International
Economic Society
16 student-led chapters across 5 continents. Free to start, open to all — no prior economics experience needed.
Economic Policy
Recommendation
Design a policy for an announced economic theme, then make the case for it in a 6–8 minutes video presentation over a Google Slides deck. Enter alone or with a team of up to four. No live session, no timezone penalty — you record it, we judge it.
- Registration opens
- Sep 12
- Entries close
- Oct 3
- Judging ends
- Oct 17
All times US Central. Entries are due at the deadline; judging runs two weeks, closing October 17, 2026.
Countdown
Registration opens 9:00 AM CT on September 12.
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Cost to Start
A permanent home for student research
An open archive of the work produced through IES competitions, and a publication venue for student papers in economics.
Open the journalThree events, every cycle
Policy videos, research papers, and timed reasoning. Cash prizes, certificates, and a route into the journal.
See the competitionsSixteen chapters, five continents
Student-led economics societies in twelve countries, with branding, a playbook, and mentorship provided free.
Meet the chaptersWe're not just an economics club.
IES connects high school students across 12 countries through weekly chapter meetings, international competitions, and a peer-reviewed research journal. No tuition, no prerequisites, no gatekeeping — just students learning economics together.
Our chapters run 30–40 minute sessions covering everything from fiscal policy to behavioral economics. Top researchers get published in the IES Journal, and every member can compete in three international events each cycle.
Three Events. Every Cycle.
Global Economics Challenge (GEC)
Scenario-based assessment testing economic reasoning across international markets, public policy, and global trade. Trophies, medals, and certificates for top performers.
Economic Policy Recommendation (EPR)
Develop and deliver a policy proposal to a virtual judging panel. Online format accessible to chapters worldwide.
Global Research Paper (GRP)
Write a research paper on any economic topic connected to the cycle's featured country. Top 5 published in the IES Journal.
What Chapters Actually Do
30–40 minute sessions, every week or two. Student-led, discussion-driven, no lectures. Here's a typical chapter semester:
View All ProgramsModerated Discussion Forums
A chapter officer introduces a topic — inflation, trade wars, central bank policy — and facilitates a structured group debate. Members build positions through evidence-based reasoning.
Case-Based Economic Challenges
Small teams analyze a real economic scenario (market disruption, fiscal crisis, policy decision) and present a response to the chapter. Think consulting, but for econ.
Country & Region Spotlights
Deep dives into a single country's economy: GDP composition, trade relationships, labor markets, monetary policy. Members research and present findings.
Economics Education Sessions
Foundational lessons on supply & demand, comparative advantage, behavioral economics — adapted to your chapter's level. No prior coursework required.
Chapters Worldwide
From Birmingham to Dhaka, our chapters operate in schools across 5 continents.
Start a Chapter in 4 Steps
It's free. No funding required, no guest speakers needed, no prerequisites. Just a group of students interested in economics.
Apply Online
Fill out the chapter application with your school name and a brief statement of interest. Takes about 5 minutes.
Get Approved
Our executive board reviews applications and responds within two weeks with next steps.
Set Up
Recruit members, find a faculty advisor, and schedule your first meeting. We provide all materials.
Start Running Sessions
Use our discussion guides, case studies, and country spotlights to run weekly meetings at your school.
Join IES from anywhere.
Your school does not need a chapter for you to be part of the network. Join the Discord, register as a member, and you can enter the EPR on your own or with a team.
Start a Chapter
Free to launch. We provide branding, curriculum, and ongoing support for your school's economics club.
Apply now →Growth Internship
Coming Soon. We will not review applications just yet. Check back later for updates.
Coming soon →School Partnerships
Partner with IES to bring structured economics programming to your institution.
Get in touch →EPR Competition
Policy video, $600 in prizes. Enter alone or with a team of 2–4, chapter or not.
Register →