If you’re a high schooler based in Ontario, summer can be more than just a break from school. Across the province, multiple universities offer summer programs that give high school students the chance to explore academic interests more deeply. These programs cover a wide range of subjects — from science and engineering to the arts, law, business, and international issues. Many university summer programs for high school students in Ontario include hands-on activities, group work, case studies, or lectures led by university faculty and professionals in the field.
Some take place on campus, offering access to labs, studios, and other university facilities. Others are provided virtually, making them more flexible and accessible. Either way, most university summer programs for high school students in Ontario offer a chance to connect with peers who share your interests and to experience what learning at a university level can feel like.
Below is a curated list of 15 university summer programs for high school students in Ontario.
15 University Summer Programs for High School Students in Ontario
1. Quantum School for Young Students
Location: Virtual and in person at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: June 8
Program Dates: August 11 – 15; Optional in-person lab day: August 18
Eligibility: Canadian high school students with a strong mathematical background; Only students from within the Waterloo Region can participate in the in-person lab day
The Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) is a summer program hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo. It is intended for high school students who have an interest in exploring quantum science in an academic environment. Each year, up to 200 students are selected to participate in the online QSYS program (only around 25 students will be invited to participate in the in-person lab day). During the program, you’ll engage with topics like superposition, entanglement, and other fundamental principles through lectures led by researchers in the field. Group discussions and problem-solving sessions are included to support your understanding of the material. The program also covers practical examples of how quantum technologies are being applied in areas like computing, imaging, and cryptography.
2. University of Toronto Blueprint
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus, Ontario, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: November 13 – March 28
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Black Canadian students in grades 10 and 11
During the Blueprint program, you will spend four weeks learning about the various areas within engineering through courses like Engineering and Human Health and Mechatronics and Automation. You’ll also get to participate in hands-on lab sessions. The program is offered at no cost to participants and includes year-round support through additional events and academic resources after the summer term ends. You’ll work with student mentors from the university and participate in group activities and workshops.
3. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program: Law Track
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost: CA$98 registration fee; Summer module fee: $1,175; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 12 and closes when modules are full; Apply as early as possible!
Program Dates: Depends on the module; Various sessions and modules from July to August.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The Youth Summer Program (YSP) in Law at the University of Toronto offers high school students an opportunity to learn about legal studies in an academic setting. Held at the university’s downtown campus, the program is divided into one-week modules that cover core areas of law. As a participant, you’ll attend lectures led by faculty members from the law school and take part in workshops on subjects such as legal reasoning, advocacy, and courtroom procedures. The program also includes practical activities — like simulations and group discussions — that help illustrate how legal principles are applied in different contexts.
4. University of Toronto’s Youth Summer Program: Medicine Track
Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus
Cost: CA$1,668 module fee + CA$98 registration fee; Scholarships available
Program Dates: Various modules; July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Opens on February 12 and closes when full
Eligibility: Students in Grades 10-12; Grade 9 students can apply for the Microbiology module
The Med Youth Summer Program (Med YSP) at the University of Toronto is designed for high school students interested in science and medicine. It offers four one-week modules, each focused on a different area of the medical sciences. Each module combines lectures, labs, and discussions to introduce key concepts and provide insight into university-level study in medical science. Modules include Human Physiology, which covers systems like the heart and lungs; Pharmacology & Toxicology, which explores how drugs interact with the body; Molecular Biology and Genetics, which is focused on techniques such as gene editing; and Microbiology, which includes lab work with microbes.
5. Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto : Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: University of Toronto’s St. George campus
Cost/Stipend: No cost; CA$1,600 stipend provided upon program completion
Application Deadline: October 1 – March 21
Program Dates: July 2 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-11 living in Ontario; 16+ by June 30; More details here
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) is a four-week opportunity for students who identify as Indigenous or Black. Hosted by the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the program introduces you to various areas in health and community care through labs, lectures, and practical activities. You’ll learn about fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and social work. As part of the program, you’re paired with a mentor who is currently studying in a related area. You’ll also meet professionals working across the healthcare system. The program includes academic support, the chance to earn a high school credit, and a $1,600 honorarium.
