15 Free Science Competitions for High School Students
Science competitions provide high school students with the opportunity to extend their learning beyond textbooks and engage directly with challenges. Whether you’re conducting research, solving complex problems, or building innovative projects, these experiences enable you to develop critical thinking and creativity. They also strengthen your academic profile, future academic opportunities, and college statements of purpose (SOPs), demonstrating initiative and a genuine interest in your chosen field. Additionally, many science competitions are completely free, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to gain exposure and achieve recognition.
Why should you participate in science competitions in high school?
Participating in science competitions enables high school students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical situations. Rather than just understanding theoretical concepts, you actively analyze problems, conduct experiments, and develop solutions. These competitions come in many forms, including Olympiads, research-based contests, engineering and robotics challenges, and quiz-based events, so you can find opportunities aligned with your interests and strengths.
They also help you build core skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and effective communication. Many competitions involve working within defined deadlines or collaborating in teams, which prepares you for academic and professional environments. They also create opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and mentors, expanding your learning experience beyond the classroom.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 free science competitions for high school students that offer valuable learning opportunities without financial barriers.
If you’re looking for AI competitions, check out our blog here.
1. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
Location: Washington, D.C., for the finals
Cost: Free | awards granted | $250,000 for the winner
Dates: March 5 - 11
Application Deadline: May 30 - November 6
Eligibility: Must be in the final year of high school (senior year), enrolled in a U.S. high school, or a U.S. citizen studying abroad
The Regeneron STS focuses on an original, independently conducted research project, submitted alongside essays highlighting your scientific interests and leadership experience. Your application is evaluated holistically, with consideration given to the quality and strength of your research, your academic performance, and your demonstrated potential to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. Finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., where they undergo an intensive evaluation process that includes interviews with leading scientists. These interactions extend beyond your submitted project, assessing how well you understand core scientific concepts, your critical thinking ability, and how effectively you can apply your knowledge to unfamiliar scientific problems.
2. Singularity: AI Essay Contest by Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free to enter. Winners will receive up to $2,490 in scholarships toward any Veritas AI program.
Dates: Submissions open March 23, winners announced on May 16.
Application deadline: April 26. Submit your essay here!
Eligibility: Students from any country enrolled in high school (grades 9–12) are eligible to apply.
Singularity: AI Essay Contest is an international essay competition where high school students write about the future of AI - its risks, its possibilities, and what it means for the world. Prompts are contributed and judged by researchers from MIT, Harvard, and Oxford. Free to enter and open worldwide, winners receive up to $2,490 in scholarships to any Veritas AI programs.
3. MIT Think Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Winners announcement varies (mostly around the end of January)
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: US high school students are eligible to apply.
The MIT THINK Scholars Program challenges students to turn their ideas into a structured research proposal in science, technology, or engineering. You will plan a project that can be completed within a semester on a $1,000 budget, focusing on innovation, clarity, and real-world impact. Selected participants will receive funding and one-on-one mentorship to carry out their project. The program is highly selective, with only six students chosen each year. Finalists are also invited to MIT on an all-expenses-paid visit, where they get the opportunity to interact with faculty, attend classes, and explore leading research laboratories.
4. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Virtual
Cost: Winners will receive $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships.
Dates: Submissions open March 9, winners announced on May 17.
Application Deadline: April 26 | apply here
Eligibility: Students from any country enrolled in high school (as of December 31) can apply | more details on eligibility are provided here
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is an international essay competition open to high school students (grades 9 to 12) worldwide. 6 winners (1 gold, 2 silvers, 3 bronzes) will share more than $11,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. Prompts are contributed by professors from Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Brown, and Dartmouth. As a participant, you will choose one of the five prompts and submit an argumentative essay on the chosen question. Submissions should be formal academic essays, in English, featuring a clear central argument, well-organized reasoning, use of relevant sources, and thoughtful consideration of opposing perspectives. Entries are evaluated based on originality, analysis, evidence, structure, and presentation. The award seeks well-reasoned, research-based argumentative essays rather than original research papers. You are not required to conduct primary data collection or advanced data analysis to submit.
5. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: Varies each year (upcoming finals in Phoenix, Arizona, USA)
Cost: Free | Each of the 22 categories awards first through fourth place, with amounts ranging from $600 to $6,000.
Dates: May 9 - 15
Application Deadline: No single global deadline
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12 (or equivalent)
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is a global competition where students present their independent research to doctoral-level judges across 22 scientific categories, from Animal Sciences to Systems Software. You are required to create a professional display board and clearly explain your work through a detailed oral defense, demonstrating your methodology, results, and understanding of the subject. Reaching the finals is highly competitive, as your project typically progresses through multiple rounds of evaluation before advancing. By participating, you get an opportunity to connect with a global community of student researchers, exchange ideas, and gain exposure to cutting-edge developments in STEM fields.
6. Immerse Education's Essay Competition
Location: Online | global competition | scholarships can be used at locations such as Oxford, Cambridge, London, etc.
Cost: Free
Dates: July - August
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Students aged 13 - 18 years worldwide
The Immerse Education Essay Competition invites students to explore a subject of their interest by responding to a thought-provoking prompt through a 500-word essay. It offers participants an opportunity to strengthen their research, writing, and critical thinking skills while engaging with topics beyond the standard school curriculum. Winners receive scholarships to attend Immerse Education’s summer programs at leading global institutions, where they gain experience of university-style learning, opportunities to interact with expert tutors, and connect with like-minded peers. Overall, the competition offers both academic enrichment and a structured pathway to immersive learning opportunities in an international environment.
7. World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth
Location: Global (held online and in-person across multiple regions) | remote participation available
Cost: Free
Dates: December 5 - 7
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: Students aged 6 - 18 years
This global AI competition allows students to participate individually or as part of a team and compete within their age group, including elementary, middle, and high school levels. You can choose from three tracks: the AI Showcase Track, AI Generated Art Track, or AI Large Language Model Track, depending on your interests. Your project is evaluated based on how effectively you use AI, the impact of your idea on the community, and the overall user experience. If selected for the final round, you will present your project and take part in a question-and-answer session before winners are announced. Past submissions have included innovative solutions such as AI-driven tools for accessibility and public safety. Overall, the competition is a strong opportunity for students interested in AI ethics and using technology to address real-world challenges.
8. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Applications open in the fall and close in February.
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 18 years or younger are eligible to apply.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship provides a platform for students who have developed a project that goes beyond typical high school work. It is open to students across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and interdisciplinary fields, and recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional depth, originality, and impact. The application requires you to clearly present your project through detailed materials, including a video, essays, and a letter of recommendation that explains its significance. The selection process is highly competitive and focuses on students whose work reflects advanced thinking and meaningful contributions. Top recipients receive scholarships of $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000, along with national recognition.
9. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
Location: Virtual (regional rounds) | Washington, D.C. (National Finals)
Cost: Free to enter | awards granted
Dates: June
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Full-time K-12 students who are less than 21 years old living in the U.S. or Canada | must compete in teams of 2 - 4 students
At ExploraVision, students work in a team to analyze an existing technology and predict how it might evolve and impact society over the next 10 years or more. You will conduct in-depth research to develop a well-supported vision, identifying the scientific breakthroughs needed to make your idea feasible. As part of the submission, you will prepare an abstract, a detailed research paper, a bibliography, and sample web pages that present your concept clearly. Teams that advance to the final stages must build a prototype and create a dedicated website to showcase their work to judges. The competition also encourages you to think critically about the potential benefits and drawbacks of your proposed technology, helping you develop a balanced, forward-thinking perspective.
10. BioGENEius Challenge
Location: No fixed venue
Cost: Free
Dates: Regional competitions: Spring (April - May) | Finals: June (during BIO International Convention)
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9 - 12) who are affiliated with BioGENEius, a partner organization, can apply The BioGENEius challenges you to perform original research in biotechnology, focusing on areas such as Global Healthcare, Global Sustainability, or the Global Environment. The competition emphasizes real-world application, encouraging you to develop ideas that not only show scientific depth but also have practical or commercial potential. Those who advance to the finals will present their work through a digital poster and abstract at the BIO International Convention, where their project is evaluated by industry experts and academic researchers. This setting gives you the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in the biotechnology field while demonstrating both the strength and relevance of your research.
11. Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Location: International final held in Stockholm during World Water Week (students first compete in national competitions in their own country)
Cost: Free | $15,000 scholarship plus crystal trophy (winner)
Dates: May or June (National two-phase competition) and August (International finals)
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Students aged 15 - 20 years
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a global research competition that challenges students to investigate real-world water issues and present innovative solutions through their own project. Organized by the Stockholm Water Foundation, the competition encourages you to explore topics such as water conservation, purification, pollution control, and sustainable water management. You will first participate at your country’s national level, and if selected as the national winner, you will represent your country at the international final held during World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to present your research to experts, connect with students from around the world, and gain international recognition, with top performers awarded scholarships and global awards.
12. TOPSS High School Psychology Student Competition
Location: Online
Cost: Free | cash scholarship (around $300 each)
Dates: March - April (varies by year)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and international high school students in most years
The TOPSS High School Psychology Student Competition, organized by the American Psychological Association’s Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS), is an annual competition where you will create and submit an original psychology-focused project or essay demonstrating your understanding of psychological concepts and their real-world applications. You will be asked to select a topic in psychology, apply critical thinking, and present your ideas clearly through written work that reflects both research and insight. The competition offers national recognition, with selected winners receiving cash scholarships, certificates, and acknowledgment from the APA, as well as the opportunity to have their work featured within the psychology education community.
13. Neuroscience Research Prize
Location: Chicago, Illinois (location varies each year)
Cost: Free | $1,000 and a certificate
Dates: August - October (application period)
Application Deadline: October 21
Eligibility: You must be a high school student (grades 9 - 12)
The Neuroscience Research Prize, organized by the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society, is a competitive research award for high school students in the United States who conduct original neuroscience projects. It focuses on topics related to the brain and nervous system, and submissions are evaluated by professional neurologists and researchers. The competition offers cash prizes to winners, along with the opportunity to present research at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in the United States, with travel support provided. It also helps you develop research skills, gain exposure to professional scientists, and strengthen your academic profile in neuroscience and related medical fields.
14. Envirothon
Location: International competition held in the United States or Canada each year
Cost: Free | awards granted
Dates: Throughout the school year (varies by region)
Application Deadline: No single global deadline
Eligibility: High school students (typically grades 9 - 12 or aged 14 - 19 years)
The Envirothon is a team-based environmental science competition that challenges participants to address real-world ecological and conservation issues using knowledge from areas such as soils, water, forestry, wildlife, and current environmental issues. You work in teams of five and apply both classroom learning and field-based skills to complete written assessments and present solutions to judges. To participate, you must first compete at the local or regional level before qualifying for the international competition, which is hosted in a different location in the United States or Canada each year. The international event brings together top teams from around the world for hands-on testing, field investigations, and presentations. In addition to the competition experience, Envirothon offers valuable opportunities in environmental research, teamwork, and problem-solving, along with access to cash prizes, scholarships, and international recognition.
15. National Science Bowl
Location: Held across the United States (schools compete in assigned regional locations)
Cost: Free | $5,000 awarded to top teams’ schools (science/math departments) | additional $1,000 awards for top placing teams at Nationals
Dates: Regional competitions: January - March (varies by region) | National Finals: Late April to early May
Application Deadline: Varies by regions
Eligibility: You must be a middle school or high school student in the United States
The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic competition organized by the U.S. Department of Energy where you compete in teams to solve challenging questions in science and mathematics, including physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and energy-related topics. You first compete in regional tournaments, and the winning teams advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C. The program offers you the opportunity to strengthen your STEM knowledge, improve quick thinking and teamwork skills, and gain experience in a highly competitive academic environment. It also provides national recognition for top-performing teams and cash awards to schools, making it a rewarding learning experience.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we have had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!