16 Science Competitions for High School Students
Science competitions offer high school students a focused and engaging way to apply what they learn in the classroom to practical problems. By participating, you can challenge yourself academically while developing a deeper understanding of scientific concepts through experimentation, research, and critical thinking. These competitions often require you to design projects, analyze data, or solve complex problems, helping you build practical skills that go beyond standard coursework. Many are organized by reputable universities, research institutions, and global organizations, which adds credibility and visibility to your work.
Why should you participate in science competitions in high school?
Science competitions provide a structured yet flexible way to explore your interests while building essential academic and professional skills. You can take part in a wide range of formats, from research-based competitions and Olympiads to team challenges, innovation contests, and problem-solving events across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and engineering. You get the opportunity to collaborate with peers, receive feedback from experts, and sometimes present your work to judges or broader audiences. Competitions are among the most accessible ways to gain experience in a subject without committing to a long-term program, making them ideal for testing your interests.
To help you get started, here are 16 science competitions for high school students.
If you’re looking for AI competitions, check out our blog here.
1. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix (host venue for 2026)
Cost and Prizes: No direct participation fee for finalists; prizes include scholarships, cash awards, and special category awards totaling millions of dollars
Dates: May 9 - 15
The Regeneron ISEF is a global science competition for high school students that brings together top young researchers from around the world to present original research projects across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Rather than applying directly, you qualify for ISEF by winning at an affiliated regional or national science fair, making it highly selective and competitive. At the event, you can showcase your research to expert judges, receive feedback from leading scientists, and compete for significant awards while connecting with peers who share a strong interest in science and innovation. The experience goes beyond competition, offering exposure to advanced research, scientific communication, and international-level problem-solving.
2. Singularity: AI Essay Contest by Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter. Winners will receive up to $2,490 in scholarships toward any Veritas AI program.
Dates: Submissions open March 23 and close by April 26. Winners announced on May 16. Submit your essay here.
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. AAN Neuroscience Research Prize
Location: United States (submission-based; remote participation)
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; recognition and awards for top submissions
Dates: Varies annually (typically aligned with application cycles set by the American Academy of Neurology)
The AAN Neuroscience Research Prize is a national competition that encourages you to explore the brain and nervous system through original research. You can submit an independent project that reflects your curiosity about neuroscience, whether it’s conducted in a formal lab setting or developed through self-driven investigation. The competition emphasizes originality, scientific thinking, and the ability to communicate your findings clearly in writing. Since entries must be individual projects, this is a great opportunity to take full ownership of your research and demonstrate initiative, creativity, and depth of understanding. If you’re interested in neuroscience, psychology, or medicine, this competition offers a focused way to build research experience and showcase your potential in a specialized scientific field.
4. Lumiere Scholars Essay Award
Location: Online
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; cash awards and scholarships totaling over $11,000
Dates: March 9 - April 26 (results announced May 17)
The Lumiere Scholars Essay Award is a global essay competition that invites you to explore complex ideas, build strong arguments, and engage with topics that genuinely matter to you. You can approach your essay from an interdisciplinary perspective - drawing from science, economics, philosophy, or other fields while focusing on evidence-based reasoning and clear communication. Your work is evaluated by an international panel of professors and researchers, making this a strong opportunity to gain academic recognition for your writing and critical thinking. Beyond the competition itself, the process helps you refine how you question assumptions, structure arguments, and present ideas - skills that are valuable for research and future academic work. With both cash prizes and scholarships to research programs, this competition is especially useful if you’re looking to strengthen your academic profile while working on a meaningful, self-driven project.
5. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
Location: United States (regional submissions; national symposium is in-person, all-expenses paid)
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; over $400,000 in scholarships and cash awards
Dates: Varies by region; national symposium held annually after regional rounds
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a national STEM competition that allows you to present original research and compete for significant scholarships and awards. You begin by submitting a written research report based on an independent project, and if selected, you advance to a regional symposium where you present your work. Top performers at the regional level move on to the national symposium, where you can present either orally or through a poster and compete for major prizes. The competition is sponsored by the United States Department of Defense and emphasizes research quality, scientific thinking, and presentation skills. If you’re interested in pursuing STEM at a higher level, this is a valuable opportunity to gain experience in formal research communication, receive feedback from experts, and connect with peers across the country.
