15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Canada
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 24
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student interested in engineering, structured programs can give you early exposure to how engineers think, design, and solve problems. Through practical projects, design challenges, and guided instruction, you may explore areas such as electronics, civil engineering, mechanical systems, coding, or engineering design. These experiences can help you better understand how engineering concepts are applied and which areas of the field interest you most.
Why should you attend a program in Canada?
Canada offers a wide range of engineering programs hosted by universities, research institutions, and STEM-focused organizations. Many are taught by faculty members, graduate students, or industry professionals, and provide opportunities to work on collaborative projects or explore different engineering disciplines before choosing a college major. Participating in one of these programs can help you build technical skills while experiencing the learning environment of Canadian universities and research institutions.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 engineering programs for high school students in Canada.
If you’re looking for university summer programs, check out our blog here.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Domestic students: CAD$732/week | International students: CAD$1,111/week; separate fees for residential option; bursaries may be available (check application fee here and residence fee details here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: July 6 – 10 (Session A) | July 13 – 17 (Session B) | July 20 – 24 (Session C) | Session D (July 27 – 31)
Application Deadline: March 23 (tentative; applications typically open on March 3)
Eligibility: Grades 9 – 12; must have completed at least one year of high school (check all requirements here)
University of Toronto's Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy provides high school students with opportunities to dive into a graduate engineering research topic and gain insight into graduate-level STEM studies. The week-long courses are led by undergraduate/master's/PhD students in a specific area of research, and you can take up one course/week. You will explore core concepts and learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. You will participate in hands-on activities incorporating design challenges/lab experiments and gain skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical analysis. Earlier cohorts of grades 11 and 12 have researched continuum robots and the potential of porous materials, while those in grades 9 and 10 have explored the essentials and innovations in modern optics, AI & ML, and more. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of each course you take.
Location: Remote - you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to one year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students, offering extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students. There are a broad range of subject areas to explore, including in the fields of STEM, Humanities and Social Sciences. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose a specific engineering area of research, such as electronics, mechanical, computer science, electrical, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Domestic students: CAD$732/week | International students: CAD$1,111/week; separate fees for residential option; bursaries may be available (check application fee here and residence fee details here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: July 6 – August 21 (one-week courses); check course sessions here
Application Deadline: March 23 (tentative; applications typically open on March 3)
Eligibility: Grades 9 – 12; must have completed at least one year of high school (check all requirements here)
High school students keen to explore engineering design processes could consider the University of Toronto's CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges. Six week-long courses are led by current undergraduate and graduate students, offering exposure to various engineering disciplines. Each course centers on a design project, where you'll work on a challenge that is then presented to other students and staff at the end of the week. Course topics for earlier cohorts of grades 9 and 10 included sustainable product design and biomedical devices, while those in grades 11 and 12 have delved into VR design, chemical engineering, and more. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of each course that you finish.
Location: Toronto, ON
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 7 – 10
Program Dates: July 5 – July 18 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 16 – 18
As part of Immerse Education's Academic Insights Program, the engineering summer program in Toronto offers school students the opportunity to take undergraduate-level engineering classes. You will work with academia from the University of Toronto in a small class of 7 – 10 students. You will attend university-style lectures and a 1:1 weekly session with your tutor. You will explore concepts and processes in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering through workshops on topics like energy systems and sustainable technologies, while collaborating with peers on design projects tasks. By the end of the summer program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback as well as a certificate of completion at the graduation ceremony. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free (accommodations and travel expenses are not included); need-based travel bursaries available (check the optional residential program here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: July 6 – 31, with biweekly events from October to February
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who self-identify as Black and are currently in grades 10 or 11
Canadian Black high school students in grades 10 and 11 who are passionate about STEM could consider the University of Toronto's Blueprint, a year-long enrichment program of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. During the summer, you will pursue two engineering-focused summer courses that incorporate lessons on fundamental engineering concepts and lab activities. You will also undertake recreational trips and participate in community events. If you are entering grade 11, you will then join the 'Prepare' program to develop professional skills and leadership abilities. If you are entering grade 12, you will join MAPS (My Academic Preparation Sessions), which will prepare you for university life and provide guidance on admission applications. There will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the year-long program, and you will receive a certificate of completion.
Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: April 25 – April 26
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Girls and gender-diverse youth in grade 11
University of Waterloo's Women in Engineering (WIE) x Catalyst conference is an opportunity for grade 11 high school girls and gender-diverse youth to explore engineering disciplines. You will engage with peers in workshops, hands-on activities, and a design competition. Through professional-led sessions, you'll learn about engineering career paths and the role of engineers. You'll also attend a training on engineering design principles and processes, working on a designated task. In the competition, you'll develop, create, and test a product. Throughout the conference, you'll stay on campus and interact with undergraduate students to gain insights into university life.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: CAD$450/round (three Saturdays) with limited bursaries to cover 10 – 75% of the course fees
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: January 24, 31, and February 7 (Round 1) | February 28, March 7, and 14 (Round 2)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12
High school students keen to pursue an engineering-focused program on weekends could consider the University of Toronto's CREATE Weekends, which spans three Saturdays in each round. You will explore university-level engineering topics through lectures led by experienced STEM university students, with separate classes for grades 9 and 10, and for grades 11 and 12. The courses cover a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, such as electrical, civil, materials sciences, industrial, and others. Previous cohorts have gained experience in areas like game design, AI applications, and biomedical devices. You will also develop both technical and soft skills through practical projects and workshops.
