15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Ontario
Getting involved in research programs, courses, or internships can be a meaningful way for high school students to gain experience in practical environments without the high cost of traditional pre-college programs. These opportunities can help you develop practical skills, build confidence in academic and professional settings, and connect with mentors across fields like science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Many research opportunities for high school students in Ontario are hosted by universities, hospitals, and reputable organizations, making them both accessible and high in quality. Some programs are offered virtually, allowing students from across the province to participate without needing to relocate or commute.
If you're considering a future in STEM, healthcare, or research-driven fields, these experiences can provide early exposure to how academic and industry research really work. We've narrowed down this list to the top 15 research opportunities for high school students in Ontario that are worth exploring this year.
15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Ontario
1. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: Free; paid opportunity
Program dates: July 2–August
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who will be at least 16 years old when the program starts and legally authorized to work in Canada
Hosted by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, this research internship lets you work alongside scientists in the Focused Ultrasound Lab on projects at the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering. Over the summer, you may be involved in programming, experimental design, circuit development, or lab-based investigations related to therapeutic ultrasound technologies. The program is hands-on and built around real research tasks, giving you a chance to contribute to the lab’s ongoing studies while developing practical skills. You'll gain exposure to how medical devices are developed and tested, and you’ll work directly with mentors who support learning on technical tools and methods. Though preference may be given to local students, anyone eligible to work in Canada can apply to this competitive research opportunity for high school students in Ontario.
2. Ladder Internship's Mentored Research Program
Location: Remote – you can work from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies based on program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a virtual, eight-week experience where you’re matched with a startup and work under the guidance of a mentor known as a Ladder Coach. Instead of a traditional lab, you'll engage in project-based research set in a real-world startup environment, tackling issues in tech, business, healthcare, or social innovation. Weekly check-ins help you stay on track as you work independently to develop a product, proposal, or insight that supports your host organization’s goals. You’ll also gain professional skills in communication and collaboration, culminating in a presentation of your work to a team. While remote, the experience simulates workplace expectations at high-intensity startups across the globe. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
3. StAR (Students Advancing Research) Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Dates: 6 weeks, summer (exact dates vary)
Application deadline: Starts in spring
Eligibility: Open to Grade 11 or 12 high school students who are at least 16 years old and identify as Indigenous, Black, or Filipino; must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Designed specifically for Indigenous, Black, and Filipino high school students, the StAR Program lets you conduct hands-on research in a SickKids laboratory over six weeks during the summer. You’ll be paired with scientists and lab staff, working closely on a research project that you’ll later present at a research symposium. Alongside your lab responsibilities, you’ll take part in science-related workshops and activities through the Kids Science initiative, helping you learn more about careers in STEM and health research. It’s a paid internship and offers mentorship tailored to help you develop both scientific skills and professional confidence. If you're looking for a research opportunity for high school students in Ontario that also centers equity and representation, this program stands out.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies based on the program, $2,990 for the Individual Research Program
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June).
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school; Must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
Lumiere offers a remote research program where you're guided by a PhD mentor to develop an independent research paper in a subject of your choice-common areas include STEM fields like neuroscience, computer science, and environmental science. Over the course of around 12 weeks, you'll meet regularly with your mentor while doing literature reviews, data analysis, and writing. The experience is meant to simulate the academic research process, often culminating in a paper that could be submitted to competitions or publications. It's especially relevant if you're working on a college or scholarship portfolio that values independent research work. You can find more details about the application here.
5. STEM Fellowship’s Research Exploration Opportunity (REO)
Location: Various universities across Canada
Cost: No cost
Dates: Typically runs in summer; exact dates vary
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in Canada
Through REO, you’ll get a chance to work directly with graduate student mentors and explore what life is like in a university lab. The program gives you access to research facilities across Canadian universities and includes lab shadowing, basic experiment training, faculty talks, and mentoring. You’ll also be involved in hands-on activities using modern lab equipment while attending seminars that explain various career and research paths. The goal of this experience is to expose you to what it means to conduct research, ask meaningful scientific questions, and apply theoretical concepts in real-world experiments. This research opportunity for high school students in Ontario highlights the value of accessibility and mentorship in science education.
