Are you a high school student in Toronto looking to make the most of your summer? If so, consider Pre-college summer programs for high school students in Toronto offered by local universities and institutions that allow you to explore subjects that go beyond the standard school curriculum.
Whether you’re interested in law, engineering, design, health sciences, or the performing arts, these programs provide structured academic experiences that introduce you to university-style learning. Summer programs for high school students in Toronto also help reduce housing and travel expenses, as you would be closer to home.
Toronto is also home to top universities like the University of Toronto and York University, which may offer reduced tuition fees for local students. Some offer the chance to earn academic credit, while others provide mentorship and exposure to potential career paths.
To help you explore what’s available, here’s a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Toronto.
15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Toronto
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer I: June 2; Summer II: July 14
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students that offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. You will be paired with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project, and at the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, international relations, and more, which delve deep into leadership skills. Even though the program isn’t run by a university, completing it may make you eligible to receive UCSD credit. You can find more details about the application here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; final summer deadline is July 20
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students | The AI Fellowship is for students who either have prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program.
Founded by Harvard researchers, Veritas AI offers programs for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence and its implementation in diverse fields. The AI Scholars program is a foundational, ten-session course that covers AI, machine learning, and data science through real-world applications in hands-on projects. If you already have some coding and programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase is a more advanced option where you’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor to create a research project and get help preparing it for publication. The programs are taught by instructors from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. You can see past student projects here and apply here.
3. Blueprint – Engineering Outreach
Location: University of Toronto’s St George Campus
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Black students in grade 10 and 11 who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Offered by the University of Toronto, Blueprint is a four-week academic summer program designed for Black high school students interested in science and engineering. You will learn how to apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems and explore fields such as human health engineering and mechatronics through hands-on lab work and technical coursework. The program provides opportunities to work closely with graduate-level instructors and undergraduate mentors, enabling exposure to advanced academic content and professional guidance. You will collaborate on projects and gain practical experience with tools and methods used in university-level engineering. The program also includes year-round enrichment through workshops focused on leadership development and preparation for post-secondary pathways.
4. Medicine YSP Summer Offerings
Location: In person at University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: $1,668 CAD + $98 CAD Registration Fee; need-based scholarships available | None
Dates: Multiple dates from July 7 and August 1
Application Deadline: Application window opens on February 12 and seats are filled on a first-come first-served basis
Eligibility: Students from grades 10 to 12 | Grade 9 students are also eligible but only for Module 4: Microbiology
This program provides an in-depth introduction to the medical sciences through intensive, week-long modules focused on physiology, pharmacology, genetics, and microbiology. You will learn how the human body maintains balance across its major systems, how drugs interact with the body on a molecular level, and how DNA can be used in both personalized medicine and forensic science. Laboratory work includes measuring lung capacity and blood pressure, performing DNA fingerprinting, testing drug responses, and analyzing bacterial growth. Each module integrates lectures, hands-on labs, and interactive sessions with researchers, clinicians, and forensic professionals. You will engage in scientific problem-solving, analyze real-world health and crime scenarios, and present findings collaboratively.
5. Youreka Canada
Location: In-person at university campuses across Canada, including Toronto
Cost/Stipend: $80 CAD | None
Dates: 10 weeks between late January-April
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Canadian students in grades 9 to 12, CEGEP, or first year at Queen’s University
This 10-week academic experience is designed to build foundational and advanced skills in scientific research, data analysis, and communication. Through a team-based, self-directed research project led by undergraduate mentors, you will gain hands-on experience in experimental design, statistical computing using R, and the development of research posters and manuscripts. The program offers structured exposure to topics such as bioinformatics, public health, and economics through the use of open-source data. Weekly sessions include workshops, seminars, and professional development challenges. By the end of the program, you will present your research at a regional symposium, with the potential to advance to a national competition and publication.
