Updated October 2026
Are you curious about the role of engineering in solving problems in medicine and healthcare? Biomedical engineering brings together areas such as biology, engineering, technology, and research, so there are several directions you can explore as a high school student interested in the interdisciplinary subject. An internship in the field can give you a chance to work on projects, learn from researchers and engineers, and see how ideas from your classes are applied in real-world settings. You may also get to explore areas such as medical devices, biotechnology, biomedical research, or data analysis.
TL;DR
This list covers 15 biomedical engineering internships for high schoolers, most of which are hosted by university labs and research centers across the U.S. Programs typically involve hands-on lab work paired with a final research presentation or poster session. Many of the university-based programs are limited to students from a specific state, city, or region, so eligibility is worth checking closely before you apply. Costs and stipends vary for each option, with several being completely free with stipends up to $7,200, and a few requiring an application fee.
Why should you do a biomedical engineering internship?
A biomedical engineering internship can help you explore the field before choosing it as a college major. Depending on the program, you may work on research projects, learn laboratory techniques, analyze data, or explore medical technologies. You can also see how engineers and researchers approach problems related to health and medicine. This can help you understand what biomedical engineering involves beyond what you learn in science and math classes.
How do you apply for a biomedical engineering internship?
Each internship has its own application requirements, so it’s important to check the details before applying. You may need to submit a resume, transcript, essays, recommendation letters, or information about your coursework. Some programs may also have requirements related to your grade level, age, location, citizenship, or previous experience. Application deadlines can also vary widely. Make sure you check the eligibility requirements, application materials, dates, cost, and deadline for each internship. If you are trying to secure super selective opportunities, start with our guide to getting into competitive internships!
To help you find the right fit, this blog covers 15 biomedical engineering internships for high school students. We have prioritized options that come with networking opportunities, meaningful biomedical engineering exposure, and credible host institutions.
If you are also looking for structured learning opportunities, check out our list of free biomedical engineering summer programs and biomedical research experiences.
Quick internship overview
|
Program type |
Top internships |
Cost |
Best for |
|
Nationally open, paid research programs |
Free for most applicants (small fee may be applicable); stipends up to $2,400 available |
Students who want a fully funded, immersive research experience without a state or city residency requirement |
|
|
Regionally restricted, paid research programs |
WashU Summer Focus, NYU ARISE, Duke DukeREP, UChicago ResearcHStart, UChicago Pritzker After-School STEM Lab, University of Minnesota’s BME High School Internship, Tufts TUBERS, MUT MD Anderson High School Summer Program |
Free; stipends ranging from $2,000 – $7,200 |
Students who live in or near the host city/state and want a paid, mentored summer research experience |
|
Free, unpaid lab research programs |
KEYS (University of Arizona), OHSU Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship, Rowan RISER |
Free, no stipend (some offer college credit) |
Students prioritizing lab access and mentorship over compensation, often with regional eligibility requirements |
|
Remote, startup internships |
Varies by program type; financial aid available |
Students who want a flexible, remote internship with a startup instead of a lab-based research placement |
|
|
Year-long research program |
Free, no stipend |
Students who want sustained, school-year-long research exposure rather than a single summer commitment |
15 Biomedical Engineering Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks; high school, undergraduate, and gap year students can apply!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for virtual internship experience and firsthand exposure to the inner workings of startups!
2. Johns Hopkins University ISPEED in Biomedical Engineering
Location: Johns Hopkins Homewood campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost: None; a one-time, need-based stipend of up to $2,400 is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application deadline: March 16
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, ages 15 – 17, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; no specific STEM coursework prerequisites listed
ISPEED is a residential, project-based summer program that immerses you in biomedical engineering through hands-on lab work rather than a traditional lecture-based course. You will spend time in Johns Hopkins facilities like the Cell & Tissue Engineering lab and the BME Design Studio, covering topics such as biology and life sciences, computer programming and machine learning, and healthcare design. Alongside coursework, you will take part in research projects, presentations, and seminars with STEM professionals, while living on campus and exploring the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area with a cohort of students from across the country. The program will introduce you to the college admissions process and connect you with Johns Hopkins resources to support your path toward college. You will also earn three Johns Hopkins college credits.
