Econ/Business Opportunities for High School Students in Asia

For students interested in economics, business, policy, and international relations, global competitions offer far more than certificates. They simulate real-world problem-solving, demand original thinking, and expose students to academic and professional standards early on. Below is a curated overview of some of the most respected international competitions in economics, business, and global affairs.

1. University of Melbourne: India Case Competition

   A real-world business case competition where teams (3–5 students from the same school) solve a business challenge, submit written work, advance through rounds, and present to expert judges.

   
   

   Participants analyze complex case studies involving markets, policy constraints, social trade‑offs, and sustainability. The competition emphasizes structured thinking, data‑driven reasoning, and feasible policy or business recommendations, closely mirroring undergraduate‑level case analysis. It is particularly well‑suited for students interested in applied economics, consulting, or public policy.

   
   

2. Ashoka University: Economics Olympiad

   Ashoka University’s Economics Olympiad is one of India’s most academically rigorous competitions for school students.

   
   

   Rather than testing rote knowledge, it focuses on economic intuition, logical reasoning, and the application of concepts to real‑world scenarios. Questions often blend microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics, rewarding clarity of thought over memorization. Strong performance signals readiness for a liberal arts or economics‑heavy undergraduate curriculum.

   
   

3. International Olympiad Foundation: Economics, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship Olympiad

   
   

   This Olympiad has 3 different categories for students to choose from across the interconnected domains: economics, commerce, and entrepreneurship.

   
   

   The competition tests analytical reasoning, financial literacy, market understanding, and business decision‑making. Its multi‑disciplinary structure reflects how economic theory translates into commercial strategy and entrepreneurial execution, making it particularly valuable for students interested in business, management, or startup ecosystems.

   
   

   Note: I did the General Knowledge and Economics Olympiads in 2024 and 2025 respectivley earning a Gold Medal in both, the content is difficult but not impossible to learn in 2-3 months.

   
   

4. Immerse Essay Competition: Economics and Business

   The Immerse Essay Competition invites students to submit long‑form analytical essays on contemporary with economic and business categories.

   
   

   Participants are judged on originality, depth of analysis, clarity of argument, and engagement with real‑world evidence. Unlike timed tests, this competition rewards independent research and intellectual voice, making it ideal for students who enjoy critical writing and policy‑oriented thinking.

   
   

5. Shriram College of Commerce: Case Competition

   Hosted by one of India’s most prestigious commerce institutions, the SRCC Case Competition exposes students to competitive case‑solving environments.

   
   

   Teams or individuals analyze business problems involving strategy, finance, and market dynamics, often under time constraints. The competition mirrors elite undergraduate case competitions and is highly regarded for its intensity and academic credibility.

   
   

   Note: My friends and I participated in this competition and were ranked 15th across India. The finals are held in Delhi, and provide a good networking opportunitiy for studnets.

   
   

6. Economics World Cup

   The Economics World Cup is a global team‑based competition that combines economic theory, quantitative reasoning, and real‑time problem‑solving.

   
   

   Participants collaborate to answer complex economic questions under pressure, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability. The international scale of the competition allows students to benchmark their skills against peers worldwide while developing collaborative analytical skills.

   
   

7. Georgetown High School Essay Contest: International Relations

   This prestigious essay contest challenges students to analyze global political, economic, and diplomatic issues through the lens of international relations.

   
   

   Essays are expected to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of geopolitics, institutions, and power dynamics. The competition is especially valuable for students interested in global affairs, diplomacy, political economy, or international law.

   
   

8. Financial Times x Crimson Global Foundation: Global Essay Competition

   A collaboration between the Financial Times and the Crimson Global Foundation, this competition asks students to write policy‑relevant, globally informed essays on economics, business, and international issues.

   
   

   Entries are evaluated for analytical rigor, originality, and clarity of communication, often with an emphasis on real‑world implications. Recognition from this competition carries strong international credibility due to the Financial Times’ reputation for economic journalism and analysis.