Top 15 Medical Competitions for High School Students in 2025-2026

Are you looking for ways to challenge yourself and stand out on your college applications? Medical competitions for high school students give you the chance to test your knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and explore the world of healthcare and biomedical science.

In this guide, you will find 15 of the best medical competitions for high school students, with details on dates, locations, prizes, and how to participate. You will learn which competitions match your interests, whether you want to do research, compete individually, or work on a team, and get tips to make your projects and applications stand out.

• What Are the Best Medical Competitions for High School Students?
• USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)
• Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
• Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)
• HOSA – Future Health Professionals Competitions
• BioGENEius
• International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) High School Division
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
• MIT THINK Scholars Program
• International Brain Bee
• International Medicine and Disease Olympiad (IMDO)
• US Medicine and Disease Olympiad (USMDO)
• High School Health Research Challenge (HSHRC)
• International Applied Biology Olympiad (IABO)
• American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize
• NIH Neuroscience Competitions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Medical Competitions for High School Students?

Below is an overview of 15 of the best medical competitions for high school students:

Let’s discuss each competition one by one.

1. USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)

• Dates: Open Exam February 4, 2026; Semifinal Exam March 4, 2026; National Finals June 21 – July 3, 2026; International Biology Olympiad July 12–19, 2026
• Location: Online exams; National Finals in-person; International Biology Olympiad in Vilnius, Lithuania
• Prizes: Honorable Mention for top 20% of Open Exam, Certificate of Merit for top 30%, National Finalists compete for spots on the USA Biolympiad Team, scholarships, and medals at the IBO

The USA Biology Olympiad is an individual competition for high school students in grades 9–12 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. High school seniors must not be enrolled in an undergraduate program. Home-schooled students can participate through a registered host school.

Students begin with the Open Exam, an online multiple-choice test covering cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution. The Semifinal Exam adds short-answer and multiple true/false questions to assess applied problem-solving skills.

Twenty National Finalists attend an in-person training program where they perform lab experiments, analyze biological data, and study advanced topics such as neurobiology, ethology, and biosystematics. The highest-performing students form the USA Biolympiad Team and represent the U.S. at the International Biology Olympiad. 

If you want strategies for excelling in the USABO exams and making the most of the National Finals, check out our full guide to the USA Biology Olympiad.

2. Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

• Dates: May 9–15, 2026
• Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona
• Prizes: Nearly $9 million, including Grand Awards ($6,000 first, $2,400 second, $1,200 third, $600 fourth) and top awards such as the George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award ($100,000) and Regeneron Young Scientist Awards ($75,000 each)

Regeneron ISEF is a competition for high school students in grades 9–12 who earn top prizes at Society-affiliated local, regional, state, or national science fairs. This is one of the most prestigious medical competitions for high school students, where you present research projects in 22 categories, including Biomedical and Health Sciences, Translational Medical Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry.

Special Award Organizations provide additional scholarships, internships, and awards. Students qualify for ISEF through an Affiliated Fair, which assigns a limited number of projects, individual or team-based, to advance to the international stage. Team members split any cash awards equally.

If you want advice on preparing a standout research project for Regeneron ISEF, read our complete guide.

3. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

• Dates: March 5–11, 2026 (Finals Week); Public Exhibition March 8, 2026
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Prizes: $3.1 million total. First place $250,000, second $175,000, third $150,000, fourth $100,000, fifth $90,000, down to $40,000 for tenth place. The remaining 30 finalists each receive $25,000. The top 300 Scholars receive $2,000, and their schools receive $2,000 per scholar.

Regeneron STS is the oldest U.S. science research competition for high school seniors. You enter as an individual with a research project in any STEM field, including medical science. Team projects are not eligible. Research conducted with adult mentors or in labs is allowed, but your work must clearly reflect your own contribution.

To compete, you must be a high school senior in the United States and meet one of these criteria: over 13 with parental consent, 18–20 years old, or an emancipated minor over 13. Students attending Department of Defense schools, accredited overseas American or international schools, or foreign schools with parents temporarily abroad are also eligible.

