14 STEM Internships for International High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Are you a high school student interested in STEM and looking for a way to get some hands-on experience in your field of choice? If yes, a STEM internship is worth considering. These STEM programs can help you get early exposure to real-world challenges in STEM, research environments, and industry tools, helping you pick up key professional skills and technical know-how. Internships often offer mentorship from experienced professionals and researchers, allowing you to form valuable academic and professional connections while learning about career paths.
Today, many reputed universities and organizations offer STEM internships to high schoolers around the world! Such opportunities are important to consider, as here, you would get a chance to engage with world-class researchers, cutting-edge research, technology, and innovation at an early age.
To help you shortlist such programs, we have curated 14 STEM internships for international high school students. While some items may not be traditional internships, they include a strong work-learn model!
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies based on programs. Financial assistance is available.
Application deadline: Varies based on the cohort | Regular admissions for the summer cohort close on May 11.
Program dates: Varies | 8-week programs with multiple cohorts are conducted throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students around the world who can work for 5 to 10 hours/week for 8 weeks; Undergraduates and gap-year students can also apply.
Ladder Internships are virtual opportunities for high school students interested in working with startups and nonprofits around the world. While applying, you can choose from various subject/industry areas, including STEM-related fields such as technology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, environmental science, healthcare, and finance. You will typically spend 5 to 10 hours per week working on your assigned tasks, engaging with the host organization’s team, and contributing to real projects that reflect the host organization’s needs. At the end of the program, you will present your work to the team.
Additionally, you will participate in one-on-one training sessions to work on your communication and time management skills, as well as engage in group sessions with other interns. Internship placements span several global regions, including the U.S., the UK, Europe, and Asia, giving you the chance to connect with professionals across different cultures and industries. You can learn more about the program on its application form.
Location: Varies according to the position | Virtual, hybrid, and in-person options are available
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend is paid, but the amount varies for each position.
Application deadline: Varies based on position
Program dates: Variable
Eligibility: High school students, with some positions open to international applicants
The Smithsonian Institution offers a range of internship opportunities for high school students and recent graduates across its network of museums, research centers, and cultural programs. These internships cover a variety of interests, from science and conservation to museum education and cultural studies. For instance, you can find STEM-related opportunities at the National Zoo, in areas such as animal care, conservation, veterinary medicine, IT, and communications. You can also check for opportunities at the National Museum of Natural History, where you will find roles focusing on entomology.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application deadline: December 11
Program dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High School juniors
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week, fully funded summer program that gives high school students the chance to engage in academic research in STEM fields.
RSI admits about 80 to 100 students each year out of 3,000 applicants through a competitive selection process that considers academic achievement and prior research experience. The program begins with a week of STEM-focused coursework taught by instructors from MIT, followed by five weeks of research under the guidance of experienced mentors. You will explore subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, and work on a project that contributes to ongoing research efforts. During the program, you will get to experience the entire research cycle and even submit conference-style written and oral research reports at the end of the experience.
Location: Virtual, hybrid, and in-person (George Mason University, Fairfax, VA) options
Cost: No tuition fee; a $25 application fee is charged, but it can be waived if applicants are eligible for aid
Application deadline: February 2
Program dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are 15 years or older
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an eight-week research program where high school students work alongside faculty mentors on STEM-related projects. You will be paired with a mentor who guides the research process and helps you get some exposure to current tools, methods, and technologies used in the field. Projects vary depending on the mentor’s area of expertise and may involve topics in areas such as biology, chemistry, engineering, or data science. You can list your top three mentor/research area choices while applying. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to strengthen skills in scientific writing, problem-solving, and communication. The research you contribute to may be included in academic publications or presented at conferences, depending on the nature and progress of your work.
Location: LLNL Discovery Center, Livermore, CA
Cost: No cost
Application deadline: March 14
Program dates: July 14 – 25
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 to 12 who are 16 or older and have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants must meet the access requirements of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which restricts access to certain national security facilities for citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea unless they hold dual U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence.
This two-week research program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) offers high school students the chance to explore molecular biology and bioinformatics through a focused research project. The work primarily involves studying the genetics of Landoltia punctata (Duckweed), a freshwater plant used in various scientific investigations. As a participant, you will learn and apply lab techniques such as plasmid DNA isolation, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis. You will also work with bioinformatics tools to examine gene sequences and understand how they relate to broader research questions. At the end of the program, you will contribute your findings by submitting DNA sequence data to GenBank, i.e., becoming part of a larger effort to support open-access biological research.
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend (amount not specified) is paid, and travel allowance, on-campus housing, and meals are covered.
Application deadline: TBA
Program dates: June 24 – August 23
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students around the world who are at least 18 years old
The RIPS program is a summer opportunity for students to work on real-world projects proposed by industry sponsors. This program is meant for students interested in pursuing education and careers in engineering, materials science, or similar technical fields. As a participant, you will collaborate with industry professionals and researchers, applying your academic knowledge to tackle practical challenges and contribute to industrial innovation.
