21 Summer Internships for High School Students in Europe

If you’re looking to spend a productive summer, participating in a summer internship can help you explore a field you’re interested in and gain some real experience. 

Key Takeaways

• These 15 internships span STEM research, finance, medicine, and culinary arts across multiple European countries, from astrophysics at Haus der Astronomie in Germany to investment banking work experience at JPMorgan Chase in the UK, alongside Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs, which offer a virtual research track for students who want a fully remote option.
• Many UK-based programs, including the KPMG Discovery Program, PwC’s New World New Skills, and IntoUniversity’s Bright City Bright Future, specifically prioritize students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those who are first in their family to attend university.
• Several programs are free and also provide compensation, such as PwC’s National Living Wage and IntoUniversity’s £1,500 stipend, while others, like The Intern Group’s Dublin program and Instituto Hemingway’s Culinary Arts Internship, charge a program fee.
• Program length varies considerably, from short one-week placements like the Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy Work Experience to longer four-week research programs like Karolinska Institutet’s Summer Research School and RAYS in Sweden.
• Many programs are restricted to UK state school students or students from specific countries, such as RAYS, which is limited to Sweden and Finland, so it’s worth checking eligibility closely if you’re applying from outside the host country.

What do summer internships for high schoolers include?

Depending on the internship, you might help with research, analyze data, write code, conduct lab experiments, build engineering projects, assist business teams, or use professional software and tools. You might also get to attend workshops, receive mentoring, and work on team projects that show you how people work together to solve real problems. These opportunities can help you build new skills and explore different career paths in STEM, business, healthcare, and the arts. 

Why should you choose an internship in Europe?

Europe has many well-known universities, research institutes, global companies, and growing technology hubs, making it a great place to gain internship experience. Many internships give you access to modern labs, professional workplaces, and experienced mentors who can introduce you to their field. You’ll also work with students and professionals from different countries, learn how international teams collaborate, and get a closer look at different industries and work environments. If you’re thinking about studying or working abroad in the future, an internship in Europe is a great way to gain practical experience and explore subjects that interest you.

If you’re looking for summer programs in London, you can find them here. You can also check out summer programs for high school students in Europe here.

​If you’re based in Europe or just want to experience a new country, you’ll find plenty of internship opportunities on this list. Here are 21 summer internships for high school students in Europe.

1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that lets you choose either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!

2. Haus der Astronomie International Summer Internship Program

Haus der Astronomie’s International Summer Internship Program is a three-week opportunity for high school students in their final years to experience real astrophysics research. You’ll work on astrophysical observations and experiments with the freedom to explore your own ideas instead of following a fixed schedule. English and Python are the main working languages throughout the program. Research topics are announced a few months before the internship begins and depend on the participating scientists. Past projects have included studying exoplanets using Kepler Space Telescope data, investigating the expansion of the universe using Sloan Digital Sky Survey data, analyzing galaxies with ESO survey data, and exploring stars and stellar clusters with Gaia DR2 data.

3. Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme offers a five-day introduction to academic research and careers in higher education. You’ll learn how research is carried out, communicated, and applied in real-world settings. You’ll explore research across departments like Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Research, the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Mathematics, Materials, and the National Heart and Lung Institute. You’ll get to experience a typical work routine by commuting to campus, meeting deadlines, attending workshops, and working in research and teaching laboratories and specialist technical facilities. You’ll also attend sessions on interview skills, personal statements, university applications, career planning, and higher education pathways.

4. KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme

The KPMG Discovery Work Experience Programme is a three-day introduction to careers in finance, business, and professional services for students finishing Year 13 who are planning to start an apprenticeship. You’ll spend the program at a KPMG office, taking part in workshops, interactive sessions, and employability activities as well as learning about the firm’s work, culture, and day-to-day operations. You’ll meet apprentices, graduates, and senior leaders who will share their experiences and career insights. The program supports the Access Accountancy initiative by promoting a more inclusive accountancy profession. After completing the placement, you’ll have the opportunity to fast-track the recruitment process for one of KPMG’s apprenticeship programs.

