If you’re an international student looking to gain research experience outside the classroom, online programs are a solid way to start. You can work with expert mentors, study topics you care about, and complete real projects from anywhere in the world. Some programs even let you learn directly from top universities like Harvard, UC San Diego, and Stanford, which is a good idea if you plan on applying to these universities after high school.
This is also a great way to engage in research if research opportunities are not readily available in your country in an accessible format.
The online research programs in this list cover fields like neuroscience, economics, political science, computer science, engineering, math, psychology, and international relations. You’ll learn important skills such as writing research papers, coding in Python or R, analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and presenting your work.
To help, we’ve put together a list of 15 online research programs for international high school students!
15 Online Research Programs for International Students (Students From All Over the World)
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5950. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Summer 1: March 23 (Priority), April 20 (Regular), May 18 (Regular 2), and Summer 2: June 22 (Priority)
Program Dates: Summer 1 starts June 16 and Summer 2 starts on July 14!
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing (GPA > 3.67/4.0). Most accepted students are in 10th or 11th grade. A few tracks have prerequisites—details available on the website.
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) offers semester-long research experiences in areas like data science, machine learning, international relations, and political theory. You’ll choose between a quantitative or qualitative research track based on your interests. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a 20-page academic research paper.
Key skills you’ll build include conducting literature reviews, using discipline-specific research methods, and mastering academic writing. At the end of the program, you’ll receive detailed feedback and a recommendation letter. You’ll also have the option to submit your research paper for publication or present it at conferences.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,990; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; April 13 for Summer Cohort I
Program Dates: Year-round cohorts; Summer Cohort I runs June 2–August 25
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic background (GPA ≥ 3.3)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with PhD mentors for 1-on-1 research in fields like physics, psychology, computer science, economics, and engineering. Over 12 weeks, you’ll conduct independent research and produce a structured academic paper.
This program gives you hands-on experience with research design, using discipline-specific tools like R, Python, and STATA, as well as learning how to synthesize academic literature. It’s designed to offer the depth of undergraduate research while being flexible with rolling cohorts, so you can start when it works best for you.
3. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs
Location: Online and On-Campus options available
Cost: Varies by program; limited scholarships available
Application Deadline: February 1 for international students and March 1 for regular intake.
Program Dates: June 22–August 3
Eligibility: High school students 16+. International students must show English proficiency through IELTS (7.5), TOEFL iBT (102), TOEFL Essentials (11), Duolingo (135), or Cambridge (191).
Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs offer a variety of subject-specific tracks, including AI, computational biology, design, and math. These programs allow you to explore college-level content through structured lectures, labs, and hands-on projects, helping you dive deep into topics that interest you.
In the AI track, for example, you’ll learn about supervised learning, neural networks, and Python-based model training. No matter which track you choose, you’ll build skills in data analysis, technical writing, and using subject-specific software. Some of these tracks are available online, so international students can also access them from anywhere.
4. UChicago Summer Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: Program fees vary by course; financial aid is available for eligible students
Application Deadline: Priority: January 22, Regular: March 5, and Extended: April 15
Program Dates: Varies by course; all courses are equivalent to a full, 9-week quarter
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th graders can apply for pre-college courses designed specifically for high school students. Current 11th–12th graders may apply for select undergraduate courses from the UChicago curriculum (with limited pre-college spots).
UChicago’s Summer Online Program allows high school students to take challenging, credit-bearing undergraduate courses from anywhere in the world. You can explore subjects like biology, psychology, economics, and more through small, interactive virtual classes taught by UChicago faculty.
Courses are designed either exclusively for pre-college students (9th–11th grade) or are drawn from UChicago’s undergraduate curriculum (11th–12th grade). All courses include in-depth instruction, collaborative projects, and real-time discussions with instructors and peers, so you get a true college experience. By completing a course, you’ll earn 100 units of UChicago credit.
