If you want to compete in science fairs, do research, and get into the best universities on the planet, doing summer programs is a great way to help you reach those goals.

You can learn more about your area of interest from incredible faculty members, improve your college application, and meet loads of amazing people.

Here are 5 STEM summer programs for high school students that are happening in 2027.

Tips When Choosing Summer Courses

When you’re looking at summer programs, make sure to always do your research to make sure that it is an interesting, useful program for you. 

Think about what you want to study, and what sort of course you want to do. 

Using your summer break wisely will help you have an edge when you’re applying to college, so take advantage of your “time off” to get ahead.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI) - MA, USA

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a world-renowned program held at MIT, and some incredibly cool people have done this program, including several MacArthur Fellows.

RSI is one of the most selective summer programs in the United States. The program receives over 2,500 U.S. applications and 600 international applications each year and accepts less than 2.5% of applicants for its six-week summer program.

The first week of RSI is composed of tutorials and seminars on contemporary research of interest by esteemed Professors from top universities, many of whom are alumni. 

The next four weeks are centered on individual research projects, mentored by experts in MIT and Stanford. The last week is devoted to paper and presentation writing, followed by the RSI Final Symposium and encore presentations, which feature the top 10 presentations selected by academic staff at RSI. After that, the top 5 presentations are determined by a panel of industry leaders in research and STEM.

The RSI Distinguished Lecture Series, which continues throughout the program, brings distinguished professors, scientists, and industry leaders in STEM, including a number of Nobel laureates, many of whom are RSI alumni, to speak to RSI students in an evening lecture-style format. 

Cost: Free with bed and board at MIT.

Program Dates: 6 weeks from around June 26 to August 6.

In 2027: Applications open until December 11th, 2026, at 11.59 PM, and the program will be held at MIT June 20–July 31 and at Stanford June 27–August 7.

2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) - CA, USA

Students at SIMR collaborate with Stanford academics and researchers to conduct medical research.

SIMR is an 8-week summer internship program open to high school juniors and seniors. The program consists of hands-on research under the direct guidance of a one-on-one mentor at a top-class lab within the Institutes of Medicine at Stanford University, as well as select departments. 

Students select one of eight study fields and are then allocated to a lab where they receive one-on-one mentorship. The program is open to current juniors and seniors, and is 8 weeks long. Each year, about 50 students are accepted. Students must be 16 years or older at the start of the program. 

Students applying to the program can choose from eight areas of research (institutes). After being accepted, they are then assigned to a specific institute based on their choices. Some examples include neurobiology, bioengineering, and stem cell and regenerative medicine.

Another option students in SIMR have is participating in the bioengineering bootcamp. This is a hands-on learning experience in bioengineering that does not involve a lab research component.

The program is free, and a limited number of stipends are available on a grant-based need.

Eligibility requirements for SIMR:  

All three of the following requirements must be met (no exceptions):

1) Students must currently be juniors or seniors at the time of application (as of the fall of the year you’re applying).

2) Students must also be 16 years old or older by the start of the program.

3) Students must be living in the U.S. AND must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card to apply.

In 2027: You can apply by late February 2027, and the tentative program dates are June 7- July 29, 2027.

3. Summer Science Program (SSP) - USA

SSP is a program designed for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program is intense, challenging, and hands-on, and takes place over the course of six weeks during the summer at different university campuses across the USA.

One of the coolest things about the Summer Science Program is that it's not just your typical classroom-style learning experience. 

Instead, you get to work on real research projects alongside other passionate students, using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. You'll be learning from some of the brightest minds in the STEM field, including PhDs, postdocs, and other experts.

And don't worry, it's not all work and no play! You'll have plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun with your fellow students outside of the lab. Plus, the program takes place on some of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, so you'll have plenty of chances to explore and enjoy the scenery.

But don't just take my word for it - SSP has a proven track record of success. Many alumni of the program have gone on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the world and pursue successful careers in STEM fields.

Eligibility requirements for SSP:

SSP is open to current high school juniors who have completed the required coursework for your chosen topic by summer, and will be at least 15 years old, but not yet 19, during the program. It’s open to US and international students.

In recent years, the admission rate has been around 10%, so definitely have an alternate plan for your summer. However, some applicants are surprised that they are admitted, and others are surprised that they are not. Besides academic preparation, SSP considers character, motivation, and how much the experience would impact you.

Cost: SSP’s cost is scaled based on what your family can afford. The maximum price was $11,800 in 2026.

In 2027: Applications open in December 2026 and the deadline for international applications is January 2027 and for domestic students it’s February. Admissions decisions will be announced in March-April, and the program runs in mid-June.

4. Indigo Research Innovator Global Lab

Indigo Research runs a 10-day intensive biotechnology research course, Innovator Global Lab, in a wet lab in Pasadena, New York, and Singapore. Each location focuses on specific research topics in both summer and winter.

As well as getting to do hands-on research in a lab in a small cohort of 20 students, the program also helps you create a publication-ready paper.

Before you start the in-person course, you first do an online bootcamp where you decide your research question, learn the foundations of research methodology, and get ready to start in a lab. Then, afterwards, you get one-on-one publication support.

In 2027: 

Cost: In 2027, IGL costs $13,600 including accommodation and $9,000 as a commuter.

5. BU PROMYS - MA, USA

BU PROMYS is hosted at BU, Boston University. It’s similar to RSI in length and counselors. Except it’s for mathematics.

PROMYS is a 6-week summer program in mathematics for high school students from across the U.S. and around the world.

Around 25 college undergraduate mathematics majors mentor students in the PROMYS high school program.

PROMYS also has three international programs, in India, Europe, and Italia.

To be eligible, students must, by the start of the program, have completed at least 9th grade (or its equivalent) and be at least 14 years old. 

Cost: The price of PROMYS is tiered. If your family earns less than $80,000, it’s free; up to $130,000 is around $4,000; then up to $180,000 the program costs an estimated $8,000, and families earning over $180,000 it costs $8,000.

In 2027: PROMYS runs from June 27 to August 7, 2027, and applications are open from the end of February to the end of April.

6. Stanford University Mathematics Camp - CA, USA

For students interested in math, it’s worth applying to SUMaC and PROMYS. 

There are two sessions over the summer. There are also two options for each of these sessions: online and residential.

Online program:

In the 3-week online program, 64 participants meet for daily live, online class sessions with the instructor and their peers. At the end, you present a final research project.

In 2026, there were two topics, one was Abstract Algebra & Number Theory, and the other was Algebraic Topology.

Residential program:

The 4-week program at Stanford’s campus is made up of daily problem-set sessions, then evening and weekend social activities.

Like the online program, the 40 participants present a final research project at the end of the program.

