Premiere: Romania hosts the International Business and Finance Olympiad

Romania will organize, for the first time in 2026, the International Business and Finance Olympiad (IBFO), one of the most important global competitions dedicated to high school students passionate about economics, finance and entrepreneurship. Interested students can register until March 16 in the National Selection Program, through which the teams that will represent the country at major international competitions in the field are prepared. According to a press release, the program is run by the Romanian Center for Excellence in Economics (RECE), Romania's official partner for four prestigious competitions: International Economics Olympiad, World Economics Cup, International Business Olympiad and International Business and Finance Olympiad.

• International competitions and premiere for Romania

This year, IBFO will be organized for the first time in Romania, with the participation of delegations from Europe, Asia and Oceania. It is also the first year in which Romanian students participate in this competition. The 2026 National Selection Program offers students: structured training at international standards; mentoring from economics and finance specialists; competitive academic experience; the opportunity to represent Romania globally.

The selection of students will take place in several stages: April 3, 2026 - Selection for IBO and IBFO, at the FABIZ Faculty of the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Selection for the World Economics Cup - at the Cambridge School of Bucharest; April 15-16, 2026 - National training program, hosted by EY; April 17, 2026 - National final exam. Following the results, students will be selected to represent Romania at international competitions.

• International participation and funding

The global stages will be held in a mixed format: International Economics Olympiad - in China, with physical presence; IBFO - organized in Romania; IBO and World Economics Cup - held online. If there is sufficient funding, Romania could also send a delegation to the competition organized by UNSW Sydney, in Australia. International travel costs will be borne by families or sponsors. In 2025, Romanian students won 19 international medals. The RECE program includes centers of excellence developed in partnership with the Bucharest School Inspectorate and offers free training for selected students.