If you’re considering studying economics or a related subject in college, an essay competition is a good way to challenge yourself before you get there!
Economics essay competitions allow you to move beyond classroom concepts and spend time exploring a question that economists, policymakers, and researchers are still debating today. You’ll spend your time researching evidence, reading different viewpoints, and building an argument that you can defend with facts. Whether you’re writing about inflation, financial markets, international trade, public spending, or labor economics, you’ll begin to see how economics is used to understand real problems rather than simply memorizing definitions.
What do economics essay competitions for high schoolers include?
Every competition is different, but most ask students to write an original essay responding to a prompt or research question. Strong essays usually combine economic concepts with evidence from reliable sources while presenting a clear and well-supported argument.
Some competitions are open-ended, while others focus on a specific theme such as sustainability, global development, technology, or public policy. As you explore different competitions, pay attention to the essay length, judging criteria, and the amount of independent research expected.
To help you explore your options, we’ve put together a list of 14 economics essay competitions for high school students! If you are also looking for opportunities in the field of economics, check out our list of programs here. You can additionally check out our broader list of academic competitions here.
Key Takeaways
- 14 economics essay competitions are almost entirely free to enter, with only the High School International Economics Essay Competition charging a fee of $20 for US applicants and $30 for international applicants.
- Several competitions are hosted by prestigious university economics societies and reviewed by faculty. The Marshall Society at Cambridge, the LSESU Economics Society, and the Cambridge Society for Economic Pluralism all have essays reviewed by faculty members from their respective institutions.
- Cash prizes and scholarships vary considerably in size. The Coolidge Foundation’s first-place winner receives a $10,000 Block Prize, and the Long Island University International Relations & Diplomacy Challenge offers scholarships as large as $25,000 for students who enroll at the university.
- Essay length requirements differ significantly across competitions, ranging from 500 to 750 words for the Long Island University challenge, up to 1,500 words for the John Locke Institute’s Global Essay Prize, the Marshall Society competition, and both LSESU Economics Society listings.
- Some competitions extend beyond individual essay writing into team-based or multi-round formats. The National Economics Challenge and International Public Policy Forum both require teams of three to five students and combine writing with quiz bowl rounds or live debate.
- The Newnham College Economics Essay Prize is notable for being specifically open only to female high school students worldwide, distinguishing it from the other competitions on this list, which are open to all students.
- Economics essay competitions are a strong way to build analytical writing and argumentation skills around real policy questions, but they are not the only path for a student interested in independent research. Those who want to pursue a longer research project might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a mentored virtual research program with 600+ specializations across subjects like political theory, data science, and biology.
1. High School International Economics Essay Competition (HIEEC)
Cost: For US Applicants: $20; For International (non-US) Applicants: $30
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: October 28
Eligibility: High school students
HIEEC asks you to apply economics to questions that economists are debating today instead of writing about textbook concepts. You will choose one prompt on topics such as climate economics, labour markets, financial innovation, technological inequality, or public policy, then write a research-based essay of up to 1,500 words. Strong essays combine economic theory with evidence, data, and thoughtful analysis of real-world trade-offs. Finalist submissions are reviewed by a Harvard economics professor or an established economist. The competition is organized by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association and follows the same style of analytical writing expected in university economics.
2. Young Economist of the Year
Cost: Free
Location: Online (Final event held in the UK)
Submission Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: Students studying in the UK in Years 10–13 in England and Wales, Years 11–14 in Northern Ireland, or S3–S6 in Scotland (or equivalent)
Organized by Discover Economics and sponsored by KPMG UK, the Young Economist of the Year competition invites students to explore contemporary economic issues through original analysis and evidence-based arguments. You can choose one of five prompts on topics such as free trade, AI and economic growth, inequality, wellbeing beyond GDP, and dynamic pricing, and can submit their response as a written blog, video, podcast, or presentation. The competition emphasizes the practical application of economic concepts to real-world questions. Depending on the prompt, you may engage with ideas from international trade, behavioral economics, welfare economics, growth theory, market structures, and public policy.
3. Cambridge Society for Economic Pluralism (CSEP) Essay Competition
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Students entering the final two years of secondary education (Year 12–13 in the UK, or equivalent pre-university qualifications such as IB, Class 11–12, or Grades 11–12 internationally)
The Cambridge Society for Economic Pluralism asks you to examine economic questions that rarely appear in a standard school syllabus. You will choose from essay prompts on topics such as labour mobility, gentrification, gender inequality, macroeconomic stability, or the limits of mathematical models in economics. Essays should combine economic theory with academic research, policy debates, and real-world examples while considering different schools of economic thought. The strongest entries are reviewed by a Cambridge faculty member, and the top 10% of submissions receive a commendation and certificate.
