14 Online Summer Programs for International High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 10
- 13 min read
If you are an international student aiming for competitive universities, an online summer program run by a U.S. institution can be one of the most beneficial and affordable ways to get started! These programs give you a firsthand look at how U.S. universities approach learning, discussion, and academic work. You can build subject-specific skills, work on projects, and interact with professors, mentors, and motivated students from around the world. They also help you explore potential academic interests and gain experiences you can later discuss in applications and interviews, all without the cost and logistics of international travel.
Why should I do an online summer program in high school?
They introduce you to the academic culture, expectations, and independent thinking that good universities demand long before you have to navigate them as a first-year student. You engage with university-level material, build subject-specific knowledge across fields like research, business, STEM, law, or medicine, and develop the academic habits that college coursework will ask of you from day one. For college applications, a rigorous program hosted by a recognized American institution carries significant weight. It demonstrates that your interest in studying in the United States is backed by genuine academic engagement rather than a stated preference, which is exactly what admissions committees at competitive universities look for in international applicants.
With that, here are 14 online summer programs for international high school students worth considering!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These programs span AI and computing (Veritas AI, Stanford AI4ALL, Girls Who Code Pathways, Johns Hopkins CTY), academic research (Lumiere Research Scholar Program, GMU ASSIP), advanced mathematics (Stanford SUMaC), college-level coursework for credit (Cornell, Columbia, UPenn, UC Berkeley, UChicago), and creative writing (Iowa Young Writers' Studio), giving international students a broad range of disciplines to explore from home.
Several programs are free or low cost, including Girls Who Code Pathways (free) and Iowa Young Writers' Studio ($475 per course with need-based grants available), while university credit-bearing programs range from moderately priced (Columbia at approximately $2,867 to $4,017 per session) to more expensive options such as UPenn Pre-College (up to $14,300 for two course units).
Several programs offer transferable college credit, including Cornell SCE Pre-College Summer Session, Columbia University Online Summer, UPenn Pre-College Program, UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars, and UChicago Pre-College Remote Summer Immersion, making them particularly valuable for international students who want formal academic recognition alongside the program experience.
Programs like Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Veritas AI, Girls Who Code Pathways, Stanford SUMaC, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, Iowa Young Writers' Studio, and Johns Hopkins CTY are all explicitly open to international students worldwide and do not require travel or in-country residency to participate.
Several programs lead to tangible outputs, including Lumiere (an independent research paper), Veritas AI's Fellowship (potential publication in a high school research journal), GMU ASSIP (a formal research poster or symposium presentation), and Iowa Young Writers' Studio (a portfolio of revised creative work).
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: Selective; small cohorts
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an online opportunity for high school students interested in gaining experience with academic research. Over a period of 12 weeks, you are matched with a mentor who holds a PhD and supports you as you work on an individual research project. You can select a topic based on your interests, with subject areas including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. During the program, you will define a research question, review relevant material, carry out your analysis, and organize your results with input from your mentor. By the end of the program, you will have completed a research paper that documents your process and findings. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: April 10
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Eligibility: Open to grades 9–12
Girls Who Code offers the Pathways program as a free, online summer learning opportunity that runs for several weeks and allows you to learn at your own pace. It is open to high school girls and non-binary students, including those entering 9th grade, graduating seniors, and returning participants, regardless of prior coding experience. During the program, you can choose from multiple tracks, including data science and AI, game design, web development, cybersecurity, and AI and society. You work through project-based coursework designed to help you build practical skills in these areas over the course of the program. In addition to the curriculum, you may attend virtual events with technology organizations, join career-focused sessions, and participate in workshops. The program also provides access to an online community platform where you can interact with other participants and seek support during optional live sessions.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, small cohorts
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Approximately $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive, 64 students for the online program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: Session One: June 15 – July 3; Session Two: July 6 – July 24.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 -11 under the age of 18 at the time of application submission are eligible to apply for the residential program
Stanford University’s Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is a three-week program designed for high school students who want to engage with mathematics beyond the standard school curriculum. During the program, you explore topics such as abstract algebra and number theory through a mix of lectures, problem-solving sessions, and group discussions. You work with graduate students and faculty who guide you in tackling challenging problems and building your understanding of mathematical reasoning, including writing proofs. Over the course of the program, you may complete a final project that involves presenting a clear and structured mathematical argument. The program can also include guest talks that introduce you to different areas within mathematics and potential directions for further study.
