15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Canada
Looking for a way to explore medicine outside of the classroom? Consider a summer program in medicine. If you’re based in Canada, you’ve got tons of local programs to choose from. High school medical programs provide an affordable opportunity to explore healthcare and research through structured activities, guided projects, and exposure to professional environments. These programs are often hosted by universities, hospitals, and research institutions, allowing you to work with experienced mentors and access specialized resources. They may cover topics like medical research, clinical observation, public health, or healthcare technology, depending on the organization offering them.
In this list, you’ll find 15 medical summer programs for high school students in Canada, offered in both in-person and virtual formats.
15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Canada
1. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Cohort Size: 25 students
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in Canada who are at least 16 years of age by July 1
In this summer program, you will contribute to research projects that explore the use of focused ultrasound in medicine. You may work in areas such as engineering and technology development, experimental testing, programming, or biology. Many projects involve a programming component and are overseen by supervisors who provide guidance throughout the process. Alongside your research tasks, you’ll attend lab meetings and learn about different stages of project development, from initial design to data analysis. You’ll also have access to specialized equipment used in focused ultrasound research and work within a team that includes scientists, engineers, and other students.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 25%
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students
Through Ladder Internships, you’ll take part in an eight-week, remote internship where you’ll contribute to projects for a startup or nonprofit. You’ll work between 10 and 20 hours a week and collaborate with both a Startup mentor and a Ladder Coach who provide ongoing guidance. Projects cover a range of fields, including technology, healthcare, environmental science, marketing, and media. During the program, you complete defined deliverables that may involve research, product development, strategy, or analysis. You’ll also attend scheduled check-ins and progress reviews to ensure your work meets project goals. At the end of the internship, you’ll present your completed work to your host organization. The program offers multiple cohorts throughout the year, allowing you to choose the session that best fits your schedule.
3. Medicine Youth Summer Program (Med YSP)
Cohort Size: 120 students per week
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: CA$1,668 for each module
Dates: Multiple dates in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling till full; Apply ASAP
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students
In the Medicine stream of the Youth Summer Program, you’ll explore core topics such as anatomy, physiology, surgery, and clinical skills. Sessions combine lectures with simulations, demonstrations, and group activities to help you understand how different medical specialties work. You might practice suturing, examine diagnostic tools, or learn how vital signs are assessed. Modules are organized weekly, so you can choose specific areas of interest or combine multiple weeks for a broader perspective. The program also offers opportunities to engage with medical students and professionals who can share insights into their training and day-to-day responsibilities. This structure allows you to gain a detailed introduction to medical concepts while experiencing varied approaches to patient care.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Medical Track
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3/4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program lets you engage in independent research projects under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors from universities. You’ll work on a research topic of your choice, attend structured mentorship sessions, and use specialized resources and guidance provided throughout the program. Program formats vary, including short-term 12-week research tracks, extended 16-20 week programs with additional writing sessions, and longer fellowships lasting several months. Depending on the program, you will meet with mentors regularly, attend group discussions, or participate in activities related to research methodology and documentation. The program includes access to writing support and opportunities to review academic literature, while you follow structured schedules and program guidelines.
5. High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS)
Cohort Size: 25-30 students
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Stipend: Approx. CA$15/hour
Dates: July 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Grade 11 students eligible to work in Canada who reside in or north of Red Deer; More details here
In the High School Youth Researcher Summer Program, you’ll spend six weeks contributing to medical and health research under the guidance of university mentors. Depending on your placement, you might assist with laboratory experiments, analyze clinical or biomedical data, or support projects in areas such as disease prevention, diagnostics, or treatment innovation. The program includes workshops on topics like research methods, scientific communication, and career options in healthcare. You will also prepare and present your findings, giving you experience in sharing scientific work with an audience. Throughout the program, you’ll gain exposure to the processes and tools used in medical research while working as part of an active research team.
6. Indigenous Health High School Internship Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Southern Health-Santé Sud, Southern Manitoba, MB
Stipend: Paid; Exact amount not disclosed
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 from Indigenous backgrounds (First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and Non-Status) with a minimum average of 65%
The Indigenous Health High School Internship Program introduces you to healthcare careers through a two-phase structure. In the first phase, you’ll take part in regular job-shadowing sessions with professionals such as nurses, health care aides, and therapists. This gives you the chance to observe daily responsibilities and learn about different roles within the medical field. In the second phase, you’ll move into a paid summer placement where you work in healthcare settings under staff guidance. This stage allows you to assist with tasks, interact with patients, and gain practical insight into healthcare environments. The program is designed for Indigenous students interested in exploring career pathways in medicine and health services.
7. NOSM University: CampMed
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: NOSM University, Sudbury, ON, and Thunder Bay, ON
Cost: CA$450 registration fee; Partial funding available
Dates: Sudbury: July 7 – 11; Thunder Bay: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders (10th-11th graders preferred) in Northern Ontario or rural/remote Ontario communities; Indigenous and Francophone students strongly encouraged to apply
CampMed introduces you to the medical field through a combination of clinical training, cultural learning, and leadership development. You’ll practice skills such as suturing, casting, or using diagnostic tools while guided by medical students and professionals. The program also focuses on interprofessional collaboration, giving you insight into how different healthcare roles work together. Sessions on Indigenous and Francophone health help you understand the importance of culturally responsive care. Leadership activities encourage you to take initiative and work effectively in a team setting. By combining technical skills, collaboration, and cultural awareness, CampMed provides a comprehensive introduction to healthcare careers.
