15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Australia
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 1
- 12 min read
If you’re a high school student looking to make your break count, summer programs can offer real academic and professional value. These programs allow you to explore possible majors, develop new skills, and network with mentors. Whether your interest lies in STEM, the arts, business, or leadership, structured summer opportunities enable you to engage more deeply with subjects that matter to you.
What summer programs are available for high school students in Australia?
Australia offers numerous summer programs for high school students, with options in science, engineering, humanities, foreign languages, and more. Some programs involve conducting biomedical or aerospace research, enrolling in for-credit college courses alongside university students, and providing professional and academic development opportunities across fields from engineering to agriculture. These programs hold affiliations with prestigious Australian institutions, including top universities like the University of Melbourne, the federally established QIMR research institute, and a NASA-Australia collaborative research program.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down our list of the 15 summer programs for high school students in Australia.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Curtin University and other sites in Perth and Kalgoorlie, WA
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; 25 students
Program dates: January 12 – 16
Application deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Australian high school students entering Years 11-12 with an interest in pursuing a STEM career
Curtin University’s Focus on Mining is a free, five-day summer program in Australia for high school students interested in STEM and the resources industry. You’ll live on campus, starting the program with presentations on innovations and developments in the mining field, workshops on careers and degrees in mining and natural resources, and leadership activities. You’ll also visit the Western Australian School of Mines to learn about academic and research opportunities at another regional university. You’ll complete a series of industry visits, including tours of the multinational iron ore company BHP, Northern Star Resources’ facilities and underground mines, and Mineral Resources industry sites. You’ll complete your experience with a combination of lectures from industry experts, hands-on activities, and presentations.
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: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
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. 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.
Location: Edith Cowan University campuses across Western Australia
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; a limited number of schools may nominate 4-6 students per cohort
Program dates: 6 days; exact dates are determined in consultation between schools, students, and ECU
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: High schoolers from Western Australia in Years 7-11 with an interest in space and engineering
ECU’s IGNIS Mission Student Interns Program invites a select number of high school students across Western Australia to contribute hands-on work to a project designing, building, and launching a satellite into Low Earth Orbit. You’ll study principles in aerospace engineering, data analysis, and technology under ECU researchers and space industry engineers, and apply your skills to assemble sensors, test launch systems, and analyze flight data from both satellites and ground stations. Your participation is tied to the collaborative IGNIS Mission between Australia and NASA, which studies lightning events and bushfire ignition. You’ll be part of a prestigious long-term project, which ultimately aims to launch a deep space mission to Jupiter to study the planet’s atmosphere and connections to Earth’s lightning events. You’ll complete your work over the course of 6 full days of active research, and continue your research through in-school events.
Location: Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus, study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Participants can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more. The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC
Cost / Stipend: Free plus fully-funded travel, room, and board
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: November 30 – December 5
Application deadline: August 31
Eligibility: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in Years 9-10
The University of Melbourne’s Residential Indigenous Science Experience is a fully funded, week-long program for Indigenous Australian high school students interested in exploring STEM subjects and future opportunities. You’ll attend workshops and network with professional First Nations scientists and university students to learn about their experiences as Indigenous people in STEM, from both academic and empowerment perspectives. You’ll stay on campus at the University of Melbourne, learning about STEM majors, hearing from professors on research developments at the university, and touring campus facilities. You’ll also learn about the contributions of First Nations peoples to STEM, including how historical knowledge and practices have contributed to current research developments.
Location: Northwest Tasmania, TAS
Cost / Stipend: Free; fully-funded transportation for Tasmanian students and up to a $400 travel stipend for up to 12 interstate students
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; 25 students
Program dates: December 2 – 4
Application deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Australian high school students in Years 11-12
Feed Your Mind, Feed the World is a fully funded, three-day summer program for high school students in Australia focused on agricultural science. You’ll learn about food (in)security and sustainability while gaining exposure to research facilities, visiting the University of Tasmania research farms, and visiting Northwest Tasmanian agricultural industry sites. Under the instruction of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, you’ll study current research and technological developments in plant science, livestock science, and soil systems through group discussions and field work. You’ll explore majors in the agricultural sciences and related fields, plan for a future degree or career in the field, and learn how your work can promote environmental sustainability and food access.
