If you’re in high school in Canada and looking to do something meaningful outside the classroom, research programs in the country should be on your radar. These programs let you work on projects across different fields, and are an accessible way to work on a subject of your choice before you apply to college. You learn how to build experiments, write research papers, collect and analyze data, and sometimes even work with university-level lab equipment or software.
You might explore topics like cancer biology, climate change, robotics, AI, neuroscience, or psychology, depending on the program. Some also cover Indigenous health, population studies, or environmental engineering. You work under the guidance of professors, grad students, or researchers who show you how to approach problems the way professionals do.
To get started, here’s a list of 15 summer research opportunities for high school students in Canada!
15 Research Opportunities for High School Students in Canada
1. High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program
Stipend: 15/hour for 30-35 hours/week
Program Dates: July 3 to August 14
Application Deadline: March 14
Location: University of Alberta in Edmonton
Eligibility: Must have completed specific Grade 11 courses, reside in or north of Red Deer, be legally eligible to work in Canada, and have an interest in health/medical sciences.
The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program at the University of Alberta gives you a 4 to 6 week paid research experience in health and medical sciences. You work with university researchers on projects in areas like digital health, data-enabled health transformation, and health innovation.
You learn lab techniques, collect and analyze data, and practice scientific writing and presentations. The program also includes workshops, guest lectures, and mentorship sessions to help you understand careers in health research and innovation.
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can find the exact cost by submitting an interest form. Full financial aid is available.
Application Deadlines: Priority: March 23; Regular I: April 20; Regular II: May 18
Program Dates: The cohort starts June 16. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply at least four weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. You can choose to work on either quantitative or qualitative research.
After choosing a subject track, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will mentor you throughout the program. You will work on a 20-page research paper that you can submit to journals for possible publication.
Horizon also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your project to help you with future research work.
3. fem+ Mentorship Program
Location: University of Alberta in Edmonton
Cost: Free
Program Dates: October to May
Application Deadline: Typically late September or early October
Eligibility: Women, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ high school students
The Faculty of Engineering’s fem+ program is a 7-month mentorship program for women, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ high school students interested in engineering. You meet one-on-one with an engineering student mentor who helps you explore different fields in engineering, learn how to apply to university, and understand what it’s like to study engineering.
You also take part in group sessions where you learn about engineering design, problem solving, and how engineers work on real-world issues. The program helps you figure out if engineering fits your interests and goals.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: $5,900 (full financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in high school, demonstrate academic achievement with a GPA of 3.3/4. No prior knowledge of your field is required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week, intensive research opportunity for high school students. You will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project. The program covers areas like psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
You will develop research skills, collect and analyze data, and gain experience writing research papers. By the end of the program, you will have a completed research paper.
5. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual and in person at the University of Waterloo
Cost: None
Program Dates: August 11-15, with an optional in-person lab day for Waterloo region students on August 18.
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: High school students with a strong mathematical background
The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) is an enrichment program for high school students hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. You’ll explore quantum science through expert lectures, group discussions, problem-solving, mentoring, and networking with top quantum researchers.
In QSYS, up to 200 students will be selected to learn about quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. You will also discover how quantum technology is transforming fields such as computing, imaging, and cryptography.
6. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program – Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: $1668 CAD; $98 CAD registration fee
Program Dates: Depending on the module, between 30 June and 15 August
Application Deadline: Opens on February 12 and closes on April 30, especially for those requiring financial aid
Eligibility: Open to students in Grades 10 to 12; Grade 9 students can apply for the Microbiology module.
Med YSP offers high school students the chance to explore science and medicine through four intensive one-week modules. In Human Physiology, you will study the body’s systems like cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal. In Pharmacology & Toxicology, you will learn how drugs affect the body at a molecular level.
The Molecular Biology and Genetics module covers DNA fingerprinting, gene editing, and forensic techniques. In Microbiology, you will work with hands-on experiments to identify and control microbes. Each module includes expert lectures, interactive labs, and discussions for a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.
7. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program – Law Track
Location: University of Toronto
Cost: $98 CAD registration fee | March Break module fee: $1125 |Summer module fee: $1175
Program Dates: Depending on the module, between July and August
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 12, closes when modules are full.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 10 through 12
The University of Toronto’s Law Youth Summer Program (YSP) gives high school students in grades 10 to 12 a chance to explore law in-depth. Over one to five weeks, you’ll get hands-on experience with mock trials, attend real court cases, and learn from law professors, lawyers, and judges.
You’ll also improve your legal research, writing, and public speaking skills, which are essential for anyone looking to pursue law. You’ll explore different legal careers, learn how to research and write legal documents, and develop critical thinking skills.
