Cambridge Economics Challenge (CEC)
Global Economics Challenge
Initiated by the Cambridge Economics Challenge (CEC) Academic Committee. Questions set by Cambridge economists. Open to high school students worldwide
Economic Theory & Critical Thinking
Aligned with A-Level curriculum, with emphasis on logical reasoning, economic analysis and critical thinking, benchmarked against the talent-selection standards of Oxbridge and other G5 universities
Graded at Cambridge · Recognised with Prestigious Awards
All entries are marked by the Cambridge Economics Challenge (CEC) Academic Committee at Cambridge. Students’ economic thinking and analytical capabilities are assessed against rigorous academic standards, with highly prestigious awards on offer
St Catharine’s College, Cambridge Economics Camp
Officially supported by St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. Award winners are invited to the advanced economics camp at Cambridge
Well-Received in the UK
St Catharine’s College, Cambridge hosts the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (C3L6), partnering with most leading UK high schools with over 20,000 participants annually. In May 2026, The first Cambridge Economics Challenge (CECL6) was held, with over 6,000 students registered, and 1,900 competed in the finals
You Be The Chemist Challenge®
Advancement system
ACADEMIC
1. Macroeconomics: From the perspective of the overall operation of the economy, understand the interaction between economic growth, economic fluctuations and macroeconomic policy, and analyze major economic shocks and their transmission mechanisms.
2. Microeconomics: From the perspective of consumers, firms and markets, understand price mechanisms, resource allocation and market competition, and analyse efficiency and welfare outcomes under different market structures and policy interventions.
3. Econometric Reasoning: Use statistical models and the given data to test hypotheses and draw evidence-based conclusions.
4. Economic Analysis: Use economic theory and models to identify effective methods to address real-world economics issues. Weigh multiple factors to form a logical and data-supported economic judgment.
Advancement Qualification
Cambridge Economics Challenge (22th Jan 2027) -> Invitation for Outstanding Award Winners St Catharine’s College Cambridge Economics Camp (July 2027)
Challenge Rules
Format: Multiple-Choice Questions + Short-Answer Questions (75 minutes)
Location: Online
Eligibility: Grade 10-12/Year 11-13
Registration Deadline: January 7, 2027
Challenge Date: January 22, 2027
Awards
SOVEREIGN (S)
TOP ~ 10%
Awarded to the highest-scoring entrants, recognising exceptional economic reasoning and data interpretation.
CROWN (C)
TOP NEXT ~ 20%
Strong performance across the paper, with clear and well-reasoned answers to the applied questions.
MINT (M)
TOP NEXT ~ 30%
A solid grasp of the paper’s fundamentals and approaches.
● All participants receive a certificate of participation.
● Award winners will be invited to the St Catharine’s College, Cambridge Economics Camp.
Economics Camp
Founded in 1473,St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, has built a distinguished academic legacy and is renowned for its strengths in interdisciplinary research and its commitment to cultivating future leaders with innovative thinking. Recognising outstanding performers from internationally recognised academic Olympiads and high-level subject competitions, St Catharine’s College has officially supported Cambridge Economics Challenge to offer high level academic camps in economics. During the program, students will experience a unique blend of academic and cultural immersion at Cambridge.
Information
• Organiser: St Catharine’s College, Cambridge
• Dates: July 19 – July 29, 2027 (TBC)
• Location: St Catharine’s College, Cambridge
• Eligibility: Qualified students from CEC and aged 16+
• Seats: 35 (limited, first-come, first-served)
• Language: English
Registration Details
Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificates.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
07th January 2027
SIMILAR PROJECTS