In 2027: Dates haven’t been announced yet, but normally the deadline is at the start of February. Then the sessions are held from mid-June until the end of July.

7. BU Rise - MA, USA

Boston University runs several summer programs.

Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) is an opportunity for those who are interested in hands-on research to spend 6 weeks delving into the world of university laboratory research across various fields.

This internship provides a unique experience that allows interns to immerse themselves in the research process, gain practical skills, and acquire a deeper understanding of the intricacies of scientific investigation.

They have two tracks: practicum and internship. The internship is 40 hours of research a week on a project designed by a mentor, which is ideal if you want research experience. The Practicum program is more structured. It has the research aspect in two different topics (in 2026 it was data science or computational neurobiology). Along with the research, you also have lectures, and it follows a syllabus. 

Eligibility requirements

You need to be a rising senior and a US citizen or permanent resident to apply to RISE. Admissions look at your grades, standardized test scores, essays, and your letter of recommendation.

Cost: $75 application fee, and in 2026 the cost for a student commuting was $6,415 and $10,735 for a residential student. There is also limited financial aid available.

In 2027: The deadline to apply is February 3, 2027. Then the program will go from June 27th until August 6th.

8. MITES Summer (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) - MA, USA

MITES Summer, or MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science, is a six-week program for high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

MITES Summer is a highly competitive program, with an acceptance rate of less than 10%.

What MITES offers

• Academic Courses: MITES offers rigorous academic courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, designed to challenge and inspire students interested in science, engineering, and technology.

• Research Projects: Students work in teams on research projects that allow them to apply the concepts learned in class to real-world problems. They are paired with a mentor from the MIT community who guides them through the research process.

• Guest Lectures: Students attend lectures and workshops given by MIT faculty members, researchers, and industry professionals.

• College Admissions Counseling: Students receive guidance on the college application process, including help with writing college essays, preparing for standardized tests, and choosing the right college.

• Social and Cultural Activities: MITES organizes a variety of social and cultural activities, including field trips to local museums, outdoor activities, and other events designed to help students build friendships and explore the MIT campus as well as nearby Boston.

• Housing and Meals: Students live in MIT dormitories and receive three meals a day in the campus dining halls.

Cost: There is a $100 application fee, and the program costs $12,000, which includes academic and term fees, including 1 college credit unit from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, use of Penn academic facilities and labs, lab materials, on-campus housing, two meals a day Monday-Friday, two meals on Sunday (no meals Saturday due to excursions/activities), extracurricular activities and trips, and student supervision.  

In 2027: MITES runs from July 12 to 30th, 2027. Application and decision dates haven’t been published yet.

9. Scholar Immersion Program - CA, USA

Spend your summer working on open-ended research at UC Santa Cruz with the Scholar Immersion Program (SIP).

If you're interested in learning more about research, getting real experience in coding, presenting, and actually doing research, this is a great program. You'll spend 8 weeks researching, one online and seven in a lab.

If you're not from Santa Cruz, the university provides accommodation for you.

Eligibility requirements for SIP

Students must be 14–17 years old on the program start date (Monday, June 15, 2026).

• International students are welcome to apply

• Some research project placements require students to be at least 16 years old.

• Students must be currently enrolled in high school.

• While many SIP interns are rising seniors (summer between junior and senior year), this is not required.

• Students who expect to have already graduated high school by this summer are generally ineligible.

• A limited number of partial and full need-based scholarships are available.

In 2027: Applications open on January 15th, 2027, and close on February 26th. Offers will start to go out on April 9th. The program starts with online research week on June 14-17th, and in-person SIP goes from June 21-August 7, 2027.

10. HOPP at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - NY, USA

The HOPP Summer Student program is a great program for students interested in cancer and biology research. It’s an 8-week, biomedical or computational lab-based internship in a Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) research lab in New York. They do a self-directed research project, and participate in events at MSK, including the Office of Scientific Education & Training, various Memorial Hospital clinical departments, and Human Resources. 

Areas of research are:

• Cancer biology

• Cell & Molecular & Developmental Biology

• Chemistry/Chemical biology

• Computer Science/ Computational Biology/ Genomics

• Engineering/ Optics/ Imaging/ Research Tools

• Immunology/ Immuno-oncology

• Pharmacology & Drug Development

• Structural Biology

Eligibility requirements for HOPP Summer Student Program:

• Demographic eligibility: The applicant must live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut within 25 miles of the Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on the Upper East Side in Manhattan

  • The program offers a stipend but no housing.

• Currently enrolled as a high school junior

• Legally authorized to work in the United States

• A 3.5 grade point average in science subjects

• Must be 14 or older by June 2027

• Submission of application materials by the deadlines

• Eight-week commitment to the program

• A genuine interest in science and laboratory research

In 2027: Applications are open between December 1, 2026, and February 5, 2027. Then the program happens between June 29 and August 20th 2027. The students all get a stipend of $1,200.

11. SSRP at Rockefeller University - NY, USA

SSRP scholars work on a research team of 8-10 students, with trainees from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC) overseeing, along with at least 3 dedicated research mentors. Each team has its own space and resources in one of the dedicated RockEDU teaching laboratories, mirroring how you would work in a research lab. You also participate in elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.

Eligibility for SSRP

You have to be a junior or senior in high school, and you have to commit to the full seven-week program. International students can apply too, but SSRP does not help with visas.

In 2027: Applications are open until January 4th, 2027. Selected applicants are then invited for an interview over Zoom, and final decisions are shared by April. The program will happen from June 21st until August 5th.

12. Simons at Stony Brook University - NY, USA

The Simons Summer Research Program is a highly competitive, 6-week-long program. In 2026, 1864 people applied, 60 were accepted, and 10 of those became STS scholars. 

In the program, Simons Fellows are matched with Stony Brook faculty mentors, join a research group or team, and work on a project. The Simons Fellows conclude their apprenticeship by producing a written research abstract and a research poster. 

Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program.

Cost: There’s a nonrefundable application fee of $75. The program is free but doesn’t provide housing or food. 

In 2027: Applications open on November 15th 2026, and the program happens from June 28th to August 6th, 2027.

13. Clark Scholar Summer Program - TX, USA

The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offered by Texas Tech University is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 3%. 

The Clark Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving students who are interested in conducting research across various fields. Participants are part of a small cohort of 12 students and receive personalized mentorship from renowned scholars in the country for 7 weeks. In addition, they will attend seminars, discussions, and field visits as part of the curriculum.

Costs: There are no program fees, but it costs $25 to apply, and they don’t cover transportation. The program covers on-campus meals, on-campus room and board, and weekend activities/programming.

The selected participants will receive a stipend of $750, and the program will take place at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. 

Eligibility for Clark Scholars

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are at least 17 years old by the program start date. It’s intended for students in the summer before senior year or the summer immediately after finishing high school.

