Science competitions are an excellent activity to pursue in high school, and can range from individual research-based symposiums to team-based buzzer rounds and discipline-specific Olympiads. Selecting the appropriate competition requires you to evaluate your current technical skills, the time commitment you can provide, and whether you prefer independent investigation or collaborative problem-solving. While some programs focus on theoretical knowledge in physics or biology, others require developing a physical prototype or preparing a comprehensive research manuscript.
Why should you participate in a science competition?
Participating in a science competition allows you to apply classroom theory to complex, real-world problems while developing high-level technical competencies. These programs often require you to master advanced software for data analysis, such as R, Python, or MATLAB, and gain proficiency in laboratory techniques that are typically reserved for undergraduate or graduate-level research. Success in prestigious competitions can also lead to significant scholarship opportunities, internships at national laboratories, and recognition that distinguishes your academic profile during the university admissions process.
Keeping all this in mind, we have shortlisted 15 science competitions for high school students. If you’re looking specifically for programs in the winter months instead, we have that covered. Or if you’re looking for opportunities to build up the knowledge and skills required to participate, you can check out these programs instead.
15 Science Competitions for High School Students
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: Washington, D.C. for the finals
Cost: Free to enter; awards to selected scholars range from $2,000 to up to $250,000 for the top prize winner
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 scholars selected from over 2,000 applicants, from which 40 finalists are selected
Dates: March 5 – 11
Application Deadline: November 6
Eligibility: High school seniors living in the U.S. or U.S. citizens living abroad.
Regeneron STS requires you to submit an original, individual scientific research report and answer several essay questions regarding your scientific interests and leadership potential. This competition evaluates your independent research project, your overall academic record, and your potential as a future scientist. During the finals in Washington, D.C., you undergo rigorous interviews with professional scientists across multiple disciplines to assess your foundational scientific knowledge. You must demonstrate a deep understanding of your chosen subject area and the ability to think critically about scientific challenges outside your specific project.
2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Typically free; individual fairs may charge a nominal registration fee. Each of the 22 categories awards first through fourth place, with amounts ranging from $600 to $6,000.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 1,600 finalists from millions of local participants worldwide
Dates: May 9 – 15 for the final event in Phoenix, AZ
Application Deadline: Varies by regional fair
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who win at a Society-affiliated local or regional fair
The ISEF is an international competition in which you present your independent research to doctoral-level judges in one of 22 scientific categories, ranging from Animal Sciences to Systems Software. The competition requires you to create a professional display board and provide a detailed oral defense of your methodology and findings. Reaching the finals is a highly rigorous process, and typically, a project will already have been judged at least 4 times before reaching the finals. Participation allows you to engage with a global community of student researchers and gain exposure to emerging trends in STEM.
3. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
Location: Virtual (Regional rounds); Washington, D.C. (National Finals)
Cost: Free to enter; national winners receive U.S. Series EE savings bonds worth $5,000 – $10,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 regional winning teams and 8 national finalist teams selected from thousands of entries
Dates: February 9 – April 27; the award ceremony is held from June 3 – 6
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: Full-time K–12 students in the U.S. or Canada; must compete in teams of 2–4
At ExploraVision, you select a current technology and conduct extensive research to project its development and societal impact 10 or more years into the future. This is a team-based project that requires you to submit an abstract, a detailed research paper, a bibliography, and five sample web pages illustrating your vision. You must identify the specific scientific breakthroughs necessary for your proposed technology to become a reality and analyze both its positive and negative consequences. National finalists are required to create a physical prototype and a specialized website to present their findings to a panel of judges.
4. BioGENEius Challenge
Location: In-person competitions with various state partners, or virtual for participants from states that are not partnered. In 2024, the Finals were held in New York, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 15 international finalists
Dates: Finals are held in late October, with local competitions preceding that
Application Deadline: TBA; previous iterations had an application window from January – May 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 enrolled in a high school or equivalent program
BioGENEius has you conduct original biotechnology research in one of three categories: Global Healthcare, Global Sustainability, or Global Environment. The competition is structured to integrate you into the professional biotech community, with the finals held during the BIO International Convention. You must present your project via a digital poster and abstract to a panel of industry experts and academic researchers. The challenge is to demonstrate both the scientific merit of your work and its potential for commercial or practical application.
5. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Location: Virtual, with an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; scholars are awarded $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 scholarships.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20–30 fellows selected annually
Dates: Awards announced in the summer
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Students 18 or younger who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applications may be individual or in teams of two
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a broader competition than others on this list, allowing you to submit a “Significant Piece of Work” (which can be new ideas, advancements, interdisciplinary applications, exceptionally creative applications, etc.) that makes a meaningful contribution in one of 8 categories, such as Science, Engineering, Technology, Philosophy, or Music. The application process is rigorous, requiring a detailed formal report, a video presentation, and two professional nominations from experts who can verify the impact of your work. This program is distinct from other competitions as it emphasizes the depth of your contribution to the field relative to existing professional standards. It is recognized as one of the most prestigious scholarships for high-achieving students, offering awards up to $100,000.
6. Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP)
Location: Chicago, IL (US Finals); Stockholm, Sweden (International Finals)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 U.S. state winners advance to the national competition, and one national finalist represents the country in Sweden
Dates: June 8 – 10 for the U.S. finals; August for the international final in Sweden
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students who have reached age 15 by August 1 and have conducted a water-related research project
As the name suggests, SJWP requires you to research solutions to critical water-related issues, such as water quality, resource management, and wastewater treatment technologies. The competition requires you to submit a formal research paper that follows the strict formatting and citation standards of professional academic journals. You must defend your findings with a national-level poster presentation, competing for the opportunity to represent the U.S. in Stockholm. The challenge focuses on environmental sustainability and the practical implementation of scientific solutions, evaluating all entries against six criteria: relevance, creativity, methodology, subject knowledge, practical skills, and report and presentation.
7. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
Location: Virtual for the first two rounds; national Finals at various university locations
Cost: $125 registration fee for the participating school, free for the student
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Top 20 students from the semifinal round advance to the National Finals
Dates: February 4 (online open exam) | March 4 (semifinal) | June 21 – July 3 (national finals)
Application Deadline: November 8
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The USABO is the leading national competition in biology, involving a series of progressively challenging exams that assess your understanding of cell biology, plant anatomy, and genetics. If you qualify for the National Finals, you undergo ten days of intensive training and laboratory practicals at a host university. You can develop skills in dissection, biochemical analysis, and statistical modeling for biological systems. The top four students at the National Finals represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad. This competition requires significant independent study and mastery of biology concepts beyond the standard high school curriculum.
8. USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO)
Location: Online
Cost: $15.50 registration fee for students, $75 registration fee for schools.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Top 400 scorers from the F=ma exam advance to the USAPhO
Dates: February 12 for the qualifying F=ma Exam, late March or early April for the USAPhO Exam.
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents located within the U.S.
The USAPho is the qualifying exam for the 20-member U.S. Physics team, which trains to compete in the International Physics Olympiad. You begin by taking the F=ma exam, which focuses exclusively on classical mechanics and requires a strong foundation in algebraic problem-solving. Qualifying for the USAPhO requires a second, more comprehensive exam covering thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. The competition tests your ability to apply mathematical principles to complex physical scenarios under strict time constraints. It’s an excellent way to develop advanced proficiency in analytical thinking and in applying calculus-based physics to theoretical models.
9. U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)
Location: Various ACS Local Sections at local universities and colleges
Cost: Approximately $12 – $25 for local exams
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students selected for the national study camp from approximately 16,000 participants
Dates: Local Exam held between February 27 – March 16 | National Exam held between April 10 – 19
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: High school students; U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required for the National Exam
Similar to the USABO and the USAPhO, USNCO has you compete through a multi-stage process to qualify for a national study camp in preparation for the International Chemistry Olympiad. The exams are hosted by the American Chemical Society and held at ACS local chapters on college and university campuses. The national exam assesses your knowledge in organic chemistry, kinetics, and electrochemistry through both multiple-choice and free-response questions. The top 20 performers attend a two-week study camp at the University of Maryland to train for the international competition. You can develop specific laboratory skills and interpret complex chemical datasets.
10. USA Computing Olympiad (USACO)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all, top performers reach the proctored U.S. open, winners of which are enrolled in a training camp in preparation for the European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics and the International Olympiad in Informatics
Dates: January 9 – February 23 for the three contests, March 28 for the U.S. Open
Application Deadline: Registration is open throughout the season
Eligibility: All high school students with access to a computer and internet
You participate in four online contests where you solve algorithmic problems using programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python. There are four participation divisions available: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Gold and Platinum tiers allow your scores to be certified by the USACO and make you eligible to compete for a spot in the U.S. Open. Each contest requires you to write code that passes a set of hidden test cases within a specific time and memory limit. High-ranking participants are invited to the summer training camp to compete for a spot on the U.S. team for the International Olympiad in Informatics.
