If you are a high school student looking for a productive and engaging way to spend your summer in Montreal, participating in a summer program can be a great (and accessible) option!
Summer programs designed for high school students can help you build useful skills, explore academic interests, and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. From university-led research initiatives to leadership workshops and STEM intensives, these programs allow you to learn beyond the classroom while connecting with like-minded peers.
Montreal is home to several top institutions and organizations that offer diverse, enriching summer programs for high school students each year. Choosing a local program allows you to access quality opportunities without the extra costs of travel and accommodation.
To help you make the most of your summer, we’ve selected 15 summer programs for high school students in Montreal.
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the program type; need-based financial assistance offered
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer; the program can run anywhere between 12 weeks and a year, based on the format you choose
Application deadline: Summer sessions have May or June deadlines
Eligibility: High school students
If you’re looking for an academic summer program for high school students in Montreal that prioritizes independent learning, you can consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program—a research-driven program led by Ph.D. mentors. Here, you will spend 12 weeks developing a project while virtually connecting with your mentor and a writing coach. You can choose a research topic in the subject area of your choice, such as psychology, economics, data science, international relations, etc.. You will finish the program with a complete research paper. The experience can help you develop skills like academic writing and independent inquiry.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on the selected program; financial aid available
Program dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer
Application deadline: On a rolling basis
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students; to apply to the AI Fellowship, you should either have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate some familiarity/experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI introduces you to artificial intelligence in a structured and research-focused environment. Designed by Harvard graduate students, the program caters to beginner and advanced levels of AI know-how to match your experience. As a participant, you’ll either work on guided projects through the AI Scholars program or develop a 1:1 research project with a mentor via the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase program. You can also check out past projects here. You’ll also get a chance to publish your work or showcase it during the AI Fellowship program. Conducted entirely online, Veritas AI programs are flexible summer opportunities for high school students in Montreal who want to dive into a fast-evolving field without worrying about commuting or residential program costs.
3. McGill Summer Academy
Location: McGill University Downtown Campus, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: CAD 4,950
Program dates: Session 1: July 6 – 19 | Session 2: July 20 – August 2
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (or Sec IV and Sec V)
McGill University’s Summer Academy is a two-week summer program for students in Montreal and beyond. It offers opportunities to engage in college-level academics while experiencing life on a campus. Here, you can choose from two academic streams: Pathways to Neuro and Health Sciences and Understanding Migration, Global Citizenship, and Diasporic Resistance. Through lectures, simulations, and team-based learning, you will broaden your understanding of the chosen topic while also connecting with faculty and peers from around the world. You will also have the opportunity to engage in guided explorations of Montreal’s cultural neighborhoods and summer festivals.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program dates: June – August; five-week program
Application deadline: March 1; applications open on December 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the U.S. and Canada
JHIBS offers both virtual biomedical research-based opportunities to high school students in North America. Here, you will spend five weeks engaging in structured virtual science-based activities, professional development sessions, presentations on brain science topics, and mentorship meetings, while also exploring lab techniques and experimental design. You will learn about neuroscience research and biomedical careers from professors and scientists throughout the program. On completing the virtual program, you get a certificate as well as ongoing support for pursuing STEM pathways.
5. Babson Summer Study
Location: Online format available for students in Montreal, Quebec
Cost: 6,295 USD (8586.82 CAD) + 95 USD (129.59 CAD) application fee; financial assistance available
Program dates: July 7 – 28
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
Babson Summer Study is a summer program for high school students interested in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and addressing real-world challenges. Here, you will enroll in the Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience course, earn college credit, and explore global issues through the UN Sustainable Development Goals framework. The program combines lectures with team projects. You will have access to mentorship from Babson students and opportunities to connect virtually with faculty and industry leaders. The program also offers insights into finance, marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, and business communication.
6. Summer @Concordia Youth Camps
Location: Concordia University campus, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: Varies by camp
Program dates: June–August; exact dates vary based on the camp you choose
Application deadline: Rolling until full; registration start dates vary by camp
Eligibility: High school students; specific age requirement varies by camp
Summer @Concordia Youth Camps offers a mix of practical and educational experiences that go beyond typical classroom learning. This summer program for high school students in Montreal offers specialized tracks in science and engineering, digital arts, artificial intelligence, theatre, and more, giving you varied opportunities to explore both creative and technical interests. You can choose from programs like GirlSET that are focused on offering engineering exposure to young women and STEAMpunks, which integrates art and sustainability with science. You can also choose game design, 3D modeling, music composition, or textile arts camps, depending on your interests.
7. University of Waterloo’s Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: August 11 – 15 + an optional in-person lab day at the University of Waterloo campus on August 18
Application deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Grade 11 and 12 students or equivalent, i.e., Secondary V and CÉGEP Quebec students
The Quantum School for Young Students, hosted by the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing, is a virtual academic experience for high schoolers interested in physics and quantum mechanics. The program offers an introduction to advanced topics like entanglement, quantum algorithms, and cryptography. Here, you will attend lectures, engage in problem-solving sessions, and work with other students passionate about theoretical science and mathematics. A downloadable primer will help you prepare for the program. During the session, you will build foundational knowledge in areas like linear algebra and complex numbers.
