15 Science Competitions for High School Students
Participating in a science competition allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems while developing analytical and research skills. If you are interested in STEM fields such as biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, or computer science, competitions provide structured opportunities to test your understanding, conduct independent research, and present your findings. Many competitions also simulate professional scientific processes, including hypothesis development, experimentation, data analysis, and peer evaluation.
If you’re interested in checking out other programs/internships in the STEM field, check out a list here!
Why should I participate in a science competition in high school?
Science competitions expose you to advanced problem-solving beyond standard coursework. You often work on open-ended challenges or research problems, which helps you develop critical thinking, experimental design skills, and the ability to interpret complex data. These are essential skills for STEM majors and research careers.
Strong performance in science competitions can significantly strengthen your academic profile. You can showcase these experiences in your CV, research applications, and college essays to demonstrate initiative, intellectual curiosity, and problem-solving ability. Even without winning, the process of preparing for a competition helps you build technical skills, refine your interests, and create high-quality work that can support future academic or research opportunities.
Here is the list of 15 science competitions for high school students you can consider.
Quick Look
15 competitions total spanning independent research, biology and neuroscience, mathematics, coding, AI, game design, engineering, and geospatial science, with most open to students worldwide at no cost
Regeneron Science Talent Search and USA Biology Olympiad are the most prestigious and selective on this list, with Regeneron awarding up to $250,000 and USABO advancing four finalists to the International Biology Olympiad
Mission Space Lab stands out as the only competition where your actual code gets deployed on the International Space Station if selected
Modeling the Future Challenge offers the largest total scholarship pool at up to $60,000, focused on actuarial science and data-driven problem solving
Several competitions have rolling or flexible deadlines, including AI Hackfest and ArcGIS Online Competition, while Regeneron STS closes in November and Horizon closes February 1
1. Conrad Challenge
Location: Virtual + Power Pitch Summit (U.S.)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; team-based progression through multiple rounds
Program Dates: August – April; Power Pitch Summit: April 22–25
Application Deadline: August–October
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 worldwide working in teams of 2–5
The Conrad Challenge is a global, multi-stage innovation competition where you work in a team to design a solution to a real-world problem using STEM and entrepreneurial thinking. You begin by selecting a focus area such as aerospace, cybersecurity, energy, or health, and identifying a specific challenge within that domain. Over several months, you develop your idea into a structured concept using tools like a Lean Canvas, Innovation Brief, pitch video, and a basic website. A key aspect of the competition is its emphasis on iterative development, where you refine your solution through multiple submission rounds. You also gain access to curated resources and mentorship that support both technical development and business strategy.
2. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; prizes and scholarships totaling $11,000+
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; ~6 winners + shortlist from 2,000+ submissions
Program Dates: Submissions open March 9 | Results announced May 17
Application Deadline: April 26
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a research-intensive academic competition where you develop and defend an original argument on interdisciplinary topics. You select from prompts spanning fields such as economics, artificial intelligence, ethics, and physics, and write a structured essay supported by evidence and critical analysis. Your submission undergoes a double-blind review process conducted by an academic panel that includes faculty from leading institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Cornell. The competition places strong emphasis on intellectual rigor, requiring you to engage with counterarguments and construct a well-supported thesis using credible sources. You are expected to demonstrate clarity of thought, depth of research, and originality in your argument.
3. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
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: Application closes November | Scholars announced January 7 | Finalists announced January 21 | Finals Week March 5–11
Application Deadline: November 5 (application typically opens June 1)
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors conducting independent research
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is one of the most prestigious research competitions for high school students, designed for those who have completed an original, independent scientific project. You submit a comprehensive research report along with supporting materials that demonstrate your methodology, analysis, and the broader significance of your work. Projects often reflect advanced, near undergraduate-level research across fields such as biology, engineering, neuroscience, and data science. A defining aspect of STS is its rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process, which assesses not only your research quality but also your academic background and leadership. From thousands of applicants, 300 are selected as Scholars, and 40 finalists advance to present their work in Washington, D.C. During Finals Week, you engage with expert judges, participate in interviews, and present your research publicly.
4. Horizon Academic Essay Prize
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; awards include cash prizes and scholarships up to ~$7,000+
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; top ~1–10% recognized globally
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 global, research-driven writing competition where you engage with complex, real-world issues through structured analytical essays. You select from prompts based on an annual theme—such as “The Pursuit of Progress”—and develop a well-supported argument using evidence, critical reasoning, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Your essay is evaluated through a double-blind review process conducted by a panel of scholars and researchers, ensuring an objective and rigorous assessment. A key focus of the competition is intellectual independence, which requires you to address counterarguments and consider the broader societal implications of your ideas. Strong submissions demonstrate clarity, depth of analysis, and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
5. Neuroscience Research Prize (American Academy of Neurology)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: 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 specialized 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. The competition places strong emphasis on scientific rigor, requiring you to formulate a well-defined research question and design a methodologically sound study. Your submission includes a detailed report outlining your hypothesis, experimental design, data analysis, and conclusions. Judges evaluate your work based on originality, analytical depth, and clarity of scientific communication.
