If you’re a high school student thinking about studying medicine, enrolling in a university summer program will allow you to explore different medical careers, connect with experts, and figure out if medicine is the right path for you. Hosted by top universities, university summer programs also provide a glimpse into college academics and campus life early on. The coursework is often similar to what’s taught in college, helping you build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You’ll work on group projects, attend lectures, and might even earn college credit.
Many well-known universities and organizations offer free medical programs for high school students. They’re often competitive, so getting in can strengthen your academic profile. Some also offer stipends that you can use or save for future college expenses. You might get to conduct lab work, learn basic medical procedures, present your findings, and receive guidance from professionals in the field.
Here are 15 free university medical summer programs for high school students:
1. Oregon Health & Science University’s Ted R. Lilley CURE Program
Location: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students get paid around $11 per hour for 40 hours a week and receive a bus pass for the duration.
Application Deadline: December 20
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: Oregon high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors from disadvantaged backgrounds can apply if they have a 3.0 GPA or higher, have completed at least one lab science class (preferably biology), and will be 16 or older when the program starts.
The Ted R. Lilley Cancer Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program offers a paid research internship, pairing students with a researcher focused on cancer-related work. The goal is to support health equity by getting students from underserved communities involved in biomedical research and other health-related careers.
For eight weeks, you’ll work up to 40 hours a week in a lab with a faculty mentor from the Knight Cancer Institute. This includes attending weekly seminars and following a set curriculum and expectations laid out by your mentor. The program ends with you presenting your research in a poster session with lab staff, directors, and others from the Knight Cancer Institute.
2. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: Participation is free; a limited number of need-based scholarships are also available for students who need extra support.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility: Local high school students can apply if they’re at least 16 years old, live in San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, or San Mateo counties, have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have some background in chemistry, biology, or computer programming through classes or extracurriculars.
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) gives Bay Area high school students a chance to spend eight weeks doing hands-on work in genomics and computational genetics. You’ll commit about 20 hours a week, spending four hours each weekday in the lab working on a genomics project under the supervision of a lab mentor. In addition to your lab work, you’ll join weekly sessions with your cohort, take part in career panels and seminars focused on biomedical research, and have regular check-in meetings with your mentor. The internship typically runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You’ll also build professional skills and connect with other students and researchers throughout the program.
3. Duke University’s Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program
Location: Duke University’s Clinical Research Institute, Durham, N.C.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, but students cover their housing and transportation. There is also a $2,600 stipend.
Application Deadline: January 3
Dates: The in-person program runs from June 23 to July 25, with some remote pre-reading in early June and follow-up activities in early August.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors, preferably rising seniors and undergraduates, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Duke University’s Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program offers a research experience for students interested in science and medicine. You’ll join a team and be matched with a Duke faculty mentor to work on an original, hypothesis-based project. In the first two weeks, you’ll meet your mentor and develop a research question focused on a specific medication, then review the literature and write a detailed summary of your question. You’ll get support from a medical writer for your paper, a statistician for lectures and data analysis, and Duke faculty who give talks on topics like neonatology, antimicrobial therapy, and pharmacoepidemiology. You’ll also take part in a seminar on medical ethics and research responsibility. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings and turn in a final paper. Some papers are submitted to peer-reviewed journals, giving you a chance to get published.
4. OHSU UCEDD Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: The program is hybrid, combining remote work with in-person activities at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR.
Cost/Stipend: The program is free, and all participants receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Oregon high school or early college students who will be 16 or older before the internship begins
The UCEDD Summer Internship Program (SIP) allows you to explore healthcare careers with a focus on disability. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn about disability justice, advocacy, and different career options while building practical skills. The program includes in-person tours of OHSU labs, facilities, and clinics, along with professional development sessions. Only eight students are chosen for the internship.
You’ll work about 24 hours a week on a project at one of the Institute on Development and Disability (IDD) centers. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project to your cohort, mentors, and IDD faculty. Internship placements change each year, but past topics have included public health, psychology, assistive technology, sexual health education, advocacy, physical therapy, social work, and diversity and inclusion. You can review past placements here to see what has been offered in the past.
5. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the upcoming summer cohort deadline is June 23.
Dates: The program runs in four cohorts: spring (March–June), summer (June–August), fall (September–December), and winter (December–February).