5. Cornell University – Summer Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: nonrefundable fee of $75 + course fee (financial aid may be available)
Application Deadline: Varies according to program selected. Check here.
Program Dates: Varies according to program selected. Check here.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. International students can check their eligibility and visa information here.
Cornell’s Summer Online Program gives high school students the chance to take college-level courses taught by Ivy League faculty, earning real college credit. You’ll attend classes alongside Cornell undergraduates in a fully online format, giving you an authentic look at academic life at one of the nation’s top universities. The program offers a wide range of subjects, from science and engineering to humanities and business, providing both flexibility and academic rigor.
6. George Mason University – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual, In-Person, or Hybrid (at George Mason University)
Cost: $25 application fee (waivers available)
Application Deadline: February 2
Program Dates: June 18–August 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ for remote/computer lab projects; 16+ for in-person/hybrid wet-lab roles (by program start date)
ASSIP is an 8-week research-intensive internship where high school students collaborate with faculty on STEM-focused projects. You can explore electrical and computer engineering, data science, cybersecurity, cognitive systems, and more. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in computational modeling, simulation design, and scientific writing.
Remote participants often focus on agent-based modeling and data analysis using tools like Python or MATLAB. In-person participants may work in university labs, engaging in wet-lab or experimental research.
7. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP)
Location: Virtual (online only for this format)
Cost: $75 application fee (non-refundable), $4,050 for 4 credits, and $7,900 for 8 credits. Financial aid is available only for US citizens.
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates: July 13 – August 9, and June 21 – August 9
Eligibility: High school students graduating in the next three years; must be at least 16 years old by June 21, and must not turn 19 before July 31. International students should review their options on the International Students Guidelines page.
Harvard’s Secondary School Program (SSP) offers high school students the chance to take real college courses in a 7-week online format. You’ll learn from Harvard professors, earn college credit, and connect with a diverse group of students from around the world.
You can choose from over 50 subjects, including humanities, social sciences, and STEM. This allows you to focus on what interests you most and aligns with your future goals. During the program, you’ll develop important skills like critical thinking, academic writing, time management, and problem-solving.
8. Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) – Stanford
Location: Virtual or In-Person (Stanford University, CA)
Cost/Stipend: Virtual: $1,595, and In-Person: $2,895. Scholarships available
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis, December 15 – March 1
Program Dates: Virtual: June 16 – 27, In-Person Session I: July 7 – 18, and In-Person Session II: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) is a two-week, intensive program for high school students interested in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Offered by Stanford’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the program blends interactive lectures with hands-on, team-based projects.
You’ll explore topics such as behavioral neuroscience, neuroimaging, psychiatric epidemiology, mindfulness, and innovations in mental health care. During the program, you’ll work with a small team to create solutions for real-world mental health issues and present your work at a capstone session.
9. CCIR Future Scholar Programme
Location: Virtual (Cambridge Centre for International Research)
Cost: £5,300; scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early to regular deadlines from March 1 – March 15
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; spring cohort begins in late March or early April
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (11th and 12th graders). International students will have to adjust their work according to US time.
The CCIR Future Scholar Programme is a 13-week online research experience for high school students looking to explore advanced academic topics. Hosted by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR), the program offers over 90 course options across STEM, social sciences, business, and humanities. You’ll start with weekly lectures and discussions to build a solid foundation, then move on to your independent research project.
Throughout the program, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from researchers affiliated with top institutions like Oxbridge and Ivy League schools. You’ll also get structured support in academic writing, helping you produce a research paper ready for journal submission.
10. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online and residential (Stanford University)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (grades 10–11) with a strong interest in mathematics
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: Online: June 16 – July 4 or July 7 – July 25 and Residential: June 22 – July 18
Cost/Stipend: Online: $3,580 and Residential: $8,57
The Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) is an intensive program for high school students passionate about math and ready to tackle college-level topics. Available in both online and residential formats, the program covers advanced areas like abstract algebra, number theory, and algebraic topology.