6. Youreka Canada Program
Location: Partner university campuses
Cost: Free
Dates: January – April (10-week program)
Application deadline: Varies by site; typically Fall – December/January
Eligibility: Open to Canadian high school students in grades 9–12
In the Youreka Canada Program, participants spend 10 weeks collaborating with undergraduate mentors to develop their own research project, from hypothesis to presentation. The curriculum introduces you to experimental design, statistical analysis using R programming, and scientific communication techniques. Projects are created in small teams using open-source data and span subjects like bioinformatics, public health, and economics. You'll also take part in professional development sessions, challenges, and networking events designed to support your growth as a researcher. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a regional symposium, and top teams advance to a national competition with publication opportunities.
7. U of T’s CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: $725/week (domestic) | $1,100/week (international)
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Session A: July 7 – 11 | Session B: July 14 – 18 | Session C: July 21 – 25 | Session D: July 28 – August 1 | Session E: August 11 – 15 | Session F: August 18 – 22
Application deadline: Round 1: February 25 – March 23 | Round 2: March 24 – April 13 | April 14 – May 4 | Round 4: May 5 – ongoing
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12
Through the CREATE program at the University of Toronto, you’ll study engineering through a week-long, design-first experience guided by undergraduate and graduate student mentors. This program centers around the Engineering Design Cycle, where you’ll identify real-world problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and prototype solutions using skills in robotics, coding, and systems thinking. Sessions include lab visits, practical activities, and exposure to different engineering branches through themed modules like biomedical design, aviation robotics, and game development. You’ll work in small teams to brainstorm, design, build, and present your final project. If you're curious about how engineering applies to global challenges, this is a strong introduction to the field in a university setting.
8. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: Various Google offices across the U.S. and Canada
Cost: No cost
Dates: CSSI programs usually run from June to August
Application deadline: Applications are open from March to May
Eligibility: High school seniors intending to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program in the US or Canada in computer science or a related field
CSSI is a three-week introductory program created for students entering computer science or a related field in post-secondary education, typically immediately after high school. You’ll learn fundamental programming skills through structured coursework and collaborative coding projects, while also gaining exposure to Google’s work culture. The curriculum is designed for students with limited previous experience in CS, aiming to build confidence and technical understanding in a supportive environment. Each day includes instruction, hands-on challenges, and mentorship from Google engineers, helping you explore topics like algorithms, UI design, and debugging. You’ll also have opportunities to reflect on your goals and explore careers in tech.
9. STEM Co-Operative Placement Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free and unpaid
Dates: Semester-based; Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions available
Application deadline: Rolling; early inquiries recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: Open to Canadian high school students in Grade 11 or 12 completing a school-supported co-op placement
Through this virtual placement, you can join small research teams focused on science communication, space exploration, and STEM learning resource development. You’ll work on real-world projects such as designing science education tools, building models to represent scientific phenomena, or coding basic simulations related to space science and chemistry. Most teams consist of two or three students, allowing for individualized mentorship and consistent feedback. This program emphasizes the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to public audiences, a useful skill if you're interested in education, public outreach, or interdisciplinary science. Tasks may include conducting research, writing content, or building digital learning assets.
10. RBC Summer Tech Labs
Location: Ontario (virtual/in-person hybrid depending on year)
Cost: No cost
Dates: July 2 – August 20
Application deadline: Opens in Spring (varies annually)
Eligibility: Open to grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in an Ontario high school
As a participant in the RBC Summer Tech Labs, you’ll join a small team of students to tackle three real-world challenges over the span of eight weeks. This paid internship focuses on both technical and professional skill-building, giving you the opportunity to design and develop a working prototype using programming languages and tools like JavaScript, GitHub, or React.js. You'll collaborate with business users and senior leaders, applying design thinking to brainstorm and implement solutions. Workshops, mentorship, and presentations are core to the experience, and you'll be expected to pitch your final product. This environment is modeled after real innovation labs, encouraging experimentation, collaboration, and iterative problem-solving.
