15 Free Summer Programs for International High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 12
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 10
If you are a high school student outside the U.S. looking for a productive way to spend your summer, participating in summer programs is worth considering! Many universities and organizations offer free summer programs open to international high school students, offering accessible ways to get academic insights and professional exposure.
These programs can help you explore college-level academics, gain hands-on experience in fields like STEM, business, arts, and humanities, and develop practical skills such as research, public speaking, and collaboration. What makes them even more valuable is the opportunity to connect with mentors, peers, and professionals from across the globe, helping you build networks that can support you in college and beyond.
To help you find the right options, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 summer programs for international high school students. We have prioritized options that are rigorous and competitive and hosted by prestigious universities or globally respected organizations. They not only cover all expenses, including tuition, housing, and meals, but also offer robust academic challenges, leadership development, and other academic experiences at no cost.
15 Free Summer Programs for International High School Students
Cost: None. The program is fully funded!
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Summer cohort’s applications close in May/June; the program also offers spring, fall, and winter cohorts
Program dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and financial hardship
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation is a nonprofit research initiative meant for academically gifted students belonging to low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, known for its one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost. The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor one-on-one on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you will have your own research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can learn about the available subject areas and the application here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 100 students are selected annually. The program is extremely selective.
Dates: Late June–Early August (typically 6 weeks; 2025 dates not yet published)
Application Deadline: Mid-January (applications typically open in November)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (U.S. and international). Seniors are not eligible.
Cost: Free to attend + costs of tuition, room, board, and materials covered
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
RSI is a competitive summer research program conducted at MIT for 100 of the world’s top high school juniors. The program combines one week of STEM theory courses taught by leading professors with a five-week mentored research internship. You will work on individual projects, complete literature reviews, and present both oral and written reports. The program concludes with a week of professional-style student-led presentations of research outcomes. The program offers you exposure to lab-based research settings, existing research literature, and research mentorship. Field trips to Boston’s cultural attractions and tech facilities are also part of the experience.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars.
Application deadline: Summer sessions typically have a May/June deadline
Program dates: Vary based on program and cohort you choose; multiple 12–15-week cohorts, including summer cohorts, run each year
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students anywhere in the world; AI Fellowship applicants need to have been AI Scholars participants or be familiar with AI concepts and/or Python
Veritas AI, an AI-focused initiative founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers various programs to high school students who are curious about artificial intelligence. If you are just getting started with AI/ML and/or data science, you can opt for the AI Scholars program, a 10-session boot camp covering fundamentals of AI and data science. In this program, you also get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for a more advanced learning experience is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will have the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities on a unique project of your own. A key highlight of this program is the access to the in-house publication team it offers, helping you get your work published in high school research journals. You can also check out a few examples of past Veritas AI program projects here.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission; highly inclusive with thousands of students accepted globally
Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8Application deadline: Early acceptance deadline: February 28 | General application deadline: April 16
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 (only 9th – 11th graders accepted for Summer Immersion) and between the ages of 14 and 18 who identify as girls or non-binary individuals
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Girls Who Code offers two free virtual summer programs to high school students interested in computer science. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, instructor-led course focused on game design and foundational coding concepts. It covers beginner to intermediate level computer science, game design process, and UX design basics. Another option is the Pathways Program—a six-week, self-paced option covering topics like web development, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Both programs offer access to industry-led events, opportunities to build real-world projects, and exposure to coding languages such as Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You will also get to access a large alumni network and explore potential tech career paths.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; two delegates per U.S. state and a small number of international delegates chosen each year.
Dates: July 10 – August 2
Application deadline: Between February 28 and March 15 for international locations. You can check detailed instructions for your country here.