Location: QIMR Berghofer, Herston, QLD
Cost / Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; limited workshop openings
Program dates: Multiple one-day sessions during summer, autumn, winter, and spring breaks
Application deadline: Applications open at the beginning of each year
Eligibility: Queensland high school students in Years 10-12 studying at least one science subject | Students living outside South-East Queensland and first-time participants are prioritized
QIRM Berghofer Medical Research Institute hosts a series of one-day science research programs for high school students during school breaks. You’ll work at QIMR’s education laboratory to complete hands-on research projects in fields including genetics, infectious disease, and blood biology. QIRM’s experienced laboratory scientists will guide you in developing skills in experimental design, handling biological specimens, and data analysis. Although new applicants are given priority during admissions, you can attend multiple sessions to gain exposure to various biomedical research fields and techniques. The program enhances your professional growth through industry-based work experience and opportunities to network with professional researchers. You’ll also gain preparation to apply to the more advanced High School Work Experience research program held in September.
Location: Curtin University, Bentley, WA
Cost / Stipend: Free, including fully-funded travel, room, and board | Guaranteed Engineering Aid Australia Continuing School Scholarship throughout high school and the Engineering Aid Australia Tertiary Education Scholarship for college (if majoring in Engineering or a related degree at an Australian university)
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: July 6 – 12
Application deadline: May 16
Eligibility: First Nations students in Years 9-12 interested in studying STEM at college
The Indigenous Australian Engineering School is a fully funded, week-long program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander high school students interested in engineering. You’ll stay on-campus at Curtin University to explore academic opportunities and careers in STEM, with a focus on engineering. You’ll meet with engineers across disciplines like civil, environmental, and computer engineering, getting the chance to network with industry professionals and learn about their experiences in the field. You will be mentored by Indigenous university engineering students who will support your development of leadership skills and preparation for an engineering degree. Additionally, you will engage in practical engineering challenges, explore campus facilities, and visit active construction sites.
Location: Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
Cost / Stipend: Free | Some additional funding for travel/materials available to students who are Indigenous and/or attending Regional/Remote schools
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: January 12 – 23 | Similar school-year programs also offered
Application deadline: October 31 | Indigenous students may have access to extended deadlines
Eligibility: High-achieving students aged 16+ entering Year 12 (School year programs offered for current Year 11 and Year 12 students) | Must be attending school in Queensland | Detailed academic and coursework requirements apply; check requirements here | Some sessions are open only to women or other underrepresented groups
Queensland University of Technology’s START QUT program offers an accelerated academic opportunity for high school students in Australia looking to take on college-level STEM coursework. You’ll stay on campus at QUD and select to pursue one of three STEM course Units alongside current QUD students. Offerings vary, but current Units include Design of Computer Systems, Chemical Explorations, and Engineering Design and Professional Practice. While the course structure varies by Unit, you’ll participate in assignments like class discussions and workshops, hands-on activities, lab experiments, and research projects. You’ll learn skills such as programming, data analysis, chemical manipulation, and engineering design methods. Alongside coursework, you’ll explore careers and college majors, including computer science, aerospace, engineering, chemistry, environmental science, and more. You’ll earn transferable academic credits for your participation, which can be applied to a QUT bachelor’s degree, admissions selection ranking, and/or Queensland’s High School Certificate of Education.
Location: The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT or The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
Cost / Stipend: $3,065 AUD; financial aid available
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: ~250 students per campus
Program dates: January 6 – 14 (ACT Program) | January 13 – 21 (QLD Program)
Application deadline: June 20
Eligibility: High schoolers in Year 11 with an interest in STEM | Must be an Australian citizen, resident, and/or current full-time student at an Australian high school | Students from diverse/underrepresented backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply
The National Youth Science Forum is a nine-day summer program in Australia for STEM-focused students, offering a combination of educational programming, career exploration, and networking. You’ll tour a range of science and technology research facilities at your host university and hear about current research projects from university professors. You’ll also learn about STEM programs across the university, research and training opportunities, and related career pathways. You’ll network with research and industry program partners, build connections in Australia’s STEM field, and learn about real-world applications of STEM disciplines. Other activities include social events, team-building activities, and meetings with former NYSF participants. After the program, you’ll join the NYSF alumni community, which connects you with additional events, educational opportunities, and a nationwide network of STEM students and professionals.