4. Marshall Society Economics Essay Competition
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: August 29
Eligibility: Pre-university students worldwide who have not yet enrolled in college or university
The Marshall Society at the University of Cambridge asks you to tackle a current economic question through a research-based essay of up to 1,250 words. Each year, you can choose from prompts covering topics such as monetary policy, labour markets, housing, corruption, financial markets, and the role of mathematical models in economics. Strong essays connect economic theory with data, real-world examples, and academic evidence instead of relying on textbook definitions alone. You’ll also need to follow APA citation guidelines and include a bibliography. Winning essays receive cash prizes, and selected submissions are published in The Dismal Scientist, the Marshall Society’s annual magazine.
5. LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: September 1
Eligibility: Open to all secondary students
The LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition gives you the chance to respond to essay questions written by London School of Economics faculty members. You will write an essay of up to 1,500 words on topics drawn from macroeconomics, political economy, financial markets, or public policy while supporting your ideas with evidence and academic references. Entries are judged on analytical thinking, originality, and the clarity of your argument. The competition also expects all submissions to follow academic integrity standards and prohibits AI-generated work. Outstanding essays receive prizes and certificates signed by LSE faculty and the LSESU Economics Society.
6. Economics Olympiad Americas
Cost: Free
Location: Online School Round, followed by in-person rounds in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Ancient Olympia, Greece
Submission Deadline: Registration opens in November and strictly closes on January 31. School round exams occur in February.
Eligibility: Students aged 14–20 enrolled in secondary school, including homeschooled students, with participation coordinated through a teacher or homeschool parent
The Economics Olympiad Americas combines economics, finance, and analytical problem-solving through several competitive rounds. You will begin with an online School Round featuring questions on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and financial literacy, with top performers advancing to the Intercontinental Round and the international finals. Alongside multiple-choice and analytical questions, the competition also includes an essay component. Throughout the Olympiad, you’ll interpret economic data, solve applied problems, and analyze real-world scenarios instead of focusing only on theory. The final international round takes place in Ancient Olympia, Greece.
7. Coolidge Foundation Economic Essay Contest
Cost: Free
Location: Online, with a finalist event in Washington, D.C.
Submission Deadline: Typically early September
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents scheduled to graduate from high school no earlier than the designated eligibility year. Homeschooled students are welcome to apply.
The Coolidge Foundation Economic Essay Contest asks you to investigate one major public policy question through an original essay of up to 1,100 words. Each year, the prompt focuses on a different economic issue, encouraging you to build your argument using historical evidence, policy documents, primary sources, and independent research. Up to ten finalists receive invitations to Washington, D.C., where they write an additional timed essay on a related topic. The first-place winner receives the $10,000 Block Prize, while the top two essays are published in the Coolidge Review.
8. National Economics Challenge
Cost: Free
Location: State-level rounds across the U.S., followed by national finals in Atlanta, GA
Application Deadline: Varies by state affiliate
Eligibility: U.S. high school students in grades 9–12 competing in teams of three to four students
The National Economics Challenge tests how well you can apply economics under competition conditions while working with a team of three or four. You’ll answer questions covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and current events before moving into case studies and fast-paced quiz bowl rounds. Teams compete in either the Adam Smith Division or the David Ricardo Division, depending on their economics background. Nearly 10,000 students take part each year, with state champions advancing to the national finals in Atlanta. Top teams earn cash prizes and national recognition.
9. International Public Policy Forum (IPPF)
Cost: Free
Location: Online, with final rounds held in the United States
Registration Deadline: Mid-October
Submission Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: Teams of 3–5 high school students from around the world
The International Public Policy Forum begins with an 8 to 10-page policy essay on a major global issue before moving into debate rounds. Working in a team, you will research evidence, evaluate different viewpoints, and build a detailed argument on topics such as trade, globalization, government intervention, or international cooperation. The highest-scoring essays advance to online debates, with the strongest teams earning a place at the in-person finals in the United States. The competition combines policy writing with competitive debate, so you’ll defend the same ideas you first developed in your essay.
