15 Physics Research Opportunities for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in physics, whether it's gravity, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, or relativity, research programs can help you explore the subject in greater depth and apply what you’ve learned to complex problems.
Research opportunities in physics allow you to explore questions through hands-on projects, guided experimentation, and data analysis, all while working closely with university researchers, faculty, graduate students, and peers. Whether you’re interested in theoretical physics, astronomy, engineering, or materials science, these programs are designed to strengthen your scientific thinking, research skills, and academic confidence.
Participating in a physics-focused research opportunity can also help you get a head start on college-level work, explore potential career paths in STEM, and connect with mentors who can support your growth. Many of these opportunities culminate in a final presentation or symposium, giving you the chance to practice science communication and share your findings with peers and professionals. These programs can provide valuable early exposure to what it means to do physics in the real world.
Here are 15 top physics research opportunities for high school students you can consider!
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Various NASA centers across the country. Some virtual options are also offered
Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by location and duration (typically ~$2,000–$3,000 for high school student interns)
Application Deadline: Spring: September | Summer: February | Fall: May
Dates: Varies by center; generally 8–10 weeks during summer. Some fall and spring options are also offered.
Eligibility: U.S. citizenship required, minimum age 16, must be enrolled in high school (typically juniors and seniors), GPA of 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers high school students paid internships that provide hands-on experience in space science, engineering, and research. Interns work directly on NASA missions, contributing to real-world projects under the guidance of scientists, engineers, and professionals. Opportunities span astrophysics, energy systems, polarimeter analysis, sustainability, AI, and more, all offering pathways to explore physics through practical application. Students can intern part-time or full-time, either in person at a NASA center or remotely. In addition to gaining valuable mentorship and technical training, interns attend workshops and career development sessions. With three application cycles each year, OSTEM provides ongoing opportunities to engage with groundbreaking research and build a future in STEM.
You can check out a complete list of positions here – you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: $2,990; financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by cohort. Spring: January | Summer: May | Fall: September | Winter: November
Dates: Multiple cohorts. Summer: June - August | Fall: September - December | Winter: December - February | Spring: March - June
Eligibility: Open to high school students (GPA 3.3+ recommended); no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective online research program founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford. It pairs high school students with PhD mentors to conduct college-level independent research in their subject of choice. For those interested in physics, including fields like astrophysics, quantum mechanics, or engineering, the program offers a dedicated Physics Track. Over 12 to 16 weeks (or longer), students dive into research topics of their choosing and produce a comprehensive research paper with personalized guidance. You’ll meet one-on-one with a PhD researcher, receive feedback from writing coaches, and attend workshops on research design, methodology, and presentation. The program culminates in the Lumiere Research Symposium, where students present their findings to peers and experts in the field.
4. The MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None; travel, lodging, and meals will be covered
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: June 25 - August 5
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (U.S. and international); strong academic and research background
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious and competitive summer research program for high school students. Hosted by MIT and sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI selects 100 students each year from over 1,600 applicants for a cost-free, six-week research experience. The program begins with one week of intensive STEM coursework, followed by five weeks of independent research under the mentorship of leading scientists and professors.
5. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the country
Stipend: $468.80 per week
Application Deadline: January
Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for approximately 9 weeks
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are highly encouraged to apply, but a GPA of less than 3.0 will not disqualify applicants. Students applying must be at least 16 years old (by the application deadline). It’s recommended you read through all the eligibility requirements before applying
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers upper-level high school students a unique opportunity to conduct hands-on research in engineering and related STEM fields. Selected students work directly with AFRL scientists and engineers, gaining exposure to advanced topics such as morphing aircraft design, electromagnetic structures, and metalens modeling. Scholars also tour AFRL labs and engage with professionals driving innovation in national defense technologies. While the program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, specific placements are available for high schoolers.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) - Department of Navy
Location: Various Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country. See all locations here!
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: June - August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; high school students age 16+ by program start
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places around 300 high school students each year in Department of Navy laboratories across the U.S. Over eight weeks, students work on Naval research projects and receive direct mentorship from leading scientists and engineers. Research areas vary by lab and can include physics, robotics, mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, and programming, offering students exposure to technologies like sensors, intelligence systems, and navigation. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest, and nearly every lab option, however, engages in research in the field of physics. SEAP is highly selective and widely regarded as prestigious due to its affiliation with the U.S. government. Interns gain technical and research experience while exploring future STEM career paths, including opportunities within the Department of Navy itself.
7. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Internship Program
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ (in-person with remote option)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid (exact amount is not specified)
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: Dates: 8-10 weeks (40 hours/week) in the summer, with the exact dates and duration depending on the student’s school schedule
Eligibility: Students who are aged at least 16 and are graduating high school seniors at the start of the internship can apply. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory offers prestigious and selective internships for high school seniors during the academic year or the summer after graduation. Interns work directly with researchers and engineers on experimental or computational projects related to plasma physics and fusion energy. Fall or spring internships may also count for academic credit, offering students a structured way to explore advanced topics before college begins. Interns gain experience using lab equipment and tools to conduct simulations, analyze data, and contribute to real scientific research. This opportunity is ideal for students eager to explore the intersection of physics and energy research in a professional lab setting. It fosters inquiry, skill-building, and scientific thinking in one of the nation’s top research institutions.
8. The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of $750
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are at least 17 years of age
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is a prestigious seven-week summer research experience hosted by Texas Tech University for twelve exceptional high school juniors and seniors. Scholars work one-on-one with faculty mentors in a variety of academic and health science fields while participating in weekly seminars, field trips, and discussions. Selection is highly competitive, with past participants demonstrating top academic credentials and clearly defined career goals. For students interested in physics, the program offers research opportunities in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering departments, covering areas such as millimeter-wave sensing, radar systems, and image-guided interventions.