8. World Learning Inc. Youth Ambassadors Program
Location: Various locations in the U.S.
Cost: Fully funded
Program dates: July/August for Canada
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students who are 15–18 years old at the start of the exchange; more details here
As a participant in the Youth Ambassadors Program, you will join a three-week cultural exchange focused on civic engagement, youth leadership, and community service. Through this three-week summer exchange program, high school students in Montreal get to travel to other cities in North or South America. During the exchange, you will engage in service learning, live with host families, and meet with civic leaders and local organizations. You’ll also visit Washington, D.C., to explore public institutions and participate in policy-focused workshops. The program concludes with a community project that you implement, helping make a meaningful impact based on your summer experience.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Sites across Canada, the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands; you will be assigned a location within a 45-minute commute of your home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Program dates: June – August; flexible dates
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old when the internship begins
If you are interested in biology and environmental science, you can consider the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program—an eight-week summer experience centered on aquatic ecosystems. The program will offer you opportunities to work alongside fisheries professionals in both lab and field settings, where you will assist with tasks like fish population monitoring, habitat studies, and water quality testing. Although placements and exact tasks can vary by region, this summer program is worth exploring for high school students in Montreal looking for hands-on conservation science experience. As a participant, you will also receive a stipend. The program also offers insights into how ecological data supports conservation policies and resource management.
10. English Montreal School Board’s Summer School
Location: Virtual or at Laurier Macdonald High School, Montreal, Quebec
Cost: $250 or $400, based on the course you choose
Program dates: Multiple sessions between June and July
Application deadline: July 11; registration opens on June 25
Eligibility: Varies by course
The English Montreal School Board runs a series of summer school offerings tailored to secondary students looking for academic support or enhancement. Here, you can enroll in 10- and 15-day sessions covering subjects like math, science, and technology, as well as bridge courses for students preparing for supplemental exams. Designed for students in Secondary IV and V, the program’s focus is on improving academic performance and supporting your readiness for the high school diploma and graduation. You will also have access to in-person lab sessions and targeted instruction to catch up, strengthen your knowledge, or stay on track for CEGEP.
11. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual options available for students in Montreal
Program dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP is a full-time research internship that provides a guided introduction to scientific research through mentorship and potential publication support. Through the program, you will get to virtually engage in research work on projects in neuroscience, molecular medicine, urban hydrology, women’s health, or another STEM field of choice. You will be matched with a mentor, contribute to ongoing research, and build skills in experimental design, lab techniques, and scientific writing. The program also offers opportunities to refine communication skills through workshops and poster presentations.
12. ELITE Program for Black Youth – Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
Location: Various sites across Canada (including universities, industry, and government labs); some virtual components may be possible
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 8–16 weeks; typically July – August for high school students
Application deadline: Not specified; the application window opens in November each year
Eligibility: Black youth ages 15–22 who are high school students, post-secondary students, or transitioning into post-secondary education
Open to Black high school students across Canada, the ELITE Program matches participants with internship placements in university labs, tech companies, or government agencies. The paid program focuses on helping you build technical and leadership skills in STEM fields like robotics, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering. Structured as an 8- to 16-week placement, this summer program for high school students in Montreal includes workshops on innovation, entrepreneurship, and career resilience. You will also receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship, as well as career guidance to pursue STEM professions.
13. Indus Space STEM Co-Operative Placement Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: Rolling; early inquiries recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: Open to Canadian high school students in Grade 11 or 12 completing a school-supported co-op placement
Designed to offer insights into space, planetary science, and STEM education, this virtual co-op allows you to work on real science communication tools and research-based content. The program operates remotely. You will join a small team and contribute to the creation of resources used in classrooms or public outreach, often drawing on themes from chemistry, astronomy, or Canadian space research. You will work in small groups made up of just two or three students. You will also have access to regular individualized guidance and feedback.
14. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program dates: July 28 – August 8
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Current 9th to 11th graders who identify as girls or nonbinary individuals
Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program is a live, online course that brings together high school students from across North America, including Montreal, to learn coding fundamentals and explore careers in tech. This virtual two-week summer program introduces programming in practical contexts like game design, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Here, you will work on collaborative projects and develop your own digital products while also engaging with guest speakers from tech companies. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes teamwork, UX design, and public speaking, helping you build confidence in coding and communication. Its virtual format makes this summer program for high school students in Montreal worth exploring if you are starting your journey in computer science and want to be part of a supportive, peer-led community.
15. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Location: Various Google offices across the U.S. and Canada
Cost: Free
Program dates: June – August
Application deadline: Applications are open from March to May
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program in the U.S. or Canada in computer science or a related field
CSSI is a three-week program run by Google that introduces computer science to motivated students from underrepresented backgrounds. Here, you will engage in intensive workshops, coding challenges, and real-world projects guided by Google engineers. You will learn about problem-solving, software development, and computational thinking, and network with professionals in the tech industry. The program can offer key insights into computer science and relevant degree programs to pursue a career in the field.
One more option—Horizon Academic Research Program
If you are looking for a competitive mentored research program in an area of your choice, you can consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! It is a selective virtual research program that allows you to engage in advanced research and come up with a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1,000+ high school students so far, offering 600+ research specializations to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Girls Who Code