These competitions provide a global stage for high school students to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers worldwide, and gain unparalleled experiences in their fields of interest.

Whether you're drawn to the intricacies of synthetic biology, the challenges of environmental sustainability, or the dynamism of the global economy, there's a competition out there that can propel you to the next level of your academic and professional journey.

Before we start, Rishab Jain, a Harvard student who has achieved success in numerous international competitions has made his FREE Student STEM guide public with a a list of 50+ more opportunities and competitions.

You should definitely check it out after this post.

1. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition Location: Varies; often held in Europe or Asia.

Cost: Participation fee required, plus travel expenses.

Eligibility: High school teams with an adult supervisor.

Application Deadline: Around February or March.

Dates/Duration: The main event takes place in late October or early November.

Description: iGEM invites students to the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology.

Teams from around the globe design, build, and test genetically engineered systems, showcasing their projects at the Grand Jamboree.

It's a pathway to innovation, offering hands-on experience and the chance to impact real-world problems.

2. International Young Physicists’ Tournament Location: Budapest, Hungary for 2024 IYPT.

Cost: Participation fee plus travel expenses.

Eligibility: Teams of high school students.

Application Deadline: Varies, typically in late winter or early spring.

Dates/Duration: Annually, usually in July.

Description: Known as the "Physics World Cup," IYPT challenges teams to solve complex physics problems through collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking.

This tournament encourages not just the presentation of solutions but also the defense of findings against peer criticism.

3. World Robot Olympiad Location: Varies; recent events in Asia and Europe.

Cost: Registration fee plus travel expenses.

Eligibility: Teams of 2-3 students, up to 19 years old.

Application Deadline: Varies by country.

Dates/Duration: Annually, with the final event typically in November.

Description: WRO is an exhilarating platform where teams design and build robots to navigate challenges.

It emphasizes creativity and innovation, pushing students to apply their STEM knowledge in a competitive yet collaborative environment.

4. F1 in Schools STEM Challenge Location: The World Finals location varies.

Cost: Varies; includes costs for building the car and travel.

Eligibility: Students aged 9-19, in teams of 3-6 members.

Application Deadline: Varies by country.

Dates/Duration: Annually, with World Finals held towards the end of the year.

Description: This challenge merges engineering, marketing, and racing, as teams design, analyze, and race miniature Formula One cars.

Beyond engineering prowess, students develop business and marketing strategies, embodying the multifaceted world of Formula One racing.

5. The Diamond Challenge Location: The summit is held outside the U.

S. , with virtual participation options.

Cost: Free to enter.

Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 from any country.

Application Deadline: Typically in early winter.

Dates/Duration: Annual competition with submissions in winter and the summit in spring.

Description: Aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, the Diamond Challenge asks students to conceive and pitch viable business ideas.

It focuses on real-world entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and strategic thinking, offering feedback, mentorship, and the chance to win awards and scholarships.

6. Breakthrough Junior Challenge Location: Online submission; winners are recognized at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony.

Cost: Free to enter.

Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from around the world.

Application Deadline: Typically in June.

Dates/Duration: Annually.

Description: This global competition encourages students to communicate complex scientific ideas through short, engaging videos.

It's a celebration of scientific creativity and clarity, offering significant educational prizes for exceptional presentations.

7. World Scholar’s Cup Location: Regional and global rounds held in various countries.

Cost: Registration fee for teams.

Eligibility: Students of all ages, including high schoolers.

Application Deadline: Varies by regional round.

Dates/Duration: Annual cycle, culminating in the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.

Description: The World Scholar’s Cup combines debate, collaborative writing, and a quiz-style challenge, focusing on a broad range of academic subjects.

It fosters global community and celebrates scholarship in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

8. International Environmental Project Olympiad (INEPO) Location: Various international locations.

Cost: €49

9. Eligibility: High school students aged 14-1

9. Application Deadline: Varies, generally in winter months.

Dates/Duration: Typically in spring or early summer.

Description: INEPO challenges students to present solutions to environmental problems, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

Projects address issues like renewable energy and biodiversity, promoting global environmental awareness.

9. Bretton Woods Economics Competition Location: Varies annually.

Cost: Free to nominal fee, depending on location.

Eligibility: High school students worldwide.

Application Deadline: Varies annually.

Dates/Duration: Annually, typically a few days in spring or early summer.

Description: This competition engages students in global economic discussions, requiring them to analyze, debate, and present on issues affecting the international economy.

It's an excellent forum for young economists to explore and contribute to discussions on economic policy and development. 1

0. The Conrad Challenge Location: Online, with the global summit held in various international locations.

Cost: $499 for finalists attending the summit.

Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 from around the world.

Application Deadline: Typically in the fall.

Dates/Duration: Annual cycle, with the summit in spring.

Description: Encouraging entrepreneurial problem-solving, the Conrad Challenge invites students to create sustainable solutions to global challenges across various categories.

It emphasizes innovation and real-world impact, guiding students from idea to potential commercialization.

More STEM competitions Rishab Jain, who won 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.