The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds and empowers them to realize their goals through experiences that build self- confidence and create opportunities for success. MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® provide the approximately 10,000 women who participate annually an international platform to effect positive change personally, professionally and philanthropically as inspirational leaders and role models.
The contestants and titleholders that have gone through the Miss Universe system are able to cultivate their personal career goals, advocate for humanitarian issues and be a voice to affect positive change in the world. These women are forward thinking and motivated to not just talk about this change, but to initiate it. They have gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, broadcasting, as well as film and television.
The Miss Universe Organization places priority on the importance of getting involved and giving back by providing a dedicated international platform of charitable partnerships. As leaders and role models within their communities, our contestants and titleholders work to affect positive change through volunteering, fundraising and advocacy. During their reign, our winners are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by dedicating themselves to raising awareness and much needed funds for philanthropic endeavors.
Potential contestants must apply to enter the Miss Universe pageant by applying through the National Director in your country.
Click here for information to compete for Miss Universe.
Potential contestants must apply to enter the Miss USA or Miss Teen USA pageants by applying to your local state pageant.
Click here for information to compete for Miss USA.
Click here for information to compete for Miss Teen USA.
Contestants may compete more than once in the state pageants, but only once per year. However, contestants may only compete in the national pageants (Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA) once. The winner of Miss Teen USA may compete in Miss USA, but only after her reign has ended and after she competes in and wins her state title.
The host sites for the pageants are selected based on a number of factors including city infrastructure and capabilities of the venue for production.
Yes. In 1952, Catalina Swimsuits, formerly a sponsor of Miss America, founded Miss Universe and Miss USA in Long Beach, California. Although some women compete in both Miss USA and Miss America, the two systems are completely separate.
Yes. Miss Universe contestants must be at least 18 years of age and under 28 years of age on the date the National Pageant competition commenced. Miss USA contestants must be at least 18 and under 28 years of age before January 1st in the year they hope to compete in the Miss USA pageant. Miss Teen USA candidates must be at least 14 and under 19 years of age before January 1st in the year they hope to compete in the Miss Teen USA pageant.
A contestant should understand the values of The Miss Universe Organization and the responsibilities of the title. She should be able to express what her personal and professional goals would be during her reign. Consider the below when competing at the state and/or national level.
Contestants should also discuss preparing for the pageants with their country or state directors as they have a wealth of information, contacts and referrals.
In the case of Miss Universe, between 80 and 100 countries send a candidate to compete. For Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, 51 contestants participate in the pageant which includes all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
No, contestants may not be married or pregnant. They must not have ever been married, not had a marriage annulled nor given birth to, or parented a child. The titleholders are also required to remain unmarried throughout their reign.
A contestant must be confident. She must be able to demonstrate authenticity and articulate her ambitions as a titleholder. The competitions showcase and evaluate the contestant's aspirations and are judged by accomplished business leaders, philanthropists, and public figures.
After a winner is crowned, she is relocated to New York City where she will meet her new Miss Universe family. Through the organization, the winner is provided a platform for possibility based on her objectives for the year. Alongside The Miss Universe Organization, she will plan how to achieve her goals on the national and global scale.
