Regeneron ISEF Awards vs Regeneron ISEF 2026
Comparing two highly competitive STEM opportunities. Both are competitions for high school students.
| Regeneron ISEF Awards | Regeneron ISEF 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige Tier | Tier 2 — Highly Competitive | Tier 1 — Elite |
| Type | Competition | Competition |
| Organization | Society for Science | Regeneron |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 1,600-1,700 finalists compete at ISEF annually out of significantly larger pool competing at 365+ affiliated fairs; roughly 600 finalists receive awards/prizes (37.5% of finalists awarded) | Roughly 1,700 finalists are selected from 365 affiliated fairs worldwide. Getting to ISEF requires first winning regionally, which itself is competitive. Estimated <1% of all science fair participants globally reach ISEF. At the ISEF itself, approximately 600 of the 1,700 finalists (~35%) receive some award. |
| Applicants | Over 1,600 finalists selected annually from 365 Society-affiliated fairs across 60+ countries and territories; total number competing at all affiliated fairs globally is much larger (tens of thousands) | Millions of students compete in science fairs globally each year; approximately 1,700–1,800 reach ISEF as finalists |
| Deadline | — | — |
| Award | $7,000,000 | — |
| Cost to Apply | Free | Free |
| US Only | No / International | No / International |
| Grades | 9th through 12th grade (high school students) | Grades 9–12 (high school students only; middle schoolers compete in the separate Junior Innovators Challenge) |
| College Impact | Reaching Regeneron ISEF as a finalist is extremely prestigious in college admissions and carries significant weight. Top colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.) view ISEF participation highly favor... | ISEF finalist status is one of the most powerful extracurricular credentials in college admissions. Being named an ISEF finalist (simply qualifying) is Tier 1 on most admissions frameworks. Grand Awar... |