If you are a student in Canada looking to do more with your summer than just take a break, enrichment programs in the country can open up exciting new paths. Unlike general camps or extracurriculars, enrichment programs are designed to introduce you to college-level expectations. Some even simulate a real college environment—requiring you to manage deadlines, participate in discussions, and work independently. Many also include workshops on research, writing, or career exploration, making them a good way to build academic skills and explore potential majors before applying to college.
You might participate in hands-on activities, case studies, team projects, or seminars led by university faculty and professionals. Some programs even give you access to university campuses, labs, or studios, letting you step into the world of higher education early.
Here’s a curated list of 15 summer enrichment opportunities across Canada that you can explore:
1. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual and in person at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, CA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: June 8
Program Dates: August 11–15, with an optional in-person lab day for Waterloo region students on August 18.
Eligibility: High school students with a strong mathematical background
The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) is a summer enrichment program offered by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. It’s designed for high school students who are interested in learning about quantum science in a structured academic setting. As a participant, you’ll attend lectures from researchers in the field, take part in group discussions, and work through problems related to key topics like superposition and entanglement. The program also introduces you to practical applications of quantum technology, including its use in computing, imaging, and cryptography. Up to 200 students are selected to take part in the program each year.
2. UBC Future Global Leaders Program
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC or online.
Cost: Varies by course and format; approx. $1,885 CAD (commuting) | $4,385 CAD (residential). Here are the costs for international students.
Application Deadline: No formal deadline . Registration remains open until sessions are full.
Program Dates: On campus - Session 1: July 7–18 | Session 2: July 21-August 1 | Session 3: August 4–15. Online - Session 1: July 7–25 | Session 2: July 28 - August 15.
Eligibility: Ages 15–18, completed Grade 10, with a recommended 78% average or equivalent; IELTS/TOEFL scores suggested for non-native English speakers.
The Future Global Leaders Program is a summer academic opportunity for high school students offered by the University of British Columbia. It’s available both in person at UBC’s Vancouver campus and in an online format. In the program, you’ll take courses led by UBC faculty and instructors in areas such as business, science, international relations, and technology. Alongside academic content, you’ll participate in workshops and group sessions focused on topics like communication, collaboration, and leadership. The program is intended to give you a sense of what studying at a university involves and help you prepare for post-secondary education. A letter of completion is provided at the end of the program.
3. High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program
Location: University of Alberta in Edmonton
Cost/Stipend: No cost. 15 USD/hour for 30–35 hours/week
Application Deadline: March 14
Program Dates: July 3 - August 14
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 offers a 4 to 6 week paid placement for high school students interested in health and medical research. During the program, you will assist with ongoing research projects alongside university faculty and staff. Your work may involve topics such as digital health, data-driven approaches to healthcare, and health innovation. You’ll gain experience with basic lab techniques, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication. In addition to research activities, the program includes workshops, talks from researchers, and mentorship opportunities that introduce you to various paths in health-related fields.
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)
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
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 get to work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent research project in your preferred subject. Topics can span subjects 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. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars — $1,790 (financial aid is available); AI Fellowship — $4,900; Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship) — $5,900
Application Deadline: Upcoming summer cohort deadlines — May 19, 2024. You can apply here!
Program Dates: You can find all available dates for the summer cohort here
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program.
Veritas AI offers educational programs for high school students interested in computer science and artificial intelligence. Developed by Harvard graduate students, these programs introduce foundational topics such as neural networks, natural language processing, image classification, sentiment analysis, and Python programming. The AI Scholars program runs for 10 weeks and includes group-based projects, where you work with a small team to apply what you’ve learned in a practical context. Veritas AI also offers an AI Fellowship, a more advanced option where you work one-on-one with a mentor over 12 to 15 weeks to develop an independent machine learning project.
6. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus, Toronto, CA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Program Dates: July 7 — August 1
Eligibility: Black students in grades 10 and 11 can apply.
Blueprint is a four-week summer enrichment program at the University of Toronto for Black high school students in Grades 10 and 11 who have an interest in science and engineering. The program introduces you to topics in engineering through courses such as Engineering and Human Health or Mechatronics and Automation, along with hands-on lab work. In addition to academic activities, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with undergraduate and graduate student mentors, take part in group sessions, and participate in workshops that focus on leadership and preparing for university. The program is free of cost and continues beyond the summer with year-round events and academic support.
7. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program — Law Track
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, CA
Cost: $98 CAD registration fee | March Break module fee: $1125 |Summer module fee: $1175
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 12, closes when modules are full.
Program Dates: Depending on the module, between July and August.
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 10 through 12.
The Youth Summer Program (YSP) at the University of Toronto can be a useful way to explore your interest in law during the summer. The program takes place each summer at the university’s downtown campus and is organized into week-long modules. The law stream introduces you to key aspects of legal education and the profession in a structured and accessible format. During the program, you’ll attend lectures led by law faculty and participate in workshops that cover topics like legal reasoning, advocacy, and courtroom procedure. Practical components such as simulations and group discussions give you a closer look at how legal concepts are applied in real-world situations.
8. Youreka Canada
Location: In-person at one of multiple regional branches throughout Canada.
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Typically runs for 10 weeks.
