10 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Canada
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 8, 2025
- 9 min read
If you are a high school student in Canada with an interest in medicine or healthcare, summer programs are one of the most accessible ways to gain early exposure to the field — through lab work, clinical case studies, research placements, and direct mentorship from medical professionals and university faculty. Beyond the academic experience, these programs help you build the kind of practical knowledge and application-ready profile that makes a real difference when applying to competitive university programs.
Here is a curated list of 10 summer medical programs for high school students in Canada, selected for their academic rigor, range of formats (remote, residential, and non-residential), geographic spread across provinces, and accessibility for students at different grade levels and backgrounds. Note that dates and deadlines below reflect the most recent available cycle and may shift year to year — always confirm on the program's official page before applying.
Quick Look
10 programs total, spanning remote research mentorship, university day programs, paid lab internships, and competitive science fairs, hosted across Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, and Sudbury
Costs range from free (BC Children's Hospital, Sanofi Biogenius, Blueprint) to $1,668 CAD (U of T Med YSP) to $2,990+ USD for Lumiere, with paid positions available at Sunnybrook, HYRS, and the CHI Studentship
Most in-person programs are open to students in grades 10 to 12; the Blueprint program is specifically for Black students in grades 10 or 11 residing in Canada; Lumiere is open to all high school grades globally
The earliest deadlines are Sunnybrook (February 14), U of Alberta HYRS (March 14), and Blueprint (March 28) — these should be prioritised first
Lumiere is the only fully remote option on this list and the only one open to students outside Canada
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale); no prior research experience required
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts are available year-round
Cost/Stipend: Starting from $2,990 (financial aid available)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track is a selective research opportunity for high school students interested in fields like neuroscience, epidemiology, and biomedical sciences. Through 1-on-1 mentorship with top PhD researchers, you’ll develop an independent research project over 12 to 20 weeks.
The fully virtual program culminates in a research paper that may be submitted for publication. Designed for ambitious students, Lumiere offers personalized mentorship, deep academic engagement, and a strong foundation in the research process. Whether you’re preparing for competitive college applications or exploring future careers in medicine, this program provides a rigorous and rewarding experience.
Location: Toronto
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
Application deadline: Rolling, with multiple summer cohorts throughout the year
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
The Medicine Academic Insights Programme in Toronto allows high school students to study medicine at the undergraduate level in a leading North American academic environment. The programme pairs you with expert academic tutors from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in small classes of 4–10 students. You’ll attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor, building core scientific understanding and academic confidence. The programme includes practical medical learning experiences such as analysing clinical case studies, exploring human biology, and applying medical theory to real-world health challenges. Alongside medicine, students benefit from exposure to a strong life sciences and research culture within Toronto’s university setting. By the programme’s end, you will complete a personal medical project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Eligibility: Students entering Grades 10–12
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Program Dates: Multiple sessions offered from June to August
Cost/Stipend: $1,668 CAD
The Med Youth Summer Program (Med YSP) at the University of Toronto introduces high school students to the world of medicine and life sciences. You will participate in hands-on laboratory sessions, lectures, and discussions exploring diseases, cutting-edge treatments, and the pathways to health professions.
The program is based in the heart of Toronto’s Medical Discovery District, offering students unique exposure to one of Canada’s major medical hubs. You will spend your day on campus, engaging in labs and conversations with faculty and peers. The program welcomes students from across Canada and internationally, fostering a diverse and collaborative environment.
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in Grades 10–12; must be 16 years old by July 1; legally authorized to work in Canada
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: July – August
Cost/Stipend: Paid position
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program provides students with the opportunity to engage in innovative medical research, while also acquiring practical experience in physics, engineering, and biology. You will work in the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory, assisting with active research projects that support the lab’s progress in medical device development.
The program provides an enriched educational environment designed to inspire future careers in science and medicine. You have to attend full-time, in-person, and work for the duration of the internship. Those outside the Greater Toronto Area must arrange their own accommodations. Selection is competitive and based on academic standing, passion for science, and motivation.
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, and other Alberta institutions
Eligibility: Grade 11 students residing in or north of Red Deer; must have completed or be enrolled in Math 20-1/20-2, Biology 20, and one additional Grade 11 science; legally eligible to work in Canada
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: July 3 – August 14
Cost/Stipend: Paid approx. $15 CAD/hour for 30–35 hours/week; travel and housing costs not covered
The High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS), led by Alberta Innovates, offers a paid six-week research opportunity for Grade 11 students in the health and medical sciences. You will work directly with researchers on projects aligned with digital health, commercialization, or health system transformation, gaining first-hand experience in labs and academic research environments.
The program also includes skill development workshops and career exploration activities focused on emerging healthcare technologies. You will be selected based on academic performance, eligibility criteria, and interest in pursuing future careers in health research or innovation.
Location: BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer onsite; 18+ for projects involving patient contact or data
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity; Mini Med School and other events typically occur in fall and winter
Program Dates:
Mini Med School: October – November
Discovery Days: November
Women in Science: February
Mini Med School Online: Rolling
Cost/Stipend: Free
The BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers a range of research education events and volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in science and medicine. Programs such as Mini Med School, Discovery Days, and Women in Science introduce you to current health research and clinical practice through lectures, panels, and virtual sessions.
