For high school students in Canada interested in healthcare and medical science, summer programs offer an engaging (and accessible) way to explore the field beyond the classroom. Universities and healthcare institutions across the country offer some pretty great programs that introduce you to topics such as anatomy, public health, biomedical research, and emergency medicine.
These summer programs in medicine often include hands-on labs, medical simulations, and mentorship from doctors and researchers. Some take place on university campuses or in hospitals with access to real medical tools, while others are entirely online, making them accessible from anywhere in Canada.
Beyond academics, these programs also connect you with peers who share your passion and give you a glimpse into the challenges and potential careers in healthcare. Below is a curated list of 14 summer medical programs for high school students in Canada!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Medical Track
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Vary by cohort, offered in summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the chance to complete an independent research project with guidance from a mentor. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll be matched with a Ph.D. researcher who will support you through the research process — from developing a question to writing your final paper. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including areas in STEM, the social sciences, and the humanities, allowing you to choose a topic that aligns with your interests. By the end, you’ll have produced a research paper based on your work. More information about the application process and program structure is available on their website here.
2. Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis
Program Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. For students interested in medicine, the AI + Medicine Deep Dive provides an opportunity to learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. Students get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
3. High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program
Location: University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $15/hour for 30–35 hours/week
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: July 3 – August 14
Eligibility: 11th graders who reside in or north of Red Deer and are legally eligible to work in Canada; Must have completed or be currently enrolled in (at minimum) Mathematics 20-1 or 20-2, Biology 20, and one other grade 11 science course.
The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program at the University of Alberta offers a 4 to 6-week paid research placement focused on health and medical sciences. As a participant, you’ll work with university researchers on topics such as digital health, data-driven health systems, and medical innovation. During the program, you’ll learn basic lab methods, assist with data collection and analysis, and develop skills in scientific writing and presenting. Additional sessions, including workshops, guest talks, and mentorship meetings, are included to introduce you to different areas within health research and related career paths.
4. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: March 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Black Canadian students in grades 10-11 who are interested in STEM careers
Blueprint is a four-week summer program at the University of Toronto designed for Black students in Grades 10 or 11 interested in science and engineering. A key focus is the link between engineering and health, examined through courses like Engineering and Human Health. This track explores how engineering principles are used in medical technologies and healthcare systems. The program also includes lab sessions, group projects, and workshops that cover a range of engineering topics. In addition to academic content, you’ll take part in sessions on university readiness, leadership, and career planning. Blueprint is offered at no cost to participants, and support continues beyond the summer through follow-up events and academic resources.
5. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program – Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: July – August
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in Grades 10–12; must be 16 years old by July 1; legally authorized to work in Canada
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program offers a full-time, in-person experience for students passionate about medicine and scientific research. Managed by the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory, the program allows students to participate in projects that advance medical technologies, especially focused ultrasound devices utilized in healthcare. As a participant, you’ll gain experience in applying concepts from physics, biology, and engineering to medical research. You will support lab work, gather data, and handle various tasks that contribute to ongoing research. The program is designed to help you develop essential research skills within a medical setting. Students who live outside the Greater Toronto Area are expected to arrange their own accommodation for the duration of the program.
6. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program – Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: $1,668 CAD; $98 CAD registration fee.
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: Various modules between July 7 and August 1
Eligibility: Students in Grades 10-12; Grade 9 students are also eligible to apply for the Microbiology module.
The Med Youth Summer Program (Med YSP) at the University of Toronto is a summer learning opportunity for international high school students with an interest in science and medicine. The program consists of four one-week modules, each concentrating on a different area of medical sciences. Using a mix of lectures, labs, and group discussions, each module covers essential topics in university-level medical education. Participants can select one or multiple modules based on their interests and availability:
- The Human Physiology module focuses on systems such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology examine how various substances impact the body.
- In Molecular Biology and Genetics, learners explore techniques like gene editing.
- The Microbiology module offers practical work with microorganisms in a laboratory environment.
7. Centre for Health Informatics Summer Studentship Program – University of Calgary
Location: Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically opens in early spring.
Program Dates: Full-time 8-week or 4-month summer term
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must identify a faculty supervisor and be available full-time for 8 weeks.
The Centre for Health Informatics (CHI) Summer Studentship Program offers high school and undergraduate students the chance to participate in applied research related to healthcare. You’ll be paired with a faculty supervisor and contribute to research projects in areas like health services, data science, and health informatics. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including science, engineering, health, and the humanities, particularly those interested in technology and data. You will work up to 35 hours weekly on your assigned research and must submit a final report summarizing your project at the end of the program.
