Online international relations research programs bring the study of global politics, diplomacy, economics, and international law directly to your screen, no matter where you are in the world. These programs cover a wide range of topics, from geopolitical conflict and foreign policy analysis to human rights, climate diplomacy, and international trade. You typically engage in guided research projects, seminars, and discussions led by university professors and policy professionals, all through virtual platforms. If you’re a high school student curious about politics and diplomacy, online research programs offer a uniquely accessible entry point into a field that can otherwise feel distant or difficult to break into. Whether your interest lies in the United Nations, government service, journalism, or international business, these programs help you map out a clearer path forward.
Why should you choose a research program?
Unlike courses that cover topics broadly, a research program asks you to go narrow and deep, developing real analytical skills and producing work that reflects your own thinking. Colleges also take notice: demonstrated research experience signals intellectual maturity, initiative, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to an academic community. Most importantly, doing research now means you enter college already knowing how to ask the right questions, not just memorize the right answers. The mentors you meet through these programs can become long-term advisors, recommenders, and connectors to internships and future opportunities.
In addition, here are two more blogs of summer programs and political science programs for high school students you can look at: 12 International Relations Summer Programs and 15 Political Science Programs.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 online international relations research programs for high school students worldwide.
14 Online International Relations Research Programs for High School Students
1. Columbia University Pre-College Programs: International Relations Courses
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Typically, 20 – 25 students/class
Dates: Specific dates vary by course; courses run for 1 – 10 weeks, depending on the session.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions; priority deadlines vary by program and course length.
Eligibility: High school students
Columbia University’s pre-college program gives high school students the chance to enroll in genuine university-level courses spanning a broad range of subjects, with both online and in-person options available. For those drawn to global affairs, courses cover topics such as international politics, international development cooperation, comparative foreign policy, the core principles of American foreign policy, and modern theoretical approaches to international relations. You’ll dig into academic literature, engage in faculty-led seminars built around discussion, and analyze case studies that examine real policy decisions. Multiple analytical frameworks are woven throughout the curriculum to help you understand how states behave and how international dynamics unfold. Some courses also incorporate group projects and collaborative assignments to help you apply concepts in a more hands-on way.
2. Brown University’s Leadership Institute
Location: Online
Cost: $5,778
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 – 12, ages 14 to 18
Brown University’s Leadership Institute gathers ambitious high school students to investigate collaborative leadership models while strengthening their research, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities in the context of international relations and policy. If you’re interested in global affairs, you can select from courses such as Intercultural Communication, Global Health, and Social Movements. The program concludes with you developing an action plan directed at solving a concrete challenge in your own community, which offers you a practical, locally grounded experience that serves as a springboard for addressing larger-scale global issues.
3. Pasquines Internship
Location: OAS headquarters, Washington, DC (Remote)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Various opportunities year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Pasquines internship provides high school students with practical, hands-on experience at the intersection of policy, politics, and journalism, with a dedicated focus on U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. As a volunteer-driven nonprofit, Pasquines works to increase visibility for these frequently overlooked regions in national policy conversations. If you’re interested in international relations, the internship provides valuable exposure to the unique governance structures and political challenges facing territories that occupy a distinctive place within the U.S. system. Through reporting on significant regional topics and collaborating with peers, you’ll sharpen your research, writing, and analytical skills while examining the systemic and political forces that shape life in these communities.
4. Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program (HUIRSP)
Location: Virtual (available worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Program cost not specified in materials; financial aid information not provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; open to high school students globally
Dates: Summer Program: June 2 – 5 (tentative); Winter Intensive also offered
Application Deadline: Interest forms open
Eligibility: Current high school students and recent high school graduates; grades 9-12 equivalent; international students welcome
HUIRSP is a multi-day virtual conference designed for high school students pursuing careers in foreign policy and international affairs. You’ll engage with leading academics, policymakers, government officials, and regional experts who provide specialized knowledge on pressing foreign policy issues. The program emphasizes skill development in policy writing, cross-cultural leadership, and analytical thinking, with particular focus on how different sectors of international relations address global challenges. You’ll participate in the Policy Lab, a high-stakes simulation where you work in teams representing governments, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational foundations to develop solutions to complex global problems like climate change, public health crises, or economic development. Real events introduced during the simulation require you to reassess strategies and adapt your policy approaches dynamically. This program culminates in the presentation of your policy solutions, with top contributions potentially shared with Harvard University faculty for feedback and further development.
5. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote positions available
Cost/Stipend: None; stipend may be provided based on financial need.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring Session: February – May | Summer Session: June – August | Fall Session: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students authorized for employment in the U.S.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute’s internship is a highly selective opportunity for high school students with a strong interest in international relations and foreign policy. The program is centered on building professional competencies in research, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, while offering participants a genuine window into the world of foreign affairs. As an intern, you work directly alongside foreign policy professionals, attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, and take on responsibilities in research, event planning, or operations. There may also be opportunities to author a research paper featured on FPRI’s Intern Corner.
6. USC Center for the Political Future High School Summer Internship
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open in May
Eligibility: High school students (graduating seniors do not qualify); minimum 3.5 GPA; U.S. student or authorized work status
Through this research-focused opportunity, you’ll build political research skills by analyzing the USC Center for the Political Future’s annual Climate Forward Conference, examining conference videos, and completing assignments that explore climate policy, clean energy transitions, and environmental justice frameworks. While it doesn’t follow the traditional internship model, the experience is designed to sharpen your ability to synthesize political information, engage with complex policy debates, and communicate your analysis clearly. You’ll work independently throughout the summer on structured assignments, with support and guidance from center staff to develop your analytical writing and research capabilities. The program’s focus on the Climate Forward Conference allows for an in-depth exploration of a specific policy domain, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at how academic and policy institutions plan and execute major events.