5. Research STEM Programme by STEMpoint

Research STEM is a two-week program that provides you with research experience at a STEM organization and helps you prepare for future STEM study and careers. You’ll work with a supervisor on a research project or investigation in a STEM subject of your choice and gain face-to-face experience. Along with working on your project, you’ll attend workshops that help you build your confidence and transferable skills, receive training in important STEM topics, and participate in mental health and wellbeing sessions. You’ll also get guidance on writing research reports and mentoring from experienced professionals, which will boost your research skills and professional development.

6. Fraunhofer Internships

Fraunhofer’s internships give you 1–2 weeks of experience at a research institute, where you’ll work alongside researchers or administrative teams based on your interests. If you choose a STEM placement, you’ll get the opportunity to observe and contribute to ongoing projects in areas like engineering, IT, or applied sciences. You’ll also get to explore new topics in science and industry, experience how a research institute operates, and learn about different departments and career paths. You can apply directly to your chosen institute by submitting a short statement, CV, and transcript, which makes the application process more independent. Business and administrative internships are also available.

7. The Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme

The Francis Crick Institute Work Experience Programme allows you to explore careers in science and the teams that support research. You’ll work under staff supervision to participate in activities based on your placement. Research laboratory placements will introduce you to fields such as cell biology, genetics, immunology, and bioinformatics, while non-laboratory placements are available in public engagement, IT, reception services, and education. The program helps you experience what it’s like to work at the Crick. You can apply for multiple placements, but if you’re offered more than one, you can only attend one placement at the Crick during the same academic year.

8. IntoUniversity’s Bright City Bright Future Work Experience Programme

Big City Bright Future is a three-week work experience program that helps school leavers prepare for careers in competitive industries before university. You’ll complete a one-week bootcamp focused on presentation skills, teamwork, commercial awareness, and other workplace skills and then spend two weeks at a globally recognized company. Internship opportunities are available in areas such as asset management, law, technology, investment banking, consultancy, venture capital, and other fields with partner firms including BlackRock, Kearney, Mako, BNY Mellon, and AllianceBernstein. You’ll work on team projects, learn about day-to-day business operations, interact with senior leaders, and end the program with a group reflection on what you’ve learned and how to use the experience in the future.

9. Nuffield Research Placements

The Nuffield Research Placements program offers 1–2 weeks of research experience, during which you’ll work with scientists and industry professionals on a real STEM project. You’ll also complete independent study before and after your placement. You’ll investigate a live research question, contribute to ongoing research, and apply scientific methods. You might be placed in laboratories, research centers, museums, offices, and fieldwork settings across science, computing, mathematics, engineering, quantitative social science, technology, and interdisciplinary fields. You’ll build your practical, analytical, and subject-specific skills and gain insight into university-level research. You’ll also prepare a scientific report and poster, boost your UCAS application, become eligible for the Gold CREST Award or Big Bang Competition, and join the Nuffield Alumni Network.

10. Karolinska Institutet Summer Research School for High School Students

Karolinska Institutet’s Summer Research School introduces you to academic research and the daily work of a researcher over several weeks. You’ll begin with an introductory week, spend about five weeks working full time on an ongoing research project under a supervisor, and finish by presenting your work. Depending on your project, you’ll use laboratory techniques, collect data, and learn basic experimental methods as well as complete assignments on research design and scientific communication. You’ll also attend popular science lectures, research workshops, and social activities. The program helps you explore biomedical research. Many past participants have gone on to study medicine or biomedicine at university, with many later pursuing doctoral studies in the same field.

11. In2STEM by In2scienceUK

The In2STEM program allows you to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by gaining research experience. After an induction event, you’ll complete a placement at a nearby laboratory or workplace where you’ll work with researchers, scientists, and STEM professionals. You’ll learn how scientific investigations are carried out, observe research methods, and use professional equipment. You’ll attend online workshops on research skills, careers, public engagement competitions, and employability. You’ll also get the option to turn your placement into a CREST Award submission. The program will end with a celebration event, after which you’ll be invited to join the In2STEM Alumni Community.