Your application must include your standardized test scores, three letters of recommendation (at least two from teachers), essays, transcripts, and top activities.

In 2027: Applications are open from January 2nd until February 15th. Then the program happens between June 20th and August 5th.

14. UPenn Management & Technology Summer Institute - PA, USA

This program gives students who are interested in UPenn’s highly coveted (and competitive) M&T undergraduate program a chance to experience what UPenn is like from this side of things.

M&TSI is an extremely rigorous, non-stop, fast-paced college course that introduces students to the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for successfully linking technology and management concepts in just three weeks.

You also get college credit at the end of the course, which is why this costs so much. 

• Courses taught by full-time Wharton and Penn Engineering faculty

• Attendees explore Penn’s business and engineering offerings, hearing guest lectures from prominent faculty recognized as leaders in their field

• Students build and present a prototype and go-to-market plan for their own high-tech venture

• Project presentations are evaluated by Penn faculty, receiving feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors

• Students participate in simulations led by industry innovators such as Google

Cost: The program costs $11,999 for use of academic facilities and labs, on-campus housing, two meals a day, extracurricular activities, and one college credit.

In 2027: The deadline to apply is January 27th and the program runs from July 11 to 31, 2027.

15. AIRES - USA

AI Research & Entrepreneurship Scholars (AIRES) is a summer program where participants dive into AI foundations, theory, hear from experts, and work in interdisciplinary groups to investigate impactful problems using AI.

The program is held at Yale, Cambridge, MA, and UC Berkeley, with two- and three-week options. It will have three tracks for students to choose from:

• AI Engineering and Innovation: Explore AI and robotics

• AI in Biomedicine and Health: Focus on medical innovation and global wellbeing

• AI Society and Management: Use AI to drive creative solutions and inspire policy change.

If you choose the three-week option, you get an extra week focused AI application on a specific topic relevant to your track. It’s ideal for students who want to leave the program with close to publishable research or a working business prototype.

In both programs, you’ll work with students on other tracks on projects based on urban resilience, global health, or culture and communications. You can choose whether your project will be research- or entrepreneurship-focused.

Eligibility for AIRES

• It's designed for rising grade 11 and 12 students. Exceptional rising grade 10 students will also be considered.

  • For rising grades 8 and 9, they offer AIRES Junior, which is an introductory 2-week summer course at Yale and UCB focused on AI and design thinking.

Cost: The program costs between $5,650 and $9,250, depending on campus and course length, plus a non-refundable $750 deposit. There are scholarships and financial aid available.

In 2027: No dates have been announced yet.

16. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute - MA, USA

MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute offers different 4-week courses that offer hands-on experience to solve problems in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. You get paired with MIT mentors who will guide you throughout the project development process. You also do technical workshops, listen to guest speakers, and attend college preparation workshops, including guidance on the college application process, college essays, and financial aid. 

There are both in-person and virtual programs available.

Cost: For families earning under $200,000, the program is free. If your household earns over that, it's $3,000. Neither option includes housing.

In 2027: Applications are open from December to March 31st. Then students must have finished the obligatory online courses by June 18th, and the course goes from July 5th to August 1st.

17. Hofstra University Summer Science Research Program - NY, USA

Hofstra University's Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP) is an opportunity to do research in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Computer Science, Engineering, Sociology, Geology, Mathematics, and Public Health.

The program also includes seminars and workshops on scientific writing, research ethics, and presentation skills. Students also have the opportunity to attend lectures by guest speakers and visit research facilities in the area.

Eligibility for HUSSRP

• The program is open to high school students who are rising sophomores or juniors (10th or 11th grade), and be at least 15 years old when the program begins

• You must be a US citizen or permanent resident

• Have had at least one year of a high school research course;

• Have demonstrated an interest in their requested subject topic;

• Be willing and able to commit four weeks to full-time research; and

• Have demonstrated the ability to work independently.

Cost: The program is $2250 in total, not including transportation or housing for the 4-week program.
In 2027: Dates for summer 2027 haven’t been announced.

18. Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) - MD, USA

The Center for Talented Youth offers different courses for different ages. But their residential program is a three-week course for grades 5-12. Most students who attend are between 12 and 15 years old, and they have clear rules (eg lights out at 10.30pm) with that age range in mind.

CTY offers:

• Research Experience: Students work on projects related to polymer science and engineering, such as materials synthesis, characterization, and processing, under the guidance of faculty mentors.

• Workshops: Students learn scientific writing and presentation skills and attend seminars on topics related to polymer science and engineering. 

• Networking Opportunities: Students interact with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in the center, as well as with researchers from other universities and industry partners. 

Cost: This is a paid course. According to their website, it can cost between $800 and $1,500. Students live in university housing and receive a stipend for meals.

In 2027: The two residential sessions will be June 27-July 16, 2027 and July 18-August 6, 2027.

19. Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces @ Stony Brook - NY, USA

The Garcia Program is a seven-week course for gifted high school students hosted at Stony Brook University in New York. It includes practical research, workshops on presentations, scientific writing, and other topics like polymer science and engineering.

You also get the opportunity to network with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in the center, as well as with researchers from other universities and industry partners.

Plus, you live at the Stony Brook campus in NY for seven weeks.

Typical Dates: Mid-June to mid-August (seven weeks)

Eligibility for the Garcia Program

• The program is open to high school students who are at least 16 years old on or before July 4.

• An unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0) 

• You must have taken at least three of the following subjects at an Honors or AP level: English, Chemistry, Mathematics or Calculus, Physics, and Biology. 

• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT and/or Regents) must be 60% or above.

• To get special consideration, you should show evidence of leadership, special talents or interests, and other personal qualities through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, etc. 

• International students are accepted, but won’t receive visa support.

Cost: In 2026, laboratory fees were $4,000, which doesn’t include bed and board. You can pay extra for a room at the university and for a meal plan.

In 2027: The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet.

20. High School Research Program at Brookhaven National Laboratories - NY, USA

The High School Research Program (HSRP) at Brookhaven National Laboratory is a free six-week summer program for high schoolers interested in STEM.

You get to collaborate with scientific, engineering, and technical staff on hands-on projects that support Brookhaven Lab and the Department of Energy. You also do a presentation at the end of the program.

Eligibility for HSRP

• The program is open to high school students in the US who are at least 16 years old on or before the start of the program. (You need to be a US citizen or permanent resident.) 

  • It’s recommended for students who have completed 11th grade.

• You also need two letters of recommendation for your application: a STEM mentor is preferred, and they require your school district’s superintendent's name and email address. 

In 2027: The dates for 2027 haven’t been announced yet.

