If you’re a high school student looking to get started with academic research, online university research opportunities for high school students can offer a structured and accessible way to go beyond your school curriculum. These programs let you explore advanced topics in biology, neuroscience, environmental science, genetics, and more, often with the guidance of researchers and professors from top institutions.
Along the way, you’ll develop critical research and writing skills, learn how to work with scientific literature or data, and gain experience using tools and methods specific to your chosen field. Whether you’re interested in STEM, social science, or interdisciplinary areas, many online university research opportunities for high school students provide hands-on exposure that can help clarify your academic goals.
To help you get started, here are 14 online university research opportunities for high school students to explore this year.
15 Online University Research Opportunities for High School Students
1. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Online
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Cost: $40 application fee; $850 tuition (Financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; Must be 14+ with strong math/programming or healthcare project experience
During the AIMI Summer Research Internship, you will spend around two weeks gaining deep insight into medical imaging using artificial intelligence. During the program, you can expect to learn concepts like Python, Jupyter Notebook, and real datasets like ChestX-ray14. You’ll also get to analyze complex clinical data and evaluate model performance. The AIMI program also gives you the opportunity to work with prestigious faculty mentors and receive feedback on your code and ideas. You’ll be expected to participate in expert-led lectures and discussions, and conclude your course with a presentation and earn a completion certificate.
2. UC San Diego Research Scholars Program
Location: Online (Hybrid + in-person options available)
Program Dates: Varies by course; Typically, June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling; First-come, first-served basis
Cost: Varies with course (Some free); Financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with STEM interest; Specific requirements vary by course
UCSD offers several research scholar courses that are offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format. Much of the semester-long research is guided by UCSD faculty. You’ll get to explore life sciences, bioengineering, sports medicine, and more through hands-on projects and gain skills in lab protocol, data analysis, and statistics. You’ll also get the chance to collaborate with peers on experimental design and reporting. You will finally submit a research paper and present your findings, which will include a structured peer review and mentorship.
3. Horizon Academic Research Labs Format
Location: Online
Program Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Cost: Varies based on program type; Financial aid available
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA; Some tracks have formal prerequisites
The Horizon Academic Research Program provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct virtual research. During the program, you will be paired with a professor or PhD mentor from whom you will learn research tools and methodologies. Some of the subject areas you’ll get to work on include biology, economics, and engineering. You will get the opportunity to craft a 20-page paper through weekly feedback and milestone reviews. The program places emphasis on literature review, methodology, and coding (Python/R) through a structured program like a college seminar with academic rigor. You’ll also get to prepare your work for publication or academic conferences with personalized guidance throughout each stage.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Online
Program Dates: Varies according to the cohort
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Deadlines change based on cohort
Cost: Varies based on program type; Need-based financial aid is available. You can apply here.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students
This online program is designed for high school students interested in deepening their understanding of artificial intelligence through project-based research and mentorship. Over 12-15 weeks, you will work independently on AI research projects with guidance from mentors, many of whom are Harvard alumni or graduate students. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary applications of AI, with past projects spanning domains like healthcare, finance, sustainability, and education. A background in Python is recommended, though students can opt to complete an introductory AI Scholars program beforehand. You will gain research experience, build technical skills, and may have the chance to present your final work during a Veritas AI program.
5. Columbia University: Summer Research Program
Location: Online
Program Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not mentioned; The interest form can be found here
Cost: TBD; Need-based scholarships available
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders, as well as recent high school graduates
In the Summer Research Program, you will develop tangible skills in data science over the course of five weeks. As a participant, you will receive training on research methods and get the opportunity to work on Columbia University’s current research. You will spend the first two weeks developing the skills needed to conduct research at a college level, including coding skills in R, data cleaning, data visualizations, and more. In weeks three to five, you will do hands-on work on real-life research projects while being overseen by university professors and industry professionals. At the end of the program, you will have a certificate of completion and a research project to spruce up your college applications.
6. Berkeley Coding Academy
Location: Online
Program Dates: July 14 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $2,699 onwards. Limited scholarships are available
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
The Berkeley Coding Academy offers high school students live online STEM programs specializing in Data Science and AI courses. Their main course, Data Science: The AI Journey, runs for three weeks and covers everything from Python and data visualization to neural networks and machine learning. You will work in small groups of around six to ensure personalized support and 1-on-1 mentorship. You’ll get to build your own coding notebooks, work with real-world datasets, and even design an independent project based on your interests. By the end, you’ll take home a portfolio-ready project and a Data Science Scholar Certificate. Find more information here.
7. George Mason University’s ASSIP
Location: Online; In-person internships available too
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Cost: $25 application fee (waivable); No program cost
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ for remote internships and 16+ for wet labs, or in-person or hybrid internships
George Mason University’s ASSIP (Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program) is an eight-week internship that places students in original research projects in molecular medicine, neuroscience, infectious disease, or computational bio. The program offers in-person, remote, and hybrid internship opportunities, with the specific format determined by the mentor and the students’ interests. As an intern, you will design experiments or data pipelines, interpret results, and create abstracts for conference-style presentations. You’ll also attend weekly seminars that cover statistics, lab safety, and ethical research practices. As a remote participant, you will engage in data analysis and writing, while in-person participants will gain the additional benefit of picking up on wet-lab skills. The final day of the program will include a research symposium that features poster sessions of the work you’ve done.
8. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI)
Location: Online
Program Dates: Summer (in person): July 14 – 25; Summer (virtual): July 28 – August 8; Fall Intensive (virtual): September 10 – November 12
Application Deadline: Summer: November 1 – February 24; Fall Intensive: May 1 – June 2
Cost: $4,380 (Summer Virtual); $1,980 (Fall Intensive); Financial aid offered (Only for summer sessions)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Age 16+; should have completed at least one high school biology course before program start
The Stanford CIS program offers case-based learning and interactive medical simulations, making this a unique opportunity to immerse students in clinical medicine. As a participant, you will explore a range of specialties, develop patient care insights, and engage in discussions on medical ethics and healthcare systems. The program also features sessions with medical students, residents, and admissions officers, offering a realistic view of medical careers and pathways. Students build foundational knowledge of anatomy, diagnostics, and treatment planning while developing professional communication skills essential for future success in healthcare.
9. UT Southwestern Medical Center – High School Student Virtual Internship (Mental Health)
Location: Online
Program Dates: 2 weeks in June
Application Deadline: Late September – Early February
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
This 14-day virtual internship introduces students to careers in mental health through engaging sessions with experts in psychiatry, psychology, and social work. As a participant, you will learn about mental health assessment, treatment modalities, and key roles across mental health care, including psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and community outreach. You will be expected to complete preparatory readings from curated packets featuring sources from mass media and scientific journals, building your ability to analyze diverse perspectives on mental health. Throughout the program, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of mental health issues, the importance of early intervention, and the societal impact of mental health care.
10. Harvard SSP Online
Location: Online (7-week only)
Program Dates: June 21 – August 9 (7-week/online)
Application Deadline: January 8 (early); February 12 (regular); April 9 (late)
Cost: $75 fee; $4,050 (4 credits) or $7,900 (8 credits); Financial aid available
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students in grades 10-12; 16+ years old by June
The Harvard SSP (Secondary School Program) specializes in subjects such as biomedical ethics, computer science, engineering, physiology, psychology, and neuroscience, or global health policy. As a participant, you will engage in structured discussions, weekly problem sets, and graded writing assignments. You’ll also attend faculty-led seminars that simulate undergraduate academic rigor. Assessment components include essays, group projects, and a capstone presentation or research paper, and critical thinking is reinforced through peer feedback and instructor office hours. You’ll also get to earn Harvard credit, which will enhance your academic credentials and prepare you for college-level research and academics.
11. Cornell Precollege Online – Medical Science Courses
Location: Online
Program Dates: Varies by cohort; Multiple 3- & 6-week options available
Application Deadlines: Varies based on cohort
Cost: Tuition varies by credit ($1,840 per credit, tentatively); Financial assistance available
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors or seniors aged 15-19
The Cornell Precollege Online features courses like Human Physiology, Nutrition & Society, and Public Health Fundamentals. As a participant, you will be able to conduct literature searches, analyze case studies, and develop data-driven arguments. Your coursework will include quizzes, lab-style activities, and discussion boards guided by Cornell faculty. Your projects may involve infographic creation or mini research reports. The various session pacing enforces disciplined study habits and independent learning. Successful completion can result in college credits and transcripts.
12. Wake Forest University Precollege – Medical Courses
Location: Online
Program Dates: Multiple 2- and 4-week summer or fall sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,495 per course; Scholarships available
Eligibility: High school students 13+
Wake Forest University’s Precollege program offers online courses that cover topics like oncology, sports medicine, women’s health, and medical ethics. The modules include interactive webinars, case-study breakdowns, and guided capstone projects. You will get to apply scientific reasoning to clinical scenarios and analyze demographic data, and receive mentor feedback that supports critical synthesis of medical literature. You’ll participate in peer discussions to simulate team-based clinical reasoning and receive certifications upon completion.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual Experience
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Cost/Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors in the U.S. and Canada
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) aims to encourage high school students to explore brain science and medicine. It does so by offering pre-college exposure to professional research and clinical settings and providing mentorship, educational resources, and encouragement. JHIBS is offered in two formats: in-person and virtually. During the virtual experience, you will attend educational presentations and professional development training sessions. You will also benefit from mentorship from Johns Hopkins faculty and will get to learn basic laboratory techniques and experiments. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
14. Wake Forest University Precollege – Regenerative Medicine Laboratory
Location: Online
Program Dates: Rolling cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies based on cohort
Cost: $1,795; Financial aid available
Eligibility: Students 13+ with an interest in biotech or tissue engineering
Wake Forest University’s Precollege Regenerative Medicine Laboratory course explores stem cell biology, 3D bioprinting, and bioreactor applications in regenerative medicine. As a participant, you will study primary research literature and design theoretical protocols for organ repair. Some of your tasks will include digital lab planning, experimental controls setup, and data interpretation. You’ll also participate in mentor-led reviews that emphasize rigor in the scientific method and critical evaluation. The program culminates in a capstone proposal detailing translational steps, and you will receive a certificate.
Image source – Wake Forest University