6. Immerse Education Essay Competition
Location: Online
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; winners receive 100% scholarships, runners-up receive 10-50% scholarships for Immerse programs
Dates: November 3 - January 14
The Immerse Education Essay Competition is an international writing competition that allows you to explore an academic subject of your choice while competing for scholarships to prestigious summer programs. You can choose from a wide range of essay prompts across disciplines, allowing you to dive deeper into a topic that genuinely interests you and demonstrate your ability to think critically and communicate ideas clearly. The competition is designed to test your research, writing, and analytical skills through a 500-word academic essay, with guidance resources and webinars available to help you refine your work. If selected, you can win a full or partial scholarship to attend an Immerse program at a leading university, making this a strong option if you’re looking to combine academic recognition with a funded learning experience. Even beyond the prizes, the process itself can strengthen your writing portfolio and give you a solid piece of work to include in future applications!
7. National Science Bowl (NSB)
Location: United States (regional competitions held virtually/in-person; national finals in-person)
Cost and Prizes: Free to participate; awards and national recognition for top teams
Dates: Regionals: January - March; National Finals: April 30 - May 4
The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced, team-based competition that tests your knowledge across a wide range of scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, energy, and mathematics. You compete as part of a team in a buzzer-style question-and-answer format, where quick thinking, collaboration, and depth of understanding are key. The competition begins with regional tournaments - held either virtually or in person where top teams advance to the national finals. Organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, this is one of the largest and most established science competitions in the country. If you enjoy applying your knowledge under pressure and working closely with a team, this competition offers a dynamic way to strengthen both your academic skills and your ability to think on your feet.
8. NCF-Envirothon
Location: International (regional and national rounds across countries; final competition varies by host location)
Cost and Prizes: Typically free or low-cost at entry levels; awards and recognition at regional, national, and international levels
Dates: Varies by region; annual competition cycle across participating countries
The NCF-Envirothon is an international environmental science competition that challenges you to solve real-world sustainability and natural resource management problems. You compete as part of a team, working through hands-on, field-based challenges that test your knowledge in areas like aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues. What sets this competition apart is its strong focus on applied learning: you’re not just studying concepts; you're actively using them to develop solutions to complex environmental challenges. Along the way, you build critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how scientific principles connect to real-world ecosystems. If you’re interested in environmental science, conservation, or sustainability, this competition offers a meaningful and immersive way to explore those interests on a global stage.
9. National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB)
Location: United States (regional competitions in-person; virtual options available)
Cost and Prizes: Typically free to participate; recognition and awards at regional levels
Dates: Varies by region; Virtual Sponge Bowl held March 21-22
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a team-based academic competition that introduces you to ocean science while testing your knowledge across a range of environmental and earth science topics. You compete in a quiz-bowl format, answering questions on marine biology, oceanography, climate science, and related STEM fields, often in fast-paced, buzzer-style rounds. Regional competitions are hosted at universities, research centers, and aquariums across the U.S., giving you exposure to real scientific environments and professionals in the field. If a regional event isn’t available near you, you may still have the option to compete virtually through alternative formats like the Virtual Sponge Bowl. The program is designed not just to test knowledge, but also to build awareness of ocean conservation and to prepare you for future pathways in environmental science and STEM careers!
10. Genes in Space
Location: United States (submission-based; final stages include mentorship and events)
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; winners see their experiment launched to the International Space Station, along with multiple awards and lab equipment prizes for schools
Dates: January 5 - April 10 (winners announced July; experiment launch next year)
Genes in Space is a unique science competition that gives you the chance to design a biotechnology experiment for space and potentially see it launched to the International Space Station. You can participate individually or in pairs, developing an original idea that tackles real challenges in space biology, even if you don’t have prior lab experience. The competition focuses on creativity, scientific reasoning, and your ability to propose experiments that could work in a microgravity environment. If selected as a finalist, you’ll receive mentorship from professional scientists to refine your idea before a final winner is chosen. Beyond the top prize, the experience itself helps you build research thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how science operates in extreme, real-world conditions.
