CREST Awards — Gold Award
An international STEM award where students complete a long-term, self-directed research or engineering project. Typically suited to students aged 16+, working individually or in groups. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from the 70-hour commitment, independent project management and external assessment against advanced criteria.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
4 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
From 16
School level
Secondary and further education
Registration method
School or Individual
Competition stages
Approx. 70-hour independent STEM investigation and award submission
Fee
£30 UK; £40 International; per student
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
1 Jan 2026
Registration closes
31 Dec 2026
Competition starts
1 Jan 2026
Competition ends
31 Dec 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
Available year-round
Preparation support
Recommended resources
CREST Gold Award Guide
Open resource ↗Official overview of the 70-hour research project, mentoring and submission process.
Official · Free · Award guide · Essential
Gold Resource Library
Open resource ↗Official project briefs and collections suitable for extended independent research.
Official · Free · Project library · Essential
CREST Gold Student Guide
Open resource ↗Step-by-step guidance on research planning, evidence, analysis and report writing.
Official · Free · Student guide · Essential
CREST Gold Student Profile Form
Open resource ↗Official form for reflecting on the project and evidencing the Gold criteria.
Official · Free · Assessment form · Recommended
Source information
Related competitions
Mathematics & Problem Solving · Advanced Level