If you’re a high school student thinking about majoring in physics, joining a free university physics summer program can help you explore your interests without spending a ton. University programs can give you a chance to study advanced physics topics, like mechanics, electromagnetism, or quantum theory, while working alongside university faculty and researchers. Since they’re hosted by universities and often free to attend, they offer high-quality academic experiences without the financial burden.
You’ll get to participate in lectures, labs, and research projects that mirror college-level coursework, helping you understand what a physics major might really be like. Many of these programs also allow you to connect with current undergraduates, grad students, and professors, valuable contacts if you’re planning your academic path.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 free university physics summer programs for high school students that stand out for their hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and accessibility:
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Cost: No cost. Students will receive a $750 stipend.
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in the next two years.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week summer research experience hosted by Texas Tech University, offering high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.
In physics, opportunities include working on projects like nanotherapeutics and image-guided surgical interventions. The program also includes seminars, field trips, and discussions to help students expand their academic perspectives. This program provides you with a chance to gain hands-on research experience in an academic setting.
2. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors. Applicants are encouraged to have PSAT Math scores of 740+ and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores of 700+. For the ACT, Math scores should be at least 33 and Verbal scores at least 34. You can see more details here.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT offers a highly selective, immersive research experience for high school students interested in STEM fields. The program begins with a week of seminars on current research topics in physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and the humanities, followed by five weeks of hands-on research under the guidance of MIT faculty and researchers. You are assigned individual research projects, where you apply concepts and develop skills in data collection, analysis, and presentation. The program culminates in a presentation of each student’s findings.
3. The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: 5-6 weeks during the summer; specific dates to be announced.
Eligibility: Participants must be U.S. citizens or residents who are at least 16 years old and in a US high school. Check more details here.
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) offers high school students a competitive STEM internship where they collaborate with Princeton University scientists on research projects. As an intern, you will work on projects involving biofuel oxidation, artificial intelligence in power systems, environmental sustainability, and more, gaining hands-on experience in advanced scientific techniques. To apply, you should have relevant coursework in physics, engineering, advanced mathematics, and chemistry, as well as familiarity with computational tools like CAD and coding. The program provides a foundation for pursuing careers in physics and related fields.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $2990 (12 weeks) | $5900 (16–20 weeks). Financial aid is available
Program Dates: The summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort from March to June.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The deadline for Summer Cohort II is June 23.
Eligibility: High school students anywhere in the world.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with PhD mentors from top universities to conduct independent research in a variety of fields, including STEM, social sciences, and the humanities, with a particular focus on physics-related topics. Over the course of the program, you will develop research questions, conduct literature reviews, and apply specialised methodologies under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program culminates in a research paper, and you may also have the opportunity to submit it to journals or competitions. This one-on-one mentorship model helps you with personalised guidance in your academic journey. You can earn UCSD credit upon completion of the program.
5. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook campus
Cost: No cost. Stipends may be awarded to students.
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7.
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16 years or older. Applicant must be a US citizen.
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University offers academically advanced high school juniors the chance to engage in full-time research in science, math, or engineering, including specialized physics and astronomy topics. As a participant, you’ll be paired with faculty mentors, work on a hands-on research project, and contribute to active research teams, culminating in a research abstract and a poster presentation at the program’s closing symposium. The program offers exposure to university-level research and lab culture, enabling you to develop both technical and communication skills through faculty lectures, workshops, and campus tours. You will also receive a stipend as recognition for your contributions to the research community.
6. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost.
Program Dates: July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Eligibility: High school students in 9th to 11th grade.
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a three-week virtual summer program aimed at high school girls interested in physics and coding. Hosted by the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the program offers lectures by Stanford professors, small group work led by undergraduates, and hands-on coding experience in Python. Topics covered include quantum physics, light, optics, lasers, quantum computing, and cosmology, with students applying their coding skills to physics-related projects. The program is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of physics or coding required, and it includes workshops on college planning and career development.
7. University of Illinois’ Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program
Location: The Grainger College of Engineering campus, Urbana, IL
Cost: No cost.
Program Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: Application deadlines are generally towards the end of March or early April.
Eligibility: Rising 10th – 12th Graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
The University of Illinois’ Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research Program offers high school students a six-week opportunity to engage in advanced research in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. If accepted, you are placed in research groups based on your application and interests, such as POETS, SpHERES, or GEnYus, with a focus on areas like quantum physics and nuclear studies. Weekly seminars help develop professional skills, including scientific communication and research poster creation. At the program’s conclusion, you present your work at a symposium.
8. MITES Summer
Location: MIT
Cost: No cost.
