15 Internships for High School Students in Vancouver

If you’re a high schooler in Vancouver and are considering internships, we have you covered! Vancouver is home to several top-rated universities, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, that offer internships for high school students. Whether you're passionate about science, engineering, business, or community work, internships for high school students in Vancouver can help reduce travel, housing, and tuition expenses, and help you discover your future career path.

Internships enable you to explore real-world careers, build new skills, and make meaningful connections. Some programs offer mentorship, while others include stipends or even the chance to earn academic credit. You’ll gain experience that looks great on university applications and resumes.

In this blog, we’ve rounded up 15 internships for high school students in Vancouver. Some of them are even remote, for which high school students in Vancouver can apply.

1. Future Science Leaders

Location: Science World, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: $1,450 + GST; financial assistance/bursaries are available to cover up to 90% of program fees | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: September–April (26 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-year
Eligibility: Students entering Grade 10 or 11 in the program year

If you're curious about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and want to explore beyond what school offers, the Future Science Leaders program can be your next step. You'll attend weekly sessions filled with experiments, hands-on challenges, and creative problem-solving, all led by real scientists and innovators. You will visit local companies, participate in mentorship programs, and attend special events to showcase your work. You'll also gain access to exclusive resources, field trips, and even personalized reference letters. This program is about more than learning; it’s about discovering what kind of future you want to build.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 10% | 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Fall session: September 14
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Aug 24, for the fall session
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/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-up on an internship in industries such as tech/deep tech and AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies such as 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. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long and follows a coaching-plus-work model.

3. Technovation Girls

Location: Technovation GirlsBC, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | $500 for finalist teams, $750 grand prize
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all eligible applicants
Dates: Season runs annually, typically September to April
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: Girls, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students between ages 8–18

In Technovation Girls, you'll work in a team to solve real-world problems with the use of technology. With support from mentors and volunteers, you’ll learn coding, app development, and entrepreneurship. You will work in teams of 1 to 5 members, find a problem in your community, and build a mobile or web app to help solve the issue. Whether you join a local Chapter or Club or participate independently, the program gives you all the tools to turn your ideas into working tech solutions. This is a great way to build confidence, improve your tech skills, and be part of collaborative activities. The program usually takes 40+ hours to complete.

4. seed2STEM

Location: Vancouver, primarily hosted at university labs including UBC and ICORD at Vancouver General Hospital
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid (minimum wage for 25 hrs/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100+ students
Dates: July 7 - August 15
Application Deadline: Typically late spring
Eligibility: Indigenous high school students in Grades 9–12 residing in Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas (including Kelowna and some remote BC communities)

The seed2STEM program is designed to encourage indigenous youth from the Vancouver and Kelowna regions to participate in STEM activities. As a participant, you'll join a paid summer internship in a university lab and explore exciting STEM fields like neuroscience, chemistry, and engineering. Beyond research, you'll take part in weekly activities, field trips, and learn from Indigenous leaders and STEM professionals. The program provides all-round support, including laptops, transit passes, meals, and travel bursaries if you live in a remote area. If you continue in college, you may return as a paid mentor and researcher. It’s a strong community initiative that supports you from high school into your future career.

5. Research Exploration Opportunity Program

Location: Partner universities across Canada including the University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; prioritizes underrepresented groups | Varies by university and year
Dates: One of spring break in mid-March
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Enrolled in grades 10 to 12 at a Canadian high school | At least 15 years of age at the time of application | Preference given to students from underrepresented groups in STEM

REO gives you a front-row seat to real scientific research at a top Canadian university. You will tour state-of-the-art research facilities, learn basic techniques and experiments using advanced equipment, shadow lab personnel, attend lab meetings, seminars, and faculty presentations. If you're from an underrepresented group in STEM, identifying as indigenous, economically disadvantaged, racial minority, rural resident, refugee, new immigrant, or a first-generation university student, you're especially encouraged to apply. While travel support isn’t provided, the experience is immersive and empowering. It’s a chance to see science in action and imagine yourself doing it too.