Eligibility: High school graduates ages 16 – 18 from the U.S. and selected countries in the Western Hemisphere; international applicants must be nominated or selected through the U.S. State Department
Cost: Free to attend + all program costs, domestic travel, meals, and lodging are covered
Location: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, USA
NYSCamp is a fully funded residential program held in West Virginia for high-achieving students with strong interests in STEAM fields. International students from selected countries in the Western Hemisphere are invited through partnerships with the U.S. State Department. If selected as a delegate, you will attend lectures by leading scientists, participate in hands-on mini-courses, and engage in informal seminars on topics ranging from data science to outdoor survival. The program includes mentorship, outdoor adventure activities, and a trip to Washington, D.C. As a participant, you may get to explore an area of interest and learn from professionals. Recreational activities and networking opportunities are also a key part of the experience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; information on the exact cohort size is not publicly available.
Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors around the world
Cost: Free + travel, housing, meals, and books covered; additional financial aid is also offered if necessary
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and the University of Maryland, College Park, MD
TASS is a fully funded, six-week summer program in the humanities and social sciences for high school sophomores and juniors. Here, you will take a daily college-level seminar in either Critical Black Studies or Anti-Oppressive Studies, guided by faculty and teaching assistants. Outside of class, you will engage in democratic decision-making, community activities, and public speaking. You will plan community service activities and learn how to work with a budget for such events. The program can help you sharpen your critical thinking, writing, and collaborative discussion skills.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; the residential version is open to ~100 students
Dates: College Prep Workshop: June 15 – 20; July 6 – 11 | Residential Summit in Kenya: August 9 – 17
Application deadline: February 11
Eligibility: African students (ages 15–18) currently enrolled in secondary school in African countries
Cost: Free, including tuition, materials, and accommodation (for residential participants); limited travel support available
Location: Virtual + African Leadership Academy, Kenya
YYAS is a free academic enrichment program for secondary school students in Africa who plan to pursue university education. You can choose one of two available program formats: a six-day virtual College Prep Workshop and a nine-day residential Leadership Summit hosted in Kenya. You will attend seminars and discussions focused on leadership, university admissions, and career planning. Both formats include sessions with university mentors and guidance on international scholarship opportunities. The residential program also focuses on innovation, design, and 21st-century skills. This free program, run by Yale University, is modeled after the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program, which is a fee-based opportunity.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; exact cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 28 – August 1
Application deadline: Applications typically open mid-January
Eligibility: Rising 9th –12th graders
Cost: Free program
Location: Virtual
This free, week-long virtual program by the University of Maryland introduces you to engineering research. Hosted by current Maryland Engineering students, the program features daily explorations of different engineering disciplines, hands-on at-home experiments, and virtual lab experiences. Here, you will learn how to read and write scientific papers, develop foundational research skills, and engage with undergraduate mentors. All sessions are conducted live, offering interactive learning and real-time engagement. Though it does not grant academic credit, the virtual program can offer you insights if you are interested in exploring STEM pathways.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible summer options available with internships lasting between two and eight weeks in two-week increments; quarter-time internships (1–9-month engagements) are also available year-round
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have GPAs of 3.25+ and have enrolled in at least one honors science or English course
Cost: None
Location: Virtual
EnergyMag offers high school students virtual opportunities to explore the intersection of renewable energy, science, and business through research-driven virtual work. As an intern, you’ll be guided by a mentor to conduct in-depth research on a topic such as a company, technology, or market within the energy storage space. The experience offers real-world skill-building opportunities; for instance, you will learn how to gather information, connect with industry professionals, synthesize insights, and write publishable analysis reports. You will get the flexibility to choose your hours, consistent feedback, and a final Letter of Accomplishment on producing a publishable report. The internship is meant for students with a passion for sustainability and technology.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students around the world who are at least 15 years old
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee, which can be waived based on financial need; no stipend offered
Location: Virtual, hybrid, and in-person internships at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Every year, George Mason’s ASSIP offers high school students in-person, hybrid, and virtual research internship opportunities. You can indicate your preference for a research area and mentor while applying. The program typically offers research opportunities in STEM areas like engineering, biology, data science, math, computer science, forensic science, physics, and chemistry, as well as non-STEM fields like finance and business. During the program, you will contribute to ongoing research and work under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Here, you will also find opportunities to sharpen communication and scientific writing skills and participate in discussion forums and meetings. This program can offer you some hands-on exposure to the scientific research process and laboratory settings. As an intern, you may also get the opportunity to present your work at scientific conferences.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 32 students/cohort
Dates: June 23 – August 7
Application deadline: January 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (in and outside the U.S.) who are at least 16 years old
Cost: None
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
SSRP is a group-based mentored research program for high school students. Here, you will be part of a team of peers led by at least three mentors and work in a laboratory on a research project. You will also get to learn lab techniques. Your team will be assigned a topic, and you and other members will come up with research questions related to the topic. You will also engage in data collection and analysis based on the assigned topic and research questions. Toward the end of the program, all the teams will present their research findings through self-designed posters. The program also offers opportunities to take elective courses, attend guest lectures and workshops, and network with professionals and peers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~30 students are accepted annually.