Location: Virtual option available
Cost: $4,120; Financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: February 6
Dates: June 15 – 26 (online)
Eligibility: Open to current 9th-grade students| Applicants with math and/or computer skills are preferred
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week online program run by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). In this program, you are introduced to core concepts in artificial intelligence and their application in areas such as healthcare, economics, natural language processing, and robotics through lectures from faculty and industry professionals. You also take part in guided, hands-on activities and collaborate on AI-related group projects, with support from mentors and researchers. These projects involve using AI tools to examine real-world problems while building technical and analytical skills. In addition, the program may include sessions on academic and career pathways, as well as talks by professionals in the field.
Location: Virtual, hybrid, and in-person internships at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee, $1299 tuition fee for accepted interns, no stipend offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application deadline: February 15
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Eligibility: Students around the world who are at least 15 years old; Some placements (wet‑lab) have a stricter 16+ requirement
George Mason University’s ASSIP provides high school students with research internship options that may be in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual. When applying, you can indicate your preferred research areas and potential mentors. The program includes projects across STEM fields such as engineering, biology, data science, mathematics, computer science, forensic science, physics, and chemistry, as well as areas like finance and business. During the internship, you work on ongoing research projects under the supervision of faculty members and research staff. You may participate in regular meetings and discussions while also developing skills in communication and scientific writing. The experience introduces you to the research process and, in some cases, laboratory work. At the end of the program, you may have the chance to present your work in a formal setting, such as a research symposium or conference.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,940 per credit + $75 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: Varies based on session. More info here
Dates: Various sessions offered from June 1 to July 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors can apply. International students can check English language requirements here.
Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education offers online summer courses for high school students in both three-week and six-week formats. You can select from a wide range of subjects, including architecture, the arts, business, social sciences, technology, science, and international relations. The program is conducted fully online, allowing you to manage your schedule more flexibly over the summer. As you complete your coursework, you earn college credit while studying a subject in greater depth than is typically possible in a standard high school setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200. Need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: March 13
Dates: Session One: June 15 – 26, Session Two: July 6 – 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-11 can apply. International students must be fluent in English. No TOEFL or IELTS scores are required.
This is a two-week academic program where you study alongside high school students from around the world. You select from a range of courses in areas such as social sciences, STEM, business, creative writing, and philosophy. The program includes seminars, workshops, and assignments outside of class designed to help you engage with the subject matter and develop academic and communication skills. After finishing the program, you receive a Certificate of Completion.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,867 per session (1 week); $4,017 per session (2 weeks)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: June 1 (final session)
Dates: June 22–26, July 6–July 17, July 20–31
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th-grade students; open to international students.
Columbia University offers an online summer program that allows high school students to take college-level courses for credit. You enroll in undergraduate classes with support from an academic advisor who helps you select courses based on your interests and academic background. Available subjects may include chemistry, economics, psychology, mathematics, statistics, Germanic languages, and other fields. During the program, you attend lectures and participate in seminars and workshops alongside other students, including those already in college. The experience is structured to give you exposure to the pace and expectations of university-level coursework.
Location: Online option available
Cost: $8,692 for 1 course unit; $14,300 for 2 course units
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: May 1 (Session I); June 1 (Session II)
Dates: Summer Session I: May 26 – July 1; Summer Session II: July 2 – August 7
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 are eligible to apply. International students can check the FAQ here.
The University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Program allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn academic credit. You can participate either on campus or online, depending on your preference and eligibility. Course options include taking a single course, enrolling in two courses, or selecting Biology 101 with a lab, which is treated as a heavier course load than a standard class. If you are an international student attending in person and require a visa, you are expected to enroll in at least two courses or in Biology 101 with a lab. Online participants can typically choose between one or two courses. Classes are taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty, and you study alongside undergraduate students in a college classroom setting.
Location: Virtual
Cost: International students pay $635 per unit + $585 registration + $73 doc fee + $25 application fee + $500 service fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are 16–17 years old
Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual is an online program that allows you to take UC Berkeley courses remotely. You earn college credit while studying in classes that include both Berkeley students and other high school participants from different countries. All courses are taught by UC Berkeley faculty and are delivered online, so you can participate from home. You can select courses based on your academic interests or explore subjects that may not be available in your school curriculum. The program offers the opportunity to experience college-level coursework and gain a sense of different academic areas before applying to a university.