Location: uOttawa, Ottawa, ON
Cost: Varies based on course, starts at CAD$480 with some programs free for girls; need-based bursaries are available for students from underrepresented groups in STEM
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary based on course (check upcoming schedule here)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 (students in grade 8 require parental approval and a written recommendation from their school principal)
The University of Ottawa's Faculty of Engineering Secondary School is an engineering outreach program that offers students an immersive learning experience in technological design and computer science. You can earn credits that contribute toward your Ontario Secondary School diploma. The program offers knowledge of essential engineering concepts, design processes, and technology, along with their real-world applications. It also provides opportunities to explore academic paths beyond high school. Explore courses and apply here.
Location: Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: June 29 – July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school girls ages 14 – 17
This is an interactive youth program at Ontario Tech University for high school girls to explore the fields of electrical, software, and mechanical engineering through interactive projects. The learning modules are designed to convey intricate engineering concepts and processes through easy-to-understand lessons. You will participate in a group project with peers to design an engineering system, learn to use programming for sensors and lights, and create components using modelling tools. You will learn how coding and innovative technology address real-world challenges, while developing technical skills in prototyping, programming, and 3D modelling.
Location: Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON
Cost: CAD$350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school students ages 14 – 17
High school students keen to explore automation and electronics engineering could consider Ontario Tech University's Automate Your World course. Over five days, you will dive into the engineering design cycle while acquiring foundational knowledge of electronics. Based on what you learn, you will design a smart home system and use programming to build it, incorporating components such as circuits, lights, and more. You will strengthen coding and creative skills and develop problem-solving abilities. You will also participate in outdoor activities with peers.
Location: Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa Campus, ON
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: March 7 (one-day session)
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school girls in grades 7 – 10
The Go CODE Girl Conference at Ontario Tech University is a free program for high school girls to gain exposure to software engineering and coding fundamentals. You will participate in hands-on activities with peers under the guidance of the university's engineering students. You will explore computing processes and delve into software development fields such as website design, AI, and game design. You will build connections with current students and engineering professionals, including software professionals and computer scientists.
Location: The University of Western Ontario, Western Engineering Outreach, London, ON
Cost: CAD$350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available (an earlier cohort of 50); a 1:10/1:15 camper-to-instructor ratio
Program Dates: July 6 – 10 (only for girls in Grades 7 – 12) | July 20 – 24 (Grades 7 – 9 | July 27 – 31 (Grades 7 – 9) | August 10 – 14 (Grades 10 – 12) | check for information on bursaries here
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school students going into Grades 7 – 12
The University of Western Ontario's Western Engineering Summer Academy (WESA) is a five-day enrichment program that provides high school students opportunities to explore academic and research areas in a wide range of engineering fields. Earlier cohorts have explored green process engineering, biomedical engineering, software engineering, and other areas. You will attend lessons in the same classrooms used by undergraduate engineering students. During the program, you'll engage with peers in hands-on STEM activities and work together on group challenges. Additionally, you'll tour university campus facilities, including research labs and academic spaces. Upon completing the program, you'll receive a certificate.
Location: Ontario Tech University, North Oshawa Campus, ON
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: November 1 (one-day session)
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school girls in grades 11 – 12
High school girls in grades 11 and 12 interested in STEM are encouraged to attend Ontario Tech University's one-day FuturEng All Girls Engineering Conference. This event offers an engaging experience with hands-on engineering projects, discussions, guest speaker sessions, and insights into internship and career options. Participants will get a taste of campus life, including student clubs and activities, and have opportunities to network with Ontario Tech students and industry professionals. The day concludes with a presentation of your creative projects at the parent showcase event.
Location: UBC Vancouver Campus/UBC Okanagan Campus, Kelowna/off-site venues (check locations here)
Cost: CAD$440 – CAD$500 with fees varying by program location and theme; bursaries offered up to 90% (one bursary per child per camp season)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 20 – 27
Program Dates: Varies with multiple sessions starting from June 29
Application Deadline: Registration for each camp closes on the Sunday of the week before the camp starts
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 8 – 12 in the fall
The University of British Columbia's High School Summer Programs for high school students offer multiple sessions, including an all-girls week, to gain insight into various engineering disciplines. Grade 9 students can enroll in programs focused on software engineering, biomedical engineering, and integrated engineering. Students in grades 10–12 have options in environmental engineering, mechatronics, and robotics. You will engage in various hands-on engineering activities, such as creative design projects, coding, and more. This experience will help you build technical skills and enhance your creative problem-solving abilities.
Location: UBC Vancouver Campus (residential and commuter options available)
Cost: Varies, based on course; starts at CAD $1,940 | CAD $2,620 for international students; need-based bursaries available for grade 11 British Columbia high school students (check details of fees and financial aid here)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small class size
Program Dates: July 6 – 17 (Session 1) | July 20 – 31 (Session 2) | August 3 – 14 (Session 3)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students ages 15 – 18
High school students interested in exploring UBC's engineering programs might consider the in-person Future Global Leaders on-campus program. This program includes the 'Introduction to Engineering' course, providing insights into fields such as computer, civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering. Participants will cover some first-year undergraduate curriculum topics and develop both technical and soft skills. The program features workshops on university application processes and campus life, along with social and recreational activities with peers.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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