15 Summer Programs for International High School Students
Looking to make your summer meaningful and memorable? Summer programs are an excellent way for high school students to explore academic and career interests, while experiencing what learning beyond the classroom really feels like. These programs let you dive into hands-on projects, practical skills, and real-world applications that go beyond what is typically offered in school. Many of these programs are hosted by top universities and organizations, giving you access to world-class faculty, industry professionals, and state-of-the-art resources. Beyond academics, they also foster networking, teamwork, and mentorship, helping you build valuable connections that can guide your future path.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
Why should you do a Summer Program in high school?
The best part? A number of these programs are free or low-cost, making them accessible to students everywhere. Whether you are academic rigor, creative expression or taste of college life, we’ve rounded up the top 15 summer programs for international high school students to help you learn, grow and make a mark this summer.
1. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week summer program for international high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). The first week features lectures by distinguished MIT professors, where you’ll gain insights into advanced STEM topics. In the following five weeks, you’ll take part in a research placement under the mentorship of a lab researcher. Throughout the program, you will analyze scientific literature, conduct investigations, and produce both written and oral reports – just like real scientists do. You’ll also join evening seminars with leading scientists, who’ll share their cutting-edge discoveries. Extremely competitive, RSI accepts just 100 high school students globally each year.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies across programs; Financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships offer high school students an opportunity to gain real-world experience before college by interning with leading, fast-growing startups. These companies represent diverse industries such as technology, AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, journalism, consulting, and marketing. Many of Ladder’s partner startups have raised over a million dollars in funding, so you’ll be learning from teams that are actively shaping the future. Over the course of the eight-week remote program, you will collaborate with your manager and Ladder Coaches on impactful projects, and wrap up with a final presentation to the company. Interested students can find the application form here.
3. Telluride Association - Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors, aged 15–17 years old
Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) brings high school students from around the world for a six-week experience on a U.S. college campus. Each day, you’ll take part in seminars led by the university faculty in areas such as Critical Black Studies and Anti-Oppressive Studies. These seminars combine readings, essay writing, media analysis, lectures, and group discussions, while encouraging you to critically analyze power structures and inequality. But TASS isn’t just about academics – it’s about community - building and collaboration. The program operates in a democratic, student-run environment, where you and other students make decisions collectively. Beyond class, you'll participate in public speaking workshops, volunteer activities, and guest lectures.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program - Coding Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting from $2,990. Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. Summer Cohort II starts on July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. June 23 for Summer Cohort II
Eligibility: High school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program gives high school students an opportunity to dive into a topic and do real academic research, under the guidance of Ph.D. mentors. Over 12 weeks, you will design and carry out an independent research project in fields such as engineering, computer science, data science, and more – learning advanced research methods while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. What makes Lumiere special is its emphasis on personalized mentorship. Your mentor will guide you through every step of the research process, from choosing the topic to analyzing the data and presenting your findings. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a formal research paper that showcases your work and learning as a young research scholar.
5. U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs - TechGirls
Location: Various locations across the United States
Cost: Details about the costs covered by the program can be found here
Dates: July 12 – August 3
Application Deadline: December 6
Eligibility: High school girls between the ages of 15 and 17 at the start of the program. International students must be citizens of one of the 37 eligible countries/territories and living in that country/territory at the time of the program
TechGirls is a three-week summer program for female high school students passionate about STEM. Hosted at Virginia Tech, the program brings together female tech enthusiasts from around the world for an experience filled with hands-on workshops in coding, robotics, and AI. Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in cultural activities such as staying with a host family, participating in community service, and even shadowing professionals in STEM careers. After returning home, you'll continue on with a seven-month virtual mentorship to develop a Community Action Project. These projects typically focus on applying technology to create positive social impact in local communities.
6. Purdue University - Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship
Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 24 – July 22
Application deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students from the US (aged 16-18 years) and Europe. International applicants must contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their respective country
This four-week academic and cultural exchange program at Purdue University brings together high school students from the U.S. and Europe to study themes such as diplomacy, civic education, volunteerism, and media literacy. Through seminars, workshops, simulations, and group projects, you’ll learn how international relationships are built, and how you can make a difference as a global citizen. The program also includes visits to historic sites such as Independence Hall and the U.S. Capitol, as well as cultural events and community activities that help you experience the American way of life. By the end of the program, you’ll have strengthened your public speaking, project design, and critical media analysis skills, while building friendships with students from around the world.
7. Kode with Klossy - Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or in-person in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., London, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis
Cost: Free!
Dates: June 2 – 13 | July 7 – 18 | July 21 – August 1 | August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school women and gender-expansive teens, aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy is a free, two-week coding camp for high school students from underrepresented gender groups in tech. You can choose from four exciting tracks—Web Development, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Mobile App Development—while learning languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Swift. Throughout the program, you will work on real-world projects such as building websites, creating mobile apps, training AI models, and analyzing data. You’ll also explore topics such as algorithmic bias, UX design, and responsive development, learning how technology can be used responsibly and creatively.