6. Indus Space - Co-Operative Placement Opportunities

Location: Canada-wide, including Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2–3 students per semester
Dates: Aligned with school semesters or summer periods
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle
Eligibility: Canadian high school students

The Indus Space Co-Operative Placement Opportunities is a specialized program for Canadian high school students interested in STEM and space science. It allows you to work on space-themed STEM projects while learning skills like science communication, model building, and problem-solving. You will engage in activities including designing models related to space science, creating educational materials like presentations and chemistry activities for younger audiences, and researching space topics like the geology of the solar system. With only a few students accepted each term, this is an intimate, high-impact program where your work will truly matter. It’s a great first step toward a career in science and innovation.

7. BC Children’s Hospital Research Opportunities 

Location: BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Oak Street Campus, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by program and event
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 | Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate onsite, and 18 to work on projects involving patient contact or data

The BC Children’s Hospital Research Opportunities for high school students provide immersive exposure to pediatric and biomedical research conducted at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute in Vancouver. If you're curious about science and medicine, BC Children's Hospital offers a range of events from Mini Med School to Women in Science that give you a peek into the world of research. You will engage in activities like shadowing researchers in labs, participating in hands-on experiments, attending workshops and seminars, and assisting with data collection or analysis under supervision. You will have access to cutting-edge research environments and receive mentorship from leading scientists, which is rare for high school students.

8. Science World High School Work Experience

Location: Science World at 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Up to 12 students per placement period
Dates: Three weeks aligned with school-year calendar
Application Deadline: Now open, limited spots remaining
Eligibility: Metro Vancouver students in Grades 11 and 12

The Science World High School Work Experience program in Vancouver is a volunteer opportunity designed for Grade 11 and 12 students to gain hands-on experience in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. You will engage in activities such as assisting with science demonstrations, supporting visitor interactions, helping with educational workshops, and working behind the scenes to understand museum operations. Unique features of the program include direct exposure to science communication in a real-world learning environment and the chance to collaborate with science educators and professionals. You will develop skills in public speaking, teamwork, problem-solving, and science literacy, all of which are valuable for STEM-related career paths.

9. VISST Camps

Location: Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST), Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: Varies by camp ranging from $220 - $295 CAD | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all eligible applicants
Dates: Year-round offerings (especially summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling; vary by camp
Eligibility: All high school students

The VISST Camps for high school students in Vancouver are STEM-focused programs designed to engage youth with topics not typically covered in regular school curricula, including math, game design, animation, coding, artificial intelligence, data science, and sustainability. Led by experienced educators, PhDs, and professionals, these programs will help you learn through experiments, games, and interactive lessons. Whether you’re passionate about coding, science, or writing, there’s something for you to explore. You will develop critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, communication, and technical expertise. The camps are built to adjust to your pace and learning style, making them a great early introduction to exciting fields.

10. Centre for Heart Lung Innovation – High School Student Science Week

Location: Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: None | Participants are eligible to apply for the Peter D. Paré Scholarship, which provides a $2,000 summer internship at HLI
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective | 8 students
Dates: Held twice a year, typically a 5-day program
Application Deadline: For fall, typically around November 1; for spring, around April 15
Eligibility: Grade 11 and 12 high school students from the Lower Mainland (including Vancouver)

The Centre for Heart Lung Innovation – High School Student Science Week is a highly selective program designed for motivated grade 11 and 12 students interested in biomedical research and life sciences. During the week, you will engage in hands-on lab activities including histology (studying tissues), microscopy, and protein & DNA analysis, providing practical scientific skills. You will also tour cutting-edge labs and the Anatomical Pathology Lab at St. Paul’s Hospital. The program fosters skills in laboratory techniques, critical thinking, and scientific communication. Participating in this competitive program not only deepens scientific knowledge but also strengthens college applications by showcasing real research experience and exposure to advanced biomedical environments.