Eligibility: High school students who hold an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale are encouraged to apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to explore a topic they care about by working on an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. The program includes research method workshops and support for writing a full-length research paper. It’s not run by a university, but if you complete it, you may be eligible for UCSD credit. Along with one-on-one mentoring, you’ll get help from a writing coach to shape and improve your research topic. Possible subjects include Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Math, and more. If you’re interested in medicine, you can explore areas such as biotechnology or the human body and diseases. You can also customize topics to fit your interests. Application details are available here.
6. Rush University’s MedSTEM Explorers
Location: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores or juniors who live in Chicago and have a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 and 80% attendance can apply. Students from Oak Park and River Forest are also eligible.
Rush University’s MedSTEM Explorers is a six-week program that allows you to explore STEM and healthcare careers as well as develop academic and workplace skills. You will work on research projects, attend workshops, and have conversations with professionals, as well as conduct research into real health issues affecting Chicago communities. You’ll get support with coursework and develop college-readiness skills like critical thinking, time management, collaboration, problem-solving, and self-motivation. The program also covers healthcare skills, certifications, and job prep. You’ll join career panels, do community service, and meet students and professionals from around Chicago. Students who do well may be invited to join the MedSTEM Pathways internship later on.
7. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford University
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free except for a non-refundable $50 application fee. Students admitted to the program who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a $3,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the program start date, live and go to school in one of the following Northern California counties, and have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a 6-week summer program for high school students interested in biological sciences, medicine, and research. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor and join a research lab focused on maternal and child health, spending about 30 hours a week on your project. Your mentor and their team will guide you through the process, and you’ll wrap up by creating and presenting a research poster at the program’s final symposium. Alongside your research, you’ll spend 6 hours a week in workshops with other students that cover topics like research skills, leadership, science and medical careers, and college planning. Around 40 students will be accepted into the program.
8. UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a $3,000 taxable stipend after completing the program.
Application Deadline: January 20
Dates: The program lasts 8 weeks, starting the second full week of June and ending in the first week of August.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who live in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana, and are at least 16 years old at the time of applying
The ResearcHStart program at UChicago Medicine gives high school students the chance to conduct cancer research with experienced professionals. You’ll learn lab techniques, explore diagnostics and treatments, and build a foundation in scientific methods. Working full-time in a lab, you’ll get experience in topics like cancer immunology, bioengineering, cancer disparities, and experimental therapeutics. The program wraps up with a research symposium where you’ll present your work to peers and university staff. It’s a competitive program, with no more than 30 students chosen based on their interest in science, biomedical research, and readiness to work in a professional lab setting.
9. Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE)
Location: Duke University’s Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC (commuter program)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend, though the amount isn’t specified.
Application Deadline: February 9
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending a public or charter school in Durham, NC, can apply if they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legal residents and will be at least 16 years old by the program’s start date
The Duke University Neuroscience Experience (DUNE) gives local high school students the chance to conduct full-time research in a Duke neuroscience laboratory. You’ll be matched with a lab and mentor to work on a research project you help choose, getting one-on-one guidance to build your lab and research skills. You’ll also join workshops and professional development sessions to learn more about neuroscience, improve your science communication and presentation skills, explore careers in academia, industry, and medicine, and get college application advice. At the end, you’ll present your research at a poster session for peers, family, and DUNE staff. You can check out past intern experiences here.
10. Northwestern University’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free, but students are responsible for their housing and transportation. A competitive stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: January 26
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors who will be at least 16 years old by May 31, along with undergraduates enrolled at an accredited college or university
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program, run by the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Northwestern University, offers a paid research experience lasting six to eight weeks for students interested in the biological sciences. It’s a competitive program that blends hands-on research with academic and professional development. As an intern, you’ll be matched with a Northwestern faculty member and work on either basic or clinical research projects focused on lung disease. These projects can be hypothesis-driven or more exploratory. The program wraps up with a final presentation at the annual Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium.
11. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS): In-Person Experience
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Participation is free; interns are paid $15 per hour and receive transportation support.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: June – August (8 weeks in-person)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who live in Baltimore City, Maryland, and attend a Baltimore City Public High School full-time
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program for local high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eight students are selected for the in-person program, where they spend eight weeks working on a research project with guidance from faculty, staff, and student mentors. Along with lab work, you’ll join clinical rotations with neurologists, take part in weekly educational and career development sessions, attend seminars, and meet with faculty to find a mentor. The program ends with a final oral or poster presentation. You can check out past projects here. Admission is competitive, but students who aren’t selected for the in-person track may be invited to join the virtual program instead.