6. DEEP Summer Academy – Engineering Outreach
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George campus
Cost/Stipend: Domestic students: $725 CAD per week; International students: $1,100 CAD per week | None
Dates: Multiple sessions between July 7 and August 15
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 | Grade 9-10 students need to have completed grade 9 math and grade 9 science courses by June of this year | Grade 11-12 students need to have completed grade 11 math and grade 11 science courses (ie. chemistry and physics) by June of this year
The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) allows students from across the globe to deep dive into diverse engineering, technology, business, and science fields. It covers advanced topics in engineering, technology, business, and science, introducing students to university-level and even graduate-level concepts typically not encountered in high school. You will participate in activities such as hands-on experiments with real engineering tools, coding and robotics challenges, collaborative team projects, and research lab sessions guided by U of T graduate students. You will gain crucial skills such as problem solving, scientific reasoning, teamwork, and the ability to communicate and present complex ideas.
7. Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Research Institute, in collaboration with University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid (amount unspecified)
Dates: 8-9 weeks in the summer tentatively starting on July 2
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 10–12 | At least 16 years old by July 1 | Legally authorized to work in Canada
This internship, hosted by the Sunnybrook Research Institute in conjunction with the University of Toronto, offers a rigorous and immersive experience in medical research and device development for those interested in engineering, technology, and biology. You will contribute to active research projects while gaining practical knowledge in areas such as experimental design, basic programming, and lab-based engineering techniques. Projects range from technology development to biological experimentation, where you will explore real-world medical applications, including cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and treatments for neurological and cardiovascular conditions. The program also provides opportunities to interact with professionals in the field and engage with the broader goals of translational medical research.
8. CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus
Cost/Stipend: Domestic students: $725 CAD per week | International students: $1,100 CAD per week | None
Dates: Multiple sessions between July 7 to August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open now, apply here
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 | Grade 9-10 students need to have completed grade 9 math and grade 9 science courses by June of this year | Grade 11-12 students need to have completed grade 11 math and grade 11 science courses (ie. chemistry and physics) by June of this year
CREATE is a week-long summer program offered by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering that introduces key engineering concepts through hands-on design challenges. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving across disciplines such as biomedical engineering, transportation design, robotics, sustainable product development, and software engineering using Python and AI. You will engage in lab experiments, prototype development, and site visits while learning to navigate the engineering design cycle, from identifying problems to delivering solutions. With guidance from current undergraduate and graduate students, you will refine your skills in critical thinking, coding, collaboration, and technical communication. The program also provides structured opportunities to present your work.
9. Daniels Design Discovery Program
Location: University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Course 1: $1,550 CAD +HST | Course 2: $1,550 CAD +HST (financial aid available) | None
Dates: Session 1: Course 1: June 30 – July 11; Course 2: July 14 – 25 | Session 2: Course 1: July 28 – August 8; Course 2: August 11 – 22
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted up to one week prior to the start date of each course
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-18) | Also open to English-speaking international students
The Daniels Design Discovery Program is a four-week summer experience that introduces architectural thinking through two focused courses: Drawing Practices and Model Making. You will learn to analyze physical sites, develop spatial awareness, and communicate architectural ideas using a range of tools, including drawing, photography, 3D software, and physical model construction. The program emphasizes hands-on exploration and critical engagement with the built environment, while also offering structured opportunities to present your work, receive feedback, and refine your design process. Guided by instructors with professional and academic experience, you will build practical skills in design communication, visual representation, and concept development.
10. University College Performing Arts Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: $6,500 CAD | None
Dates: July 13 – August 2
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18) and also advanced (ages 19+)
This program combines training in creative performance with exposure to emerging technologies. Based in Toronto’s culturally rich environment, you will choose a focused track, either Acting or Digital Media & Sound Design, through which you will refine your skills in stage performance, storytelling, sound editing, and digital production. You will also engage with faculty at the BMO Lab, gaining insight into how artificial intelligence intersects with the performing arts. Through workshops, collaborative projects, and guided instruction, you will build technical and creative competencies, work alongside professionals in both the arts and tech sectors, and present your work in a supportive, peer-driven setting.