12. Work Experience at the Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy

The Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy Work Experience gives you a one-week behind-the-scenes look at how the Astronomy team works and how it delivers programs for schools and the public. You’ll learn about astronomy and science communication by creating social media posts, observing onsite sessions, evaluating them, and suggesting improvements. You’ll also write a monthly night sky script for the Look Up! podcast and meet an astronomer to learn about their career and ask university or career-related questions. Most of your placement takes place at the National Maritime Museum while the Observatory is being renovated, and you’ll spend one day working from home.

13. University College London’s GOS ICH Work Experience

The GOS ICH Work Experience is a one-week program held twice a year for students who are interested in exploring biomedical and scientific research careers. You can participate in any one session. You’ll learn about research across five teaching and research departments by participating in seminars, talks, laboratory sessions, and Journal Club discussions with researchers and PhD students. You’ll explore topics such as pediatric epidemiology and genetic analysis, and learn how research improves children’s healthcare. You’ll learn to use pipettes and microscopes, and visit clinical laboratories at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The program also introduces you to developing research questions, designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. It does not include hospital ward placements.

14. PwC New World New Skills Work Experience

PwC’s New World New Skills Work Experience is a four-day program that introduces you to professional work environments and early career opportunities at PwC. You’ll spend time in a PwC office, meet employees from Associates to Partners, and learn how different business teams operate through interactive sessions. You’ll also take part in networking events and workshops that build practical employability skills for future careers. The program is designed for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and gives you a closer look at everyday life at PwC. By the end of your placement, you’ll have a better understanding of entry-level roles, Flying Start degree apprenticeships, and future career pathways at the firm.

15. JPMorgan Chase Work Experience Program

The JPMorgan Chase Work Experience Program allows students in Year 10 and 11 to explore careers in financial services and technology and build practical skills. You’ll attend a virtual workshop, spend two days at a JPMorgan Chase office where you’ll participate in interactive skill-building activities, and end the program with a final virtual workshop. You’ll learn about the firm’s work, improve your interview, CV, and networking skills, and meet teams that support clients, customers, and communities. You’ll also build research skills by evaluating business information, analyzing market news, exploring technology and data analytics, developing commercial awareness, and learning from mentors and senior leaders about research careers in finance.

16. Medical Schools Council (MSC) Summer Schools for Medicine & Dentistry

The Medical Schools Council Summer Schools for Medicine and Dentistry give you a chance to experience what studying medicine or dentistry is like before university. The program allows you to try different teaching methods and understand the transition from sixth form to university. You’ll learn about the values and responsibilities of medical and dental students, doctors, and dentists, as well as explore different career paths, including high-demand specialties and non-patient-facing healthcare roles. You’ll also receive guidance on applications, admissions tests, and interviews, take part in activities to build your confidence, meet academics and other students, and join social events that help you build connections.

17. Instituto Hemingway’s Culinary Arts Internship Program

Instituto Hemingway’s Culinary Arts Internship Program allows you to learn Spanish cuisine through cooking classes taught by experienced chefs and gain professional experience in a restaurant or hotel kitchen. You’ll prepare authentic dishes including soups, meat, vegetables, fish, rice, and desserts, and sample the meals you create. You’ll participate in an online hospitality course focused on Spain, intensive Spanish classes during half of your stay, cultural activities, and paid internships. The program also offers airport pickup and accommodation. You can choose your start date and complete the program on your own schedule. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate from Instituto Hemingway and a reference letter from your supervising chef.

18. Medical Shadowing Scholarship Program for High School Students

The Medical Shadowing Program allows senior high school students to shadow a doctor in a London clinic or hospital for 1–4 weeks over the summer. You can explore fields such as biology, health professions, nursing, life sciences, dental and orthodontics, and medicine as well as observe clinical procedures, patient care, and daily medical practice. If your placement includes Q&A sessions, research seminars, or a physician-scientist mentor, you’ll get to understand different types of medical studies, learn how clinical observations become research questions, and see how doctors collect data, secure funding, write manuscripts, and publish research. You’ll also build your teamwork, communication, and time-management skills and receive a supervisor’s letter and transcript.