Program Dates: Typically starts in January and ends in April.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Youreka Canada offers a 10-week summer enrichment program for high school students in Grades 9 to 12 who are interested in research. As a participant, you’ll work on a citizen science project with guidance from an undergraduate mentor. The program focuses on building research-related skills, such as data analysis, academic writing, and presenting findings. You’ll have the opportunity to design and carry out your own project, with support from mentors affiliated with several Canadian universities. The program also includes regional and national symposiums where you can share your work and learn from others involved in similar research.
9. Leadership Education & Academic Preparation (LEAP) — University of Toronto
Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, or on-site at participating schools/agencies
Cost: Varies depending on group size and workshop duration; quotes available upon request
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Available year-round; dates arranged in consultation with the group
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18; strong English proficiency preferred.
The LEAP workshops, offered by the University of Toronto, are summer enrichment programs designed to help high school students develop leadership and communication skills. Through interactive sessions, you’ll focus on areas such as critical thinking, structured communication, debate, and working with diverse perspectives. Workshop topics include academic integrity, group decision-making, and effective teamwork. You’ll practice evaluating arguments, expressing ideas clearly, and engaging in collaborative discussions. The workshops are available in different formats, ranging from one to five days , depending on the needs of your school or organization.
10. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program — Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: July August
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in Grades 10–12; must be 16 years old by July 1; legally authorized to work in Canada
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program is a full-time, in-person summer enrichment opportunity for students interested in science and medicine. Hosted by the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory, the program allows you to contribute to ongoing research related to medical technology while gaining experience in areas such as physics, biology, and engineering. As a participant, you’ll assist with research projects that support the development of focused ultrasound devices. The program offers a structured environment where you can apply scientific concepts and develop research skills. Students from outside the Greater Toronto Area are responsible for their own housing arrangements.
11. (WISEST) Summer Research Program
Location: University of Alberta, Alberta, CA
Cost: Free unless you need housing, which is expected to be $1507; Students are paid $15 per hour.
Application Deadline: April 2
Program Dates: July 3 — August 14
Eligibility: The applicants should currently be enrolled in grades 11 or 12.
The WISEST Summer Research Program at the University of Alberta is a six-week summer enrichment opportunity for Grade 11 students interested in science, engineering, and technology. During the program, you’ll work as a research assistant alongside university researchers, gaining experience with tasks such as data collection, experimentation, and analysis. In addition to research work, the program includes opportunities to build skills in scientific writing and communication. You’ll take part in lab tours, attend workshops focused on professional development, and meet individuals working in various STEM fields. The program is designed to provide insight into academic research and STEM-related careers.
12. Leader in Training (LIT) Program — WILDE School Blue Mountains
Location: WILDE School Blue Mountains, Ontario, CA
Cost: $175/week for year 1 (Save 25% for 4-week commitment and 50% for 8-week commitment); Year 2 of the program is free!
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until spots are filled.
Program Dates: Summer program; minimum 2-week commitment; For more details, visit the WILDE School Blue Mountains website.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (ages 15–17) with an interest in outdoor leadership and experiential learning; interview required.
The Leader in Training (LIT) Program at WILDE School Blue Mountains is a summer enrichment program for high school students interested in developing leadership skills through outdoor education. The program combines preparatory training with practical experience in a summer camp environment. You’ll take part in a minimum two-week volunteer placement, with the option to extend your involvement. During this time, you’ll assist experienced staff in leading group activities, managing safety in outdoor settings, and supporting camp operations. The program covers areas such as canoeing, basic water safety, wilderness skills, and group facilitation. You can also earn volunteer hours that can be applied toward high school graduation requirements.
13. The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus, CA
Cost: $725/week, Domestic students |1100/week, International students
Application Deadline: Typically April
Program Dates: Various sessions from July 7 - August 15
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 are eligible to apply.
The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto is a summer enrichment program designed for high school students with a strong interest in science and mathematics. The program offers advanced courses in areas such as engineering, technology, science, and business, with content that reflects material taught in early university studies. As a participant, you’ll attend lectures and engage in hands-on activities that emphasize problem-solving and collaboration. Courses are taught by instructors with experience in academic and research settings, including PhD students, alumni, and senior undergraduates. The program is intended to provide exposure to university-level topics and learning environments.
14. (ELITE) Program for Black Youth
Location: Alberta, CA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Varies based on available opportunities.
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 is a summer enrichment opportunity that offers paid internships for Black students between the ages of 15 and 22. The program focuses on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, and provides practical experience through placements with partners in academia, industry, and government. As a participant, you’ll work on projects in areas such as robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering. In addition to technical experience, the program includes training in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional development..
15. Centre for Health Informatics Summer Studentship Program — University of Calgary
Location: Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically opens in early spring.
Program Dates: Full-time 8-week or 4-month summer term.
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must identify a faculty supervisor and be available full-time for 8 weeks.
The Centre for Health Informatics (CHI) Summer Studentship Program is a summer enrichment opportunity that introduces high school and undergraduate students to applied research in the field of healthcare. You are matched with a faculty supervisor and contribute to ongoing research in areas such as health services, data science, and health informatics. The program is open to students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including science, engineering, health, and the humanities, particularly those with an interest in technology and data. You’ll work up to 35 hours per week on a research project and are required to submit a final report summarizing your work at the end of the program.
Images source – University of Calgary