15 Best Summer Programs for High School Students in Canada
If you're a high school student in Canada looking to make your summer count, local summer programs offer a valuable (and affordable) way to explore your interests, build useful skills, and experience something beyond the classroom. Whether you're passionate about science, technology, the arts, or research, these opportunities help you grow, connect, and prepare for your future.
The very best programs in Canada are hosted by top universities and community organizations, combining engaging projects with expert mentorship. Several in the list below even offer full funding or stipends, making high-impact learning accessible.
Here are the 15 best summer programs for high school students in Canada.
1. High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS)
Acceptance rate: 25–30 students selected from 175 applicants
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Stipend: Paid at $15/hour
Dates: July 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Open to students in grade 11 who have enrolled or completed Mathematics 20-1 or 20-2, Biology 20, and one other Grade 11 science course; applicants must reside in or north of Red Deer and be legally eligible to work in Canada
The HYRS program offers a six-week paid research placement for Grade 11 students interested in health and medical sciences. Hosted by the University of Alberta and funded by Alberta Innovates, HYRS offers exposure to real-world research projects, particularly in priority areas such as digital health, data science, commercialization, and health system transformation. You’ll work alongside researchers while also taking part in workshops focused on skill development and career exploration. This can be a great opportunity for you to gain research experience, establish professional connections, and explore non-clinical health careers in a hands-on setting. Only two students from each high school may be selected each year, making it highly competitive.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Acceptance rate: Selective
Location: Remote
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective remote internship program that connects ambitious high school and college students with high-growth start-ups across diverse industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You’ll work closely with a start-up manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on real-world projects, gaining valuable experience and industry exposure. You’ll present their work to company teams, developing both technical and professional skills. Start-ups participating in the program typically have raised over $1 million, offering you a chance to work in dynamic, fast-paced environments. The internship generally lasts 8 weeks, and financial aid is available to help with program costs.
3. AUArts Pre-College Program – Alberta University of the Arts
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary, AB
Stipend: $2,875
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Pre-College Program at AUArts offers a four-week immersive experience for students passionate about art and design. You’ll attend studio classes, work under the mentorship of professional artists, and complete a university-level curriculum equivalent to a first-year studio elective, earning three university credits. The program focuses on portfolio development via critiques, media experimentation, and hands-on projects. It also provides insights into university life, such as independent work, peer collaboration, and critiques. A final exhibition features your work. This program is an excellent stepping stone if you plan to pursue post-secondary studies in the visual arts.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Acceptance rate: Selective (exact rate not published)
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year – Summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), Spring (March – June)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students with strong academic records (recommended GPA of 3.3 or higher)
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.
5. Youth Summer Program (Medicine) – University of Toronto
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: $1,668
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Open to students entering Grades 10–12
The Youth Summer Program (Medicine) at the University of Toronto gives you hands-on exposure to medical sciences through a selection of one-week academic modules. Hosted by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, each module includes lab experiments, interactive lectures, and discussions led by university faculty and industry professionals. You’ll explore topics such as human physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and microbiology, and may engage in activities like blood typing, polygraph testing, DNA analysis, and forensic case-solving. The program takes place in Toronto’s medical discovery district, providing an authentic campus experience and a glimpse into university-level learning.
6. Youth Summer Program (Law) – University of Toronto
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: University of Toronto, ON
Stipend: $1,175
Dates: Multiple programs from June 30– August 8
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: Open to High school students
Hosted by the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, the Youth Summer Program (YSP – Law) gives high school students a chance to experience law school firsthand through a series of one-week, topic-specific modules. You’ll explore key legal concepts in areas like criminal law, corporate law, international law, and social justice, all taught by legal professionals and educators. The program includes field trips, career talks, and interactive sessions where you’ll build your understanding of legal systems, advocacy, and current issues in justice. You’ll receive a certificate, YSP hoodie, and valuable insights into legal careers and university life.
7. WISEST Summer Research Program – University of Alberta
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 40 students selected
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Stipend: Paid; exact amount not listed
Dates: July 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Open to Grade 11 students
The WISEST Summer Research Program (SRP) is a six-week, paid summer placement at the University of Alberta, offering high school students hands-on experience in science, engineering, and technology research. You’ll work alongside real researchers in labs or field settings, contribute to meaningful research projects, and develop professional skills through activities like lunch-and-learns, mentorship events, and site visits. The program fosters inclusion, offering dedicated support and mentorship for Indigenous students, culminating in a Celebration of Research where you’ll present your work. SRP can be a good option for you if you’re eager to explore non-traditional STEM pathways and gain early exposure to academic life.
8. Blueprint – University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and interview-based
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: Free
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Open to Black Canadian students currently in Grade 10 or 11
Blueprint is a four-week, tuition-free academic enrichment program created for Black high school students with a passion for engineering and science. Hosted by the University of Toronto Engineering, the program includes interactive courses in topics such as biomedical engineering and mechatronics, as well as labs, community-building activities, and mentorship from graduate and undergraduate students. After the summer, you’ll engage in year-long workshops that focus on academic prep, leadership development, and soft skills. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications, Blueprint empowers you to explore engineering through an inclusive and supportive environment. The program also offers career exposure, post-secondary guidance, and a lasting community network.