Who it's best for: Students looking for a fully funded, hands-on research experience and first-hand exposure to residential college life.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee for students with household incomes under $80,000; $50 application fee for others (waivers available); need-based stipends may also be available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~50 students/year
Dates: June 7 – July 29
Application deadline: Late February (exact date TBA)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; preference is given to Bay Area students.
SIMR is an eight-week summer program that lets you explore and engage in biomedical research at Stanford while working alongside Stanford faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers. As a SIMR participant, you will work within a Stanford lab/institute alongside a mentor, contributing to a project in fields such as bioengineering, immunology, cancer biology, and neuroscience. The schedule will combine lab work and lectures, helping you connect your hands-on experience with core scientific concepts. The program will wrap up with a poster presentation, giving you the chance to practice formal science communication while you share your summer experience with peers and mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students seeking a mentored, research-focused experience in a university environment.
4. Washington University in St. Louis Summer Focus
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4,800 (pre-tax) stipend + free monthly public transit passes available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 – 18 students/year
Dates: Orientation: May 27 – 29; Program: June 1 – July 24 (eight weeks)
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors who are permanent residents of the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri or Illinois); students from under-resourced schools or groups underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply.
Summer Focus pairs you with a mentor and a tutor at Washington University and lets you work on a hands-on biomedical engineering research project. Your mentor, who will be a graduate student, postdoc, or lab staff member, will work with you one-on-one in a lab setting, while your tutor will offer weekly support focused on reviewing background material tied to your research. Beyond lab work, you will take two courses: one covering scientific writing and communication, and another, called NextUp, focused on college applications, financial aid navigation, and admissions test prep. The program will wrap up with a symposium where you will present your research findings to an audience of mentors, family, and peers.
Who it’s best for: Students in the Greater St. Louis area looking for a paid mentored research experience.
5. NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who live and attend school in NYC
ARISE is a 10-week program that offers high schoolers lab training and the chance to work on research projects in New York University labs. In the first four weeks, you will undergo training focused on lab work, college writing, and research basics. In the next six weeks, you will work on a research project in a lab setting, with placements spanning a range of interdisciplinary fields, including bioengineering. You will spend the summer gaining about 150 hours of lab experience, attending skill-building sessions, and working on your research presentation, which you will deliver at the end of ARISE. You will also engage in sessions focused on college applications and gain access to the program’s alumni network.
Who it’s best for: NYC high school students who want a paid research experience and structured lab training on a university campus.
6. Duke Research in Engineering Program (DukeREP)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old; priority is given to Durham Public Schools students, but all eligible students from other high schools in North Carolina can apply.
DukeREP is a seven-week summer research program hosted by Duke's Department of Biomedical Engineering for high school students. You will work on a research project in a Duke BME laboratory and take part in weekly seminars and social activities. The seminars will cover topics such as college advising, professional skills, and engineering careers. You will also receive opportunities to learn from Duke professors and engineering professionals throughout the program. At the end, you will present your research to peers and faculty.
Who it’s best for: Students in North Carolina who want a hands-on experience in a university research lab.
7. KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth in Science) Research Internship @ University of Arizona
Location: University of Arizona (BIO5 Institute), Tucson, AZ
Cost/Stipend: None; 3 units of MCB (Molecular and Cellular Biology) college credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by year.
Dates: June 7 – July 23
Application deadline: December 17; application opens November 2
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by the first day of the program and U.S. citizens/permanent residents who have been Arizona residents for at least a year; a strong interest in STEM and at least one completed science class is recommended.
KEYS is a STEM training program that pairs you with a University of Arizona faculty mentor for a seven-week research internship. Before the program begins, you will complete pre-KEYS assignments covering science literacy, data science, and biotechnology between April and June, building the foundation you will need for the training week, which offers a crash course in applying those skills in a hands-on setting. Following the prep phase, you will work directly with your paired researcher on an active project spanning biomedical or science disciplines, supported by faculty, university students, and other lab personnel throughout the summer. The program will conclude with a research showcase where you will present your work to friends, family, and the broader academic community.
Who it's best for: Arizona high schoolers who want a free, mentored research experience at a university lab and the chance to earn college credit.