12. Rockefeller University’s Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP)
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: August 4 – August 15
Eligibility: NYC public high school students who will be 16 or older by the time the program starts
The Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP) is a two-week program for NYC public high school students, run by graduate students at Rockefeller University. You’ll read and present a scientific paper, join interactive lectures, and team up with a mentor and partner to design your own neuroscience experiment. The program covers how the brain works, its role in daily life, and current research, while helping you develop your own questions and ideas. You’ll also tour labs and core facilities, where scientists will explain their work and show you experimental animals. Each week wraps up with a relaxed presentation of your work, and you’ll work in small groups to break down a research article with support from a mentor.
13. University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Summer Science Internship
Location: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
Cost: No cost; students receive a stipend sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by May 1 can apply. You can view the eligible high schools here.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Summer Science Internship allows you to gain hands-on experience in medical research and a chance to explore careers in science. You’ll join a research team at the Rockford campus, working with scientists on projects related to cancer treatment, drug discovery, and vaccine development. The program will help you build lab skills, and mentorship may continue after the summer, which can be helpful for college and job recommendations. About 45 students apply each year, and only five are selected. Over two months, you’ll also get training in resume writing, presentations, interviews, leadership, and teamwork.
14. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
Location: Stanford University campus, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from Northern California
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week summer program for Northern California high school juniors who are low-income and first-generation college students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. You’ll attend lectures, networking events at Stanford Medicine, and workshops. You will also complete a group research project on public health disparities and present your work through a paper, presentation, and poster. You’ll also intern at Stanford Hospital, shadow medical professionals, and explore different healthcare careers. The program features weekly lectures on public health and research methods, as well as tours and demonstrations from Stanford’s medical departments. Only 24 students are selected each year.
15. Tufts University’s Biomedical Engineering Research (TUBERS) Program
Location: Tufts University, Medford, MA
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: July 1 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students who live in one of the following Massachusetts cities or towns—Medford, Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Malden, Revere, Chelsea, Everett, Melrose, Boston, Winchester, or Quincy—and will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Tufts University Biomedical Engineering Research Scholars (TUBERS) Program gives academically strong high school students the chance to conduct real biomedical research. You’ll explore biomedical questions and learn how scientists study cells, tissues, and organs in new ways. You’ll follow experimental protocols, make predictions, and test your ideas. You’ll also get to observe professional researchers, get guidance from undergrad and grad students, and regularly check in with your mentors. You will get to present your research to other participants, families, and teachers. You’ll also be encouraged to submit your project to local and national science fairs like the Siemens Competition, the Massachusetts State and Engineering Fair, or the Intel Science Talent Search.
BONUS:
Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) — Medicine Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Both Horizon Labs and Seminar courses cost $5,950. Seminar courses offer need-based financial aid that can cover up to 90% of the tuition.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is June 22.
Dates: The next summer cohort starts on July 14. Lab schedules are flexible, but you need to apply at least four weeks before your preferred start date.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher are eligible to apply. Most applicants are in 10th or 11th grade. Some tracks have specific prerequisites.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in subjects like psychology, physics, neuroscience, machine learning, chemistry, medicine, and more. With 600+ topics available, you can choose between qualitative or quantitative research. If you’re interested in medicine, options include Neurodegenerative Diseases, Gene Editing and CRISPR, Medical Sociology, and Neuroscience. You can explore topics such as brain disorders, psychotherapy, gene editing for treatment, and the functioning of the nervous system.
While not affiliated with a specific university, the program allows you to choose a research topic and method, then work one-on-one with a mentor, typically a professor or PhD student from a top university. You’ll write a 20-page research paper that you can submit to academic journals. Along the way, you’ll get feedback, support, and a recommendation letter to help with college applications or future projects. You can apply here.
Veritas AI’s Deep Dive: AI + Medicine
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. You can get more info about the program here!
Dates: June 8 – August 10; 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekends)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior experience with Python
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in AI and its real-world uses. One option, Deep Dive: AI + Medicine, focuses on the application of AI in healthcare. You’ll learn about topics like convolutional neural networks, preparing medical data, and analyzing it. The program is led by Harvard graduates and includes collaboration with Ph.D. students from institutions such as Oxford. You’ll join lessons, explore AI’s role in medicine, and work on a group project using tools like machine learning. Veritas AI also runs other programs, such as AI Scholars and the AI Fellowship, which build upon basic AI knowledge. Past student projects have combined AI with fields such as medicine and mental health. You can find examples of past projects here.
Images source – Tufts University