11. ELITE Program for Black Youth – Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
Location: Various sites across Canada (including universities, industry, and government labs); some virtual components may be possible
Cost: No cost; paid opportunity (full-time or part-time)
Dates: 8–16 weeks (typically July–August for high school students)
Application deadline: The portal opens in November each year. Check here.
Eligibility: Black youth ages 15–22 who are high school students, post-secondary students, or transitioning into post-secondary education
If you identify as a Black high school student and want to explore applied science and innovation through real-world projects, the ELITE Program offers internships lasting up to 16 weeks. You’ll be matched with university labs, government agencies, or industry partners to work on initiatives involving automation, robotics, tissue engineering, and more. Alongside your technical work, you’ll also receive training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and career resilience. The paid research opportunity for high school students in Ontario includes professional development workshops, coaching, and networking, all aimed at helping you transition into post-secondary education or future employment. Interns gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and are eligible for co-op or academic credit in some cases.
12. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program – Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: 1,668 CAD + 98 CAD registration fee
Dates: Depending on the module, between July 7 and August 1
Application deadline: Registration opens February 12
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 10–12; grade 9 students are eligible for the Microbiology module
At the University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program in Medicine, you’ll study a range of health science topics through lectures, labs, and hands-on activities. This multi-module program includes focused weeks on subjects like human physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and microbiology, each designed to introduce key medical concepts and practices. You’ll participate in laboratory exercises such as DNA analysis, lie detector simulations, and drug interaction studies, while also learning about disease processes and healthcare innovations. Throughout this research opportunity for high school students in Ontario, you’ll attend career talks, interact with professionals, and get a firsthand look at what a future in medicine might involve. Each completed module earns you a certificate, and all necessary lab materials and equipment are provided.
13. U of T’s Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: $725/week (domestic) | $1,100/week (international)
Dates: Session A: July 7 – 11 | Session B: July 14 – 18 | Session C: July 21 – 25 | Session D: July 28 – August 1 | Session E: August 11 – 15
Application deadline: Application round 1: February 25 – March 23 | Round 2: March 24 – April 13
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12
Organized by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, DEEP gives you the chance to dive into university-level STEM topics through short academic courses led by graduate students. The program includes hands-on learning in areas like robotics, biomedical engineering, and environmental science, with access to real tools and lab equipment. You'll work in small classes with peers from around the world, gaining experience in creative problem-solving, teamwork, and technical thinking. While exploring a variety of STEM disciplines, you’ll also build relationships with mentors who are actively involved in research. The research opportunity for high school students in Ontario can be attended in-person or online, depending on the session, and is intended for students with a strong interest in science and math.
14. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual with an optional in-person lab day at the University of Waterloo
Cost: Free
Dates: Virtual: August 11 – 15; In-person lab day: August 18
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: High school students in grade 11 or 12 in Canada (e.g., Secondary V and CÉGEP in Québec); Interested in exploring scientific concepts; Enrolled in or have completed grade 11 mathematics
QSYS is a week-long academic enrichment program hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, introducing you to the foundations of quantum mechanics and information science. You'll attend expert-led lectures, join problem-solving sessions, and connect with quantum researchers while exploring concepts like entanglement, quantum superposition, and linear algebra. Designed for students with strong math and science backgrounds, QSYS provides the mathematical tools needed to understand the workings of quantum systems. You'll also engage with experimental physics and learn about emerging technologies in quantum computing and cryptography. This is a valuable research opportunity for high school students in Ontario that provides a collaborative space where you’re encouraged to ask scientific questions and work through real quantum problems.
15. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario (in-person only)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: July – August; tentative start date July 2
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12) who are at least 16 years old by July 1, have strong academic standing in math and science, and are legally authorized to work in Canada
This full-time, in-person summer research program at Sunnybrook offers high school students practical experience in fields like medical physics, biomedical engineering, and biology. You'll join the Focused Ultrasound Lab, contributing to real research projects that may involve design, testing, coding, or biomedical investigations. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with scientists and engineers in a professional research environment. If you’re coming from outside the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll be responsible for arranging your own accommodation.