11. Annual DNA Day Essay Contest
Location: Online (open worldwide)
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; cash prizes and recognition for top essays
Dates: January 9 - March 4 (results announced April 24)
The Annual DNA Day Essay Contest invites you to explore complex topics in genetics by writing a well-reasoned, evidence-based essay. Organized by the American Society of Human Genetics, this competition challenges you to engage deeply with current developments in genetic science - ranging from new therapies to ethical and societal implications. You’re expected to not only explain scientific concepts clearly, but also analyze their broader impact, making this a strong opportunity to build both scientific understanding and critical thinking skills. Essays are reviewed in multiple rounds by experts in the field, ensuring the competition meets rigorous academic standards. If you’re interested in biology, medicine, or research, this is a meaningful way to demonstrate your ability to think across science and ethics while strengthening your academic writing.
12. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Location: United States (application-based; no in-person competition required)
Cost and Prizes: Free to apply; scholarships of $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000
Dates: Application opens in the fall
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes you for completing a significant, high-level project in fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, or philosophy. Rather than a traditional timed competition, this program evaluates the depth, originality, and impact of your independent work, making it ideal if you’ve already developed a substantial research project, portfolio, or innovation. If selected, you can receive major scholarship awards, along with national recognition for your achievement. The application process involves submitting a detailed description of your work along with nominations, so it emphasizes both the quality of your project and your ability to present it clearly. If you’re aiming to showcase a long-term academic or creative effort, this is one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities available at the high school level.
13. PhysicsBowl Contest
Location: International (administered through schools worldwide)
Cost and Prizes: Varies by school; awards for top individual and team performances at regional and global levels
Dates: Exam window: March 18 - April 3; Registration deadline: February 25
The PhysicsBowl Contest is an international physics competition that tests your understanding of core high school physics concepts through a timed, multiple-choice exam. You participate through your school, competing both individually and as part of a team against students in your region and across the world. The contest is divided into two levels (one for first-year physics students and another for more advanced students), so you can compete at an appropriate level. The 45-minute exam challenges your problem-solving speed and conceptual clarity, making it a strong way to benchmark your physics knowledge in a competitive setting. If you’re looking to strengthen your fundamentals while gaining international recognition, this competition offers a structured and accessible way to do so.
14. Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision
Location: United States and Canada (submission-based; team projects through schools)
Cost and Prizes: Free to enter; awards and national recognition for top teams
Dates: Submission deadline: February 3
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision is a large-scale STEM competition that challenges you to think beyond current technology and imagine what innovations could look like 10 or more years into the future. You work in teams of 2-4, guided by a teacher, to research an existing technology and then develop a forward-looking concept that addresses real problems. The competition goes beyond theory, and you’re expected to outline how your idea could realistically be developed, including potential challenges, benefits, and societal impact. Supported by the National Science Teaching Association, this program emphasizes creativity, research, and applied scientific thinking. If you’re interested in innovation, engineering, or future-focused problem-solving, this is a strong opportunity to explore how ideas evolve into real technologies.
15. World Smarts STEM Challenge
Location: Virtual (U.S. and Ghana collaboration)
Cost and Prizes: Typically free; focus on skill-building, mentorship, and global collaboration
Dates: Varies by cohort (annual program cycle)
The World Smarts STEM Challenge is a virtual, project-based competition that brings together you and students from different parts of the world to solve problems using STEM. You collaborate in international teams (particularly between students in the U.S. and Ghana) to design solutions that address challenges in your communities. The program focuses not just on technical skills, but also on building cross-cultural communication and global awareness, which are increasingly important in STEM careers. Through guided mentorship and structured projects, you develop skills in problem-solving, digital literacy, and teamwork while working in a global context. If you’re interested in applying STEM to real-world issues while collaborating across borders, this program offers a unique, globally focused experience.
16. Canadian Computing Competition
Location: International (administered through schools; online contest)
Cost and Prizes: $10 participation fee (+ $5 processing per order); recognition for top performers
Dates: Typically held in February
The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) is a programming contest that challenges you to solve algorithmic problems within a timed environment. Designed by the University of Waterloo, the competition is accessible to those with some coding experience while still pushing advanced students to think more deeply about algorithms and efficiency. You’ll work individually to solve five problems in three hours, testing your ability to design, implement, and optimize solutions under time pressure. The contest is typically run through your school, making it a structured, widely recognized way to build programming skills. If you’re interested in computer science, competitive programming, or problem-solving, this is a strong opportunity to develop confidence and technical depth.
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!