15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Asia
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 12 min read
Summer programs are a strong option if you want to explore college-level academics while you’re still in high school. These programs let you experience how university courses are taught, build practical skills beyond the classroom, and receive exposure to industries such as research, technology, policy, or design. You’ll also gain early experience working with professors, instructors, or professionals, which can help you understand what academic and career paths actually look like in practice.
Why should you attend a program in Asia?
Summer programs in Asia give students a chance to study a wide range of subjects while learning in new academic and cultural environments. You might take part in seminars, fieldwork, or research projects that showcase how different countries approach science, humanities, or social issues. These programs also help you develop adaptability, collaboration, and communication skills as you work with peers from varied backgrounds.
To help you get started, we have narrowed down a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Asia.
If you are looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Phase 1: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; Phase 2: Kyoto, Japan, with travel to other regions
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; covers housing, meals, program activities, and international travel
Dates: US: July 23-August 1 | Japan: July 18-August 3
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
High School Diplomats is a selective exchange program that connects you with high school students from Japan through structured academic and cultural experiences. You’ll begin with an eight-day residential program at the University of Virginia, where you’ll live with Japanese peers and participate in discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities focused on cross-cultural understanding. The program emphasizes U.S.–Japan relations, communication across cultures, and perspective-taking through shared coursework and daily interactions. If you complete the U.S. phase, you will become eligible for the second leg in Japan, where you’ll spend several weeks exploring Japanese history, society, and contemporary life through site visits and guided programming. Throughout both phases, you will work closely with peers and program mentors while navigating unfamiliar academic and social environments. The fully funded structure allows you to focus on learning, cultural exchange, and reflection without financial barriers.
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program 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 a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Multiple sites across Japan, including Tokyo, Tsukuba, and Aichi
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; travel, housing, and program expenses covered
Dates: Typically one week in the summer; exact dates vary by host institution
Application Deadline: October 7
Eligibility: High-performing high school students nominated by schools or national science organizations in partner countries
The Sakura Science High School Program gives you short-term exposure to Japan’s research environment through an intensive, week-long academic and cultural exchange. You will participate in lectures and workshops led by university faculty and senior researchers, with a focus on science, engineering, and emerging technologies. There will be site visits to universities, laboratories, and research centers, which will allow you to see how scientific work is conducted in Japan across different fields. You will also collaborate with Japanese high school students through group activities and discussions, building cross-cultural communication skills. Cultural programming and guided visits will help you understand how science, education, and innovation fit into Japanese society. The program emphasizes international collaboration while giving you early insight into global research pathways.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by the program
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. 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 who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are 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, students 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: Various host communities across Japan
Cost: Varies; multiple full and partial scholarships available
Dates: Six weeks, typically between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship, generally December to February
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18
You will participate in a six-week cultural exchange that places you directly into everyday life in Japan through a host family and local school placement. Rather than studying Japan from a classroom, you’ll practice Japanese language skills in real settings while navigating daily routines, community events, and school life. You will attend classes at a local high school and engage in cultural activities such as regional festivals, traditional arts, and sports. The program emphasizes independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication as you learn to function in a new social and academic environment. Selective scholarships support students with strong academic records and demonstrated interest in cultural exchange. By the end of the program, you will gain practical experience living abroad and a clearer understanding of Japanese society beyond a tourist perspective.
Location: Tokyo, Shinshu (Nagano), and Onagawa (Miyagi), Japan
Cost: Varies by location; limited scholarships and need-based aid available
Dates: One week (July–August)
Application Deadline: Typically March–April
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18, in Japan or internationally
The HLAB Summer School is a short, residential liberal arts program where you’ll explore academic ideas through discussion rather than lectures. You will live in a small house with peers and mentors who are current students or recent graduates of top universities, and most learning happens through seminars, workshops, and guided conversations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, so you may discuss topics spanning social sciences, humanities, global issues, and innovation within the same day. Each location shapes the experience differently, with Tokyo focusing on urban systems and policy, Shinshu emphasizing community and rural perspectives, and Onagawa centering on post-disaster recovery and local revitalization. Throughout the week, you’ll reflect daily with your house group, building skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaborative learning. The structure mirrors a discussion-based college environment, giving you early exposure to liberal arts–style academics and peer-led learning.