11. Criminal Law Module, Law Overview – Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: $1175 CAD + $98 CAD registration fee; scholarship opportunities available | None
Dates: July 7 – July 11 | August 4 – August 8
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 12 and are seats are filled on a first-come first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-12
This program provides a structured academic introduction to legal reasoning, advocacy, and the workings of the Canadian and international legal systems. It covers key areas such as constitutional, corporate, international, and social justice law. In the Criminal Law module, you will examine the realities of legal practice by preparing for and conducting a simulated murder trial. Working alongside experienced criminal litigators, you will develop complex legal strategies, analyze evidence, prepare and question witnesses, and present arguments in a mock courtroom. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through workshops, lectures, field visits, and legal simulations, allowing you to refine skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and case analysis.
12. International Law Module, Law Overview – Youth Summer Program
Location: University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: $1175 CAD + $98 CAD registration fee; scholarship opportunities available | None
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 12 and seats are filled on a first-come first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 10-12
This modular academic program explores legal reasoning, public advocacy, and the frameworks governing Canadian and international law. The International Law module focuses on global governance and human rights, prompting questions about international accountability, state sovereignty, and the role of institutions such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. You will learn to frame complex issues using the language of international law and apply legal reasoning to global challenges. Throughout the program, there are structured opportunities to collaborate with peers and practitioners, present arguments, and receive feedback in mock legal settings, providing a realistic and practical introduction to the study and practice of law.
13. University of Toronto’s International Programs
Location: University of Toronto, New College
Cost/Stipend: International students: $6,100 CAD; Canadian students: $4,725 CAD | None
Dates: June 15 to July 5 | July 6 to July 26 | July 27 to August 16
Application Deadline: Vary by year and session
Eligibility: All high school students between the ages of 15-18
The International Programs, offered by the University of Toronto, are three-week summer programs designed to introduce high school learners to the academic rigour of university-level study through subject-specific coursework and research. They include mandatory morning and afternoon classes across disciplines such as world economics, law and ethics, applied mathematics, social psychology, and cinema studies. You will engage in seminar-style discussions, critical analysis, and structured assignments that reflect the expectations of Canadian post-secondary education. The program culminates in an independent research project and formal academic presentation, providing experience in inquiry-driven learning, argumentation, and public communication. Outside the classroom, you will be part of co-curricular evening activities and weekend excursions.
14. Ready Set Code! – Engineering Outreach
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: $200 CAD | None
Dates: Multiple dates from Jan 15 to March 22
Application Deadline: Currently closed, filled on a first-come first-served basis
Eligibility: Girls or non-binary students in grade 3-12
Ready, Set, Code is a four-week online summer program offered by the University of Toronto that introduces coding through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum designed specifically for girls and non-binary students from grades 3 to 12. Focused on developing foundational and advanced programming skills such as Python and game development, you will engage in problem-solving exercises, collaborative coding challenges, and project-based learning. The program emphasizes logical thinking, creativity in digital environments, and the application of coding to real-world scenarios. Through peer collaboration and mentorship from experienced instructors, you will build technical proficiency while gaining technical skills in a supportive, interactive setting.
15. Summer Mentorship Program – Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Location: University of Toronto
Cost/Stipend: None | $1,600 CAD
Dates: July 2 – 25
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 who self-identify as Indigenous or Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, multi-racial students with black ancestry
In this program, you will explore a range of disciplines including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, kinesiology, public health, and social work through daily lectures, labs, hands-on projects, and structured assignments. The program emphasizes experiential learning and professional development, providing direct engagement with health science faculty, current university students, and working professionals. You will be paired with a mentor in your field of interest and have opportunities to collaborate, receive feedback, and present your work. In addition to academic instruction, you will earn a Grade 12 university/college-level science credit applicable toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma and receive a $1,600 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
Image source – University of Toronto