California Science & Engineering Fair
Catalog organization: California Science and Engineering Fair Foundation
Compiled by: ExtracurricularHub Editorial Team — editorial policy
Last updated
What Is California Science & Engineering Fair?
CSEF is California's statewide final science and engineering fair for students in grades 6–12, now operated by the California Science and Engineering Fair Foundation rather than the California Science Center. Students normally qualify through the affiliated county or multi-county fair responsible for where they attend school; selected students then receive an individualized application link. The completed 75th fair was held in person April 11–12, 2026 at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, where 882 students from 356 schools presented 725 projects for more than USD 30,000 in awards. Junior Division is grades 6–8 and Senior Division grades 9–12. The 2026 application deadline depended on the affiliate, ranging from March 13 through the statewide final date of April 1, and each Project Presentation was due two days after the student's application deadline. CSEF is preparing 2027 infrastructure, but 2027 student dates, fee amount, and application materials have not yet been announced.
California Science & Engineering Fair Key Facts: Cost, Deadline, and Eligibility
| Format | In person |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Application deadline | Dates not announced |
| Listing last updated | August 30, 2026 |
Program details shown here reflect the current catalog record.
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How to Apply to California Science & Engineering Fair
Open the application for California Science & Engineering Fair