11. Conrad Challenge
Location: Online (Phases 1 & 2); Houston, TX (Innovation Summit)
Cost: $499 entry fee for Phase 2, and $499 registration fee for Innovation Summit. Financial aid is available for qualifying teams.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; approximately 30 teams reach the final stage
Dates: August 28 – October 30 for Phase One | October 31 – January 8 for Phase Two | April 22 – 25 for the Innovation Summit
Application Deadline: October 30 (Stage 1) | January 8 (Stage 2)
Eligibility: Teams of 2–5 students aged 13–18. International students can apply.
The Conrad Challenge is an innovation-focused competition in which teams design sustainable solutions to global challenges across categories such as Aerospace, Cyber-Technology, and Energy. The competition requires you to develop a technical Innovation Brief, a business plan, and a physical or digital prototype of your solution. You move through two virtual rounds before the top-scoring teams are invited to pitch their ideas to a live panel of judges at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As a participant, you pick up skills in market research, financial modeling, and intellectual property basics. You also develop engineering competencies related to the specific category you select for your innovation.
12. iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine)
Location: Paris, France (Grand Jamboree)
Cost: ~$5,900 team registration fee for Stage 1, followed by ~$3,250 for Stage 2. Additional ~$620 per person for the Grand Jamboree ticket if you reach that stage.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 400 teams compete globally
Dates: November 13 – 16 for the Grand Jamboree. The remaining deliverables are due between June 24 and October 28.
Application Deadline: February 12 (early registration) | April 2 (regular)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate teams
iGEM is a highly rigorous international challenge in which you join a team to design and build biological systems using standardized biological parts, or “BioBricks,” to address a specific real-world problem. The competition requires you to document your research on a public wiki and address the “Human Practices” of your work, evaluating its societal and ethical implications. You utilize molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics software to engineer genetic sequences in microbes or other organisms. The challenge ends at the Grand Jamboree, where teams from around the world present their results and compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. It is the leading international competition in synthetic biology and often leads to peer-reviewed publications.
13. Science Olympiad
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA for the national final, while local challenges happen in 450 tournaments across all 50 states
Cost: Varies by state
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 120 high school and middle school teams qualify for the National Tournament
Dates: May 22 – 23 for the national final
Application Deadline: Varies by state, typically October – January
Eligibility: Teams of up to 15 students from the same high school
You compete as part of a team in 23 events that cover various disciplines, including forensics, astronomy, and structural engineering. Some events involve constructing devices such as bridges or robots to fulfill particular performance standards, while others consist of lab experiments or written assessments. You need to work closely with your teammates to ensure all topics are covered and to boost your team’s total score. Excelling in the Science Olympiad demands both extensive scientific knowledge and practical technical abilities. Through participation, you can develop skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and applying scientific principles in a demanding, high-pressure setting.
14. National Science Bowl (NSB)
Location: Washington, D.C., for the national finals, while the regional tournaments may be in-person or online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 65–70 high school teams qualify for the National Finals
Dates: April 30 – May 4 for the national finals
Application Deadline: Regional competition registration begins October 6, and the competitions take place from January to March
Eligibility: Teams of 4–5 students and one coach from the same high school
In the National Science Bowl, you will participate in a fast-paced, buzzer-style academic competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and mathematics. You must demonstrate quick recall of scientific facts and the ability to perform mental calculations under strict time limits. Regional winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Finals. This competition emphasizes teamwork and breadth of knowledge across multiple scientific disciplines. You also have the opportunity to engage in science seminars and hands-on activities led by national laboratory staff.
15. GENIUS Olympiad
Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, NY
Cost: $60 application fee; $600 participation fee per attendee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 1,000 – 1,500 finalists from over 70 countries
Dates: June 8 – 12 for the finals
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The GENIUS Olympiad is an international competition that requires you to submit a project focused on environmental issues through the lens of 1 of 9 disciplines, including science, entrepreneurship, AI, music, robotics, and coding. The competition requires you to conduct an investigation into a specific environmental problem and propose a technical or policy-based solution. You present your findings during a week-long event that includes project judging and cultural exchange activities with international participants. The program provides feedback from university professors and industry professionals on the scientific merit and feasibility of your project.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Regeneron ISEF