Top 300 Scholars receive awards and recognition, and the Top 40 Finalists present their research in Washington, D.C., where judges select the Top 10 winners. Every applicant who submits a complete entry receives a t-shirt, a laptop sticker, and a one-year subscription to Science News.

If you want strategies for crafting a research project that stands out at the Regeneron Science Talent Search, check out our full guide to STS.

4. HOSA – Future Health Professionals Competitions

• Dates: June annually (International Leadership Conference)
• Location: Varies; recent ILC held in Nashville, Tennessee
• Prizes: Scholarships, medals, recognition, and networking opportunities with health professionals

HOSA competitions are a great example of medical competitions for high school students, offering practical experience in the health sciences through events such as clinical skill demonstrations, medical knowledge tests, and health-focused presentations. You can compete individually or as a team, depending on the event.

To compete internationally, you must be a HOSA member in good standing and enrolled in a health science or biomedical program. You must be in grades 9–12 and compete in the same event at the state or country level before advancing to the International Leadership Conference. 

Some events limit the number of competitors per state or team, while others allow unlimited participation. HOSA emphasizes hands-on medical skills, leadership, teamwork, and professional communication.

If you want tips on excelling in HOSA events and standing out at the International Leadership Conference, read our complete guide to HOSA.

5. BioGENEius

• Dates: October annually (part of the BioFuture Conference)
• Location: CURE Innovation Campus, New York City
• Prizes: Scholarships, cash awards, and recognition; opportunities for mentorship and networking

BioGENEius is a biotechnology research competition for high school students that focuses on projects with real-world applications in healthcare, agriculture, or environmental biotechnology. You can compete individually or as part of a team.

You select one of three challenge tracks: 

• Global Healthcare. Projects focus on human health and medical applications, including drug development, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices, and related biotechnologies.
• Global Sustainability. Projects address agricultural biotechnology, such as improving crop growth under adverse conditions, enhancing animal health and reproduction, or increasing food security.
• Global Environment. Projects target industrial and environmental biotechnology, including bio-based materials, bioremediation, waste reduction, and biofuel development.

To compete, you must be a high school student in grades 9–12. Students from states with a local BioGENEius competition enter through their State Partner program. Students from other states apply through the At-Large virtual competition.

Top finalists present their research at the BioFuture Conference, meet industry and academic experts, and take part in the Gene Pool Challenge, a surprise event with cash prizes.

If you want tips on developing a standout biotechnology project for BioGENEius, read our complete guide to competing in BioGENEius.

6. International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) High School Division

• Dates: November 13 to 16, 2026
• Location: Paris Convention Centre
• Prizes: Medals, Village Awards, and the High School Grand Prize BioBrick Trophy

The iGEM High School Division is a team-based synthetic biology competition where you design and test a biological system that solves a defined problem. Many high school teams choose medical themes such as diagnostics, infectious disease, or therapeutics.

You compete as part of a school-affiliated team with an instructor who supervises all lab work. Teams use standardized biological parts from the iGEM Registry and follow required safety steps. You document your work on the team wiki, complete Human Practices requirements, and prepare a final presentation.

The competition ends at the Grand Jamboree in Paris, where your team gives a talk and presents a poster.

7. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

• Dates: Regional events January–March 2025; National Symposium spring 2025
• Location: Regional events across the U.S.; National Symposium in-person, location varies
• Prizes: Over $400,000 in scholarships and cash awards

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a national STEM competition for high school students in grades 9–12 who want to showcase original research in science or medicine. You start by submitting a written report to your regional symposium. If your project ranks among the top submissions, you can present it either orally or as a poster. 

The best students from each region are invited to the National Symposium, an all-expenses-paid event where you meet peers and mentors from across the country and gain experience presenting your research in a professional setting. To participate, you must be a U.S. citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident. Students from all U.S. states, territories, and DoDEA schools are eligible.

