Central Asia Economics Prize (CAEP)

An international economics essay competition for high school students aged 14–19. Students from any country choose one of four questions and submit an individual essay of up to 1,200 words in English. The essay must directly engage with the economic context of Central Asia.

Free entry; international competition; strong emphasis on economic reasoning and evidence; anonymous judging; potential publication of outstanding essays; academic recognition and possible connections with economists and researchers.

Eligibility: high school students aged 14–19 at the deadline; students worldwide. Applicants choose one of four official questions and independently write an individual essay of no more than 1,200 words in English. The essay must directly address Central Asia, focusing on one or more countries. A bibliography/reference list is required; recognized styles such as APA, Chicago, Harvard or MLA may be used. Submission must be an anonymous PDF without the student's name, school or identifying information. One essay per participant; no team submissions. Advanced economics or econometric analysis is not required. AI may not generate ideas, arguments, analysis, essay text or conclusions; basic grammar tools and source discovery are permitted. No recommendation letter, motivation essay or interview is listed as required.