Dates: July 26 – August 1
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors worldwide
Cost: Free to attend + domestic airfare, accommodation, and meals; travel costs to the U.S. are not covered for international applicants
Location: Varies annually; recent sites include Seattle, WA, and Austin, TX
JCamp is an all-expenses-paid journalism training program run by the Asian American Journalists Association for high school sophomores and juniors. This six-day experience brings together a diverse cohort of students from across the globe to explore the fundamentals of journalism through hands-on reporting, workshops, and multimedia storytelling projects. During the program, you will engage with award-winning journalists, gain access to leading media organizations, and produce professional-level news packages for JCamp Live. The program offers opportunities to build cross-cultural communication, leadership, and ethical journalism skills and learn about newsroom diversity. It also offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world media exposure.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~10 high school students are accepted each year
Dates: July 25 – August 6 (tentative)
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students | Non-U.S. citizens can apply but will not receive a stipend; they still receive other benefits, including $1,000 to attend conferences/workshops
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Location: Virtual
MathQuantum Fellowships are two-week hands-on opportunities in quantum information science (QIS). The program can help you explore the mathematics behind QIS through lectures, seminars, interactive sessions, and project work. During the program, you will also get access to guidance and real-world insights offered by researchers and professionals in the field of QIS. You may also be one of the select few who get to attend the Quantum Computing Summer Camp for free. This section of the program can help you develop skills and explore future opportunities in the field of quantum science and related disciplines.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 students are accepted each year
Dates: July 19 – 30
Application deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (current juniors) from around the world with strong academic performance and leadership experience
Cost: Free
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
This 10-day, fully funded summer program invites academically talented high school students to Notre Dame’s campus to explore pressing global issues through intensive seminars. You can choose from and enroll in interdisciplinary courses such as environmental science and ethics, financial literacy, data innovation, and social inequality. In addition to academic exploration, you will engage in leadership-building activities and discussions that challenge you to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply your knowledge to real-world problems. The program ends with presentations and discussions that simulate a collegiate academic environment. You may also get to earn one transferable college credit.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is moderately selective; ~60 students are accepted annually
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors around the world, as well as community college students who are 14 or older by the program start date.
Cost: Free + stipends are offered to students who demonstrate financial need.
Location: Virtual
The SHTEM internship, hosted by Stanford University’s Compression Forum, offers an interdisciplinary research experience for high school juniors and seniors. Over eight weeks, you will be assigned a small team and work on mentored research projects spanning STEM, humanities, and design. Projects may include topics in AI, neuroscience, engineering, or linguistics and come with guidance from Stanford faculty, graduate students, and staff. Although the program is fully virtual, you will engage in collaborative research, receive hardware kits (where applicable), and commit 30–40 hours per week. Final presentations and a program-wide showcase mark the end of the experience.
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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