Embarking on a research journey can be an enriching experience for international high school students, offering a unique opportunity to deepen their academic knowledge and engage with esteemed professionals in their fields of interest. Numerous prestigious programs are available that not only provide valuable research experience but also offer financial aid to assist with associated costs.
These opportunities span a wide range of disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, and the humanities, enabling students to collaborate with expert mentors, contribute to significant projects, and cultivate essential skills for their future academic endeavors. This post will present ten distinguished research programs specifically designed for high school students, detailing their unique offerings and available financial aid options.
1. Cambridge Centre for International Research Program (CCIR)
Founded by two Cambridge professors and Oxbridge alumni, CCIR is a highly selective research program aimed at teaching students the skills and knowledge required to do research. The mentors are current teaching faculty members at top universities including Harvard, MIT, Yale, Brown, Columbia, UC Berkeley, UPenn, Princeton, and Stanford.
The program allows you to choose from four umbrella topics: STEM, Social Science, Business, and Humanities, which have a significantly wide range of subtopics. Upon completing the program, you will have written an independent research paper, a letter of recommendation, a signed evaluation report from your mentor, and publication guidance.
The application process consists of two rounds: an application and an interview. In order to apply, you first need to provide:
- Basic information*
- CGPA* (attaching transcript/report card for the past academic year)
- Standardized test score (attaching official score report)
- A 500-word personal statement*
- Honours and awards
- Writing Sample
*required
If selected for the next round, you will be interviewed by an Academic Advisor (a PhD in the field you chose). You will be asked questions to assess your current knowledge in the field, logical and critical thinking.
The tuition rate is currently 3,900 USD, but financial aid is available. Students facing economic hardships will be considered for Need-aware Financial Aid if they submit a financial aid request along with their application in the portal.
Although the program is designed for students in grades 11th and 12th, younger students who are exceptionally talented and undergraduates are also welcomed.
There are two types of research programs within the CCIR to choose from: the Cambridge Future Scholar and 1-on-1 Research Mentorship.
Cambridge Future Scholar
- 2024: Fall 2024
- Early Admission Deadline: October 1
- Regular Admission Deadline: October 15
- Program Start Date: October/November
- Location: Online
- Duration: 13 one-hour weekly sessions
- Scale: 2-5 students/group
1-on-1 Research Mentorship
- Deadline: Open all year (rolling)
- Location: Online
- Duration: 14 one-hour sessions (flexible)
- Scale: 1 student – 1 mentor
2. Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI is a six-week summer research program co-sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During the program, students will stay at MIT and learn to model complex systems, prepare a research paper, and make a conference-style presentation. They will also have the opportunities to meet science and technology experts as well as Nobel laureates. The rigorous academic schedule at RSI is also balanced by field trips to cultural attractions or tech companies.
In order to apply, you need to submit:
- Essay responses
- Recommendations by two teachers (Math/Science or a research supervisor)
- Official high school transcript
- Standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP)
Program details:
- Deadline: December 11, 2024 at 11:59 pm E.T
- Tuition: none
- Eligibility: junior students who are US residents or residents of any participating countries (contact Ms. Maite Ballestero, Executive Vice President of Programs to determine eligibility)
- Location: MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Duration: 6 weeks
3. Horizon Academic (HARP)
The Horizon Academic Research Program is established with a view to supporting exceptional high school students to refine their knowledge of a field of interest and condense it into a research paper. After the program, students will have completed a research paper mentored by a faculty professor as well as receive a performance assessment and a letter of recommendation. The research topics are flexible with a wide range to choose from including Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Politics, Games, Public Relations, and more.
Admission requirements:
- Enrolled in high school at the time of application (defined as grades 9-12)
- Have a 3.67 unweighted GPA or equivalent
- Have an understanding of the basics of the subject to which you’re applying, as demonstrated by their coursework, extracurriculars, and personal reading.
- Have an average of 10 hours each week of free time to dedicate to the program.
- Be punctual and have excellent time management skills.
- Have reliable access to an internet connection, a microphone, and headphones.
There are two types of research programs within the HARP to choose from: Horizon Seminar and Horizon Labs.
Horizon Seminar
- Mentor: Faculty professor
- Scale: 4-6 students/group
- Topics with broad appeal
Horizon Labs
- Mentor: PhD students
- Scale: 1 student – 1 mentor
- More specialized topics
Program details:
- 2024: Winter 2024
- Tuition: $5,000 (need-based financial aid available)
- Cohort Start Date: December 2, 2024
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: October 13, 2024
- Priority Application Deadline: October 27, 2024
- Regular Application Deadline: November 10, 2024
- Location: Online
- Duration: A trimester (12-13 weeks)
4. Pioneer Academics
Established in 2012, Pioneer Academics was created to offer high-quality research mentorship to high school students. The program is carried out in collaboration with Oberlin College to ensure the highest possible standards in crafting research papers through faculty supervision. One unique attribute of the program is that you can earn college credits for your research if you pass.
The research topics you can choose from are extensive, ranging from Architecture, Computer Science, Business, Literature, Philosophy, and more. On completion of the program with passing grades, you will have finished a research paper validated by Pioneer Academics & accredited by Oberlin College and 4 college credits.