21. High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) Program - NY, USA

The High School Summer Research Experience in Cancer (SURE-CAN) Program is for high school students interested in cancer research. 

The program aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of cancer researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Upstate New York.

It’s a 6-week program made up of lectures, group discussions, seminars, development activities, and research in both dry and wet labs. You’ll also present your poster at the end of the course.

You’ll learn a lot about cancer research, research ethics, and statistics. You’ll also explore how other areas (including math, physics, and engineering) interact with it.

Eligibility for SURE-CAN

• Must be enrolled in the junior year of high school (at least 15 years old in June).

• Resident of Western New York, as it’s a commuter program.

• Have to be a US citizen or permanent resident

In 2027: Applications are open until January 1st, 2027. SURE-CAN will run from June 28th to August 6th.

22. Canada/USA Mathcamp

Mathcamp is a 5-week program for 120 high school students who are talented at mathematics to learn advanced mathematics and new ways of thinking.

The curriculum in Mathcamp is broad. Students can choose what they’re most interested in. They take courses 5 days a week, covering introductory material, like Proof Techniques, in some core subjects that will be prerequisites for many future classes: for example, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, Number Theory, and Graph Theory. They also do clusters of classes on topics (e.g., pure mathematics) and others on the application of math.

They also do field trips on two days a week to hike, kayak, visit nearby cities, museums, go ice skating, dancing, or climbing, and much more.

Eligibility:

• Students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Exceptions have been made for 19-year-olds.

• You need to be fully comfortable with high school algebra, geometry, trig, exponents, and logarithms. 

• Applicants who have studied math outside of school are more likely to be successful.

• They accept international students and aim for a 50/50 gender balance

Cost: The cost is $7,500 and they offer over $100,000 in scholarships for low- and middle-income students and international students.

In 2027: Location and dates will be announced in December 2026.

23. Ross Mathematics Program - USA

The Ross Mathematics Program is a 6-week intensive residential summer experience designed to encourage motivated pre-college students to explore mathematical research.

There tend to be two sites (Otterbein University in Columbus, OH, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana) with different dates for this course, and each accepts around 60 students.

Cost: $7000, and there is financial support available. It’s also open to international students who have a good understanding of English. This fee covers bed and board (including 3 meals a day at the campus cafeteria).

In 2027: Dates haven’t been announced yet.

24. COSMOS: California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science - CA, USA

The COSMOS program is a challenging and immersive STEM curriculum in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and physics at different University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. 

Students engage in hands-on experiments, research projects, and other activities to deepen their knowledge and skills in these fields.

It emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, as students work on group projects and participate in discussions and presentations with their peers and instructors.

Like a lot of summer programs, it includes field trips to nearby research institutions, universities, and industry partners to expose students to the latest developments in STEM fields and potential career paths.

Students also receive mentorship and guidance from experienced educators and researchers who provide personalized support and advice on academic and career goals.

Eligibility for COSMOS

• High School Students: The program is open to high school students who have completed at least one year of high school and are in good academic standing.

• California: You must reside in California, as COSMOS is held by the UCs, and it is a residential program.

• Academic Requirements: Applicants must have a strong academic record in math and science and demonstrate their passion for STEM fields through their extracurricular activities and personal essays.

Cost: The application fee is $48 (non-refundable), and the program costs $5,793 for housing, meals, orientation, field trips & activities, and on-site support. 

In 2027: Applications open on January 6th 2027, and close on February 5th at 11.59 PM. Program dates haven’t been published yet.

25. MathILy @ Bryn Mawr College - PA, USA

MathILy is a five-week program over the summer (and winter) for around 145 students. Over the course, you’ll do 7 hours of classes per day where instructors provide the framework, and you get to make (and prove) the conjectures and study undergraduate and graduate math.

MathILy promises a focused and individually tailored effort that elicits massive learning, enormous fun, and significant personal growth.

Students also receive instruction in mathematical writing, which includes writing proofs and presenting mathematical arguments clearly and concisely.

Plus, students have the opportunity to engage in research projects and collaborate with instructors and peers on original mathematics research.

Eligibility for MathILy

• This is primarily for those between 14–17, and preference is given to high school students.

• Applicants should have a strong academic record in mathematics and need to complete an assessment exam in 4 hours.

• International students who need visas are advised to apply early to ensure they can get a visa.

Cost: $ 6,175, and they do offer financial aid, with US students getting priority over international students.
In 2027: The dates haven’t been announced yet.

26. MIT PRIMES - MA, USA

MIT PRIMES program is different from other programs here as it’s year-long. 

It’s highly recommended for students passionate about working on unsolved problems in mathematics and bioinformatics. If you’re interested in those topics and live within driving distance from Boston, it’s a great program for you.

It involves a lot of active research, independent study, and receiving guidance from graduate students and PhD mentors. You also have many networking opportunities here. (This is sometimes underrated when people talk about these summer programmes, but from personal experience, this is super important!)

Program structure:

• January: You’re assigned a mentor who gives you reading to help your research project. To pass, you write a five-page reading report. The time commitment is at least 10 hours a week.

• Up to June 15th: You work on your project and in June you submit an interim report. Again, you’ll work at least 10 hours a week on it.

• June 15th to August 31st: Over the summer, it’s flexible, so you’re free to do other summer programs. But you keep working on your project independently.

• September 1st to December 31st: You stay in touch with your mentor to complete your project and present it in mid-October at the PRIMES conference. Then you write a paper that’s published on the PRIMES website.

Cost: Free.

Learn more about free MIT programs.

Eligibility requirements for MIT PRIMES

• You need to solve a Math Problem Set and get 70% to apply.

• High school juniors and sophomores in the USA

  • For international students, check out Crowdmath.

• You have to live within driving distance of Boston. 

  • There is also MIT PRIMES USA, which is a program open to students across the country.

• You should meet at least one of these criteria:

  • USAMO or USAJMO qualifier;

  • grade A for a college-level proof-based math course (online courses included);

  • participation in a summer math program , such as Canada/USA MathCamp , AwesomeMath , HCSSiM , MathILy , PROMYS , Ross Program , or SUMaC , with a letter of recommendation from a counselor;

  • a letter of recommendation from a college professor of mathematics.

It’s a bit of a time commitment, as you will have to be present on some weekdays in the evenings and weekends, but it is worth it, as you will be publishing an independent research paper by January 15 in the following year.

27. Secondary Student Training Program - IA, USA

SSTP provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics at the University of Iowa. Students work on projects under the guidance of faculty mentors and gain experience in scientific methodology, data analysis, and scientific communication. 

The program includes seminars and workshops on scientific writing, research ethics, and presentation skills. Students also have the opportunity to attend lectures by guest speakers and visit research facilities in the area.