Program Dates: Six weeks over the summer—late June through early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school juniors.
The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program is a six-week residential experience at MIT that immerses high school students in rigorous coursework across math, physics, life sciences, humanities, and a project-based STEM elective. As a participant, you will take five challenging classes, including advanced topics like machine learning, architecture, or genomics, often beyond the standard high school curriculum. In addition to academics, the program includes lab tours, college admissions counseling, and social events that build a strong peer community. The program is free, including room and board, and culminates in a detailed written evaluation from instructors that supports college applications.
9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote and in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: There is no cost for the program except for the $25 application fee (which may be waived based on financial need).
Application Deadline: Mid-February (tentative)
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 years or older
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers high school students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research across disciplines, including physics, astronomy, nanoscience, and mathematical modeling. You will work one-on-one with faculty mentors on specialized research projects, gaining experience in materials science, computational modeling, and other physics-related subjects. The program also emphasizes scientific writing and communication, with many interns publishing their findings or presenting at academic conferences. Weekly forums and mentoring sessions deepen your understanding of the research process and real-world STEM challenges.
10. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)
Location: Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University
Cost: Free
Application deadline: Applications typically close in early March.
Program Dates: July 20 – July 25
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 to 12 are eligible.
The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program offers high school students a week-long, immersive introduction to nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Held at a university and hosted by a rare-isotope research laboratory, the program includes hands-on nuclear physics experiments, lab tours, and interactive sessions with researchers. You explore how elements form in the universe and how nuclear science connects to fields like energy, medicine, and astrophysics. PAN emphasizes the practical applications of nuclear research while also highlighting potential career paths in physics. Admission is competitive and based on an application and teacher recommendation.
11. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook campus
Cost: No cost. Stipends may be awarded to students.
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7.
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16 years or older. Applicant must be a US citizen.
The Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is a competitive six-week opportunity for high school juniors to engage in full-time scientific research. You will be matched with faculty mentors and integrated into active research teams in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering. You’ll conduct independent research, gain experience with lab techniques, and present your findings through a research abstract and poster at the program’s final symposium. The program also includes faculty lectures, workshops, and campus tours to support your development as a young researcher. For those interested in physics, past projects have included areas like quantum materials and optics.
12. UPenn Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Tuition for the Summer Academies is $9,949 and includes program fees and residential costs. Students from Philadelphia public or charter high schools may qualify for free attendance through a Penn Summer Scholarship.
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26
Application Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9-11.
The Experimental Physics Research Academy is a three-week residential summer program for high school students interested in exploring advanced topics in physics. The curriculum covers a range of subjects including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics, with additional discussions on the philosophy of science, ethics in research, and experimental design. You engage in lectures, hands-on projects, and group discussions that help you develop a deeper conceptual understanding beyond equations. The program also includes weekly presentations from Penn faculty, offering insights into cutting-edge research and potential academic pathways.
13. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual or Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: June 24 – August 21
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 15 or older with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
ASPIRE is a summer program hosted by Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), offering high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore STEM careers through mentor-guided research projects. You’ll choose a placement area, including options like physics and planetary science, and work closely with an APL staff mentor on a real-world problem. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and professional skill development. You’ll gain experience not only in technical domains but also in communication and collaboration. The program concludes with a digital poster presentation showcasing your work.
14. Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University
Cost: No cost
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school senior residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (PGSS), held at Carnegie Mellon University, is a five-week summer program for Pennsylvania high school students interested in advanced STEM study. You take five core courses, physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, along with electives in areas like machine learning, astrophysics, and the Higgs Boson. You also choose one lab-based course and engage in hands-on experiments twice a week. A major component of the program is the team research project, where you collaborate to develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, and present findings at the PGSS Symposium. Final reports are published in the Journal of PGSS, offering a chance to share your work with a broader audience. The program also features weekly talks from scientists and PGSS alumni, helping students explore future STEM careers.
15. Harvard University- Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free without a certificate
Eligibility: Open to everyone
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates/duration: Self-paced
Offered by Harvard University, Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science is a unique program that blends culinary arts with core concepts in physics and chemistry. Through hands-on kitchen experiments, you’ll explore scientific topics like elasticity, viscosity, emulsions, and phase changes while learning how enzymes and temperature affect food structure. The program features lectures and demonstrations from world-renowned chefs who showcase how scientific techniques are applied in modern cuisine. Each week, you’ll experiment at home, collect data, and analyze results using the scientific method. The course culminates in a final project where you design and test a recipe from a scientific perspective.
Additionally:
If you’re looking for a virtual mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, 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 – Harvard University