8. Oregon Health & Science University’s Fluorescence Molecular Imaging Internship Program
Location: Gibbs Lab at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Stipend: Unpaid; interns may get invited for a paid internship next summer.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 – 8 students/cohort
Dates: Flexible start and end dates with a minimum 10-week commitment
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students, ages 16 and up
This internship lets high school and college students explore biomedical engineering within a lab environment. At the Gibbs Lab at OHSU, you will contribute to work focused on developing novel contrast agents to boost imaging tech. You will learn about the lab’s efforts to improve macroscopic and microscopic cancer imaging applications. Over the course of 10 weeks or more, you will explore techniques like spectroscopy, immunostaining, microscopy, cell culture, organic synthesis, and bioconjugation. You will also gain exposure to fluorescence imaging, image analysis, and analytical characterization.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a lab-based bioengineering experience focused on imaging technology.
9. UChicago Medicine ResearcHStart
Location: UChicago or participating university labs in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 when the program starts and are Illinois or Lake County, IN residents
This eight-week, full-time research program lets you work in a cancer research lab at Chicago-area institutions and explore fields such as bioengineering, immunology, pharmacology, and cancer disparities research. You will contribute to lab work, including experiment design, data collection, and various lab procedures, while exploring how cancer research is applied to real challenges. You will also have access to faculty lectures, career development workshops, and skill-building sessions that cover pathways in biomedical science. Throughout ResearcHStart, you will receive mentorship from faculty, researchers, and peers. The program will wrap up with a research symposium where you will present your findings.
Who it’s best for: Illinois or Lake County students looking for a paid biomedical lab experience focused on cancer research.
10. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering After-School STEM Lab Internship
Location: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks during the summer; exact dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA; applications will open in March.
Eligibility: High school students who attend a high school in Chicago and are at least 16 years old by the first day of the program
The After-School STEM Lab Internship is a summer research program run by the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering in partnership with After School Matters. As an intern, you will begin with a one-week research bootcamp that introduces you to the basics of authentic research and then spend 20 hours each week working in a research lab on projects in STEM fields, including biomedical engineering. You will receive support from UChicago PME researchers and education staff throughout the program. The program will also offer science communication training and opportunities to present your work. You will additionally get access to resources and support for the college application process during the program.
Who it’s best for: Chicago students who want to gain hands-on research experience in a university lab.
11. University of Minnesota’s Biomedical Engineering (BME) High School Internship
Location: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks during the summer; dates TBA for the next cycle
Application deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Minnesota
The BME internship, offered by the University of Minnesota, is designed to introduce students to biomedical engineering research, offering exposure to the link between tech, engineering, and health science. You will participate in a faculty-guided laboratory experience, work alongside graduate student mentors, and practice laboratory techniques while contributing to research projects. You will learn about potential paths in biology, tech, and engineering. The schedule will also include a tour of the Visible Heart Lab and the chance to learn about medical device innovation. You will additionally complete an independent research project and present your work at a final poster session.
Who it’s best for: Minnesota students looking for an on-campus research-centric exposure to biomedical engineering.
12. Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS)
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 13
Application deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 and currently enrolled in (or recent graduates of) public high schools in a Massachusetts Gateway City, vocational technical high schools, or public high schools where at least 25% of students are classified as low income, or eligible students enrolled in the METCO Program; students who graduated within the past two years but are not yet enrolled in college are also eligible.
TUBERS is a six-week program where you will work in a Biomedical Engineering lab at Tufts University, spending about 35 hours each week on hands-on research. You will work closely with a lab supervisor exploring experimental protocols, making predictions, and testing hypotheses in a focus area within biomedical science, such as tissues, cells, or organs. You will have access to the mentorship of undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers, who will offer you exposure to how real scientific research is conducted. At the end of TUBERS, you will present your findings to peers, parents, and teachers. You will also be encouraged to submit your project to local and national science competitions.
Who it’s best for: Massachusetts students who want a paid biomedical engineering research experience and the chance to build a project for competitive events.
13. Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program @ UT MD Anderson
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $7,200 stipend for 10 weeks and $6,480 stipend for nine weeks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to six students/year
Dates: June 1 – August 7 (tentative; dates TBA for next cycle)
Application deadline: January 14 (tentative; deadline for the next cycle TBA in the fall)
Eligibility: High school seniors, ages 18 and up, who are Texas residents, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders
This 10-week program invites a small group of students to the MD Anderson Cancer Center to explore professional research. You will work on a biomedical research project under the supervision of an MD Anderson faculty member. You will spend the summer engaging in lab work and attending faculty-led seminars. The program will also offer opportunities to build soft and workplace skills through activities such as poster-making, an elevator speech competition, and abstract writing. The experience will conclude with a presentation where you will share your research with peers.
