The National Speech & Debate Tournament is the annual national tournament of the National Speech & Debate Association for high school members. Students qualify mainly through their district's tournament series, where events are often held on different dates so students can enter several. Qualifiers need a paid NSDA membership and at least 25 Honor Society points. Students in grades 9 to 12 who miss out at districts can try the online Last-Chance Qualifier.
Offered by National Speech & Debate Association. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: In-person. Cost: Paid. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Policy, Writing
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
No. It charges tuition or a fee. Check the official page for the amount and whether financial aid is offered.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in nationwide. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students