Location: Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
Cost: International airfare ($2,000–$2,400); Ground transportation ($300); Meals ($600); Personal expenditures, communications, course materials, and miscellaneous ($800); full aid available through Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Scholarships
Dates: June to August, eight weeks
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of college or are first-year college students in good academic standing
This eight-week study abroad program places you at Doshisha University in Kyoto, where you will study Japanese society and East Asian culture through a combination of coursework and field-based learning. You’ll take two full-credit academic courses taught by Harvard-affiliated faculty, alongside beginner-level Japanese language instruction designed to support daily communication. The coursework is paired with structured site visits across Kyoto and the broader Kansai region, where you examine history, religion, art, and architecture through direct observation. You will live with a local host family, which gives you regular exposure to spoken Japanese and everyday cultural norms. The program also includes guided fieldwork that emphasizes critical analysis, note-taking, and contextual interpretation. By the end of the term, you’ll gain experience navigating academic study in an international setting while building a grounded understanding of contemporary and historical Japan.
Location: Multiple sites in China (including Xiamen, Huangshan, Dali, and Shangri-La)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; tuition typically covers accommodation, meals, instruction, field activities, and cultural experiences (airfare and personal expenses not included)
Dates: Summer sessions (July–August); lengths range from 7 to 10+ days, depending on the course
Application Deadline: Priority by February 28; regular by April 15.
In Bard’s China Programs, you will travel with instructors to study topics that span environmental science, media and storytelling, humanities, anthropology, and cultural sustainability while living and learning abroad. You’ll work in small groups with a low student-to-teacher ratio, giving you direct attention and mentorship as you engage in hands-on learning activities, field trips, lectures, workshops, and group projects. Depending on the session you choose, you might learn documentary filmmaking and cinematography in Xiamen, study forest management and biodiversity conservation in Huangshan, explore philosophical and artistic expression in Dali, or investigate the cultural and ecological systems of Shangri-La. You will complete projects such as short films, research reports, multimedia portfolios, or fieldwork case studies that deepen your analytical and creative skills. Upon finishing, you’ll earn a certificate and can request a recommendation letter to support your future academic or extracurricular goals
Location: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
Cost: Varies by course; tuition typically includes instruction, some cultural activities, and campus resources (students are responsible for travel, housing, and meals)
Dates: Summer sessions (typically July; exact dates TBA)
Application Deadline: TBA (usually in spring)
Eligibility: High school students interested in academic enrichment and cultural immersion
XJTLU’s High School Summer Camp gives you a chance to explore university-level topics while experiencing life on an international campus in China. You’ll take part in academic workshops and classes designed to deepen your understanding of subjects such as global issues, science and technology, business and innovation, or language and culture. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on projects and group activities, so you’ll practice critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. You will also participate in cultural excursions and campus events that help you connect with peers from different countries and learn about Chinese history and society. The instructors will guide you through discussions and projects that encourage curiosity and broaden your perspective beyond high school coursework. By the end of the camp, you’ll gain greater confidence in your academic interests and a clearer sense of how global education and cultural experiences shape your personal and intellectual growth.
Location: In person at Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana
Cost: INR 25,500 inclusive of taxes; need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: Tentatively April
Program Dates: May 18-29; June 1-12
Selectivity: Moderately selective
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 to 12 during the intake year
Ashoka University’s Young Scholars Program is a one-week, on-campus introduction to liberal arts learning designed for high school students who want to explore multiple academic paths before college. You’ll rotate through different disciplines, giving you exposure to how subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences are taught at the university level. The program emphasizes active learning through short lectures, workshops, small-group discussions, and hands-on projects rather than passive note-taking. You will also work on collaborative assignments and present your ideas through presentations or performances, building confidence in communication and critical thinking. Throughout the week, you will interact with faculty and peers in an academic setting that mirrors Ashoka’s undergraduate experience. By the end of the program, you gain a clearer sense of interdisciplinary thinking and how a liberal arts education approaches complex questions.