If you want tips on preparing a strong research report and presentation for JSHS, read our complete guide on the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

8. MIT THINK Scholars Program

• Dates: February–June 2026
• Location: Online mentorship with an optional four-day trip to MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Prizes: Up to $1,000 in project funding, mentorship, and an opportunity to present research at MIT

MIT THINK is one of the top medical competitions for high school students and is designed for those with a STEM idea who need guidance to bring it to completion. You submit a project proposal in science, technology, or engineering that can be finished in one semester with a $1,000 budget. Strong proposals have a clear goal, an original idea, and a practical execution plan.

If selected, you will meet weekly with MIT mentors who provide technical guidance and resources to advance your project. Finalists may also visit MIT for four days, tour labs, present their work, and connect with MIT students and faculty.

By June, you complete your project and present your results to the THINK team and fellow finalists. The program focuses on helping you develop research skills, apply scientific methods, and gain real-world experience with mentorship and project funding.

9. International Brain Bee

• Dates: November 7–12, 2025
• Location: World Championship in an international host city (rotates annually)
• Prizes: $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third; medals and plaques

The International Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for high school students aged 13 to 19. You start at a Local Brain Bee, and winners advance to the National Brain Bee. National champions compete at the International Brain Bee World Championship.

The competition includes a written test and an oral quiz on brain anatomy, neural pathways, neurological disorders, and neuroscience research. Top performers receive cash prizes, medals, and plaques. The top five competitors are invited to the IBB NextGen event at the FENS Forum in Barcelona.

If you want tips on preparing for the written and oral rounds of this competition, read more in our complete guide to the International Brain Bee.

10. International Medicine and Disease Olympiad (IMDO)

• Dates: August 24, 2025
• Location: Online
• Prizes: Medals and recognition for top performers

The International Medicine and Disease Olympiad is one of the notable medical competitions for high school students, focusing on medical knowledge and problem-solving. You compete individually after qualifying through your country’s selection round, such as the USMDO or ChinaMDO. The competition tests your understanding of human medicine, disease, and clinical problem-solving through multiple-choice and free-response questions over three hours.

You must be 20 or younger, a citizen or permanent resident of the country you represent, and not enrolled in college. Top performers gain international recognition and opportunities to participate in future IMDO events.

11. US Medicine and Disease Olympiad (USMDO)

• Dates: August 3, 2025
• Location: Online
• Prizes: Top U.S. scorers qualify for the International Medicine and Disease Olympiad (IMDO)

The US Medicine and Disease Olympiad is a national exam that assesses your understanding of human biology, physiology, and disease. You take one two-hour online test and can begin at any time during the competition window. The exam has 160 multiple-choice questions.

You answer questions in these areas:

• Cell biology and genetics
• Human physiology
• Human disease

The competition is open to all U.S. high school students. You get a focused way to test your strength in medical science, and high-scoring students earn the chance to represent the United States at the IMDO.

12. High School Health Research Challenge (HSHRC)

• Dates: Annual, next season in 2026
• Location: Online
• Prizes: Pioneer in Health Research Award with a $500 scholarship

The High School Health Research Challenge invites you to tackle a pressing health issue and propose a solution that teenagers could realistically develop or implement. You submit an individual written proposal that identifies the problem, presents evidence, and outlines a clear, actionable plan.

Judges include medical doctors, PhD researchers, and editors from scientific journals who evaluate submissions based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact. 

Full-time high school students in grades 9 through 12 from anywhere in the world are eligible. The top proposal receives the Pioneer in Health Research Award and a $500 scholarship, while other finalists and semifinalists are recognized on the HSHRF platform.

13. International Applied Biology Olympiad (IABO)

• Dates: Opening February 2026
• Location: Online
• Prizes: Medals and certificates for top performers

The International Applied Biology Olympiad is for high school students worldwide. You complete research tasks and context-based problems in applied biology, including health, agriculture, environmental, and industrial biotechnology topics.

