthesize diverse viewpoints, and demonstrate original thinking, which strengthens both your research and writing skills.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Participants receive 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 STEM competition where you submit an original research project focused on the brain and nervous system. Your work must demonstrate a clear connection to neuroscience, covering areas such as cognition, behavior, neurophysiology, or neurological disorders. This makes it particularly relevant if you are interested in interdisciplinary fields like psychology, biology, or medicine. You are evaluated based on the originality of your research question, the strength of your experimental design, and your ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Your submission includes a detailed research report outlining your hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions, requiring advanced scientific writing and analytical skills.
Location: Online qualifying exams + in-person National Finals (U.S.)
Cost/Stipend: Typically free or school-based registration fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective | ~12,000 participants → 20 finalists → 4 international team members
Program Dates: Open Exam and Semifinal Exam typically held February–April | National Finals usually held in May | International Biology Olympiad held in July
Application Deadline: School registration required (varies)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is one of the most advanced biology competitions in the United States, designed to push you beyond standard high school curricula. You begin with two rounds of rigorous theoretical exams that test your understanding of topics such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology. These exams are highly competitive and require both depth of knowledge and problem-solving ability. A defining feature of USABO is its multi-tiered selection process. The top 20 students nationwide are invited to the National Finals, an intensive residential training program where you learn advanced laboratory techniques and engage with complex biological concepts. From this group, four students are selected to represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), competing against top students from over 70 countries.
Location: Virtual (global participation)
Cost/Stipend: Free | First Place: $4,000 and complimentary registration to Neuroscience in Washington, DC | Second Place: $500 | Third Place: $250 | People's Choice: $500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: Entries are open from March 20
Application Deadline: June 25
Eligibility: Open internationally | Eligibility requirements vary slightly by year and membership status
The Brain Awareness Video Contest (BAVC), hosted by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), is a creative STEM competition in which you produce a short video that explains a neuroscience concept in an engaging and accessible way. Your goal is to translate complex ideas, such as memory, cognition, or brain function, into content that is both scientifically accurate and easy to understand for a general audience. A defining feature of this competition is its emphasis on science communication. You are evaluated not only on the accuracy of your content but also on creativity, clarity, and audience engagement. Strong entries often combine storytelling, visuals, and real-world examples to make abstract concepts more relatable. You are also encouraged to use humor, animation, or experimental demonstrations to enhance your presentation.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Multiple finalists across age categories
Program Dates: Annual cycle (entries typically close early in the year)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Students aged 10–18 | Individual or small teams up to 3 | Participants under 16 must have a parent or guardian resident in the UK
The BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Competition is a creative, STEM-focused contest in which you design or build an original video game. You can choose between two categories: the Game Concept Award, where you submit a detailed idea for a game, or the Game Making Award, where you create a functional game using platforms like Scratch or other development tools. The competition emphasizes creativity, gameplay design, and user experience rather than technical complexity alone. A key strength of this competition is its industry relevance. Your work is evaluated by BAFTA-connected professionals, and winners gain exposure to leading game designers and developers. You also receive access to mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that can help you explore careers in game design, software development, or digital media. The competition encourages both storytelling and technical execution, making it interdisciplinary.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open participation | Project submissions evaluated competitively
Program Dates: April 17–19
Application Deadline: Rolling registration before the event
Eligibility: Open to students (high school, university) and beginners aged 13+
The AI Hackfest, hosted by Major League Hacking (MLH), is a fast-paced virtual hackathon where you build an AI-powered project over a weekend. You work individually or in teams to design and prototype solutions that leverage artificial intelligence, ranging from simple automation tools to more advanced decision-making systems. The event is beginner-friendly, making it accessible even if you are new to AI. A key feature of this competition is its hands-on, project-based structure. You attend workshops on tools like GitHub Copilot and Google AI Studio, then apply these concepts immediately to your project. The hackathon emphasizes rapid prototyping, creativity, and practical implementation rather than theoretical knowledge. You also benefit from real-time collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement through platforms like Discord.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Scholarships up to $60,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Team-based submissions with finalist selection
Program Dates: Annual cycle (registration opens in Fall)
Application Deadline: Typically Fall (varies by cycle)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students enrolled in advanced mathematics courses such as statistics, probability, precalculus, or calculus | Teams of 1–5 students permitted
The Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC) is a rigorous, research-based STEM competition where you apply mathematics, data analysis, and risk modeling to solve real-world problems. You work in a team to analyze complex datasets and build mathematical models that assess risks and propose actionable recommendations for organizations such as governments, companies, or nonprofits. A defining feature of this competition is its focus on actuarial science and decision-making under uncertainty. You are expected to interpret real-world data, construct predictive models, and quantify risk factors using mathematical reasoning. The process mirrors professional workflows in fields like finance, insurance, and public policy, requiring you to integrate analytical thinking with practical problem-solving.