It’s designed to help prepare students for the college application process and for success in college-level coursework. Students receive guidance on college admissions and financial aid, and they have the opportunity to learn about the academic and social aspects of college life.

Eligibility for SSTP

• Students in grade 10 or 11

• International students are welcome

• Then the application process considers:

  • Your essays

  • Transcripts and scores

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Your research interests aligning with your mentor

Cost: It costs $7,500, which covers your room, board, materials, activities, and three hours of undergraduate credits. There’s also a nonrefundable application fee of $95. If you’re accepted, you can also apply for financial aid, which can cover up to 95% of the cost.

In 2027: You must apply by February 16th 2027, and decisions are sent out on April 1st. Then the program runs from June 16th to July 23rd.

28. Delve by Delta Careers

Delta Careers offers virtual work experience at top companies to give you real-world exposure in your area of interest. If you want experience at a company, you can use your summer to do an internship or work experience.

Delta offers them year-round at major companies, such as Ferrari, AWS, Adobe, Stripe, and many more.

Delta offers different programs, including Delta Launch, where you can develop an AI solution or create a coding project.

29. Research Experience at CIERA - IL, USA

REACH (Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students) is a program that provides high school students with experience with astronomy research in an atmosphere of team-style learning, hands-on training, and mentorship from professional scientists.

It’s a 3-week program at Northwestern University, and there’s a limited number of spots for a 3-week extension called REACH Further, where you work on a longer research project with a mentor.

Students participate in astronomy research projects with CIERA astronomers. You’ll also do intensive Python programming and learn about astronomy, and participate in solar observing at Dearborn Observatory.

It’s an introductory course and is great for students who are thinking about exploring astronomy, computer science, physics, and more.

There are two courses over the summer, with around 25 people per course.

Eligibility for REACH

• The program is open to high school students between grades 10-12.

• You must have your own housing, as it is not provided by Northwestern.

• There are a few spots for international students.

Cost: It costs $ 2,500, with financial aid available. REACH Further is an extra $1500.

In 2027: Applications are open between January and March. There are two sessions in 2027: June 14 – July 2, 2027 and July 5 – 23, 2027.

30. Immerse Education Summer Schools - Worldwide

The Immerse Education Summer Schools are well-known programs offered at different locations around the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and more. 

You can earn UCAS points or college credits by participating. For instance, you can do Biology at Oxford, Engineering in London or Cambridge, and so on, in classes of around 7 people for 2 weeks.

Cost: Depends on your chosen course and location. Online is around $900, and in-person varies between $5750 and $9300 which covers accommodation, food, and tuition.

In 2027: There are several sessions running over summer for all courses, so check their website for more details.

31. International Space School Educational Trust - UK

The International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET) offers a unique 5-day program called Mission Discovery, which provides high school students with a chance to experience a range of activities related to space exploration and technology at King’s College in London. You learn from NASA astronauts, the Deputy Chief of NASA, and top professors from KCL. You also compete to get your idea launched to space.

These activities include:

• Team Projects: Students work in teams to develop a concept for a space mission, designing a spacecraft and its instrumentation.

• Lectures and Workshops: Participants attend lectures and workshops on topics such as astronomy, astrobiology, and space exploration, as well as leadership and team-building skills.

• Hands-on Activities: Students engage in hands-on activities, including building and launching model rockets, programming robots, and using virtual reality to simulate space missions.

• Housing and Meals: Students stay in King’s College London university dormitories and receive meals throughout the program.

Eligibility for ISSET

• The program is open to high school students aged 14-18 years old.

• Interested students must submit an online application form, which includes a statement of interest and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.

Cost: £799 (approximately $1054), and for residential this goes up to £1999.99 (around $2638).

In 2027: It will run from July 12th to 16th, and you just need to submit payment to apply.

32. European Space Camp - Norway

The European Space Camp in Andøya, Norway, provides high school students with a unique opportunity to learn about space exploration and technology through a range of activities, including:

• Lectures and Workshops: Participants attend lectures and workshops on topics such as rocket design, robotics, and life support systems.

• Hands-on Activities: Students engage in hands-on activities, including building and launching rockets, programming robots, and using virtual reality to simulate space missions.

• Visits: Participants visit various space-related facilities, such as the Andoya Space Center and the Northern Lights Observatory. (It’s during the summer, though, so you aren’t going to be seeing Aurora Borealis)

Eligibility for European Space Camp

• The program is open to students aged 17-20 years old.

• You must be fluent in English

• All candidates have to have a well-documented passion for science

Cost: It’s free to participate via the scholarships on their website, but you may have to pay for transport, depending on the scholarship. For the USA, there is only one available.

In 2027: Applications open on January 1st, 2027, but the camp dates haven’t been published yet.

33. UBC Future Global Leaders - Canada

The UBC Future Global Leaders program is a two-week summer program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, designed for high-achieving high school students who are interested in exploring global issues, developing leadership skills, and gaining university experience. 

It’s not fully STEM, but it does offer courses focused on AI, engineering, medical anthropology, anatomy, biomedical sciences, neuroanatomy, and marine sciences. All their programs are at the undergraduate level.

This program also offers an online option.

Cost: In 2026, the courses cost between CAD 2,620 and 2,855 ($1,839 and $2004 USD) for non-Canadian students.

In 2027: Nothing has been published on 2027 dates.

34. Lodha Genius Program - India

The Lodha Genius program at Ashoka University is a completely free program for math and science students in India that involves interdisciplinary learning.

It is a great program for those planning to study science and mathematics. It includes olympiad-level problem-solving and is a rigorous course, held over the course of a month.

It also involves quite a bit of mentorship from professors to build a strong conceptual foundation for students.

Eligibility for Lodha Genius Program

• You must be in grades 8-11. 

• A transcript will have to be submitted, so high academic performance is necessary, especially in math and science subjects.

• A letter of recommendation (optional: from the head of school) is also useful when applying.

The Lodha Genius program also exists at IISER Pune for grades 8-10.

Cost: Free for Indian students.

In 2027: Dates are due to be shared in October.

35. Yale Young Global Scholars - CT, USA

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) is a two-week academic enrichment program for outstanding high school students from around the world.

They offer three courses, three times during the summer. Innovations in Science Technology is the one focused on STEM.

Students explore a wide variety of scientific fields such as physics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, astronomy, engineering, neuroscience, immunology, psychology, and earth science. You also look at the interdisciplinary applications across the many scientific fields, ranging from the nanoscopic to the astronomical in scale.

Students are encouraged to explore widely and set their own limits through different breakout sessions, lectures, seminars, symposiums, and their Capstone project.