Location: University of Chicago Campus, Chicago, IL, or online
Cost: $4,980 for the 3–5 week online summer program
Application Deadline: March 12
Dates: 3 – 5 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 or older can apply. International students can check the FAQ before applying.
UChicago Summer Online allows you to take undergraduate-level courses remotely while interacting with students from different parts of the world. You can study subjects such as biology, economics, psychology, and others through live, online classes taught by University of Chicago faculty. The program offers two pathways depending on your grade level. If you are in grades 9–11, you can enroll in courses designed for pre-college students that introduce you to college-level material with structured support and opportunities for discussion and group work. If you are in grades 11–12, you may also have the option to take courses from the regular undergraduate curriculum alongside University of Chicago students, where available. All courses are delivered fully online, with no in-person or residential component. Each course follows the equivalent workload of a quarter-long class and includes graded assessments, with successful completion earning University of Chicago credit.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $475 per course; need-based full and partial tuition grants are offered
Application Deadline: April 20
Dates: June 14 – 26Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 worldwide; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
If you’re interested in developing your writing skills, Iowa Young Writers’ Studio offers a six-week online summer course for high school students from around the world. You can select a focus area that matches your interests, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, or television writing. The program is delivered asynchronously, allowing you to complete coursework at times that fit your schedule while meeting weekly deadlines. Throughout the course, you’ll read and analyze published texts, respond to writing prompts, and take part in peer discussions. You’ll also submit original work on a regular basis and receive feedback from instructors and fellow students. By the end of the program, you’ll have a collection of revised pieces and experience working within a structured writing workshop environment.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,365 – $1,420 tuition per course; financial aid available
Application Deadline: May 22 (Summer A) / June 8 (Summer B)
Dates: Summer A: June 15 – July 20; Summer B: July 14 – August 18
Eligibility: High school student; achieve qualifying scores in the 98th percentile on state or national tests or CTY-approved exams like the SCAT, SAT, or ACT; open to international students
At the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, you study computer science through online courses designed for academically advanced high school students. Working alongside classmates with similar experience levels, you learn programming concepts by completing coding exercises, developing software solutions, and testing your work in structured development environments. Through live virtual instruction and independent assignments, you explore topics such as algorithm design, program organization, and computational thinking. You’ll regularly submit coding projects and receive feedback that helps you refine your approach and improve your technical skills. If you choose courses within the Robotics and Technology pathway, you’ll encounter core areas of computer science, including data structures, object-oriented programming, and code efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best online summer programs for international high school students?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to AI and machine learning might consider Veritas AI or Stanford AI4ALL; those interested in research might look at the Lumiere Research Scholar Program or GMU ASSIP; and those seeking college-level coursework with transferable credit might consider Cornell SCE, Columbia Online Summer, or UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars.
Are there free online summer programs for international high school students?
Yes, Girls Who Code Pathways is free and open to international students worldwide. Iowa Young Writers' Studio offers need-based full and partial tuition grants, Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers full financial aid, and Stanford AI4ALL and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes both offer need-based financial assistance.
Which programs offer college credit for international high school students?
Cornell SCE Pre-College Summer Session, Columbia University Online Summer, UPenn Pre-College Program, UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars, and UChicago Pre-College Remote Summer Immersion all offer college credit. International students should verify credit transferability with their intended institutions before enrolling.
Do any programs lead to a research paper or publication that international students can include in college applications?
Yes, Lumiere Research Scholar Program concludes with an independent research paper; Veritas AI's Fellowship supports students in pursuing publication in high school research journals; and GMU ASSIP concludes with a formal research poster and may include presentation at a symposium or conference.
Which programs are specifically designed for students interested in creative writing?
Iowa Young Writers' Studio offers six-week online courses in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and television writing for international students in grades 9 through 12, and Yale Young Writers' Workshop (listed in related programs) offers both online and on-campus options for students aged 16 to 18.
When should I apply to online summer programs as an international high school student?
Deadlines are spread across the spring. Early deadlines include Stanford AI4ALL (February 6), GMU ASSIP (February 15), and Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (March 13), while others, such as Iowa Young Writers' Studio (April 20), Columbia Online Summer (June 1 for the final session), and Johns Hopkins CTY Summer A (May 22), fall later in the spring.
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.