8. Youreka Canada
Location: In-person, depending on the program
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Typically starts in January ends in April
Application Deadline: Typically runs for 10 weeks
Eligibility: High school students
Youreka Canada offers a 10-week research and mentorship program for high school students in grades 9 to 12. You’ll work on a citizen science project, guided by an undergraduate mentor. During the program, you’ll learn skills in data science, writing research papers, and presenting academic work.
This program pairs students with mentors from seven Canadian universities to help you develop your own research project. You’ll also get to participate in regional and national symposiums, gaining hands-on experience.
9. Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program
Location: University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, University of Calgary, The University of British Columbia
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Week 1: May 11–16, University of Manitoba | Week 2: July 6–11, University of Saskatchewan | Week 3: July 20-25, University of Calgary | Week 4: July 27–August 1, The University of British Columbia
Application Deadline: December 20
Eligibility: The applicant self-identifies as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit student currently enrolled in grades 11 or 12.
The VJKF Program offers Indigenous high school students (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) the chance to spend one week at a university, where you’ll explore science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. You’ll work alongside professors and graduate students on real research projects, developing skills in research methodology, data collection, and analysis.
During your time on campus, you’ll meet role models and learn about the support available to help you succeed in higher education. The program also teaches you practical skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, preparing you for further studies and future careers in STEM fields.
10. (WISEST)Summer Research Program
Location: University of Alberta
Cost: Free unless you need housing, which is expected to be $1507; Students are paid $15 per hour.
Program Dates: July 3 to August 14
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: The applicants should currently be enrolled in grades 11 or 12.
The WISEST Summer Research Program at the University of Alberta offers Grade 11 students the chance to spend six weeks working as research assistants in science, engineering, or technology. You’ll assist with tasks like collecting data, running experiments, and analyzing results.
You’ll also learn how to present your research and improve your writing and communication skills. You’ll also get the chance to tour labs, attend professional development workshops, and connect with people working in STEM careers.
11. (ELITE) Program for Black Youth
Location: Alberta, Canada
Cost: Free!
Program Dates: Vaires
Application Deadline: None
Eligibility: Eligible interns are 15 to 22 years old and include high school students, current post-secondary students, or those accepted into post-secondary programs.
The ELITE Program for Black Youth offers paid internships for Black youth ages 15–22 in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. You’ll work with university, industry, or government partners, gaining hands-on experience in areas like robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering.
Throughout the program, you’ll receive leadership and entrepreneurship training. You’ll also get professional and resilience coaching to help you develop crucial skills for your future career. You’ll work alongside teachers, engineers, scientists, and technologists from the University of Alberta, InnoTech Alberta, and other industry partners.
12. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus
Cost: Free!
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Black students in grades 10 and 11
Blueprint is a free, four-week summer program at the University of Toronto for motivated Black students in Grades 10 and 11 who are interested in science and engineering. You’ll explore the engineering design process, take courses like Engineering and Human Health or Mechatronics and Automation, and work on hands-on projects in labs.
The program also offers mentorship from undergrad and grad students, community-building activities, and year-round workshops on leadership and university prep. After the summer, you’ll stay connected with ongoing events and academic support throughout the school year.
13. STEM Fellowship
Location: Multiple universities. See here.
Cost: Varies
Program Dates: Depends on the program you choose. See here.
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11
The Research Exploration Opportunity (REO) allows high school students to participate in research at top universities across Canada. You’ll take part in activities like tours of research facilities, learning basic techniques and experiments with advanced equipment, and shadowing lab work. You’ll also attend lab meetings, seminars, and faculty presentations.
14. The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus
Cost: $725/week, Domestic students |1100/week, International students
Program Dates: Various sessions from July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Typically, April
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto is a summer program for high school students strong in science and math. You’ll take advanced courses in engineering, technology, business, and science, covering topics typically taught at the university level. The program includes lectures, hands-on activities, and teamwork, with instruction from university alumni, PhD candidates, and students.
15. UC Summer Drama for International Students
Location: University of Toronto
Cost: $6500
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The University College Performing Arts Summer Program is a three-week immersive experience in Toronto for students entering or currently enrolled in college or university. You’ll choose between specializations in Acting or Digital Media & Sound Design and enhance your skills through courses, labs, and workshops.
The program integrates cutting-edge AI technologies through hands-on projects at the University of Toronto’s BMO Lab. You’ll work on research-based projects, work with students globally, and explore how technology is shaping the future of the performing arts.
Image source – University of Toronto