Taking part in and winning economics-related competitions is one way for students hoping to get into a prestigious university. You'll have the chance to impress admissions staff, network with excellent peers, and experience incredible problem-solving opportunities. Although dates may differ, the following information is based on the most recent program and is generally comparable from year to year.
This blog lists ten economics competitions for your consideration.
1. Federal Reserve High School Challenge
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Typically fall semester, with finals in December
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, enrolled in participating schools
Application Deadline: February 15 for registration and March 15 for submission
This economics competition is ideal for high school students interested in monetary policy, central banking, and public speaking. Teams research current economic issues, analyze Federal Reserve policy, and develop recommendations for the Federal Open Market Committee. The project offers students the opportunity to present their research findings to a panel of judges, just as it happens in a real central bank meeting. Being affiliated with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, it also connects economists and policymakers with students. Such competition immerses students in useful research experience; it develops critical thinking that allows them to present their work to a professional panel.
2. International Economics Olympiad
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: School rounds in fall/winter, international finals in summer
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–20 worldwide
Application Deadline: Typically in January
This is an international economics competition for high school students interested in economics, finance, and global issues. Following economically based microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international trade problems, students compete through several rounds of competition: school, regional, national, and international. The Olympiad is supported by leading economists and academic institutions. Participants gain analytical skills, real-world economic knowledge, and the chance to compete on a global stage.
3. Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge
Location: Virtual or Harvard campus
Program Dates: April 12th 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12, teams of 4
Application Deadline: April 6th 2025
In this program a challenge in economics is aimed at high school students who enjoy advanced economic theory, working together, and problem-solving. These challenges encompass multiple rounds of quizzes, case studies, and presentations centering on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and current events. This challenge is hosted by Harvard University, where students receive mentorship and feedback from both Harvard students and faculty. Such a competition fosters a deep understanding of the economics discipline, experience in teamwork, and the ability to present their ideas formally at one of the greatest universities in the world.
4. National Personal Finance Challenge
Location: University of Nebraska–Lincoln (virtual options available)
Program Dates: Finals on June 1-2, 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Application Deadline: April 17 2025
This financial literacy and leadership program is attended by high-school students who have a passion for personal finance, investing, and economic research. The curriculum includes workshops, case studies, and a final competition involving financial decision-making and leadership. The committee of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln operates the program, providing opportunities to interact with professionals and educators in finance. Students gain skills in practical finance, some experience in research, and the opportunity to showcase their solutions in a competitive setting.
5. Young Economist of the Year
Location: UK
Program Dates: In-person finals at KPMG Office in October 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: In Years 10 to 13 in England or Wales, Years 11 to 14 in Northern Ireland, or S3 to S6 in Scotland (or equivalent) and studying in UK
Application Deadline: 29th June 2025
This economics essay competition is excellent for high school students interested in economic research and writing. Students submit an original essay on a set economic topic, with guidance and resources provided by the Royal Economic Society. The competition is affiliated with leading UK academic institutions and economists. Participants gain research and writing skills, feedback from experts, and the opportunity to have their work recognized in a prestigious academic setting.
6. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Location: Virtual, Finals in Upenn
Program Dates: Finals in April
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students worldwide, teams of 4–7
Application Deadline: 2025-2026 Applications will likely open in June 2025 and close in September 2025
This investment competition is perfect for high school students interested in finance, investing, and teamwork. Teams manage a virtual investment portfolio, research companies, and present their investment strategies to a panel of judges. Organized by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the competition connects students with finance professionals and educators. Participants gain hands-on investment experience, research skills, and the chance to present their strategies in a global competition.
7. World Economics Cup
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: November (main competition)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: March 31 2025
International economics is truly for those high schoolers interested in economics in the big picture and problem-solving. Teams of multiple students make their way through various rounds of multiple-choice and case questions on microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international trade. This competition emphasizes real-world economic situations and great teamwork. Students forthwith sharpen their strong analytical skill set, learn about current worldwide economic issues, and win prizes along the way by competing against their counterparts worldwide.
8. The National Personal Finance Challenge
Location: Virtual and in-person (national finals in the US)
Program Dates: Varies according to state, Finals are in june
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in the US, teams of 3–4
Application Deadline: Varies according to state, check details here
This personal finance competition is designed for high school students interested in financial literacy and economic research. Teams work through real-life financial scenarios, create budgets, and present solutions to judges. The Council for Economic Education organizes the challenge which connects students with finance professionals and educators. They learn practical finance skills and teamwork and are able to take their solutions to the national level.
9. Northwestern Economics Tournament (NET)
Location: Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and virtual
Program Dates: Power Round in March, Econ Bowl in April
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: January 17 2025
Ideal for high school students with interests in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and current events. The competition has teams go through a tough test - the Power Round - and an exciting and arguably chaotic quiz session or Econ Bowl, with questions of every category under economics. This tournament takes place at Northwestern University, gives attendees the benefit of listening to lecturer delegates, and offers networking opportunities with current students. Participants gain in-depth economic knowledge, teamwork skills, and the chance to present their ideas at a top university.
10. Global Stock Pitch Competition
Location: Virtual and in The University of Utah -Eccles School of Business (regional and national finals
Program Dates: Regional rounds in spring, national finals in summer
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Application Deadline: April 3 2025
This stock pitch competition is perfect for high school students interested in investing, finance, and public speaking. The students analyze a company listed in the stock market, develop an investment thesis, and pitch their investment case to a group of judges. The Young Investors Society, which organizes the competition, provides students with networking opportunities to meet professionals and educators in finance. Students get hands-on experience in investment research, developing communication skills, and a chance to compete either on a national or international level.
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