6. Mission Space Lab (Astro Pi Challenge)
Location: Virtual (program executed on the International Space Station)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; selected teams achieve “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 with a mentor
The Mission Space Lab (Astro Pi Challenge) is a global coding competition where you design a Python program to solve a scientific problem in space. Your task typically involves calculating the speed of the International Space Station (ISS) by collecting and analyzing real data from onboard sensors or images. You need to integrate programming, physics, and data analysis to build a solution that can function reliably in a space environment. A defining feature of this competition is that selected programs are deployed on the ISS, giving your code real-world application beyond simulation. If your team achieves “flight status,” your program runs in orbit, and you receive the data and images captured during execution along with official certification.
7. UW Math Olympiad
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Early June
Application Deadline: Registration opens late April
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–10
The UW Math Olympiad is a challenging mathematics competition that tests both your problem-solving ability and your capacity to clearly explain your reasoning. You begin by solving five advanced problems independently over a three-hour period, requiring strong analytical thinking and familiarity with higher-level mathematical concepts. If you solve at least three problems, you advance to a second round with more complex questions. A defining feature of this competition is its oral evaluation format, where you present your solutions directly to mathematician judges. You are given multiple attempts to refine your explanations based on feedback, with an emphasis on clarity, logical structure, and precision.
8. Beckman Biology Battle
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open entry; ~190 teams from 26+ countries
Program Dates: Early May (e.g., May 2)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; individual or team participation
The Beckman Biology Battle is a fast-paced, global competition that tests your understanding of core biological concepts through a combination of written exams and live quiz rounds. You begin with an individual assessment, then move into an interactive quiz-bowl format where speed and accuracy are critical. The competition requires you to recall information quickly while also applying concepts across topics such as genetics, ecology, and physiology. A defining feature is its real-time, competitive environment, which simulates high-pressure academic settings. You compete alongside participants from multiple countries, gaining exposure to an international peer group.
9. BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Competition
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: TBD (usually early in the year)
Eligibility: Students aged 10–18; individual or teams of up to 3
The BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Competition is a creative, STEM-oriented contest where you design or build an original video game. You can choose between the Game Concept Award, which focuses on developing a detailed idea, or the Game Making Award, where you create a playable game using tools such as Scratch or other development platforms. The competition evaluates your work based on creativity, gameplay design, and user experience rather than purely technical complexity. Your submission is reviewed by industry professionals connected to BAFTA, giving the competition strong relevance to real-world game design careers. If selected, you gain exposure to professional developers along with access to mentorship and learning resources.
10. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
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: February–May (exam rounds) | International Biology Olympiad: July
Application Deadline: School registration required (varies; typically winter)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is the premier biology competition in the United States, designed to push you beyond standard coursework into advanced life sciences. You begin with multiple rounds of rigorous theoretical exams covering topics such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology. These exams require both strong conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to complex problems. A defining feature of USABO is its multi-stage selection process, where top performers advance through increasingly competitive rounds. The top 20 students nationwide get invited to the National Finals, an intensive training program focused on advanced biological concepts and laboratory techniques. From this group, four students represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad, competing against top students globally.
11. AI Hackfest (MLH)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open participation; projects evaluated competitively
Program Dates: April 17–19
Application Deadline: Rolling registrations
Eligibility: Students aged 13+ (high school and university; beginners welcome)
The AI Hackfest, hosted by Major League Hacking (MLH), is a fast-paced virtual hackathon where you build an AI-powered project over a short, intensive timeframe. You can participate individually or in a team to design and prototype solutions using artificial intelligence, ranging from simple automation tools to more advanced applications. The event is beginner-friendly, with workshops introducing tools such as GitHub Copilot and Google AI Studio before you apply them to your project. A key aspect of the competition is its hands-on, project-based format, where you focus on rapid prototyping and practical implementation rather than theory. You also collaborate with peers and receive guidance from mentors through live sessions and community platforms.
12. Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships totaling 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: High school students (team participation, usually with a teacher/mentor)
The Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC) is a research-driven STEM competition where you apply mathematics, data analysis, and statistical modeling to real-world problems. You work in a team to analyze complex datasets and develop models that assess risk and inform decision-making for organizations such as governments, businesses, or nonprofits. A defining aspect of the competition is its focus on actuarial science, requiring you to quantify uncertainty and make data-driven predictions. You interpret data, construct mathematical models, and present actionable recommendations based on your findings. The process closely mirrors professional workflows in fields like finance, insurance, and policy analysis, emphasizing both analytical rigor and practical application.
13. Build the Moon Challenge (BTMC)
Location: Virtual (with optional physical experimentation component)
Cost/Stipend: Varies (registration + material kit; grants available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; team-based participation with multiple award categories
Program Dates: October – April (final submissions typically due late March)
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Middle and high school students worldwide (teams of up to 10 with a coach)
The Build the Moon Challenge (BTMC) is a multidisciplinary STEM competition in which you design and test solutions to build sustainable structures on the Moon. You work in a team to simulate real-world NASA challenges by developing a form of “lunar concrete” using regolith simulant and testing its physical properties. This requires you to integrate concepts from materials science, engineering, and space exploration into a structured experimental process. A defining feature of the competition is its hands-on approach, where you conduct iterative testing, analyze compressive strength, and refine your material design. You then apply your findings to design a functional lunar habitat that meets constraints such as durability, efficiency, and feasibility.
14. International Brain Bee (IBB)
Location: Virtual (local and national rounds) + international finals (e.g., Washington, D.C.)
Cost/Stipend: Typically free or low-cost (varies by region)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 25,000+ participants across 50+ countries
Program Dates: November (international finals; dates vary annually)
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, advance to national and international rounds, competing against top students worldwide. The competition covers topics such as neuroanatomy, cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders, requiring both breadth and depth of knowledge. A defining feature of IBB is its rigorous evaluation format, which includes live questioning, case-based analysis, and practical problem-solving scenarios. As you progress, you can apply concepts to unfamiliar situations that reflect real-world clinical and research challenges.
15. ArcGIS Online Competition (Esri / NCGE)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free (includes access to ArcGIS tools for schools)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by state; competitive at local and state levels
Program Dates: Academic year cycle (varies by state)
Application Deadline: Varies by state competition
Eligibility: U.S. middle and high school students (Grades 4–12; must be in participating states)
The ArcGIS Online Competition is a geospatial research contest where you analyze real-world data and present your findings through interactive digital maps using ArcGIS StoryMaps. You choose a topic related to your local area—such as environmental change, urban planning, or public health—and use GIS tools to collect, interpret, and visualize spatial data. The competition emphasizes both technical mapping skills and your ability to communicate insights through a structured narrative. You are expected to transform complex datasets into clear, engaging visual stories supported by written analysis. A defining feature of this competition is its focus on spatial thinking and data-driven storytelling, which mirrors real-world applications in geography, policy, and environmental science.
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Questions Students Often Ask About Science Competitions
1. I don't have prior research experience. Which competitions on this list are realistic starting points?
Several competitions are designed for students without a research background. AI Hackfest is explicitly beginner-friendly, providing workshops before you begin building your project. Beckman Biology Battle is a knowledge-based quiz competition that requires strong biology understanding but no independent research. Mission Space Lab is accessible to students with basic Python skills and doesn't require a prior research project. Conrad Challenge and Modeling the Future Challenge are team-based, so you share the workload while building skills incrementally. Regeneron STS, by contrast, requires a completed independent research project, making it better suited for students who have already worked in a lab or on a supervised research project.
2. How do research competitions like Regeneron STS or Neuroscience Research Prize compare to knowledge-based competitions like USABO or International Brain Bee for college applications?
Both types are valuable but signal different things. Research competitions like Regeneron STS and the Neuroscience Research Prize show that you can design and execute an independent scientific investigation, which directly mirrors what undergraduate and graduate researchers do and carries significant weight for STEM-focused college applications. Knowledge-based competitions like USABO and International Brain Bee demonstrate mastery of a subject area at a high level, which is especially impressive when you advance to national or international rounds. If you're planning to major in a science field, combining one research competition with one knowledge-based competition over your high school years builds a well-rounded scientific profile.
3. Several competitions on this list require team participation. What should I look for in choosing teammates?
Complementary skills matter more than finding people at the same overall level. For engineering-focused competitions like Conrad Challenge or Build the Moon Challenge, a team that includes someone strong in research, someone in technical design, and someone in written communication tends to be more effective than a team of five strong researchers. For coding competitions like AI Hackfest and Mission Space Lab, pairing a programmer with someone focused on problem framing and documentation usually produces stronger submissions. Most team competitions also require a mentor or adult advisor, so identifying a teacher or professional who can provide feedback early is worth doing before the deadline pressure sets in.