15 International Business Programs for High School Students
As businesses become increasingly connected across borders, international business programs can help you explore how companies operate in global markets while building practical skills in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, trade, consulting, and cross-cultural communication. You will gain hands-on experience, collaborate with professionals and peers from diverse backgrounds, and develop a broader understanding of the global business landscape. These experiences can strengthen your college applications and resume while helping you build valuable professional connections.
If you’re looking for business internship opportunities in the US, you can check out other business internships available for high-school students here!
Why should I do an international business program as a high school student?
Whether you are interested in international trade, global finance, entrepreneurship, consulting, or marketing, the right program can help you build the knowledge and experience needed for a future career in business. Even better, many opportunities are offered by prestigious universities, multinational companies, and nonprofit organizations, with several providing full funding or generous financial support.
To make your search easier, we have narrowed down a list of the top 15 international business programs for high school students. We have selected programs based on their global exposure, quality of mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, networking potential, selectivity, funding, and overall value.
Key takeaways
This list gathers business-focused programs for high school students with an international or global angle, spanning startup-matching internships, university pre-college courses, and entrepreneurship competitions, with standout hosts including Wharton, Howard University, and the University of Washington.
Cost varies enormously, from free options like a virtual internship program and a global entrepreneurship competition, up to nearly $7,500 for a residential university pre-college program, so it's worth budgeting carefully depending on which type of program fits.
About half of these are genuine internship-style placements matching you with a real startup, while the rest are university courses, leadership conferences, or competitions that build business skills through structured curriculum rather than a workplace placement, so it's worth deciding which format fits what you're looking for.
Most of the internship-style options are fully virtual and open globally, while the university pre-college programs are based on U.S. campuses and accept applicants from around the world rather than being located internationally.
A couple of the earliest deadlines fall in late January for two of the most structured programs, so it's worth starting applications well before spring if a university-based option interests you.
1. LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program
Location: Online
Cost: $6,495; need-based financial awards are available for eligible students
Acceptance rate: 250 spots
Dates: July 13 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18; Open to U.S. and international students
The LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program is an immersive startup accelerator where you will transform an idea into a real business while learning from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Working in teams, you will identify market opportunities, conduct customer research, validate your concept, and develop a scalable business model. You will attend interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, product development, marketing, finance, and pitching, and receive personalized mentorship to refine your venture. The experience culminates in Demo Day, where you will present your startup to a panel of mentors and professionals, gaining hands-on experience in innovation, leadership, teamwork, and business strategy.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Acceptance rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; the Winter cohort application deadline is November 16
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10-20 hours a week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work with a high-growth start-ups from industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s startups are, on average, high-growth companies that raise over $1 million. Past founders have included Y Combinator alums, founders who have raised over $30 million, and founders who have worked at Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. In the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. You will be offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other valuable skills. You will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns. This virtual internship typically lasts 8 weeks.
3. Building-U High School Internships
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate: Not available
Dates: Year-round internship
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12
The Building-U Virtual Internship Program gives high school students the opportunity to gain practical experience while exploring a variety of career fields in a flexible online setting. You can choose from departments such as marketing, coding, business development, R&D, social media, animation, or data privacy, with each track offering its own projects and learning objectives. You will work on meaningful assignments, collaborate with students from around the world, and develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and project management in a remote environment.
4. YouVah Malaysia Business & Tech Internship
Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies by internship track
Acceptance rate: Limited cohort
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students and teenagers worldwide
If you are looking to gain practical business experience in a flexible online setting, this opportunity offers an opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals while working on real-world projects. You can explore fields such as business, marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and content creation through structured assignments and hands-on learning. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship, collaborate with students from around the world, and develop valuable workplace skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By the end of the internship, you will have built practical experience, earned a certificate of completion, and strengthened your profile for future academic and career opportunities.