The competition develops your analytical, experimental, and research skills. Top performers receive medals and certificates, and participants can connect with students from around the world.

14. American Academy of Neurology – Neuroscience Research Prize

• Dates: Applications open August 5, 2025, and close October 21, 2025
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Prizes: $1,000 cash, certificate, and funded travel to present research

The American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize is a competition for U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12 who have completed original research on the brain or nervous system. You submit a research report and a 300-word abstract showing your own work. Group projects are not allowed, though teachers or mentors can provide guidance.

This competition gives you the chance to showcase your work to leading neuroscientists. Applications are reviewed in two rounds, with the first round focusing on the abstract’s clarity and quality. Finalists are judged on relevance to neuroscience, creativity, data interpretation, and organization of the research report. 

Winners present their projects during a scientific poster session at the 2026 AAN Annual Meeting. One additional winner receives the Bhuwan Garg High School Neuroscience Research Prize at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting. Travel, lodging, and daily expenses for the winner and a parent or mentor are covered.

15. NIH Neuroscience Competitions

• Dates: Annually; submission deadlines vary by contest
• Location: Online
• Prizes: Recognition through NIH platforms, featured entries, and opportunities to present at events

The NIH BRAIN Initiative offers neuroscience competitions for high school students, such as the annual Photo and Video Contest. You submit a creative entry that demonstrates your understanding of the brain and nervous system. NIH researchers and neuroscience professionals judge submissions based on scientific accuracy, clarity, and creativity.

These competitions are open to high school students worldwide. You participate individually, and your work may be showcased on NIH websites, blogs, or at BRAIN Initiative events.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can participate in medical competitions for high school students?

Most medical competitions are open to high school students in grades 9 through 12. Some events, like the USABO or Regeneron STS, require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, while international competitions like IABO and iGEM allow students from anywhere. You should check each competition’s eligibility rules because some also restrict participation based on age or prior college enrollment.

2. Do I need a research project to join these competitions?

Many medical competitions for high school students, such as Regeneron STS, ISEF, MIT THINK, and BioGENEius, require you to submit an original research project in medicine, biology, or biotechnology. Others, like the International Brain Bee or NIH Neuroscience Competitions, test your knowledge through quizzes, creative projects, or practical challenges.

3. Can I compete individually or with a team?

Some competitions are strictly individual, like Regeneron STS, USMDO, or the High School Health Research Challenge, and your work must be your own. Other events, including iGEM High School Division and BioGENEius, let you compete in teams, which is excellent if you want to collaborate on a larger project. Check the event rules because team competitions often require a supervising teacher or mentor to guide lab work.

4. How do medical competitions help me prepare for college or a career in medicine?

Participating in medical competitions gives you hands-on research experience, strengthens your problem-solving skills, and teaches you to present your work to judges or peers. You also gain access to mentors, networking opportunities, and professional feedback that can guide your future studies. Colleges and medical programs value this experience because it shows initiative, scientific curiosity, and real-world application of your skills.

5. How do I know which competition is right for me?

You should consider your interests, level of experience, and the type of work you enjoy, whether it’s lab research, neuroscience, or solving medical problems online. Look at the competition format, location, and whether you prefer individual or team projects. Reading past participant experiences and checking deadlines can also help you pick competitions that fit your schedule and goals.

Takeaways

• Participating in medical competitions such as USABO, Regeneron STS, and HOSA gives you hands-on experience with real-world research, lab experiments, and problem-solving challenges.
• You can explore different areas of medicine, from neuroscience in the International Brain Bee to biotechnology in BioGENEius, to figure out what excites you most.
• Working individually or in teams on projects for iGEM or MIT THINK helps you learn collaboration, mentorship, and how to present your ideas like a pro.
• Competing at national and international levels boosts your college applications and connects you with mentors, peers, and experts who can guide your future in medicine.
• If you want advice on choosing the right competitions or making your projects stand out, a college admissions expert can give you personalized guidance and tips to strengthen your applications.