9. UPenn Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: $5,500 program fees including use of academic facilities, on-campus housing, on-campus meals, extracurricular trips, and student supervision. Not including the $75 application fee, travel to/from campus, airport transfers, gym access, class materials, medical expenses, and laundry
Application Deadlines: February 15
Dates: July 6 — July 27
Eligibility: High school students; Minimum 3.3 high school GPA; TOEFL scores required are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT), an IELTS score of 7, and a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 120
The Experimental Physics Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a fully residential summer program designed for high school students passionate about physics. Over several weeks, students explore fundamental and advanced topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. The academy emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization, with hands-on experiments, projects, and discussions that deepen students’ grasp of physical principles. In addition to technical content, the curriculum explores experimental design, the philosophy of science, and ethics in research. Students attend weekly research talks by Penn faculty, gaining exposure to cutting-edge work and career pathways. This program is ideal for students looking to explore physics through both theory and practice.
10. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: None. You might need to arrange and pay for your own housing, meals, and transport.
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: 5-6 weeks in June-July
Eligibility: Sixteen years old or more by June 15, and enrolled in high school
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a free, full-time summer research opportunity for high school students interested in science and engineering, including physics. Students are matched with Princeton faculty and research staff to contribute to lab projects, gaining exposure to experimental methods and advanced scientific inquiry. Past projects have explored areas like piezoelectric soft robotics, sustainable catalysis, and photoredox chemistry. Internships typically run 5–6 weeks and follow a weekday schedule during regular office hours. Participants develop practical research skills and submit a final summary report at the end of the program. With opportunities spanning mechanical engineering, robotics, and physical sciences, LLP is ideal for students eager to explore physics in depth.
11. MITES Summer
Location: MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: Late June to early August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first generation students are especially encouraged to apply
The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program at MIT is a free, six-week residential program designed for high-achieving high school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds. Students take intensive courses in physics, math, life sciences, and humanities, along with electives like engineering design, machine learning, and genomics. These project-based classes introduce advanced STEM concepts not typically taught in high school and include hands-on lab work and collaborative learning. Take a look at MITES students’ past projects here! Beyond academics, the program features lab tours, recitations, workshops, college admissions counseling, and social events. Students live on MIT’s campus and receive room, board, and travel support. At the end, each student receives a detailed written evaluation to support future academic and college applications.
12. QuarkNet Summer Research Program at Fermilab
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, Illinois. Note that transportation, housing, or meals will not be provided. Fermilab can help you with discounted rates for local hotels near the internship site.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid $17.20 per hour
Application Deadline: January 31, 2024
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (enrolled in Illinois high schools) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This Fermilab program is a prestigious six-week summer internship for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are passionate about physics and engineering. Hosted at the renowned Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the program offers hands-on exposure to research in particle physics, accelerator technology, and quantum science. You will work closely with Fermilab scientists and engineers on projects, gaining insight into how modern physics research is conducted. In addition to lab work, the program includes lectures, career development workshops, and field trips. Interns also complete entrance and exit surveys, write a team research abstract, and present their findings, making it a comprehensive introduction to careers in scientific research.
13. ASPIRE Internship Program at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Location: In-person (90% or more at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory campus, Laurel, Maryland) | Hybrid (50% at APL campus, 50% remote) | Virtual (100% remote)
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 15
Dates: June-August (summer session) | September-May (academic year session)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who will be at least 15 years old when the program begins, have a minimum GPA of 2.8, are US citizens, and have permanent residency in the Washington-Baltimore Metro area
The ASPIRE Program at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a competitive internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM fields, including physics. Each summer, up to 200 students are selected based on curiosity, drive, and potential rather than just GPA or prior experience. Interns are paired with APL mentors and work on real-world projects while developing both technical and professional skills. While you don’t choose your exact project, you can indicate your preferred field from the available areas of interest, such as applied physics, during the application process. ASPIRE interns work on research and engineering projects alongside APL staff, gaining experience in data analysis, simulations, lab experimentation, and technical problem-solving. They also participate in seminars, team meetings, and mentorship sessions designed to build critical thinking, communication, and career exploration skills.
14. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Physics
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Cost: $3,050
Application Deadline: March 25
Dates: June 17 – June 28 | July 8 – July 19
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-17 with a strong interest in physics
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes is a three-week academic enrichment program offering high school students over 70 online courses in fields such as artificial intelligence, game design, entrepreneurship, and environmental solutions. Taught by Stanford instructors, these courses are designed to go beyond high school curricula and encourage deep exploration through live discussions, small class sizes, and interactive assignments. Students also participate in community-building activities and receive a Certificate of Completion. For students interested in physics, the program offers a rigorous course covering topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Through lectures, lab experiments, and collaborative problem-solving sessions, students build a strong foundation in physics and scientific thinking.
15. Harvard Pre-College Program – Physics
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: $5,550
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June 24 – July 5
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Harvard’s Pre-College Summer Program is a two-week academic experience for high school students interested in exploring college-level subjects in a small, seminar-style setting. With nearly 30 subjects to choose from, including STEM, humanities, and the arts, students take one intensive course without the pressure of grades. The program also includes college readiness workshops, essay-writing sessions, and social events that offer a glimpse into life at Harvard. For students interested in physics, the Harvard Pre-College Program – Physics course provides an immersive introduction to fundamental concepts such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and waves. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on lab work, students build problem-solving and analytical skills while exploring how the physical world works.
Bonus! Here are a few more programs you can consider:
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