5. SPRINT High School Internship Program
Location: Fully remote (online)
Cost: Varies by internship track and company placement
Acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Internships are offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide who are interested in gaining practical experience
The SPRINT High School Internship Program connects high school students with startups worldwide, offering practical experience through fully remote internships. Depending on your interests, you can work in fields such as business, marketing, engineering, biotechnology, or design while contributing to real projects under the guidance of startup founders and mentors. Throughout the program, you will develop professional skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project management while experiencing the fast-paced environment of an early-stage company. By the end of the internship, you will have built a portfolio of real-world work, expanded your global network, and gained valuable experience that can strengthen your college applications and future career prospects.
6. Opternix Internship Program
Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies depending on the selected internship or project
Acceptance rate: Not available
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year, with flexible start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Grades 9–12 worldwide
The Opternix Internship Program gives high school students the opportunity to work on real-world projects while exploring fields such as business, research, technology, marketing, design, and social impact. Based on your interests and grade level, you will be matched with a mentored project where you will solve practical challenges, receive weekly feedback from industry professionals, and develop tangible outcomes for your portfolio. Throughout the program, you will build practical skills, earn a certificate and letter of recommendation upon successful completion, and strengthen your college applications through meaningful, project-based experience rather than simulated assignments.
7. European Innovation Academy
Location: Hosted at different university campuses each year. Recent editions have taken place at the University of Porto (Porto, Portugal) and other partner universities in Europe and Asia
Cost: Varies by location and cohort
Acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Most programs are held during the summer (July–August) and last 3 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until cohorts reach capacity.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (typically ages 16+), university students, and recent graduates.
In this program, you will collaborate with students from around the world to transform innovative ideas into viable startups. Working in multidisciplinary teams, you will explore market opportunities, build and test business concepts, develop prototypes, and create strategies for launching your venture. Throughout the program, you will learn from successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry mentors through interactive workshops and one-on-one guidance. The experience concludes with a startup pitch, giving you the opportunity to present your business idea while strengthening your entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
8. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
Location: Hosted at leading universities across the United States, including locations such as Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.), Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut), University of California, Berkeley (California), Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), and other partner campuses, depending on the program. Virtual options are also available for select sessions
Cost: Typically ranges from $3,000–$6,000
Acceptance rate: Not available
Dates: Programs are offered during the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 and recent high school graduates
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) offers high school students the chance to explore future careers through interactive programs held on university campuses across the United States. Based on your chosen field, you will take part in hands-on activities, simulations, case studies, and team projects that reflect real-world professional challenges. Throughout the program, you will learn from university faculty, industry experts, and experienced mentors while developing leadership, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. In addition to gaining practical knowledge, you will experience college life, build lasting connections with students from around the world, and gain valuable insight into potential academic and career paths.
9. Howard University High School Summer Enrichment: Pre-Business Program
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, D.C., USA
Cost: $2,000
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July 18–24 and July 25–31
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (current sophomores and juniors) with strong academic potential and an interest in business. International students are eligible to apply, provided they can attend the residential program in Washington, D.C
Through college-level coursework and experiential learning on Howard University's campus, You can explore specialized fields such as accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, music business, information systems, and actuarial science while participating in interactive classes, corporate site visits, team projects, and professional development sessions. Taught by Howard faculty and industry professionals, the program helps you build practical business knowledge, strengthen leadership and collaboration skills, and connect with like-minded peers. By the end of the experience, you will have a deeper understanding of business careers, potential college majors, and the skills needed to succeed in the field.
10. University of Washington Business & Leadership Program
Location: University of Washington, Foster School of Business, Seattle, WA
Cost: $4,498 (commuter) or US$7,498 (residential)
Acceptance rate: Limited spots
Dates: July 5–17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors; U.S. and international students
The University of Washington Foster School of Business Pre-College Programs introduce high school students to business, leadership, and entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. Depending on the program, you will participate in workshops, case competitions, startup challenges, and corporate visits while learning from Foster faculty and industry professionals. You will collaborate with peers, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain practical business experience while exploring life on the University of Washington campus.