In order to apply, you need to submit:
- Basic Info
- Interest Areas
- Short Essays
- The Long Essay
- Unofficial transcript (or evidence that demonstrates your school grades, such as a screenshot of your scorecard)
Program details:
- Tuition: $6,985 (laboratory equipment/materials fee not included)
- Financial aid: need-based
- Deadlines:
- Spring-to-Summer term: 3rd week of October
- Summer term: 2nd week of January
- Location: Online
- Scale: 6 students/group
- Duration:
- Spring-to-Summer term: February to July
- Summer term: June to August
5. The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
The Summer Science Research Program is a team-based research program for high school juniors and seniors. SSRP scholars will work in laboratories led by dedicated research mentors from the Tri-Institutions (Rockefeller, MSK, and WCMC). Apart from lab work, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in elective courses, guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.
To be admitted to the program, you will need to pass an application round and an interview round. A letter of recommendation is required.
Program details:
- Tuition: none
- Financial aid: Travel expenses covered and stipends available for students with financial hardships
- Deadline: 11:59 pm on January 3, 2025
- Location: RockEDU Science Outreach Laboratory at The Rockefeller University
- 2025 Duration: Monday, June 23 – Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Requires full-time attendance
- Eligibility: must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school, and must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program
- Number of participants: 32 students
6. The Summer Science Program (SSP)
The Summer Science Program is an immersive, hands-on experimental science program designed for high school students. This independent nonprofit organization has been providing transformational educational experiences since 1959. The program brings together 36 or 24 participants who work in teams of three alongside 8 faculty members, forming a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days.
Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data in various scientific fields such as astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry. These projects take place at prestigious universities across the United States. Upon completion of the program, participants join a global network of over 3,700 alumni. The program prides itself on fostering collaboration and inspiring students to become efficient teammates, optimistic leaders, humble students, and supportive friends. Many alumni describe the Summer Science Program as “the educational experience of a lifetime.”
Program’s details:
- Tuition: $8,800
- Financial aid: provided based on family income, a limited amount of $3000 stipends is also available by request for students who usually work during summer
- Deadlines: December 12th, 2024 – January 14th, 2025
- Location: New Mexico State University, Purdue University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Indiana University Bloomington
- Eligibility: high school juniors aged 15-18 who have completed the prerequisite subjects as specified on the program website
- Number of participants: 36 or 24 students
- Start date: Mid-late June 2025
- Duration: 39 days
7. Stanford AI4ALL
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week online program organized by Stanford University dedicated to increasing diversity in the field of Artificial Intelligence. It provides an immersive experience for students, combining lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentoring activities. The program offers a unique opportunity to engage with professionals and explore cutting-edge AI applications in vital areas such as medicine, disaster response, and combating poverty.
Participants will delve deeply into innovative ideas and explore the potential of AI to positively impact society. The program also aims to foster personal growth through career development workshops and mentoring and to build a community that encourages interest among underrepresented populations in AI. Through collaboration with the Stanford AI Lab, participants gain hands-on experience with significant research projects, further enhancing their learning journey.
The information below is for the 2024 camp only. Announcements on the 2025 camp should be checked on the program’s website.
- Tuition: $4,000
- Financial aid: available at 100%, 50%, or 25% off the program cost (a separate financial aid application is required)
- Deadlines: March 25, 2024
- Location: online
- Eligibility: current 9th-grade students (rising 10th graders during the summer
- Camp date: July 8 – 26, 2024
8. The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP)
At Smith College, the Summer Science and Engineering Program (SSEP) offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage with STEM subjects through hands-on research. The program is designed to inspire and challenge students who are passionate about science and engineering. Participants will have the chance to explore various scientific disciplines, work in state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborate with peers who share their enthusiasm for discovery.
Courses are offered in either two- or four-week sessions and students can choose from a wide range of courses provided, including Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Introduction to Python Programming, Your Genes and Genetic Analyses, and many more. Participants will be guided by Smith faculty and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights and experience in their chosen fields. In addition to academic and practical learning, as a residential program, SSEP emphasizes the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community, where students can form lasting connections and friendships.
Program details for 2024. 2025’s program is TBD.
- Tuition:
- per session (2 weeks): $4,745
- both sessions (4 weeks): $8,082
- Financial aid: available based on demonstrated financial need (travel expenses are not covered)
- Deadlines: closed
- Location: Smith College
- Eligibility: female high school students in grades 9th – 12th
- Number of participants: more than 100
- Program date:
- Session 1: July 6–19, 2024
- Session 2: July 21–August 3, 2024
9. Science Internship Program (SIP) at UC Santa Cruz
The Science Internship Program (SIP) is an opportunity for high school students to participate in a summer of authentic research mentored by UCSC researchers. During the program, students will work with real scientists and like-minded peers to develop research skills and discover previously unknown facts. Scholars can also use their research projects from the program to participate in science competitions if approved by the mentors.
Program details:
- Tuition: $4,750 (housing not included)
- Financial aid: financial aid will be granted a financial aid package covering 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of their program fees and any transportation, room, and board expenses for attending the program
- Deadlines: TBD
- Location: UC Santa Cruz
- Eligibility: at least 14 years old at the program start date (16 years old for some research project placements). High school graduates are ineligible.
- 2025 program schedule:
- Overall Format: 2 weeks of online research prep, 7 weeks of in-person research (9 weeks total)
- Weeks A and B (June 9–20; 2 weeks): Research Prep (Online)
- SIP 2025 Kickoff: Sunday, June 22, 2025 — 2:00–4:00 PM PDT
- Weeks 1–7 (June 23–August 8; 7 weeks): Research (In-Person)
- Final Presentation Day: Saturday, August 9, 2025 — 8:30 AM–2:30 PM PDT