19. Research Academy for Young Scientists (RAYS)

RAYS is a four-week summer research academy for second-year high school students interested in natural sciences, technology, and mathematics. You’ll learn scientific methods, complete a research project with researchers from Karolinska Institutet, the Royal Institute of Technology, or Stockholm University, and gain insight into life as a researcher. During the first week, you’ll study research methods, the history of science, LaTeX, Python, and scientific writing. You’ll work on a research project that matches your interests for the next two weeks. In the final week, you’ll write a scientific report and present your work at a seminar at the National Museum of Science and Technology. Your project might also be published as a scientific article, along with lectures, workshops, and guest sessions from academia and industry.

20. The Intern Group’s Internships in Dublin

The Intern Group’s Dublin Internship Program matches you with an internship that fits your academic background, interests, and career goals through a network of more than 3,000 host organizations. You’ll gain experience in fields such as entrepreneurship, marketing, PR, accounting, business, IT and computer science, finance, hospitality, and NGOs while working in one of Europe’s leading business and technology hubs. The program provides career development training, workshops, interview preparation, professional learning materials, community events, a dedicated advisor, 24/7 in-country support, and alumni coaching. You’ll also earn a certificate, build practical workplace skills, and have time to explore Dublin’s culture, history, and food.

21. Imperial College London’s Year 11 Online STEM Challenge

Imperial College London’s Year 11 Online STEM Challenge is a four-day hybrid program where you’ll work in teams to solve a real-world STEM problem. You’ll spend the first three days online and attend the final day at the South Kensington campus to present your solution to a panel of judges. You’ll get to meet researchers, industry professionals, student ambassadors, and a mentor who will support your team. You’ll learn basic research skills by defining research questions, combining ideas from different STEM fields, and exploring how researchers solve real-world problems. You’ll also get to experience university life, refine your presentation, defend your ideas, and compete for a team prize.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of summer internships are available to high school students in Europe?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including research-focused placements like Haus der Astronomie’s astrophysics internship and Karolinska Institutet’s Summer Research School, finance and business work experience programs like KPMG’s Discovery Programme and PwC’s New World New Skills, and specialized options like Instituto Hemingway’s Culinary Arts Internship and the Medical Shadowing Scholarship Program. Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a different kind of option, letting you conduct independent, mentored research remotely across a wide range of subjects rather than joining a fixed in-person placement.

Do you need to be a UK or EU resident to apply?

It depends on the program. Several, including KPMG’s Discovery Programme, PwC’s New World New Skills, and the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme, are restricted to UK state school students. Others, like Haus der Astronomie’s internship, Fraunhofer’s internships, and RAYS, are open to international students or restricted to specific countries like Sweden and Finland, so it’s worth checking each program’s exact eligibility before applying.

Are there free options available?

Yes, many programs on this list don’t charge a fee. Haus der Astronomie’s internship, Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme, the Francis Crick Institute’s Work Experience Programme, Nuffield Research Placements, and Karolinska Institutet’s Summer Research School are all free to participate in, and several also cover travel or meal expenses.

Which programs are specifically designed for students from underrepresented or lower socioeconomic backgrounds?

Several UK-based programs specifically prioritize these students. KPMG’s Discovery Programme, PwC’s New World New Skills, and IntoUniversity’s Bright City Bright Future all require applicants to qualify for free school meals, come from a lower socioeconomic background, or be first in their family to attend university. The Medical Schools Council Summer Schools also specifically target students from underrepresented backgrounds with limited access to medical school outreach.

Which programs offer paid opportunities or stipends?

PwC’s program pays the National Living Wage, KPMG’s Discovery Programme pays a living wage equivalent, and IntoUniversity’s Bright City Bright Future offers a £1,500 stipend. The Medical Shadowing Scholarship Program provides £5,000, and Instituto Hemingway’s Culinary Arts Internship pays €200 per month alongside its program fee.

Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a structured European internship?

Yes. If you want a mentored research experience without needing to travel to a specific European institution, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, entirely online. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. Haus der Astronomie’s internship closes March 15, followed by Karolinska Institutet’s Summer Research School (March 5) and the Medical Shadowing Scholarship Program (March 15). RAYS runs a window from February 1 to March 31, while Research STEM by STEMpoint closes April 20. Several UK work experience programs, including PwC’s and JPMorgan’s, close in June, and a few, like Fraunhofer’s internships and The Intern Group’s Dublin program, use rolling admissions instead of a fixed deadline.

Image source: Imperial College London