Recommended competitions
Beyond USAEBO, students interested in economics and business can explore a range of other competitions. The events below cover economics, investment, practical business skills, entrepreneurship and economics writing. Compare their focus and activities, then select “Explore the competition” to learn about entry requirements and preparation.
NEC · National Economics Challenge
Economics knowledge and team application
Run by the Council for Economic Education, NEC tests microeconomics, macroeconomics and the world economy, encouraging students to apply economic principles to real situations.
- Best suited to
- Students interested in economics who want to apply classroom knowledge to analysis and discussion.
- Main content
- Microeconomics, macroeconomics, economics knowledge assessments and team analysis.
IEO · International Economics Olympiad
Economics, financial literacy and business analysis
An international competition for secondary-school students combining economics and finance questions with business-case analysis. Entry to the international final is through national or regional selection.
- Best suited to
- Students looking to broaden their economics knowledge through case research and team presentations.
- Main content
- Economics, financial literacy and business case analysis.
HIEEC · Harvard International Economics Essay Contest
Economic theory and analytical writing
Run by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, HIEEC invites high-school students to develop an economic argument in response to a set prompt, using theory, evidence and real-world examples.
- Best suited to
- High-school students interested in moving from economics coursework to independent research and analytical writing.
- Main content
- Economic analysis, source and case research, and a reasoned essay in English.
John Locke Global Essay Prize · Economics
Economic questions and critical writing
The John Locke Institute’s Global Essay Prize includes an economics category. Students investigate challenging questions and build an original argument through independent thought, evidence and clear reasoning.
- Best suited to
- Students who enjoy reading and debating economic and social questions and developing an argument in English.
- Main content
- Research into economic questions, critical analysis and an original English essay.
SIC · Student Investment Challenge
Financial understanding and investment research
SIC develops financial understanding through simulated trading, company research and investment-strategy analysis, helping students examine value and risk through practical study.
- Best suited to
- Students interested in finance, company analysis and investment decisions who enjoy learning through simulation.
- Main content
- Simulated trading, investment strategy and stock-analysis reports, with tasks depending on the selected division.
WGHS · Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Client objectives and investment strategy
Run by the Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania, this team competition combines client-focused research, simulated investing and written reports. Judging emphasises the investment strategy and its justification rather than returns alone.
- Best suited to
- High-school students interested in company research, investment strategy and teamwork who can participate with a teacher from their school.
- Main content
- Client needs, portfolio research, simulated investing and strategy reports.
- Entry route
- A teacher at the team’s school must register it. Paid advisers and non-Wharton extracurricular courses claiming to teach the competition are prohibited.
BPA · Business Professionals of America
Business practice and professional skills
BPA offers business and workplace-skills events in financial services, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and technology, with an emphasis on practical application.
- Best suited to
- Students who want to develop business analysis, practical skills and project presentation in an area of interest.
- Main content
- Areas include business operations, finance, management and information technology; tasks depend on the selected event.
Diamond Challenge
Entrepreneurial ideas and social innovation
Created by Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware, Diamond Challenge invites students to develop original business or social-innovation concepts and present the value of their ideas.
- Best suited to
- Students interested in entrepreneurship, product ideas or social issues who want to research and develop a concept as a team.
- Main content
- Problem research, innovative solutions, business planning and presentations.
Use this page to compare areas of interest. Check the latest rules for eligibility, event options and registration arrangements.