FAQ
Target Age Group
14-18
Stages (Essay & Debate)
2
Word essay Limit
1,000
Level Expert Judges
PhD
Olympiad
Policy
About us
International
The International Policy Olympiad invites high school students worldwide to engage critically with the most pressing issues facing the world.
The contest was created to inspire the next generation of world leaders. Policy isn’t just about theory, it’s about solving real problems. We provide students with the platform to challenge themselves to become confident thinkers, articulate debaters, and global citizens who understand how to shape the world around them.​
Why you should take part
Stand Out in College Admissions
An International Policy Olympiad victory is a mark of scholarly distinction that stands out on any university application.
Participants will have their work reviewed by a distinguished panel of doctoral-level professors, and social science experts.
Expert Judges
Prizes
Finalists will receive international recognition, their work featured on our website, college consulting services, tutoring, and letters of recommendation.
College Admissions
Opportunities
“The Policy Olympiad provides a great opportunity for students to showcase their prowess in analysis while building a competitive profile for college admissions.”
— Ria Jagasia, Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer
How it works
Step 01
Online Registration
Sign up as an individual participant. Once the competition officially begins, you will receive the three prompt options to choose from.
Step 03
Global Debates
Submissions are evaluated by our academic panel. Top regional qualifiers advance to live, moderated online debates.
Step 02
Regional Submission
Select one prompt, craft your policy brief (up to 1,000 words with MLA citations), and submit your PDF before the deadline.
Step 04
Awards & Honors
Finalists and winners are announced, receiving international distinction with their work featured on our platform.
Olympiad Judges
Anna Mark
M.Ed., University of Virginia • B.S., University of Utah UC Berkeley (Data Science) • IEL Policy Fellow
Lead educational policy researcher and non-profit director. Authored 11 white papers on data-driven policy frameworks and systemic equity.
Dr. Hope K. McCoy
Ph.D. & M.A., UCLA • B.S., Northwestern University Lecturer at Stanford University • Two-time Fulbright Recipient
Lecturer in International Relations at Stanford University and award-winning author. Her research focuses on cultural diplomacy, critical geopolitics, and global citizenship education.
Brenna Salkin
MPhil & BA, University of Cambridge Politics & International Studies • King’s College Admissions Alumna
Former Managing Editor of the Cambridge Journal of Political Affairs and admissions officer at King's College, Cambridge. Specializes in international relations and political theory.