Location: University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
Cost / Stipend: $270 AUD; financial aid offered
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; 75 students nationwide
Program dates: January 20 – 23
Application deadline: November 27
Eligibility: Rising Year 11 students from Australia with a strong interest in math | Must be studying QCE Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or IB Mathematics (HL or SL) | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ students are particularly encouraged to apply
University of Queensland’s Mathematics Summer School is an advanced summer program for Australian high schoolers looking for exposure to college-level mathematics. Under the guidance of University of Queensland faculty, you’ll pursue advanced coursework in topics such as number theory, abstract algebra, and cryptography through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. You’ll supplement your studies with training in analytical and soft skills, including communication, analysis, and reasoning. You’ll also access networking opportunities with internationally-recognized mathematicians, professional researchers, university professors, and current mathematics students to explore careers and academic pathways in the field.
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Cost / Stipend: $500 AUD
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: December 1 – 5
Application deadline: Mid-October
Eligibility: Australian high schoolers in Years 10-11
The Australian Youth Aerospace Association hosts an annual five-day summer program for Australian high school students interested in exploring careers in the aerospace industry. You’ll attend educational workshops with aerospace professors and researchers, hear about industry professionals’ experience in the field, and learn about aerospace-related majors from current university students. You’ll cover topics across aviation, aerospace engineering, and astronomy, and participate in hands-on activities such as building model rockets and balsa-wood gliders. You’ll gain networking opportunities and industry exposure through programs such as Q&A panels with pilots and aerospace engineers, visits to planetariums, and demonstrations at university labs.
Location: Multiple locations across Australia (VIC, NSW, WA, QLD)
Cost / Stipend: $2,490 AUD
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Selective; 24 students per program
Program dates: Multiple 4-day sessions in the summer, fall, and spring
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Australian high school students aged 14-18
Future Doctors Australia is an immersive clinical education and professional development program for Australian high school students hosted by Australia’s National Institute of Education. You’ll participate in four days of programming, each with an individual theme: Building Foundations and Connections, Exploring Specialisations, Broadening Horizons, and Mastering and Celebrating Achievements. You’ll begin by meeting a diverse group of current medical students and Junior Medical Officers to learn about their paths to a career in medicine and their experiences in medical school. The next day, you'll work directly with two medical specialists from different fields, such as pediatrics and neurology, engaging in hands-on activities and learning about common medical issues and principles in their specialties. On the third day, you'll meet additional specialists to explore various areas of medical practice, including Cardiology, Nephrology, Obstetrics, and others. The program will conclude with a day dedicated to educational and career preparation, covering the medical school admissions process and the soft skills essential for physicians and medical students.
Location: University of Queensland Gatton, Gatton, QLD
Cost / Stipend: $500 AUD
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: ~50 students
Program dates: June 29 - July 2
Application deadline: April 28
Eligibility: Australian high school students in Years 10-12
The University of Queensland’s FEAST Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore careers and academic pathways across the agriculture, animal, plant, and food industries while gaining on-campus experience. You’ll participate in interactive workshops and hands-on activities led by UQ Faculty of Science professors, covering topics including climate change, biosecurity, and wildlife conservation. You’ll also meet various UQ affiliates and hear directly from current students and faculty about academic programs and majors. You’ll have industry exposure and networking opportunities through professional development sessions and events with professionals in agriculture, plant and animal science, and the food industries.
Location: University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, or Remote
Cost / Stipend: Years 7-10: $235 (Online-only) | Years 11-12: $250 (Online) or $350 (In-person)
Acceptance rate / Cohort size: Not specified
Program dates: January 12 – 15 (Years 7-10) | January 12 – 16 (Years 11-12)
Application deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Australian students in Years 7-12 | Must have completed at least one year of instruction in their chosen language (Years 7-8 may take beginner-level French and Japanese) | Years 11-12 must be in their Senior phase of learning (IB or QCE)
University of Queensland’s Institute of Modern Languages offers week-long educational summer programs in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish to high school students across Australia. You’ll study your chosen language in a fully-immersive environment, where students and instructors are expected to speak exclusively in the target language. You’ll focus on listening, reading, speaking, and writing to strengthen academic performance, prepare for college-level study, and engage with native speakers in social and professional contexts. Beyond the language itself, you’ll also focus on cultural competency and intercultural understanding. As the program requires only one year of prior study in the language (apart from Years 7-8 in French and Japanese), students with advanced skills should consider whether the program will be sufficiently challenging, and early-stage learners should prepare for the challenges of a fully immersive experience.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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