6. Daniels Design Discovery Program
Location: 1 Spadina Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost: CA$1,550 + HST (per course); Limited financial aid available
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis; Closes a week before the course starts
Program Dates:
- Course 1: June 30 – July 11 (session 1); July 28 – August 8 (session 2)
- Course 2: July 14 – 25 (session 1); August 11 – 22 (session 2)
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-18) interested in architecture; Open to English-speaking international students
The Daniels Design Discovery Program at the University of Toronto consists of courses that introduce key concepts such as spatial thinking, design methods, and visual communication. Through two courses, the program introduces you to spatial thinking and architectural representation. You’ll explore the built environment, learn to communicate design ideas clearly, and develop practical skills through hands-on activities led by experienced instructors. During the program, you’ll work in the design studios at the Daniels Faculty, located at 1 Spadina Crescent, and receive instruction from faculty and staff with experience in the field. The courses involve hands-on projects and encourage reflection on how design shapes the built environment.
7. UC Performing Arts & AI Program at the University of Toronto
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost: $6,500
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 are eligible
The University College Performing Arts Summer Program in Toronto is a three-week course for high school students interested in either Acting or Digital Media & Sound Design. The program includes a mix of classes, labs, and workshops that focus on building practical skills in these areas. One part of the program involves working on projects at the University of Toronto’s BMO Lab, where you’ll explore the role of AI in the performing arts. These projects are collaborative and research-based, involving participants from various countries. The program offers an introduction to both the creative and technical sides of performance and media production.
8. Youreka Canada
Location: In-person at one of multiple regional branches throughout Canada, including Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: January 7
Program Dates: 10 weeks from late January to April; Their regional and national symposiums are held from April to May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Youreka Canada offers a 10-week summer program for high school students interested in gaining experience with research. During the program, you’ll take part in a citizen science project, working under the guidance of an undergraduate mentor. The program emphasizes skills such as data analysis, research writing, and presenting results. You’ll design and carry out your own project with support from mentors affiliated with various Canadian universities, including the University of Toronto in Ontario. At the end of the program, you’ll have the chance to present your work at both regional and national symposiums alongside other students.
9. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: None
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; Must have a solid academic record in math and sciences; Legally authorized to work in Canada
The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program is a full-time, in-person opportunity for students interested in science, medicine, and medical technology. Run by the Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Laboratory, the program involves contributing to research related to the development of focused ultrasound devices. As a participant, you’ll assist with ongoing projects and gain experience in areas such as physics, biology, and engineering. The program provides a structured setting where you can apply scientific knowledge and build research skills. Admission is competitive and based on academic performance and demonstrated interest in science.
10. WILDE School Blue Mountains: Leader in Training (LIT) Program
Location: WILDE School, Blue Mountains, Ontario, CA
Cost: $175/week for year 1 (Save 25% for a 4-week commitment and 50% for an 8-week commitment); Year 2 of the program is free!
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until spots are filled
Program Dates: Summer program; Minimum 2 weeks
Eligibility: 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 opportunity for high school students interested in leadership development through outdoor education. The program includes preparatory instruction followed by a volunteer placement at a summer camp. You’ll support camp staff in running group activities, maintaining safety in outdoor settings, and assisting with daily operations. Training covers skills such as canoeing, water safety, wilderness navigation, and group facilitation. Participants also earn volunteer hours that count toward high school graduation requirements.
11. The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)
Location: University of Toronto, St George Campus, CA
Cost: CA$725/week (Domestic); CA$1,100/week (International) ; Application fee of CA$50 – CA$60; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Round 1: February 25 – March 23; Round 2: March 24 – April 13
Program Dates: Various sessions from July 7 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; Should have finished at least 1 year in high school; Should have completed grade 9 maths and science courses to participate in the Grade 9/10 program; Should have completed grade 11 maths and science courses to participate in the Grade 11/12 program
The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) at the University of Toronto is a summer program for high school students who have a strong background in science and mathematics. It offers advanced courses in subjects such as engineering, science, technology, and business, with content similar to what is covered in first-year university programs. You’ll take part in lectures and hands-on sessions that focus on critical thinking, technical skills, and collaborative work. Courses are led by instructors with academic or research experience, including PhD candidates, alumni, and upper-year undergraduates.