9. McGill Summer Academy – McGill University
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: McGill University, Downtown Campus, Montreal, QC
Cost: $4,950
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – July 19 | Session 2: July 20 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Open to students currently in Grade 10 or 11
The McGill Summer Academy offers a two-week pre-university experience for high school students interested in diving deeper into academic topics while living on campus in the heart of Montreal. You’ll choose from two themes: neuroscience and health sciences, or global citizenship and migration. The program blends lectures, hands-on projects, and interactive workshops to introduce you to university-level learning. Outside the classroom, you’ll explore the city’s culture through social activities and excursions. With a mix of academic challenge and cultural immersion, this is a considerable option for you if you’re seeking a well-rounded summer program for high school students in Canada.
10. DEEP Summer Academy – University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and application-based
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: $725/week
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Open to students in Grades 9–12
The DEEP Summer Academy (Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program) is an intensive, week-long academic experience for high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Organized by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at U of T, DEEP offers advanced, research-driven courses typically taught at the upper undergraduate or graduate level. Topics include self-driving robots, biotech, and environmental engineering, with distinct course tracks for Grades 9–10 and 11–12. Courses are taught by faculty, PhD candidates, and leading graduate students. You can register for multiple sessions, build foundational knowledge in emerging fields, and connect with peers who share their passion for STEM.
11. Science Unlimited Summer Camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: $300
Dates: August 18 – August 22
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Open to students who will have completed Grade 10 or 11 by August
The Science Unlimited Summer Camp is a one-week, immersive STEM day program organized by the University of Toronto’s Department of Physics. It is designed for high school students entering Grade 11 or 12 and includes daily workshops led by faculty from departments such as Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and the School of the Environment. You get the chance to explore advanced topics, engage in hands-on experiments, and experience real university labs and facilities. With limited spots and an emphasis on exploration across various scientific disciplines, this camp offers an engaging and supportive environment for aspiring scientists and researchers.
12. Pharmacy Summer Camp – University of Toronto
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: $799 (Week 3), $649 (Week 4)
Dates: Multiple sessions from July 7 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Grades 9–12
The Pharmacy Summer Camp at U of T offers high school students an in-depth, week-long look into the world of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Hosted by the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, the camp is divided into themed weeks covering physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and communication skills. Each day combines morning lectures and workshops with afternoon labs and excursions, providing an interactive and engaging hands-on experience. Campers learn from faculty and industry experts while exploring careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research. It’s a great opportunity for you to understand how pharmacists impact health systems and gain exposure to one of Canada’s leading pharmacy schools.
13. Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Stipend: $1,600 awarded upon successful program completion
Dates: July 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: Applications open December 1
Eligibility: Open to Grade 10–11 students, must self-identify as Black
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week, immersive summer experience for Black and Indigenous students, designed to introduce you to health science education and careers. Hosted by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, participants engage in hands-on labs, lectures, mentorship programs, and career exploration activities spanning fields like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, kinesiology, and others. You’re paired with student mentors and supported by a diverse team of professionals. Those enrolled in Ontario high schools may also earn a Grade 12 university/college science credit (SNC4M) toward their diploma.
14. GeoX Summer Camp – University of Waterloo
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 students
Location: University of Waterloo, Faculty of Science, Waterloo, ON
Cost: $700
Dates: August 10 – August 16
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Open to students entering Grade 11 or 12 in September
The GeoX Summer Camp is a one-week immersive program for high school students curious about Earth and Environmental Sciences. Hosted by the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science, the camp blends academic exploration, fieldwork, and lab tours. You’ll participate in hands-on activities like rock and fossil analysis, soil and water sampling, geological mapping, and even visit an active mine site. Campers stay on campus in residence, engage with university faculty and students, and build a solid understanding of what it’s like to study geoscience at the postsecondary level. As an added bonus, if you later enroll in a Waterloo science program, you’re eligible for a $1,000 entrance scholarship.
15. Future Global Leaders – University of British Columbia (UBC)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Location: UBC Vancouver Campus, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $4,385 (residential) / $1,885 (commuter)
Dates: Session 1: July 7 – July 18 | Session 2: July 21 – August 1 | Session 3: August 4 – August 15
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Open to students aged 15–18
UBC’s Future Global Leaders (FGL) is a two-week academic enrichment program for high school students designed to simulate the first-year university experience. You’ll choose from a variety of academic courses or mini schools, taught by UBC faculty and instructors, in subjects like engineering, psychology, business, journalism, law, marine science, and more. Alongside coursework, you'll engage in workshops, social events, and recreational activities to foster community and prepare for university life. You can choose to commute or live in a UBC residence. International participants also receive extra support, such as medical insurance and custodianship services if required.
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