8. Pharmacy Summer Camp at the University of Toronto
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost: $799 CAD (per week) for Weeks 1, 2, and 3 | $649 CAD for Week 4
Application Deadline: May 2
Program dates: Week 1: July 7 – July 11 | Week 2: July 14 – July 18 | Week 3: July 21 – July 25 | Week 4: July 28 – 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Pharmacy Summer Camp at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is aimed at high school students interested in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. It covers essential topics such as drug development and the different roles pharmacists fulfill in healthcare. Each week centers on a particular aspect of the field, featuring sessions on human physiology, pharmacology, and communication skills. The camp offers a mix of instructional lessons and practical activities. Additionally, you’ll explore various career options in pharmacy, such as clinical practice, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
9. Student Research & Volunteering Opportunities
Location: BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
Cost/Stipend: Free
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity; Mini Med School and other events typically occur in fall and winter.
Program Dates:
- Mini Med School: October – November
- Discovery Days: November
- Women in Science: February
- Mini Med School Online: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer onsite; 18+ for projects involving patient contact or data.
The BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers various educational events and volunteer opportunities for high school students interested in science and medicine. Programs such as Mini Med School, Discovery Days, and Women in Science offer insights into current health research and clinical work through lectures, panel discussions, and online sessions. While there isn’t an official internship or placement program, you can contact researchers directly to inquire about volunteer roles in affiliated labs, provided you meet age and safety criteria. This method offers early exposure to scientific research and helps you explore healthcare careers.
10. CampMed – NOSM University
Location: NOSM University, Sudbury, ON, and Thunder Bay, ON
Cost/Stipend: $450 CAD registration fee
Application Deadline: March 24
Program Dates: Sudbury: July 7–11 | Thunder Bay: July 14–18
Eligibility: High school students in Northern Ontario or rural/remote Ontario communities; Indigenous and Francophone students strongly encouraged to apply
CampMed is a summer program offered by NOSM University for high school students from Northern, rural, and remote communities in Ontario who are interested in healthcare careers. During the program, you’ll take part in workshops, gain practical clinical experience, and learn about Indigenous and Francophone health and cultural practices. The program offers details on various healthcare careers and opportunities to network with medical students and healthcare professionals for mentorship. CampMed focuses on cultural awareness and community health, fostering an inclusive setting for students interested in healthcare fields.
11. Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program
Location: BC Cancer Research Centre, Victoria, BC
Cost/Stipend: Free + a 3,000 CAD bursary toward post-secondary education awarded on completing the program
Application Deadline: March 3
Program Dates: July – August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Grade 11 students enrolled in Vancouver Island secondary schools; each school may nominate up to two students
The Xavier Pelletier High School Internship Program is intended for students entering Grade 12 and takes place during the summer at BC Cancer’s Deeley Research Centre in Victoria. In this program, you’ll collaborate with scientists and research staff to explore cancer biology and immunotherapy. Your participation will involve lab work, seminar attendance, and contributing to research projects. It offers a chance to observe biomedical research firsthand and gain insight into its complexities. To apply, your school’s science department must nominate you.
12. SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Cost/Stipend: Varies; some positions are paid or grant-funded, while others are voluntary.
Application Deadline: Rolling; job postings and researcher-led hiring vary.
Program Dates: 15 weeks; early May to mid‑August
Eligibility: High school students in their final year and undergraduate students conducting summer research with a SickKids RI scientist.
The SSuRe Program at SickKids provides support for students conducting summer research at the hospital’s Research Institute. If a SickKids researcher agrees to supervise your project, you can take part in weekly seminars and a career event featuring research professionals. At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work at the Summer Student Symposium. There is no centralized application process; you must apply directly to individual researchers or labs. Once you have secured a supervisor, you can participate in all SSuRe program activities regardless of your funding source
13. seed2STEM Summer Research Program
Location: Metro Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia
Cost/Stipend: Paid; minimum wage for 25 hours/week; wraparound supports (transit, laptops, meals) and travel bursaries for remote communities
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Indigenous high school students (Grades 9–12) in Metro Vancouver or Kelowna; must be eligible to work in Canada
The seed2STEM program is a six-week paid summer research internship for Indigenous high school students in British Columbia. You will collaborate with university researchers at UBC or nearby labs in fields like neuroscience, engineering, biology, chemistry, or physics. Besides your research, the program offers weekly workshops, guest presentations, field trips, and cultural activities. Support is provided for transit, meals, youth workers, and travel expenses if needed. At the end of the program, you will showcase your research at a symposium.
14. StAR (Students Advancing Research) Program
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: January 13
Eligibility: Grade 11 or 12 high school students who are at least 16 years old and identify as Indigenous, Black, or Filipino; must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
The StAR Program at SickKids is a six-week paid research internship for Indigenous, Black, and Filipino high school students. You will be assigned to a lab at SickKids to work on a research project under the supervision of professional scientists. The program ends with a symposium where you’ll present your research findings. Additionally, you’ll take part in the Kids Science program, which offers extra workshops and information about different careers in health and science.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like medicine and neuroscience, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – SickKids Research Institute