8. University of Calgary: Centre for Health Informatics Summer Studentship Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Cost/Stipend: None (paid for post-secondary)
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students
The Centre for Health Informatics Summer Studentship Program allows you to work on health data and research projects under the guidance of university faculty. During your placement, you might analyze health datasets, develop data visualizations, or explore the role of digital tools in improving healthcare delivery. The program connects students from various academic backgrounds to projects that match their interests in health informatics and related areas. You’ll participate in the full research process, from developing questions to presenting results. Collaboration with faculty and peers gives you the chance to see how interdisciplinary teams address challenges in health and medicine. By the end of the program, you will have gained experience applying data-driven approaches to healthcare research.
9. Geneskool Summer Science Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Location: University of the Fraser Valley; Vancouver Island University; University of Northern British Columbia; Capilano University
Cost: Registration fee of CA$350; CA$3,000 loss of wages stipend made available as financial aid to eligible students
Dates: July – August; Specific dates vary based on location
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in Canada
Geneskool offers programs and resources that introduce you to the medical applications of genomics through interactive learning experiences. You’ll join classroom workshops led by scientists, where you’ll explore topics such as DNA structure, genetic testing, and biotechnology through hands-on activities. You will also participate in workshops and hands-on experiments and visit university laboratories to observe techniques such as gel electrophoresis or DNA extraction. Activity kits and lesson plans are also available to explore concepts in different formats. Some sessions incorporate problem-solving activities or case studies to illustrate how genetics informs health research, disease understanding, and medical decision-making.
10. Student Advancement Research (StAR) Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified; Typically opens in the spring
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders (16+) who have completed grade 10 science; Black, Filipino, or Indigenous students; Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident with a valid SIN card
The StAR Program is a six-week paid summer research internship that gives Indigenous, Black, and Filipino high school students the opportunity to work in a world-class SickKids research lab. You’ll be paired with a lab and collaborate closely with research staff to complete your own project, which you will present at a research symposium. As part of the program, you’ll also gain access to the Kids Science program, offering additional science career and research experiences. This is a hands-on, on-site experience designed to immerse you in real research while building your skills and professional connections.
11. Lunenfeld‑Tanenbaum Research Institute Internship: SciHigh
Location: Lunenfeld‑Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: February – January 12 (tentative)
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders who are at least 16 by the start of the internship; Must be on track to complete grade 11 biology and chemistry
SciHigh offers internships for grade 11 and 12 students at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. During the program, you’ll spend time in a laboratory setting, observing research processes and participating in ongoing biomedical projects under the guidance of scientists and trainees. The internships are available during the March break and the summer, with placements structured to follow the institute’s schedules and safety protocols. Depending on the lab and project, you might prepare samples, organize data, or assist with experiments. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about different research techniques, attend lab meetings, and see how experiments are designed and documented. The program provides access to specialized equipment, professional lab environments, and mentorship from experienced researchers, offering multiple ways to engage with biomedical research.
12. Emily Stowe Scholar Program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: None (public transportation costs covered); Stipend of CA$17.2/hour (tentative)
Dates: 6 weeks starting from July 7
Application Deadline: December – March (tentative)
Eligibility: 11th-12th graders (or graduating in June) who are at least 16 years old by program start; Should have completed grade 11/12 biology and chemistry; Must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized women, 2SLGBTQI+, trans, two-spirit, non-binary, or persons with a disability
The Emily Stowe Scholar Program offers high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the chance to gain research experience at Women’s College Hospital. The program covers areas such as mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and health system solutions. Over six full-time weeks, you’ll work alongside researchers on active health science projects while attending seminars, panel discussions, and networking events to explore career pathways in science and medicine. Each week, you’ll join group sessions to exchange ideas with your peers, and at the end of the program, you’ll present your project at a Research Symposium. You may assist with data collection, literature reviews, or community outreach, depending on the project.
13. Secondary School Research Bursary
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Hamilton Health Science Labs, Hamilton, ON (Location varies)
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Senior secondary school students (grades 11-12)
Through the Secondary School Research Bursary, you’ll work directly with research teams at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University on ongoing medical studies. You may assist with laboratory testing, data collection, patient chart reviews, or literature searches. The program covers multiple fields, including cancer research, thrombosis, immunology, and aging. The bursary also provides access to specialized facilities and research equipment. You may participate in team meetings, observe research procedures, and engage with organized learning activities related to health and medical science.
14. WISEST Summer Research Program
Cohort Size: Around 40 students
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (some virtual components)
Stipend: Paid (hourly wage); Indigenous travel/accommodation subsidies available
Dates: July 3 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 3 – April 2
Eligibility: Grade 11 students (young women, gender-diverse, Indigenous, and racialized students); Must be able to work full-time for six weeks
The WISEST Summer Research Program (SRP) offers grade 11 students, particularly young women, gender-diverse, Indigenous, and racialized students, the chance to explore careers in science, engineering, and technology. Over six weeks, you’ll work full-time alongside top researchers and innovators at the University of Alberta or in industry placements, contributing to projects in labs, offices, or field settings. You’ll also gain experience through experimentation, literature reviews, and data analysis, while attending role model panels, networking events, and professional skill-building sessions. Indigenous students have access to mentorship from Indigenous role models as well as travel and accommodation subsidies.
15. Unity Health High School Co-op Learners
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Location: St. Joseph’s Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $30 refundable deposit
Dates: Varies based on school semester
Application Deadline: May 1 – September 1 (semester 1); November 1 – February 1 (semester 2)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11 or 12 (16+)
At St. Joseph’s Health Centre, the Unity Health Toronto High School Co-op program places you in a healthcare environment where you spend time in a core area such as outpatient clinics, departments, or the Courtesy (wayfinding/customer service) program. You’ll follow structured schedules and participate in activities designed to introduce you to hospital operations, patient services, and departmental workflows. You may observe medical procedures, assist with administrative tasks, and attend educational sessions or department tours. The program offers opportunities to interact with healthcare staff, observe how different teams coordinate daily operations, and gain exposure to various hospital functions.
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