Location: Virtual (with optional physical experimentation component)
Cost/Stipend: Varies (registration + kit for regolith simulation; grants available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Team-based participation with award categories
Program Dates: February 12–April 23
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Middle and high school students worldwide | Teams may include up to 10 students supervised by a coach or educator
The Build the Moon Challenge (BTMC) is a multidisciplinary STEM competition in which you design and test solutions to construct sustainable habitats on the Moon. You work in a team to simulate real NASA challenges by developing a “lunar concrete” using regolith (moon soil simulant), testing its structural properties, and applying it to design a functional lunar habitat. This integrates concepts from materials science, engineering, and space exploration into a cohesive project. A defining feature of this competition is its hands-on, experimental structure. You conduct iterative testing by creating multiple concrete mixtures, analyzing compressive strength, and demonstrating construction applications such as landing pads or walls. You then apply these findings to design a lunar habitat that meets mission constraints, emphasizing innovation, resource efficiency, and feasibility.
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Participation fees vary by membership and event category
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Varies by event category
Program Dates: Submission deadlines and National Leadership Conference showcase dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Varies by event and BPA chapter registration timeline
Eligibility: Members of Business Professionals of America in middle school, high school, and post-secondary divisions
The BPA Virtual Competitions are applied, skills-based contests where you complete real-world business and technology tasks in a structured format. You can select from a wide range of categories, including finance, programming, graphic design, and marketing, allowing you to either specialize in a specific domain or build interdisciplinary capabilities. Each event is designed to simulate professional workflows, requiring you to produce deliverables such as business plans, websites, or strategic proposals. A key strength of these competitions is their focus on practical application. You work on project-based challenges that demand critical thinking, time management, and precision under deadlines. Depending on the category, you may compete individually or in teams, helping you develop both independent problem-solving skills and collaborative execution. The diversity of event options enables you to align your participation with your academic interests or intended career path.
Location: Virtual (local and national rounds) + finals in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Typically free or low-cost (varies by region)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: More than 25,000 students participate annually across 50+ countries
Program Dates: Competition timelines vary by country, and local chapter | International Championship is typically held mid-year
Application Deadline: Varies by local chapter
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The International Brain Bee (IBB) is a globally recognized neuroscience competition where you demonstrate your understanding of the brain and nervous system through a multi-stage selection process. You begin at the local level and, if successful, progress to national and international rounds, competing against top-performing students worldwide. The syllabus spans neuroanatomy, cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders, requiring both breadth and depth of knowledge. A defining feature of the IBB is its rigorous evaluation format. As you advance, you are assessed through live questioning, case-based analysis, and practical problem-solving scenarios that reflect clinical and research applications. This structure tests not only your ability to recall information but also your capacity to apply concepts in unfamiliar contexts, mirroring real-world neuroscience challenges.
13. Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual + Power Pitch Summit (U.S., in-person finals)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective | Multi-stage team-based competition
Program Dates: August–April | Power Pitch Summit: April 22–25
Application Deadline: Usually in October
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 (teams of 2–5; global participation)
The Conrad Challenge is a prestigious global STEM and entrepreneurship competition where you collaborate with a team to design a scalable solution to a real-world problem. You begin by selecting a focus area such as aerospace, energy, health, or cybersecurity, and then identify a specific issue within that domain. From there, you build a structured solution using tools like a Lean Canvas, an Innovation Brief, a pitch video, and a supporting website to communicate your idea. A defining feature of this competition is its emphasis on iterative development and applied innovation. You refine your concept across multiple stages, integrating research, technical design, and business strategy into a cohesive proposal. The program also provides access to curated resources and mentorship, helping you strengthen both the feasibility and impact of your solution. Finalist teams are invited to present at the Power Pitch Summit, where you pitch your ideas to industry experts and judges.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes access to ArcGIS tools for schools)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by state | Competitive at the local and state level
Program Dates: Typically aligned with the academic year | Timelines vary by participating state
Application Deadline: Determined by individual state competitions
Eligibility: U.S. middle and high school students (Grades 4–12; must be in participating states)
The ArcGIS Online Competition is a geospatial research competition where you analyze real-world data and present your findings using ArcGIS StoryMaps. You select a topic related to your local region, such as environmental change, urban development, or public health, and use geographic information systems (GIS) tools to collect, interpret, and visualize data. The focus is on turning complex datasets into clear, interactive narratives. A key feature of this competition is its emphasis on spatial analysis and data storytelling. You are expected to demonstrate technical proficiency with mapping tools and communicate insights effectively through visuals and written explanations. This requires you to combine data analysis, critical thinking, and digital presentation skills in a single project.
Location: Virtual (with program execution on the International Space Station)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive | Team-based selection for “flight status”
Program Dates: September – February (submission phase) | Deployment April–May
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: Students aged 19 and under | Teams of 2–6 supervised by a mentor | Enrolled full-time in a primary or secondary school in an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, or Slovakia, or a member of a Scout group, coding or after-school club, or certified home school located in an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, or Slovakia | Part of a team in which at least 50% of team members are nationals of an ESA Member State, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, or Slovakia
The Mission Space Lab is a unique global coding competition where you design a Python program to solve a real scientific problem in space. Your task is to calculate the speed of the International Space Station (ISS) by collecting and analyzing data from onboard sensors or images. This requires you to integrate programming, physics, and data analysis into a functional solution that can operate in a real-world space environment. A defining feature of this competition is that selected programs are actually deployed on the ISS. If your submission achieves “flight status,” your code runs in space, and you receive real data and images captured during execution, along with certification of your program’s coordinates in orbit. This makes the experience significantly more immersive and more applied than most virtual competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best online STEM competitions for high school students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to independent research might consider Regeneron STS or the Neuroscience Research Prize; those interested in neuroscience might look at the International Brain Bee or Brain Awareness Video Contest; and those interested in coding and AI might consider the AI Hackfest or Mission Space Lab.
Are there free online STEM competitions for high school students?
Yes, most competitions on this list are free, including Regeneron STS, Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, USABO, Brain Awareness Video Contest, BAFTA Young Game Designers, AI Hackfest, Conrad Challenge, and Mission Space Lab. A few, such as BPA Virtual Competitions and Build the Moon Challenge, may involve participation or registration fees.
Which online STEM competitions are open to international students?
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award, Horizon Academic Essay Prize, Brain Awareness Video Contest, International Brain Bee, BAFTA Young Game Designers, AI Hackfest, Conrad Challenge, and Mission Space Lab all welcome international participants. Regeneron STS and USABO are restricted to U.S. students.
Which competitions focus on research rather than coding or problem-solving?
Regeneron STS, the Neuroscience Research Prize, and the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award all center on original research or evidence-based academic writing, while the Horizon Academic Essay Prize and ArcGIS Online Competition emphasize data analysis and structured argumentation.
Do any online STEM competitions require a team rather than individual participation?
Yes, the Conrad Challenge requires teams of two to five students, the AI Hackfest allows individual or team participation, the Build the Moon Challenge accommodates teams of up to ten, and the Modeling the Future Challenge permits teams of one to five. Competitions like Regeneron STS and the Neuroscience Research Prize are individual only.
When should I apply to online STEM competitions for high school students?
Deadlines are spread throughout the academic year. Early deadlines include the Horizon Academic Essay Prize (February 1), the Build the Moon Challenge (February 1), and Mission Space Lab (mid-February), while others, like the Lumiere Scholars Essay Award (April 26) and the Brain Awareness Video Contest (June 25), fall later in the spring.
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.