While there is no formal internship or placement process, you may contact research investigators directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities within affiliated labs, provided you meet the age and safety requirements. This flexible model supports early engagement with science while fostering awareness of careers in healthcare research.
Location: Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must identify a faculty supervisor and be available full-time for 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically opens in early spring
Program Dates: Full-time 8-week or 4-month summer term
Cost/Stipend: Paid
The Centre for Health Informatics (CHI) Summer Studentship Program introduces students from a wide range of academic backgrounds to applied health research. You will be matched with a faculty member to work on a research project in areas such as health services, data science, or health informatics, and contribute to solving real-world challenges in healthcare.
The program encourages participation from students in science, engineering, health, and even the arts or humanities with technical interests. You will work up to 35 hours per week and must submit a final report upon completion.
Location: NOSM University, Sudbury, ON, and Thunder Bay, ON
Eligibility: High school students in Northern Ontario or rural/remote Ontario communities; Indigenous and Francophone students strongly encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: Varies; typically due in late spring
Program Dates: Sudbury: July 7 – 11 | Thunder Bay: July 14 – 18
Cost/Stipend: $450 registration fee
CampMed is NOSM University’s flagship summer program designed to inspire high school students from Northern, rural, and remote communities in Ontario to explore careers in healthcare. You will participate in interactive workshops, gain hands-on clinical experiences, and learn about Indigenous and Francophone health and cultural practices.
The program also introduces you to various healthcare pathways and encourages mentorship with current medical students and professionals. CampMed promotes cultural inclusivity and community health education, fostering a welcoming and engaging environment for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Location: Regional and national science fairs across Canada
Eligibility: High school students with original research in health sciences, life sciences, or biotechnology; must participate through their regional science fair
Application Deadline: Varies by region
Program Dates: Regional fairs: Spring and National fair (CWSF): May
Cost/Stipend: Free to enter; awards and mentorship opportunities available
The Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition gives high school students the opportunity to showcase original research in biotechnology, life sciences, and health sciences. You will present your work through regional science fairs with the chance to advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), where top projects are recognized with awards and scholarships.
While not a traditional medical program, you will still gain access to an expansive STEM network and receive mentorship from leading experts in Canadian research and innovation. The competition emphasizes innovation, real-world impact, and scientific excellence, and has helped launch the careers of many young scientists since 1993.
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Eligibility: Black students currently in Grades 10 or 11 who reside in Canada
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1; with year-long engagement through February
Cost/Stipend: Free
Blueprint is a four-week academic enrichment program designed for highly motivated Black high school students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). You will explore engineering disciplines through hands-on labs, design challenges, and project-based coursework in fields like human health and mechatronics, while also developing technical and leadership skills.
Taught by graduate-level instructors and supported by undergraduate mentors, the program also includes community-building activities and educational excursions. Following the summer component, you’ll participate in monthly workshops and academic preparation sessions, supporting your continued success in STEM fields and postsecondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior science or medical knowledge to apply to these programs?
Most programs on this list are designed for students who are curious about medicine, not formally trained in it. Programs like Med YSP at U of Toronto, CampMed at NOSM, and BC Children's Hospital events are explicitly introductory. HYRS at U of Alberta does require completion of specific Grade 11 science courses (Biology 20, Math 20), and Sunnybrook's Focused Ultrasound program selects based on academic standing, but neither expects prior research experience. Lumiere similarly requires no prior knowledge in your chosen field.
Are any programs on this list open to international students or students outside the listed provinces?
Lumiere is the only fully remote and globally accessible program on this list. Med YSP at U of Toronto explicitly welcomes students from across Canada and internationally. Most other programs are province-specific — HYRS is limited to Alberta students, Blueprint to Canadian residents, and CampMed to Northern Ontario communities. Students outside these regions should look at Lumiere and Med YSP as their primary options.
How do Canadian medical summer programs compare to U.S. programs for university applications?
For students applying to Canadian universities, programs at recognisable Canadian institutions — University of Toronto, University of Alberta, U of Calgary, Sunnybrook — carry direct relevance and are well understood by Canadian admissions officers. For students considering both Canadian and U.S. universities, a program that produces a tangible research output (Lumiere, Sanofi Biogenius, CHI Studentship) tends to travel better across different admissions contexts, as the work speaks for itself regardless of institutional name recognition.
Key Takeaways
The most deadline-sensitive programs are Sunnybrook (February 14), HYRS at U of Alberta (March 14), and Blueprint at U of Toronto (March 28). Students interested in these should begin gathering materials in January.
For students seeking paid placements, the strongest options are HYRS (approx. $15 CAD/hour), Sunnybrook Focused Ultrasound (paid position), and the CHI Studentship at U of Calgary (paid). Free programs with no application barrier include BC Children's Hospital events, Sanofi Biogenius, and Blueprint.
Several programs have specific eligibility restrictions worth noting: HYRS requires Grade 11 students residing in or north of Red Deer; Blueprint is open to Black students in grades 10 or 11 in Canada; CampMed prioritises students from Northern, rural, and remote Ontario communities.
Next steps: identify one or two programs that match your province, grade, and area of medical interest; gather your transcript and a science teacher reference; and submit applications to your earliest-deadline program first.
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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