10 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Canada

If you're a high schooler in Canada interested in medicine, summer programs can give you early (and accessible) exposure to the healthcare field. 

High school summer medical programs provide a great chance to investigate healthcare careers, develop practical skills, and engage in college-level academics early on. These programs allow you to participate in hands-on learning, connect with medical professionals, and gain valuable exposure to the medical field.

If you are serious about pursuing a future in healthcare, attending a summer medical program in Canada can be a smart first step. Many of these programs are competitive and hosted by top Canadian institutions, making them a strong addition to your academic profile.

To help you navigate your options, we have made a list of 10 summer medical programs for high school students in Canada, selected for their rigor, accessibility, and connection to leading medical communities.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track

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.

2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive

Location: Virtual

Eligibility: High school students with an interest in healthcare and prior coding experience or completion of the Veritas AI Scholars program

Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines based on cohorts

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year

Cost/Stipend: $2,290

The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. Through a series of interactive sessions, you’ll explore how AI tools and machine learning models are revolutionizing medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and healthcare delivery. 

Over the course of the program, you’ll complete coding exercises, use healthcare datasets, and collaborate on a final group project that addresses a real-world medical challenge using AI. The program concludes with a group presentation evaluated by PhD mentors, making it ideal for students eager to combine a passion for technology with an interest in medicine.

3. Med Youth Summer Program (Med YSP)

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.

4. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program – Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

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.

5. High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS) 

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. 

6. Student Research & Volunteering Opportunities

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.

7. Centre for Health Informatics Summer Studentship Program – University of Calgary

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.

8. CampMed – NOSM University

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.

9. Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition

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.

10. Blueprint Summer Program – University of Toronto

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.

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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