8. Girls Who Code - Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free! A $300 needs-based grant is available to U.S. students only
Dates: US students: July 7 – 18 | US and International students: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: High school students who identify as girls or non-binary
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week online course for high school students interested in computer science and game design. The program combines live instruction with project-based learning, so you can learn the basics of coding, UI design, and development, and put your skills to the test by designing your very own playable game with other students. The program is supported by some of the world’s leading tech companies, so you’ll be able to connect with industry professionals and learn about the industry and careers in technology.
9. New York University - Summer Program in Automation, Robotics and Coding (SPARC)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27 | Session 2: July 7 – 18 | Session 3: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: May 15. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students who are 15 years and older are eligible to apply. Prerequisites are AP Math, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, preference for completion of PreCalc, and enrollment in AP Stats/Calculus
SPARC is a two-week, full-day summer program at NYU Tandon’s K12 STEM Center designed for high school students interested in robotics and coding. The program introduces you to mechatronics, automation, and programming concepts, and no prior experience is required. You will learn to build interactive devices using sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers. You’ll also strengthen your coding skills while discovering how they are applied to real-world engineering problems. The experience concludes with team competitions and engineering challenges that showcase your learning.
10. Stanford’s A14ALL
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Dates: June 18 - July 2
Application Deadline: December 9 - January 24
Eligibility: 9th-graders or rising 10th-graders in the summertime, over 14 years by the start of the program
Stanford AI4ALL is a two-week virtual program that introduces high school students to the exciting world of artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and real-world applications. You will explore fascinating areas such as robotics, computer vision, medical AI, and natural language processing while getting practical experience, using AI tools and techniques. Collaboration is a key part of the experience - you’ll work with other students from around the world and receive mentorship from experienced AI professionals. Beyond technical learning, Stanford AI4ALL will help you discover career paths in technology. By the end of the program, you will have developed both practical skills and a deeper understanding of how AI can be used responsibly to resolve global challenges.
11. Remote Graphic Design & Marketing Internship: Hosted out of Greece
Location: Remote
Cost: $1,099 - $1,799
Dates: Flexible dates and duration
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above with knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications
The Remote Graphic Design & Marketing Internship based in Greece allows high school students to use their design skills to contribute to marine conservation initiatives. As part of a marine conservation NGO, you will support research and environmental protection efforts across the country – from wherever you are. Your role will involve creating eye-catching visual content such as posters, infographics, animations, and illustrations to raise awareness about key environmental challenges. Throughout the internship, you will receive feedback to help you refine your work and strengthen your design skills. The experience highlights how visual communication and design can drive public engagement in conservation.
12. Remote Legal Support for Human Rights Advocacy Internships: Hosted out of Tanzania by Intern HQ
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Dates: Available year-round; you can start when you like
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High School Students aged 16+ with relevant study experience in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field such as political science, sociology, African studies, etc.; Knowledge of social media marketing and digital communications
This fully remote internship based in Tanzania gives high school students an opportunity to contribute to human rights advocacy and make a difference from anywhere in the world. As an intern, you will work alongside licensed attorneys and NGOs dedicated to advancing human rights and social justice. Your work may involve researching legal frameworks, drafting documents for court proceedings, and creating educational materials to raise awareness about gender justice, discrimination, family law, and labor rights. The internship offers insights into the practical aspects of legal work in diverse global contexts. It provides valuable experience grounded in the real challenges faced by local communities.
13. Remote Social Work & NGO Support Internships: Hosted out of India
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,099 – $1,799
Dates: Available year-round; You can start when you like
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with some knowledge of MS Excel
This virtual internship provides high school students with an opportunity to support NGOs in India that work to support underprivileged communities. As an intern, you might take part in activities such as writing reports, coordinating awareness campaigns, assisting with fundraising, and offering job-related support to women, children, and low-income families. You may also participate in advocacy initiatives and complete assignments that give you a practical understanding of how social work creates change. The program also includes training modules on areas such as case management and social work research. Throughout the internship, you will build valuable communication and professional skills while contributing to meaningful social impact.
14. Virtual Volunteering and Virtual Internships
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: $800 – $2,300
Dates: Schedules are flexible and can range from 1-6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 16+
United Planet’s Virtual Volunteering and Internship program allows you to contribute to international causes from home. With opportunities spanning more than 20 countries and 60 focus areas, you can work in areas such as education, global health, environmental sustainability, or community development. Participants are matched with organizations that align with their skills and interests, whether tutoring students in Colombia or assisting with mental health initiatives in the U.S. The program is open to all experience levels, so you don't need any prior background. Each placement emphasizes cultural exchange, so you can learn from people from around the world. It provides a meaningful way to support global efforts and build international connections entirely online.
15. Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World
Location: Remote
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Dates: Session 1:June 15 - 26; Session 2: July 6 - 17
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority Deadline); May 1 (Final Deadline)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12
Wharton’s Future of the Business World is a two-week virtual summer program for high school students interested in global business and innovation. The program brings together students from around the world for an experience that includes interactive lectures, simulations, and group discussions, led by Wharton faculty and business experts. You will explore topics such as design thinking, strategic forecasting, and group problem-solving. Working in teams, you’ll develop a final project that envisions the future of international business. The program encourages you to think critically about your role in shaping the business landscape of tomorrow.
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