11. Bentley University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pre-College Program
Location: Bentley University in Waltham, MA
Cost: $1,490 (Online programs), US$2,450 (Commuter programs), and US$3,380 ( Residential programs)
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: Programs are offered during the summer (June–July)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including international applicants. Students applying for residential programs must be at least 16 years old by September 1 of the program year, and international students who have not completed at least two years of high school in the U.S
The Bentley University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pre-College Program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business through immersive, hands-on learning. Depending on the course you choose, you will work on real-world challenges, participate in design thinking workshops, collaborate on team projects, and develop business ideas with guidance from Bentley faculty and industry professionals. You will also visit companies, engage with entrepreneurs, and refine your ideas through mentorship before presenting your final solution or business pitch. By the end of the program, you will have strengthened your creativity, leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable insight into entrepreneurship and innovation.
12. Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (on the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School campus), San Francisco, California, and Cambridge, United Kingdom, with additional online options available for students worldwide.
Cost: Varies as per program; $100 application fee
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Vary by program
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students who are in grades 9–12
The Wharton Global Youth Program offers a range of business-focused experiences through on-campus, online, and international programs for high school students. Depending on the program you choose, you can explore subjects such as entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, product design, international business, and data science through interactive lectures, case studies, team projects, and business simulations led by Wharton faculty. You can also participate in specialized programs like the Leadership in the Business World (LBW) or the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, where you can use your learnings to solve real-world business challenges while developing analytical, leadership, and teamwork skills.
13. Wharton Future of the Business World
Location: Online
Cost: $4099; $100 Application fee
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 15–26 or July 6–17
Application Deadline: January 28
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; open to international students
Wharton’s Future of the Business World is a two-week online program designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Through interactive lessons and applied activities, students explore how businesses operate, develop solutions to real-world challenges, and strengthen skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making. The program also gives participants the opportunity to learn from Wharton faculty and connect with a global community of students. At the end of the program, you receive a completion certificate and a digital badge.
14. Venture and Tech Summer Program
Location: Online
Cost: $4,750 tuition + $35 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Session I: June 8 to July 17; Session II: July 6 to August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students, equivalent international secondary-school students, and gap-year students before university can apply.
VTSP is a selective, hands-on online program for high school students interested in business, startups, and technology. Over six weeks, you will work with real startups and collaborate with founders and professionals on projects based on real business or product challenges. You will also take part in interactive workshops, case studies, mentorship sessions, and talks with business and tech leaders. Throughout the program, you will build practical skills in areas such as innovation, strategy, operations, and investing while gaining experience working on a real-world project.
15. Blue Ocean Entrepreneurship Competition
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Registration is currently open for the 2027 competition
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 14–18 from anywhere in the world
The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition is a free, virtual competition where high school students develop an innovative business idea and create a pitch explaining how it could solve a real-world problem. You will learn how to identify opportunities, understand customers, develop a business concept, and communicate your idea effectively through the free Blue Ocean Mini-Course. You can compete individually or team up with up to five students and submit a video pitch for the competition. You will also receive a certificate upon submitting your pitch, and selected winners may receive cash prizes and recognition.
Questions students often ask about these programs
1. Do I need prior business experience to apply to these programs?
No, most of these are designed to introduce business and entrepreneurship concepts from the ground up, so no prior experience is expected. A genuine interest in business matters more than specialized knowledge at this stage.
2. Some of these are university courses or competitions rather than internships. What's the difference, and does it matter for college applications?
A university course or competition still demonstrates initiative and skill-building, just through a different format than a workplace internship. Both are worth including on an application, as long as you describe the experience accurately rather than calling a course an internship.
3. Are any of these programs actually based outside the U.S., or are they mostly U.S. campuses open to international students?
A few, like the virtual startup-matching internships and one entrepreneurship accelerator hosted at rotating international university campuses, are genuinely global in location or reach. Most of the university pre-college programs, though, are based on a U.S. campus and simply welcome applicants from anywhere.