Eligibility requirements for YYGS

• Age: Be between 16 and 18 by the first day of the last session

• Language: Be fluent enough in English to participate

• Grade: Be a high school sophomore or junior (or the equivalent)

• Graduation: Be graduating in May/June 2028 or 2029 in the Northern Hemisphere, or Nov/Dec 2028/2029 in the Southern Hemisphere

• Participation: You must be a first-time participant of YYGS

Cost: The cost of the program is $7,500 for everything except travel. They do offer needs-based financial aid.

In 2027: In 2027, the three sessions will be held on June 20 - July 2, July 4 - July 16, and July 18 - July 30.

36. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) - PA, USA

The Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science (SAMS) is a six-week summer program offered by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for high school students interested in pursuing STEM fields. The program is designed to provide talented students with a rigorous academic experience and to expose them to the research opportunities available at CMU. They especially focus on students in groups underrepresented in STEM (including students with English as a second language, first-generation college students, socioeconomic backgrounds, and who go to schools with low acceptance rates to top-tier institutions).

Like other programs here, SAMS students attend classes taught by CMU faculty members and engage in hands-on research projects in areas such as robotics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering.

SAMS students have access to CMU's state-of-the-art research facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and computing resources, allowing them to gain valuable research experience.

The program is divided into three parts:

• Before it fully starts, there are two days of online skill-building for participants.

• The six-week residential program

• Then afterwards, there are ongoing virtual enrichment sessions and college prep information.

Eligibility for SAMS

• You must be at least 16 years old to participate

• Be a US citizen or permanent resident

• Be in 11th grade when you apply

Cost: It’s a fully funded, merit-based program. The only thing that isn’t covered is travel expenses to Pittsburgh.

In 2027: SAMS will run from June 26 to August 7, 2027, and the deadline to apply is February 1st, with decisions sent out on April 1st.

37. The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program - USA

The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a highly competitive 10-week research internship program offered by The Jackson Laboratory, a non-profit research institution focused on genetics and genomics.

It’s offered at The Jackson Laboratory's campuses in Bar Harbor, Maine (22 positions available) and Farmington, Connecticut (10 positions open).

Students must be 18 years old at the start of the program (May 31st). They have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects alongside experienced scientists and researchers at The Jackson Laboratory.

It has a competitive application process, with applications due at the end of January. 

The program is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in genetics and genomics research to gain hands-on experience and develop valuable skills and connections in the field.

Cost: Students get a $7,500 stipend, plus room, board, and travel.

In 2027: Admissions are open between November and January 25th, 2027. Decisions will be sent out by the end of March.

38. Notre Dame Leadership Seminars - IN, USA

The leadership seminars are a 10-day program at the Notre Dame campus in Indiana for gifted students who show leadership. So even though it isn’t STEM, it’s a transferable skill that can be very useful. Plus, it offers transferable college credit to everyone who completes the program. 

The topics you can study include AI and global business, investing, global and domestic issues. All these broaden your horizons and enable you to pursue other interests.

Notre Dame also offers Summer Scholars, where you take a 2-week college-level course, including Climate Change, Engineering, Chemistry, Life Sciences, and the Culture of Medicine.

Eligibility for the leadership seminars

• You must be a current high school junior entering your senior year in the fall of 2026 and planning to attend college immediately after high school.

• Admitted students are generally in the top 10% of their class, having pursued the most rigorous curriculum offered in their high schools. The mid-range SAT score for math & reading is 1300-1500 or 31 and above for the ACT. Please note, standardized test scores are not required, but are preferred in order to enhance a student's application. 

• Demonstrated leadership abilities in school, church, community, and/or social organizations.

• At least 16 years old by or on August 1, 2026

Cost: The university covers your tuition, housing, and meals. You just need to pay $75 to apply, $150 when you’re accepted, and your travel expenses. There is very limited financial assistance available, and at the very least, you will have to pay the $150.

In 2027: Applications open on October 19th, 2026. The two summer sessions run from June 19 - June 30, 2027, and July 10 - July 21, 2027.

39. Tufts Summer Research Experience - MA, USA

The Tufts Summer Research Experience (TSRE) for high school juniors and seniors is a six-week summer program that provides an opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on research experience in a variety of fields at Tufts University.

TSRE participants work closely with faculty mentors to design and carry out their own research projects, which may include experiments, data analysis, or literature reviews, under the guidance of experienced researchers.

In addition to conducting research, TSRE participants attend seminars and workshops on research methods and scientific communication, and have the opportunity to present their research findings to faculty and peers.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0, a strong interest in research, and completion of high school-level math and science courses.

Cost: There’s no information available on 2027 prices, but in 2026 it cost $11,790 residential, $9,196 commuter

In 2027: Nothing has been published about TSRE in 2027.

40. Horizon Academic Research Program - Online

Horizon is a prestigious, online research program for high school students who want to do undergraduate-level research. The program's capstone project is a 20-page research paper that will help you excel in academia and college applications.

They offer Horizon Seminar and Horizon Labs. Horizon Seminar is a broader, summer program, whereas Labs is focused on helping you create a publication-worthy paper.

Since it’s online, all research projects use publicly available data, so you don’t get hands-on experience, but it’s still super valuable and very prestigious. Only 26% of applicants actually get accepted. 

Eligibility for Horizon

• You must be in grades 9-12, most are in grade 10 or 11

• Your GPA should be 3.67 unweighted or equivalent

• You need to show a strong interest or achievements in the area you want to research

• You have to have taken challenging classes and have a basic understanding of the subject you’ll research

• Some courses have prerequisites:

  • Protein Biophysics: AP Chemistry or equivalent 

  • Advanced Theoretical Math & Knot Theory: AP Calculus A/B or equivalent (B/C is also accepted)

  • Fluid Dynamics: One year of Calculus and one year of high school Physics (Mechanics)

  • Application of Machine Learning: at least beginner-level coding experience (6 months or more) in 1 or more languages: Java, Python, R, etc.

Costs: Horizon Labs and Seminars courses both cost $6,950. There is financial aid for students from households that earn $75,000. 

In 2027: Summer 2027 dates haven’t been announced.

41. YUVIKA - India

YUVIKA (Yuva Vigyani Karyakram) is a summer science program offered by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for high school students in India. If you are interested in space research and are from India, this is a good fit.

The program is designed to inspire and nurture young students' interest in science and space technology, and to encourage them to pursue careers in these fields.

YUVIKA is a two-week residential program held at various ISRO centers across India, with participants selected through a competitive application process. 

During the program, students have the opportunity to learn from ISRO scientists and engineers and work on hands-on projects related to space technology and science.

The program includes lectures, workshops, and laboratory sessions, as well as visits to ISRO facilities and interactions with scientists and engineers.

YUVIKA covers a wide range of topics, including space science, rocketry, satellite technology, remote sensing, and astronomy, among others.