During the internship, you will be part of a team working on a research project that involves computation. At the end of the program, you and your team members will present your project findings and have the option to publish the work or present it at national conferences. The program also includes site visits to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
Location: The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Need-based stipends may be offered, and travel expenses are covered.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
Application deadline: January 3
Program dates: June 23 – August 7
The Rockefeller University’s Summer Science Research Program is a biomedical research opportunity for high school students. Each year, the cohort is made up of 32 students. All participants are divided into research teams, each mentored by a scientist. Within your team, you will work on a biomedical topic, learn laboratory techniques, mirror the structure of a laboratory, and analyze the collected data during the program. You will also have access to scientific courses, social events, and guest lectures. At the end of the program, you, along with your team, will present your research findings.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Application deadline: February 14
Program dates: July 25 – August 6 (tentative, based on previous year’s program
Eligibility: High school students | Non-U.S. persons can apply but will not receive a stipend; they still receive all other benefits, including $1,000 for conferences/workshops
The University of Maryland’s MathQuantum Fellowships are two-week virtual hands-on opportunities in the field of quantum information science (QIS). Designed for both beginners and those with some background in the field, the program can help you strengthen your understanding of the mathematics behind QIS. You will attend lectures, seminars, interactive sessions, and work on a small project related to the subject. During the program, you will receive guidance and real-world insights from researchers and professionals actively working in the field of QIS. You may also be one of the select few who get to attend the Quantum Computing Summer Camp at no cost. The program can help you build foundational skills and explore future opportunities in quantum science and related areas.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost. This is an unpaid internship.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program dates: No specific dates | Internships are open year-round, including summer sessions (commitment of at least 1 article/week or up to 2 hours/week).
Eligibility: High school students from all over the world
Medicine Encompassed is a student-run nonprofit that offers ongoing volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in STEAM, biology, and medicine. The organization is made up of 18 committees and seeks contributors to fill roles such as writers, editors, and content developers. Depending on the position you choose, you might be involved in tasks like researching and writing formal articles for publication, editing blog posts and educational materials, ensuring scientific accuracy, or creating accessible resources such as guides and presentation slides. You can also take part in Project Cultivation, an outreach initiative focused on expanding access to medical education and raising awareness about health-related topics. This opportunity allows you to build communication and research skills while contributing to public education in science and medicine.
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Information about the stipend is not available.
Application deadline: March 1
Program dates: July 8 – August 14
Eligibility: High school students
The Adler Planetarium’s summer internship program offers high school students the chance to explore space science, astronomy, and science communication through hands-on work in a museum setting. You will be placed in a department at the planetarium and get to collaborate with staff members , including scientists, educators, and communicators , on various projects. Depending on your placement, you might be involved in research, public programming, or the creation of educational materials and exhibits.
This internship also focuses on building skills in communication and teamwork, especially through activities that involve translating scientific information for general audiences. Past intern placements have included roles in the Space Visualization Lab, where students used software like OpenSpace, as well as Zooniverse, where they supported science writing, and the Marketing and Business Strategy department. While specific roles may change from year to year, the program consistently offers opportunities to engage with both scientific content and public outreach.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; a need-based $300 stipend is available
Application deadline: April 11
Program dates: Session 1: July 1 – 18 and Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Female and non-binary students in grades 9 to 11
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a two-week virtual internship. It is designed to help you develop foundational skills in computer science through hands-on projects involving HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and user interface design. During the program, you will work on building websites, apps, or simple games under the guidance of trained instructors. The schedule also includes mentorship opportunities and career panels featuring professionals in the tech industry. Whether you are new to coding or have some experience, the program offers structured support to help you improve your skills.
Location: Depends on where you live; Hutton places students in areas that are within a 45-minute commute distance.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | You will get a $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas
Application deadline: January 19
Program dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that introduces high school students to fisheries science and aquatic resource management. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be matched with a fisheries professional who will serve as your mentor. You will take part in a variety of field and lab activities, such as fish sampling, data collection, habitat restoration, and the use of tools like electrofishing equipment. You will also get to learn about different careers in the field and the academic pathways that support them. This experience offers insight into how scientific concepts are applied in conservation and resource management work.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Application deadline: None. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Program dates: No specific dates | Internships run 2 to 8 weeks in the summer (20 hours per week) or 1 to 9 months throughout the year (8 hours per week)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
EnergyMag is a non-profit organization that provides virtual internships to students interested in renewable energy. Internship formats are flexible — you can choose a half-time option or a quarter-time option, depending on your availability and goals. During the internship, you will research a scientific or business-related topic, conduct interviews with professionals in the field, analyze gathered information, and write a report summarizing your findings. Completed reports are published on the EnergyMag website. As an intern, you will be paired with a mentor who will guide and oversee your work throughout the program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $800/month. Check details here | Scholarships are available.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program dates: 1–6 months (5–40 hours per week).
Eligibility: Anyone who is at least 16 years old
United Planet offers virtual internships for high school students interested in contributing to global initiatives in areas such as education, community development, public health, and environmental sustainability. These internships allow you to work remotely with partner organizations in countries including India, South Africa, Spain, the Philippines, Colombia, Japan, Costa Rica, and others. As an intern, you can choose from focus areas like Children and Education, Community Development, Global Health, or Environmental Sustainability. The program includes training sessions, cultural activities, language lessons, and ongoing support to help you navigate your internship and better understand the communities. Past projects have involved tasks such as assisting in virtual classrooms, supporting health outreach efforts, and contributing to environmental research and awareness campaigns.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in conducting independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective virtual high school programs founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. In the past, we have had over 4,000 applicants for just 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we offered 150 students complete need-based financial aid!
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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