Hayek Global College, an international higher education institution based in Brasília, has opened applications for students interested in participating in the Economics Olympiad (EO). Recognized as the largest and most prestigious international economics competition in the world, the initiative brings together students from across the Americas.

“Created to foster student leadership, the competition promotes the development of analytical, academic, and leadership skills, strengthening economic thinking and expanding academic exchange among young people from different countries in the Americas,” says Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College.

Hayek is offering 30 spots for the international competition, 10 of which are fully funded and exclusively reserved for students from public schools. Applications are open until January 31, 2026, through the link: sympla.com . 

To participate, students must be enrolled in high school and have fluent proficiency in English.

First Round
The first phase of the competition will take place between February 16 and 27, 2026, at Hayek Global College, located in Asa Norte. In this stage, students will take an exam consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions, with a duration of 40 minutes. All participants who complete the exam will receive a certificate of participation.

Across the Americas, 100 students will be selected to advance to the second round. These participants will be chosen based on the top two performers from each country, provided they achieve a minimum score of 60%, as well as the highest overall scorers from other countries until all spots are filled. In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be the speed at which the exam was completed.

Second Round
The second phase, called the America’s Challenge, will be held in person between May 22 and 25, 2026, at Universidad Francisco Marroquín, located in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The 100 highest-scoring students, accompanied by a legal guardian, will be invited to participate in the event.

Selected students will receive scholarships that include round-trip airfare to Guatemala, accommodation throughout the competition period, full participation in academic activities and complementary conferences, all meals, and local transportation. For legal guardians, the organization provides accommodation, meals, and local transportation, with international airfare being their responsibility.

Third Round
At the conclusion of the America’s Challenge, the top 10 students will qualify for the international final of the Economics Olympiad, which will take place in Ancient Olympia, Greece, from August 10 to 14, 2026. Finalists will receive full scholarships to participate in the final stage, reinforcing the competition as one of the main gateways for young talents to high-level international academic experiences.