About the International Economics Olympiad
A Switzerland-based, politically independent olympiad backed by the world’s leading economists — and one of the largest academic competitions on earth. This is who runs it, what it stands for, and how it grew.
Transforming economics education — through competition
“Transforming global economics, finance, and business education for high-school students through competition and collaboration.”
The IEO is an annual competition for high-school students worldwide in economics and finance, designed to reward creative problem-solving rather than memorisation. It is operated by the “International Economics Olympiad (IEO)” Association, headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, and is politically independent and denominationally neutral. Participation in the official competition is free of charge.
The IEO’s goals
Setting standards
Encourage national, regional and local contests in economics, finance and business among pre-university students worldwide.
Nurturing talent
Bring together and recognise exceptionally talented young economists; inspire collaboration, cultural exchange and a healthy spirit of competition; and foster logical reasoning, problem-solving and leadership.
Advancing education
Promote awareness of economics, finance and business, and help education systems share knowledge and best practice on curricula and teaching worldwide.
The organisation
The IEO is governed by several bodies. Its International Board — 60 members from 52 countries as of 2026 — makes the strategic decisions.
International Board
The strategic decision-maker — executive members plus each year’s team leaders. Sets task guidelines and selects host organisations.
Executive Board
15 members from 14 countries, responsible for the IEO’s sustainable development and day-to-day coordination.
Advisory Board
Leading economists advising on long-term development and links with governments, NGOs and business.
Problem Committee
Provides the tasks, solutions and marking schemes for the competition.
Steering Committee & Jury
Appointed by each year’s host organisation to run the event; the Jury grades the open questions and business cases.
Ambassadors
Volunteers who promote the Olympiad and grow its community around the world.
The world’s leading economists
“It is reassuring to me that there are young people coming into the picture who are seriously interested in economics.”
Eric Maskin · Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, 2007
Eight editions, a growing stage
The IEO began with 13 countries in Moscow. Since then it has spurred 54 new national selections, the field has grown nearly fivefold, and over 600,000 students now take part in national competitions each year.
The 9th edition takes place in Shenzhen, China, 12–20 July 2026.
How countries take part
Each country has a national organiser that runs a selection to choose a team of up to five. Once a country has taken part, it can apply for a three-year agreement to keep its place.
What this site is
An independent guide built by mentors — plain-English help with the rounds, the syllabus and how to enter across Greater China.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official site of the International Economics Olympiad Association (ieo-official.org). “International Economics Olympiad” and “IEO” are referenced for identification only. For official rules and results, always refer to ieo-official.org.