You’ll participate in daily problem-solving sessions, collaborate on projects, and receive guidance from Stanford faculty and teaching assistants. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research, allowing you to demonstrate your analytical abilities and creativity.
11. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program
Location: Remote or in-office (Philadelphia, PA)
Cost: None; Some internships are paid.
Application Deadline: Varies by term. February 3 (tentative, based on the previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: Spring: February to May, Summer: June to August, Fall: September to December
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide; U.S. citizenship not required
The FPRI Internship Program offers high school students the chance to explore international relations through hands-on research and mentorship. As an intern, you’ll work closely with policy experts on topics like Eurasian security, Middle East geopolitics, and Asian affairs. You’ll assist with data collection, contribute to policy briefs, and develop research and writing skills.
The program also includes specialized tracks in communications, event planning, and operations for students who want to expand their professional experience. Remote participants get access to FPRI’s digital resources and can submit their research for publication in the Intern Corner.
12. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Early acceptance deadline: February 28, and regular acceptance deadline on April 16.
Program Dates: SIP round 1: July 1 – July 18 (US citizen only); SIP round 2: July 28 – August 8 (US and international students); Pathways: June 30- August 8. Check the time and region here.
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students aged 14–18. International students may participate in the virtual program if they can commit to U.S.-based time zones and meet technical requirements.
Girls Who Code offers two virtual summer programs: the Summer Immersion Program (SIP) and Pathways. These programs cater to different levels and schedules, both focused on computer science, tech career exploration, and real-world problem-solving.
In these programs, you’ll engage in workshops on web development, cybersecurity, and UX design, and complete hands-on projects using tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. You’ll also have mentorship sessions with women in tech and participate in group work, simulating the collaborative environment of the tech industry.
13. United Planet Virtual Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Some fees apply; scholarships available
Application Deadline: Varies by start date
Program Dates: Rolling admissions; summer options available
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
This virtual internship connects students with non-profits in countries like Peru, Nepal, and Ghana, where you’ll work on projects related to public health, education, sustainability, and social innovation. You’ll contribute to community-centered work while developing cross-cultural collaboration skills.
Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in research, communication, and project management. You’ll also build essential skills in time management, problem-solving, and cross-cultural teamwork.
14. UC San Diego Research Scholars Program
Location: Online, in-person, or hybrid (UC San Diego)
Cost: Starts at $1,500; varies depending on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by program, check the official website for updates
Program Dates: Flexible; depends on the specific course
Eligibility: High school students interested in bioengineering, life sciences, marine science, business, and more (eligibility varies by program)
If you want to study ocean pollution, genetic engineering, or start-up models before college, UC San Diego’s Research Scholars Program can help you get started. You’ll work on real research projects in fields like marine science, bioengineering, life sciences, and business. You can join online, on campus, or through a hybrid format.
You’ll work with mentors to learn how to design experiments, analyze data using tools like R or Excel, and improve your scientific writing. The program also helps you build skills in research presentations, critical thinking, and interpreting real-world findings.
15. Penn Summer – University of Pennsylvania
Location: Onsite and Online
Cost: Tuition: $5,700, Non-refundable deposit: $1,500, and Application fee: $75
Application Deadline: April 27
Program Dates: July 6 – July 20
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11. Students can contact the Penn International Student and Scholar Services office (ISSS) with specific visa-related questions.
Penn Summer provides high school students with the opportunity to experience Ivy League academics through intensive two-, three-, or six-week programs. Whether online or on campus, you’ll study under Penn faculty, dive into subjects you’re passionate about, and build essential research and academic skills.
Designed to mirror the undergraduate experience, the program offers a mix of rigorous coursework, direct interaction with professors, and access to university resources. With options across fields like STEM, business, and the humanities, Penn Summer allows you to explore college-level learning while
gaining a deeper understanding of life at a top-tier university.
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