7. Institute for Cultural Relations Policy – Virtual Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students may apply
As a virtual ICRP intern, you’ll assist with research and writing on international security, cultural diplomacy, and human rights issues. You may help prepare conference materials, contribute to background papers, or support online publication efforts. The role requires you to synthesize academic and policy sources, draft text in clear English, and respond constructively to editorial revisions. You’ll get to collaborate remotely with an international team, which builds your cross-cultural communication skills. Exposure to the think tank’s events and publications helps you see how research feeds into advocacy and public education. This setting is a good match if you want applied experience beyond a purely academic classroom
8. UChicago Summer Online: Simulating World Politics
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,980
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; online format allows flexible participation
Dates: Multiple session options throughout summer; check the course schedule for specific dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; enroll directly for available sessions
Eligibility: 9th – 11th grade students
UChicago’s online international relations courses allow you to engage with the study of global politics through various formats, from short seminars to extended research courses. In this course, you’ll explore the fundamental questions that drive global politics: war and peace, trust and betrayal, cooperation and conflict, through an immersive, simulation-based approach. Rather than passively studying international relations theory, you’ll actively experience it through live strategy games, digital role-play simulations, and real-time collaborative challenges that bring geopolitical dynamics to life.
9. Georgetown University Pre-College Online – International Relations: How the World Works
Location: Virtual (online through Cornell University)
Cost/Stipend: Enrichment course fees $1,895; College credit course fees $3,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepting
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
In this course, you explore how states, international organizations, and non‑state actors interact on the world stage. You’ll examine case studies involving conflict, cooperation, and global challenges like climate change or terrorism. Assignments ask you to research specific issues and craft short analytical essays or policy memos. Live sessions include simulations and debates that mirror diplomatic negotiations, giving you practice in public speaking and argumentation. You’ll also receive feedback from instructors on your writing and participation. While the course is short, it provides a focused introduction to college-level thinking about international relations
10. American University School of International Service – Community of Scholars (Online)
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Tuition $3,936; for other costs like room and board, please check the website
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepting
Dates: July 20 – 24 (online, asynchronous learning)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current sophomores through rising seniors
Community of Scholars introduces you to the discipline of international studies through online seminars taught by SIS faculty. You’ll examine issues such as global security, development, and environmental politics, and you’ll practice writing analytical essays. The program often includes simulations where you represent different countries or organizations in negotiations, sharpening your negotiation and teamwork skills. You’ll receive feedback on your research and writing, including guidance on how to formulate strong thesis statements and structure arguments. Some tracks offer college credit, giving you a tangible academic credential. Because the program is housed within a leading school of international service, it also exposes you to the range of subfields you might study in college
11. Institute for Global Affairs – Summer Geopolitics Academy
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 1 week in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors
This program is designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing intensive preparation for careers in global affairs through a blend of academic coursework and practical experiences. The curriculum includes rigorous courses on international issues taught by leading experts, complemented by interactive workshops, small-group mentoring, visits to global institutions such as the UN and diplomatic missions, and direct engagement with geopolitical analysts and foreign policy professionals. Working in teams, you develop policy solutions to current global challenges through activities like policy proposals, diplomatic simulations, and strategic campaigns, thereby gaining insight into how analysts approach complex international problems. The program’s support extends well beyond the summer bootcamp, sustaining connections among cohort members and providing ongoing learning resources and professional development opportunities.
12. University of London: Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N.A.
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: None
While not a traditional international relations program, the University of London’s Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World course offers a compelling learning experience for students curious about diplomacy, foreign policy, and global affairs. This self-paced online course delivers a thorough introduction to diplomacy, exploring core diplomatic principles, international negotiations, and the shifting role of diplomacy in today’s geopolitical landscape. Developed by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, the course is research-driven and draws directly from the University of London’s Global Diplomacy MA program. Through a combination of video lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises, you’ll examine both historical and contemporary diplomatic strategies while gaining perspectives from scholars and foreign policy experts.
13. TurnUp – Remote Civic and Political Engagement Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; internship hours can count towards community service or school credits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accepting
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
TurnUp’s online internship places you in teams that work on voter registration, youth organizing, and issue-based campaigns. You’ll research topics like voting laws, policy proposals, and social justice issues, summarizing findings for outreach materials. You’ll also participate in workshops and guest speaker events that explore how activism intersects with public policy and democratic institutions. The internship requires consistent communication, time management, and the ability to collaborate via digital platforms. You’ll be expected to track your contributions through logs or reflections, which can be useful for community-service credit. While the focus is domestic civic engagement, you’ll frequently connect local activism to broader questions of democracy and human rights
14. Virtual MUN Institute Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $509
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: June 15 – 19, June 29 – July 2, August 10 – 14, June 22 – 26, July 13 – 17, July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Ages 13 – 18
The Virtual MUN Institute brings Model UN education to your home through synchronous online camps combining interactive simulations, public speaking instruction, and global issue exploration. You’ll learn essential diplomatic skills, including debate techniques, resolution writing, negotiation, and how to build alliances while representing your country in UN committees. The virtual format provides flexibility to participate from anywhere while still engaging with experienced mentors from top universities and building community with peers who share your interests in international relations. Each week culminates in a two-day final simulation where you participate in realistic UN committee debates, deliver opening statements, negotiate amendments, and work to draft resolutions addressing contemporary global crises. By camp completion, you’ll have significantly improved your confidence in public speaking, deepened your understanding of international relations, and made friends with fellow future leaders interested in global affairs.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like international political economy, global governance, and intercultural relations, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – Brown University