The Harvard International Economics Essay Contest (HIEEC) is run by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, a student organization at Harvard College. High school students from around the world write one essay taking a position on a current economic question.
Key details
- Deadline: Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 11:59 pm Eastern Time (Boston). Late entries are not accepted.
- Divisions: Grades 9–10, and Grades 11–12 (students on a gap year or military service before university enter Grades 11–12).
- Essay: one prompt, up to 1,500 words (bibliography not counted), submitted as a PDF.
- Entry fee: $25 if your school is in the United States, $35 if it is outside the United States. Optional written feedback: +$20.
- Results: finalists and winners are announced in early- to mid-March 2027.
- AI tools: allowed. The ideas and arguments must be your own.
Before you start, have ready:
- Your essay as a PDF with no name or school anywhere in it. Judging is anonymous.
- A card for payment. (Can’t pay by card? Email
competitions@thehuea.org before submitting.)
Need a fee waiver? Email
competitions@thehuea.org. If approved, we'll send you a separate entry link.
Entry fees are non-refundable, except for duplicate or accidental payments. One entry per student.
Full rules and prompts:
thehuea.org/competitions/hieec. Questions:
competitions@thehuea.org 