The program is a great opportunity for high school students in India with a passion for science and space technology to learn from the best and gain valuable experience and exposure in these fields. 

Eligibility for YUKIVA

• It is open to high school students between grades 9 and 12. 

• YUVIKA has specific criteria for eligibility. Admission is primarily determined by the marksheet you send (50%) and participation in science fairs and olympiads. 

• They also have a preference for those from rural areas.

Cost: Free (ISRO covers transportation, housing, food, etc)

In 2027: Dates haven’t been published yet. In 2026, applications were open from February to March, and the program happened in May.

42. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) - CA, USA

The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a summer program offered by the Stanford School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

CNI-X is designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in clinical neuroscience research or clinical practice.

The program is an immersive experience that provides students with exposure to clinical research, patient care, and neuroscience education at Stanford.

CNI-X is a two-week program that includes both didactic coursework and hands-on clinical experience, such as shadowing clinicians and participating in patient care.

The program covers a range of topics related to clinical neuroscience, including neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and brain imaging techniques.

With regard to eligibility, this is competitive, and a strong essay is important.

Cost: The online program costs $1725 and the in-person program is $3,325 (this does not include bed or board). 

In 2027: No information has been provided yet.

43. Seattle Children’s Research Training Program - WA, USA

The Research Training Program (RTP) provides high school students with the opportunity to work with experienced researchers at Seattle Children's Research Institute.

You get to work at the Research Institute, learn about biochemistry, infectious diseases, and more. You also participate in workshops and do your own independent research.

The program is highly competitive, with only a limited number of positions available each year, and is designed to provide a comprehensive research experience for students.

Eligibility for RTP

• You must be in grades 10- 11.

• You must be within driving distance (living in Seattle).

Cost: Students get a $2000 stipend.

In 2027: Information will be published in late 2026.

44. JHU Explore Engineering Innovation - MD, USA

The JHU Explore Engineering Innovation Program is a summer program offered by the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering.

It’s for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering and provides them with a hands-on introduction to the field and earns them 3 college credits.

The program is a residential program that takes place on the Johns Hopkins University campus in Baltimore, Maryland, and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on engineering projects. There is also an online option available.

Participants in the program work in teams to design and build their own engineering projects, such as robots, prosthetic limbs, and energy-efficient buildings. If you love engineering, it’s a great program!

Eligibility for JHU Explore Engineering Innovation

• A minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of high school-level math and science courses, and a strong interest in engineering. (You have to have taken Algebra II, covered trigonometric functions, etc) 

• They are mainly looking for rising juniors and rising seniors. 

• The program includes an application process that involves a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. 

PS: They also have an online biomedical engineering program, if you’re interested in that.

Cost: The cost varies between $4095 and $12690.

In 2027: There will be two sessions in 2027, but dates haven’t been shared yet.

45. MIT Women’s Technology Program - MA, USA

The MIT Women's Technology Program (WTP) is a four-week summer program designed for high school girls interested in STEM. The program provides participants with an immersive learning experience in which they take courses, attend workshops, and participate in hands-on projects. 

WTP is offered by MIT’s School of Engineering and is highly competitive, with a rigorous application process that includes a personal statement, teacher recommendation, and transcript.

The WTP is a residential program, and participants live on the MIT campus for the duration of the program. 

It offers two tracks: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) or Mechanical Engineering (ME). Participants take two courses in their chosen track and attend workshops on topics such as engineering design, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The program also offers hands-on projects, such as building a robot or designing a mobile app, and provides opportunities to visit local tech companies and meet with women leaders in STEM fields.

The WTP is a highly respected program that provides an excellent opportunity for high school girls interested in STEM to gain valuable experience, meet other talented young women, and develop skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits.

Eligibility for the program includes being a girl in high school who has completed their junior year and having a strong academic record in math and science courses. You don’t need to have any engineering experience.

Cost: The pricing is tiered. If your family earns $120,000 or less, it’s free. Up to $150,000, it costs $2,000. Up to $2000,000 costs $4000, if household earnings are $400,000 it’s $8000 and over $400,000 the program costs $20,000.

In 2027: WTP will run June 26 – July 24, 2027, and applications open on October 16th.

46. Rose-Hulman Operation Catapult - IN, USA

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Operation Catapult is a ten-day summer program that provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM fields and engineering. The program is residential, and participants live on the Rose-Hulman campus in Terre Haute, Indiana, one of the best universities for engineering and sciences, for the duration of the program.

The program is designed for students who have completed their junior year of high school and who have a strong academic record in math and science courses.

During the program, students work on projects in areas such as robotics, computer science, and biomedical engineering, and attend lectures and workshops on topics such as engineering design and professional development.

The program culminates in a presentation of the participants' projects, which are evaluated by a panel of judges.

Cost: They run three camps over the summer and cost $2750 for 2027.

In 2027: The first session runs from Monday, June 7 – Thursday, June 17, the second is Monday, June 21 – Thursday, July 1, and the final one is Monday, July 12 – Thursday, July 22. Applications open on December 1st and close on April 19th.

47. Young Technology Scholars - India

The Young Tech Scholars (YTS) program at Plaksha University is a two-week summer program designed for high school students interested in biology, economics, mathematics, or physics. 

Plaksha University is in Mohali (their program is residential), and is a good fit if you’re from India and the other programs above aren’t as accessible.

The program is open to students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school and who have a strong academic record in math and science courses.

During the program, participants select one of three tracks: Biology beyond medicine, Data Science, Economics and Business, or Robotics in action, and work in teams to build solutions to real-world problems.

Cost: 2027 prices haven’t been released yet, but in 2026 it cost ₹1,05,000, or 1112.67 USD.

In 2027: No dates have been announced yet.

48. ARISE - NY, USA

The NYU Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) is a free program at NYU Tandon for high school students in NYC.

It’s a free, 10-week summer program funded by the Pinkerton Foundation. The first 4 weeks focus on safety training, college writing workshops, and research skills development. During the remaining 6 weeks, participants work in over 80 NYU research labs, assisting faculty and researchers on real-world projects.

At the end of the program, you gain hands-on research experience working with research faculty, college application support, and a $2,000 stipend.

Eligibility for ARISE

• Rising juniors and seniors

• Fulltime NYC residents who go to NYC schools

If you’d like to do a program at NYU, they offer a lot of other courses, some of which are paid and open to international students.

In 2027: No dates have been published yet, so make sure to check their website.

49. Tufts Summer Research Experience - MA, USA

The Tufts Summer Research Experience (TSRE) for high school juniors and seniors is a six-week summer program that provides an opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on research experience in a variety of fields at Tufts University.

TSRE participants work closely with faculty mentors to design and carry out their own research projects, which may include experiments, data analysis, or literature reviews, under the guidance of experienced researchers.

