Economic and financial literacy remains a subject that receives too little attention in Slovak schools. Yet young people encounter economic challenges early in life – paying bills, taxes, and interest, and regularly facing inflation, price regulations, or misinformation on economic topics. That is why INESS – the Institute of Economic and Social Studies organizes the Economics Olympiad, a competition built on the belief that a stronger economy starts with well-informed individuals.
The Economics Olympiad is a nationwide competition in economics and finance, intended for primary and high school students. It contributes to the further development of key abilities and knowledge of students in this field. It launched in the 2017/2018 school year with 4,000 participants, and today engages over 13,000 high school students from nearly 300 schools — proof that interest in economic education in Slovakia is growing.
13 000+ high school students annually | 8 000+ primary school students annually | 296 school joined |
The goal of the competition is to search for talented future economists among Slovak primary and high school students and support them in their further development. The nationwide contest connects them with economists and experts who can inspire and support them on their study and career paths. The Olympiad also helps to improve economic and financial literacy among young Slovaks, arming them against populist promises and helping them understand basic economic concepts, thus improving their lives. Contestants have the opportunity to be accepted for university studies at chosen partner universities without entrance exams, and may also win internships and valuable prizes provided to the Economics Olympiad by its partners.
The Economics Olympiad is divided in three rounds: school round, regional round and national finals. Dates of particular rounds are stated in EO’s schedule and are mandatory.
The competitor begins with the school round, from which, if successful, students proceed to the regional round and then to the national finals (this procedure is mandatory and can’t be avoided or shortened). During individual rounds contestants have to solve a test with both closed and open-ended questions.
