This article shows the role of student chemical olympiads in the formation of information, communication, and professional competence of an individual in the higher education system. Along with testing in-depth knowledge gained in the study of general professional chemical disciplines, the Olympiad promotes the development of experimental and research competencies of students. Which are based on: the ability to organize an experiment, evaluate the results obtained, present the results of one’s own activity. Republican Chemistry Olympiads also carry out the task of practice-oriented training and contribute to the formation of highly qualified specialists in the future. The article focuses on the social significance of the organization and conduct of chemical competitions during the period of study at the university, their role in self-expression and self-realization of young people. The authors provide an analysis of the tasks from the section of chemical thermodynamics in the discipline «Physical Chemistry», proposed for solving by participants in subject Olympiads in chemistry. This example confirms the role of the chemical olympiad in the personal and professional development of students.