10. Long Island University International Relations & Diplomacy Challenge
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: November 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors with a GPA of 90+ (or equivalent); applicants must also submit a résumé or activities list
While the Long Island University International Relations & Diplomacy Challenge is not strictly an economics essay competition, it’s a strong fit if you’re interested in economic policy and global affairs. You will have to submit a 500–750-word policy brief or position paper addressing an international issue and proposing evidence-based recommendations. Depending on the prompt, you may explore topics related to trade, development, international cooperation, economic security, or public policy while learning how to communicate complex ideas in a concise, policy-oriented format. Entries are evaluated on the quality of analysis, originality, and how effectively you support your recommendations with evidence. The competition awards substantial scholarship prizes, including five $25,000 scholarships and ten $10,000 scholarships that can be applied toward tuition at Long Island University if you enroll there.
11. National Personal Finance Challenge
Cost: Free
Location: State-level competitions across the U.S., followed by in-person National Finals
Application Deadline: Varies by state
Eligibility: U.S. high school students competing in teams of 3–4 students with a teacher or coach
The National Personal Finance Challenge combines financial literacy with competitive problem-solving in teams of three or four. You’ll work through topics such as budgeting, investing, credit, insurance, saving, and risk management before advancing through state competitions to the national finals. The final round includes a case study where your team develops a financial plan for a fictional family and explains every recommendation. Strong teams earn national recognition and cash prizes of up to $2,000 per person.
12. Newnham College Economics Essay Prize
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: Typically early July
Eligibility: Female high school students worldwide who are in the equivalent of the final two years of secondary education (Year 12–13 in the UK, Grades 11–12 in the U.S., or Classes 11–12 in India)
Newnham College’s Economics Essay Prize invites you to write a 1,500-word essay responding to a question that connects economic theory with current policy issues. Previous prompts have explored topics such as inequality, incentives, market failure, and the role of government in the economy. Strong essays draw on economic theory, academic research, and real-world evidence while developing an original argument. Winning and highly commended entries receive recognition from Newnham College, and selected entrants may be invited to academic events hosted by the college.
13. LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: September 1
Eligibility: Secondary school students worldwide; especially suitable for students in the final years of high school
The LSESU Economics Society Essay Competition invites students to respond to advanced economics questions linked to real-world policy, theory, and public debate. Prompts are designed to encourage rigorous thinking and clear argumentation, making the competition a strong fit for students interested in academic economics beyond the school syllabus. Essays may be up to 1,500 words, and students are typically allowed to submit one response to one official prompt. Strong entries receive recognition from the organizing society and are valued for connecting school-level writing with university-style economics discussion.
14. Berkeley Economic Review High School Essay Contest
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Submission Deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: Current high school students worldwide who have not yet started university
The Berkeley Economic Review High School Essay Contest is a research-focused writing competition for students interested in combining economic theory with evidence and academic sources. Hosted by UC Berkeley’s undergraduate economics publication, it is a strong option for students who enjoy analytical writing grounded in data and real-world issues. Essays are typically capped at 1,000 words, excluding the works cited page and figures. Winning and runner-up essays may be published through Berkeley Economic Review platforms, making the contest especially appealing for students looking to add a strong academic writing credential to their profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these competitions charge an entry fee?
Most competitions on this list are free to enter. The High School International Economics Essay Competition is the only one that charges a fee, at $20 for US applicants and $30 for international applicants.
Which competitions offer the largest scholarships or cash prizes?
The Coolidge Foundation Economic Essay Contest awards a $10,000 Block Prize to its first-place winner, and the Long Island University International Relations & Diplomacy Challenge offers scholarships up to $25,000 for students who enroll at the university.
Are any of these competitions limited to a specific gender or nationality?
Yes. The Newnham College Economics Essay Prize is open only to female high school students worldwide, and the Young Economist of the Year competition is limited to students studying in the UK.
Which competitions involve more than just writing a single essay?
The National Economics Challenge combines essay-style analysis with quiz bowl rounds in teams of three to four, and the International Public Policy Forum requires teams to write a policy essay before advancing to live debate rounds.
What if I am interested in a longer research project rather than a single essay competition?
These competitions are focused on producing a single, relatively short piece of persuasive or analytical writing, but students looking for a more extensive, mentored research experience might consider Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, a selective virtual research program that pairs students with a mentor to develop an original research paper across subjects like political theory, data science, and biology.
Image source: UC Berkeley