11. NSLC’s Film Production & Screenwriting Program

Location: University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver
Cost/Stipend: $4,095 CAD (Residential program); scholarships available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: High | Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 22
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 6-12, ages 14-18 | Must have completed at least one year of high school

The NSLC’s Film Production & Screenwriting Program is a summer enrichment experience focused on cinematic storytelling. You will explore key topics such as screenwriting, film production, directing, and editing, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. You will collaborate to write and produce a short narrative film, visiting professional film institutions like the Vancouver Film School and VIFF Centre, and participating in leadership and team-building exercises. You will live in supervised dormitories on the UBC campus, gain hands-on industry exposure through trips, and be part of a cohort environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Students develop practical skills in storytelling, script development, camera operation, and post-production editing.

12. Stanford SHTEM Remote Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None; an application fee of $50; financial aid is available | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive | Approximately 60 students selected annually
Dates: June–August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors at the time of application | At least 14 years old by June 17

The Stanford SHTEM Remote Internship is an esteemed summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors to engage in rigorous research projects at the intersection of science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over eight weeks, you will work in small groups under the mentorship of Stanford faculty and graduate students, tackling several projects that may explore topics like neuroscience, linguistics, virtual reality, or the social aspects of technology. You will spend 30-40 hours per week conducting remote research, collaborating with peers, and receiving personalized guidance. Students gain hands-on research experience, develop critical problem-solving and teamwork skills, and produce a complete research project to showcase.

13. Let’s Talk Science

Location: Programs are delivered in various locations across Vancouver through university partnerships such as UBC and SFU, and school-community settings
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all interested high school students
Dates: Varies by event (year-round activities)
Application Deadline: Rolling registration; varies per program
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 8–12), especially in the Vancouver area

Let’s Talk Science connects you with real scientists, exciting experiments, and fun, hands-on learning experiences throughout the year. Whether it’s through special school visits, STEM outreach events, or public science fairs, you’ll get the chance to engage with topics like biology, chemistry, space, and environmental science in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Programs are free and open to all, with many opportunities to learn both in-person and virtually. It’s a great way to explore careers in science, meet mentors, and get inspired, especially if you’re considering a future in STEM.

14. UBC Future Global Leaders

Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost/Stipend: Two-week course: $4,385 CAD - Residential; $1,885 CAD - Commuters; Two-week mini-school: $4,550 CAD - Residential; $2,050 CAD - Commuters | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; fills on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Session 1: July 7–18 | Session 2: July 21–August 1 | Session 3: August 4–15
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill (residence options for Session 2 & 3 are now full; Session 3 commuter deadline: July 28)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18

In this program, you’ll spend two weeks on the Vancouver campus taking university-level courses without the pressure of exams and learning from UBC professors and instructors. Whether you’re passionate about science, business, international relations, or something else, you’ll find mini-schools and classes to match your interests. Outside the classroom, you’ll join other motivated students from around the world for fun social and recreational activities on campus. You can choose to live in a UBC residence or commute from home. This summer program is designed to help you build confidence, explore your academic goals, and prepare for university life.

15. SHAD Canada

Location: Online (accessible from anywhere in Canada or abroad)
Cost/Stipend: $6,335 CAD (scholarships and bursaries available of around $2,505 CAD) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited spaces across Canada
Dates: June 30 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Canadian high school students (typically Grade 10 or 11)

If you're looking for a powerful, immersive summer experience without leaving home, Shad’s Virtual program brings leadership, innovation, and STEAM learning right to your screen. Over four weeks, you'll attend live virtual workshops, collaborate on national design challenges, and connect with students, professors, and professionals from across Canada. The program is built for flexibility and is ideal if you have summer work, family duties, or athletic commitments. You’ll explore real-world problems, dive into hands-on projects, and be part of a bold, creative community. You will learn and grow with peers in a dynamic digital classroom.

Image Source - Science World Logo