In addition to conducting research, TSRE participants attend seminars and workshops on research methods and scientific communication, and have the opportunity to present their research findings to faculty and peers.

Eligibility requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0, a strong interest in research, and completion of high school-level math and science courses.

Cost: There’s no information available on 2027 prices but in 2026 it cost $11,790 residential, $9,196 commuter

In 2027: Nothing has been published about TSRE in 2027.

50. DEEP Summer Academy - Canada

The University of Toronto runs the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) Summer Academy to give students hands-on engineering experience.

You participate in a variety of challenging courses run by engineering graduate students, explore problem-solving and engineering research, and get insights into what you can do with engineering.

Each course is a week long, and you can register to do one or more.

Eligibility for DEEP

• Applicants must have completed at least one year of high school

• If you're in grade 9/10, you must have completed grade 9 math and science

• For grade 11/12 students, you need to have finished grade 11 science courses by June

Cost: The 2027 price hasn't been shared yet. In 2026, it cost $732 per week for Canadian students and $1111 for other nationalities. If you do 4 or 6 weeks of DEEP and/or CREATE courses, you get a discount. You also have to pay to apply. If you apply early, it costs $50, in spring 2027, the price increases by $10. If you don't live in Toronto, you can apply to stay on campus.

In 2027: There will be four sessions during summer 2027:

• July 5 – 9

• July 12 – 16

• July 19 – 23

• July 26 – 30

Turn a Great Summer Into a Winning Project

A summer program gets you into the lab. What you do with that experience, how you shape it into research that places at science fairs and stands out on college applications, is where it counts. Our coaches are past science fair winners, and our mentors are university researchers, and that's exactly the work they help students with.

Explore our coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free STEM summer programs for high school students?

Cost is often the first filter, so here are the programs on this list that are free to attend in 2027. A few go further and pay you a stipend. Do note that "free" usually means no tuition or program fee; most still expect you to cover travel, and some cover housing while others don't.

• Research Science Institute (RSI): Free, and MIT covers dorms and food. Six weeks, one of the most selective programs anywhere.

• Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR): No participation cost (a $50 application fee applies and is waivable). Students receive a small stipend; housing and travel are on you.

• MITES Summer (MIT): Fully funded. You only pay transportation to and from MIT. Open to US citizens and permanent residents only.

• MIT PRIMES: Free, year-long research for students within driving distance of Boston, with a national option (PRIMES USA).

• Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech): No program fees ($25 to apply), covers room, board, and activities, and pays a $750 stipend.

• Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS): Completely free except travel.

• European Space Camp (Norway): Free to participate. You may need to cover transport if you don't receive financial support.

• The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program: Free, plus a $7,000 stipend and room, board, and travel.

• NYU ARISE: Free 10-week program for NYC students, with a $1,000 stipend.

• YUVIKA (ISRO, India): Free. The ISRO covers transportation, housing, and food.

• Lodha Genius Program (India): Completely free program for math and science students.

The Summer Science Program (SSP) scales cost to what your family can afford rather than being free outright, so neither sits neatly in this list, but both keep costs low.

Which are the best STEM summer programs for international students?

Many of the best-known US programs are restricted to citizens and permanent residents. These are the programs on this list open to international students, plus the strong options based outside the US.

• Science Internship Program (SIP, UC Santa Cruz): International students are welcome to apply.

• SSRP at Rockefeller University: International students can apply, though SSRP does not help with visas.

• BU PROMYS: Open internationally, with dedicated PROMYS India and PROMYS Europe programs.

• Canada/USA Mathcamp: Open to high school students internationally.

• Ross Mathematics Program: Open to international students with a good command of English.

• Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP, University of Iowa): International students are welcome.

• MathILy (Bryn Mawr): Open internationally; students needing visas are advised to apply early.

• Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS): Both US and international students welcome.

• European Space Camp (Norway): Open internationally; requires fluency in English.

• ISSET Mission Discovery (UK): Based in London and open to international students.

• Immerse Education Summer Schools: Run in Oxford, Cambridge, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and more; open to anyone, though less selective.

• Lodha Genius Program & YUVIKA (India): Strong options for students based in India who can't access US-citizen-only programs.

• Young Technology Scholars (Plaksha, India): Residential program in Mohali, a good fit for students in India.

A note on RSI: it does accept international applicants (it receives roughly 600 international applications a year), but its international acceptance is extraordinarily competitive, so treat it as a reach rather than a core plan.

Are there any free STEM summer programs for high school students?

Yes. Several of the most respected programs are completely free, and a few pay a stipend. Fully funded options include RSI (free, with housing and meals at MIT), MITES Summer, MIT PRIMES, Stanford's SIMR, Telluride's TASS, and the Jackson Laboratory program, which pays a $7,000 stipend. Free usually means no tuition; most still expect you to cover travel. See the full list in the Free STEM Summer Programs section above.

Which STEM summer programs accept international students?

Many US programs are limited to citizens and permanent residents, but a good number are open internationally, including UC Santa Cruz's SIP, Rockefeller's SSRP, PROMYS (with India and Europe programs), Canada/USA Mathcamp, Ross, and the University of Iowa's SSTP. There are also strong programs based outside the US, such as ISSET in the UK, European Space Camp in Norway, and the India-based Lodha Genius Program and YUVIKA. The International Students section above lists them all.

When are the application deadlines for 2027 summer programs?

Most deadlines fall between early December and late February of the same year as the program, so a summer 2027 program typically closes its application in Dec 2026 to Feb 2027. Some open later, and a few run rolling admissions. Because the most competitive programs close earliest, treat December and January as your real planning window rather than spring.

How competitive are the top STEM summer programs?

The most selective are extremely competitive. RSI accepts under 2.5% of applicants, Texas Tech's Clark Scholars under 3%, MIT's MITES roughly 1.5–4%, and Memorial Sloan Kettering's HOPP around 2%. Many others don't publish acceptance rates but describe themselves as highly selective. Selectivity often tracks with cost, so the free, prestigious programs tend to be the hardest to get into.

What is the acceptance rate for the Hofstra Summer Science Research Program?

Hofstra does not publish an official acceptance rate for HUSSRP. The program describes admission as competitive and notes it receives more applications than available spots, so acceptance is not guaranteed even for strong candidates. Its 2025 cohort was a record year with more than 200 students selected. Selection is based on academic record, a teacher recommendation, an interview, and mentor availability.

Do STEM summer programs help with college admissions?

They can, but attendance alone is rarely the deciding factor. Admissions officers respond most to what you produced: original research, a paper, a competition result, or a project that shows genuine initiative. A program that places you in a lab is the starting point; turning that experience into a competitive research outcome is what actually moves an application. That distinction is where our winner coaches and university research mentors focus. Explore our coaching.