Who it’s best for: Graduating high school seniors in Texas interested in a paid biomedical research experience.
14. RISER (Research Immersion in Biomedical Science and Engineering at Rowan)
Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ + host laboratories are in Glassboro, Camden, or Stratford, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: Teacher nominations due before May 15; after nomination, the applicant and teacher receive an application packet, which is due within three weeks of receipt.
Eligibility: High school students who will start their senior year in the fall; the program primarily serves students who live in or attend high school in South Jersey, but students outside South Jersey can apply if they live within a 30-minute drive of their host lab and can regularly participate in person.
RISER is a six-week, non-residential summer research program for rising high school seniors interested in biomedical science and engineering. The program accepts students nominated by high school teachers. As a participant, you will be placed in a Rowan University Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Sciences laboratory, where you will conduct guided and independent research. The program will require at least 20 hours of in-person research work each week. You will also present your research at a culminating symposium on the final day of the program.
Who it’s best for: Students in South Jersey who want hands-on experience conducting research in a university laboratory.
15. Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin’s SUPREMES Program
Location: Labs in the Greater Milwaukee Area, WI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially specified
Dates: Fall semester – early June (one full academic year)
Application deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors, ages 16 and up, with a 3.5 GPA or higher (exceptions considered with explanation), who have completed or are enrolled in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I and II, and two years of English/Composition
SUPREMES (Students Understanding Principles of Research Education through Medicine, Engineering, and Science) is a school-year biomedical research program divided into two modules. During Module One in the fall, you will engage in workshops twice a week at the Medical College of Wisconsin campus to learn about laboratory techniques, data analysis, safety protocols, and scientific writing. During Module Two in the spring semester, you will work at least six hours per week in a biomedical engineering research laboratory. Throughout the program, you will engage in journal club discussions, maintain a laboratory notebook, and work on monthly reflections. At the end of the year, you will write a scientific manuscript, complete a research poster, and present your findings at a research symposium. If you successfully complete the program as a junior, you will be invited to return to the program for additional lab experience during your senior year.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for year-long STEM engagement and lab-based research experience.
What skills can you pick up in biomedical engineering internships?
The skills you develop will depend on the internship and the type of project you work on. You may learn research methods, laboratory techniques, data analysis, programming, engineering design, or other technical skills. You can also build skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and presenting your work. Some programs may focus more on research, while others may give you more experience with engineering or technology. Start with our guide on setting goals for your internship to ensure you focus on the skills you value.
Can a biomedical engineering internship help with your college applications?
A biomedical engineering internship can give you specific experiences to talk about in your applications if you’re interested in studying engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, or a related subject in college. You can explain how you explored the field outside your regular coursework and what you learned from the experience. An internship can also give you examples to discuss in college essays or interviews. What matters most is being able to explain what you actually did, what you learned, and how the experience helped you understand your academic interests.
Common questions about these internships
1. Do these internships focus only on the engineering side of biomedical work, or do they cover other areas too?
Most of these programs go beyond engineering in the narrow sense. Depending on where you are placed, you might work on projects tied to tissue engineering, medical imaging, cancer biology, immunology, or neuroscience, since biomedical engineering research often overlaps with these fields. It's worth looking at each program's specific lab placements or research areas to know what to expect.
2. What kind of hands-on experience can you actually expect? Is it mostly lab work, or something else?
Lab-based research is the common thread across nearly all of these biomedical engineering internships for high school students, but what that looks like varies. Some let you work directly into an active research project with a faculty or graduate student mentor, while others start with training weeks or bootcamps before you begin independent work. Almost all of them end with some form of presentation, whether that's a poster session, symposium, or research showcase, so communicating your work is typically as much a part of the experience as the lab work itself.
3. Are most of these internships free, or should you budget for costs?
Most of the biomedical engineering internships for high school students on this list are free to attend, and several even come with a stipend, with pay up to $7,200 available. That said, a couple have a modest application fee (with waivers sometimes available), and not every program offers a stipend, so it's worth checking the cost and compensation details for each one individually.
4. Are these internships mostly in-person, or can you do them virtually?
The large majority require you to be on-site at a university campus or lab, and a few even include a residential component where you live on campus for the program's duration. If you're specifically looking for a virtual experience, Ladder Internships offer fully remote startup-focused experiences.