Location: Online and on-campus in Singapore (NUS), with sessions typically offered June–August and December–February
Dates: Summer and winter sessions (duration and dates depend on the specific youth course)
Application Deadline: Varies by course (open enrolment and cohort programmes have different deadlines)
The NUS SCALE Youth Programmes are short academic courses designed to introduce high school and pre-university students to university-level learning in a global research university setting. You can choose from a range of topics such as AI and machine learning, entrepreneurship, international economics, negotiation skills, and community leadership, each taught through interactive lessons and group projects. Whether you attend on campus in Singapore or study online, you can engage with instructors, work with peers from different countries, and build real critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Many programmes include hands-on group work that mirrors collaborative problem solving you’d see in college classes, giving you a taste of academic expectations before you arrive on campus. The classroom activities often involve case studies, discussions, and presentations, which will help you stretch beyond typical high school coursework. When you complete a course and meet its requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from NUS.
Location: The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), and Hokkaido University (Japan)
Cost: USD 3,900 (includes tuition, housing, meals during coursework, field trips, materials, and some on-site transport; flights are not included). While the program does not advertise formal scholarships or full financial aid, the organizers note that partial fee discounts may be available in certain cases, typically through partner institutions or group nominations.
Program Dates: July 14 – August 4 (three one-week sessions at each host university)
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in sustainability, global issues, and cross-cultural collaboration
In this summer camp, you will travel across Asia to study sustainability and global challenges at three leading universities, spending one week at each host site. Each module focuses on key themes such as Industry 4.0, sustainability and circular economy, and One Health, giving you structured exposure to real academic content and applied learning. You will work with students from diverse backgrounds, participate in lectures, field trips, and group discussions, and practice connecting ideas across cultures and disciplines. The instructors and peers will challenge you to think critically about how science, policy, and society interact to address global problems. The hands-on format and international setting help you build collaboration and communication skills while gaining insight into how real research and decision-making work in different regions. You will also gain firsthand experience living and learning abroad, which can deepen your confidence and expand your worldview ahead of college.
Location: Vietnam (typically Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi)
Cost: Tuition varies; scholarships and financial aid are available for eligible students
Program Dates: Around early June for about 8–10 days
Application Deadline: Varies by year (usually in spring)
The HVIET Summer Program is a short, residential liberal arts experience designed to give Vietnamese high school students an academic environment similar to Harvard’s classroom style. You’ll take part in small seminars led by Harvard student instructors that encourage critical thinking, lively discussion, and intellectual engagement on topics ranging from social issues to science or culture. Beyond classes, you can attend panel talks with industry leaders, field visits to organizations, and structured social activities that help you connect ideas with real-world contexts. The program also organizes house communities, fun events like talent shows, and collaborative group activities, so you can build friendships and leadership skills. Through seminars, discussions, and community building, you’ll gain a broader perspective on global and local issues while experiencing an academically enriching summer.
Location: RMIT Saigon South or RMIT Hanoi, Vietnam
Cost: Tuition varies by campus (Saigon 38,672,000 VND; Hanoi 22,042,000 VND) ,with limited discounts available for the immediate family of current students/alumni and early payment incentives
Dates: June–July (4-week summer session)
Application Deadline: Rolling
In the full-day Teen Summer Explorers program at RMIT Vietnam, you will spend four weeks improving your English through project-based learning while also developing essential life and future-ready skills. You will work on teamwork, presentations, leadership, digital creativity, and public speaking with experienced educators in an international university environment. You’ll also take part in workshops that deepen your confidence and help you explore personal interests and career paths. The schedule includes interactive activities, campus events, sports, and a nature excursion, which expand your learning beyond the classroom. You can connect with peers, build friendships, and experience a taste of university life in a structured setting. This program boosts both your language ability and your readiness to engage confidently in diverse academic and social contexts.
Location: University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
Cost: Tuition fee (varies by course) with early-bird and group discounts available; travel and housing not included
Dates: Mid-June to late July (typically 4 weeks)
Application Deadline: TBA (usually in spring)
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15–18; specific age requirements vary by session)
In the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s International High School Summer Programme, you will spend about four weeks engaging with university-level academic courses that introduce you to subjects across areas such as business, engineering, computing, sciences, and humanities. You’ll attend interactive classes and workshops designed to develop your thinking and problem-solving skills while being guided by university faculty. The programme also includes activities that help you build teamwork, presentation, and communication skills that mirror the expectations of college-level study. Alongside classroom learning, you will join field trips and group projects that encourage collaboration and real-world application of what you learn. Completing the summer programme gives you greater confidence in your academic interests and a clearer sense of what university study feels like before you arrive on campus.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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