12. University of Guelph: Lang High School Leadership Academy
Location: Virtual (across Canada); Business Pentathlon held at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, CA
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Coordinated through participating schools
Program Dates: Workshops are available throughout the school year via high schools; Business Pentathlon is a one-day event in spring
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 across Canada; No prior business experience required
The Lang High School Leadership Academy is a virtual program for high school students with an interest in business and its role in addressing social and environmental challenges. The program includes online workshops and modules on topics such as sustainability, ethics, and digital commerce. Working in teams and guided by students from Lang Commerce, you’ll take on case-based activities such as Building a Greener Future, Ethics in Action, and Mastering the Digital Marketplace. As part of the program, your team will produce and submit a video for the Business Case Challenge. Selected teams will be invited to the Lang Business Pentathlon, an in-person event focused on team-based problem-solving and strategic thinking.
13. STEM Fellowship
Location: Multiple universities, including the University of Toronto, Ontario, CA; See here
Cost: Varies, based on program
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Program Dates: Varies, based on program
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11
The Research Exploration Opportunity (REO) is a program that gives high school students a chance to gain exposure to academic research at universities across Canada. As a participant, you’ll observe and learn about research through a range of activities, including lab tours, introductory experiments, and demonstrations using specialized equipment. You may also have the opportunity to sit in on lab meetings, attend faculty-led seminars, and observe ongoing research projects. The program is designed to introduce you to the research environment and provide a clearer understanding of how scientific work is conducted in university settings.
14. Pharmacy Camp at the University of Toronto
Location: University of Toronto, Ontario, CA
Cost: CA$799 per week; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: May 2
Program Dates: July 7 – 11; July 14 – 18; July 21 – 25; July 28 – 31
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Pharmacy Summer Camp at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is designed for high school students interested in learning about pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. The camp introduces core concepts related to drug development and the responsibilities of pharmacists in different healthcare settings. Each week, you will learn about a particular area within the field, with sessions covering subjects such as human physiology, pharmacology, and professional communication. Activities include both instructional and hands-on components. The camp also highlights a range of pharmacy-related careers, including roles in clinical practice, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
15. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry: Discovery Healthcare Camp
Location: Multiple locations; Check details here
Cost: CA$325.99 (plus tax)
Application Deadline: Registration starts on March 1
Program Dates: Week 1: July 7 – July 11; Week 2: July 14 – July 18
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 who are residing in Ontario
Organized by medical students from Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, the Discovery Healthcare camp offers a mix of hands-on activities and learning sessions. You’ll practice clinical skills such as suturing, casting, and basic wound care. The program also includes visits to healthcare settings, discussions with professionals from various fields, and opportunities to work through diagnostic scenarios. In addition to clinical exposure, you’ll explore how social and environmental factors influence health and access to care. Each camp reflects the healthcare system of the region where it’s held, giving you insight into the specific needs and resources of that local community.
Bonus Programs:
16. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Full financial aid is available
Application Deadlines: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in a year
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students (GPA >3.67/4.0); Most accepted students are 10th or 11th graders; Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites; Details are here
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students interested in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, and other related fields. You can choose to focus on either qualitative or quantitative research, depending on your academic interests. After selecting a subject area, you’ll be paired with a mentor — typically a professor or Ph.D. researcher — who will support you through each stage of the research process. During the program, you’ll work toward completing a 20-page research paper based on your chosen topic. Horizon also provides detailed written feedback and, upon completion, a letter of recommendation that may be useful for future academic applications.
17. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; A basic understanding of Python or completion of AI Scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Created by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI introduces key concepts in AI and computer science, such as neural networks, natural language processing, image recognition, sentiment analysis, and programming with Python. The AI Scholars program runs over 10 weeks and focuses on collaborative learning. You’ll work in a small group to complete a project that puts the course material into practice. For students with prior experience, the AI Fellowship offers a more advanced track, during which you’ll work individually with a mentor to design and carry out your own machine learning project.
Image source – University of Toronto