University-led physics programs can be a great way for high school students to explore STEM topics in a hands-on setting. You’ll experience college-style academics, sit in on lectures led by professors, and work on projects with other students. Some programs even offer college credit. If you’re interested in astrophysics, engineering physics, quantum mechanics, or computational modeling, these programs give you space to explore topics you usually do not get to learn in school. You will understand basic lab techniques, learn real research methods, and practice the kind of problem-solving physicists use in their work.
Why should you choose a university-led program?
Participating in university-led programs provides access to faculty, grad students, campus labs, and research-grade equipment, which will help you learn what studying physics in college actually feels like. These programs also give you a competitive edge, help you prepare for the pace of higher education, and support you as you think about your future academic and career plans. These programs will help you explore your interests, develop your skills, and decide whether physics or a related field, such as engineering or data science, is something you want to pursue.
Here are 15 university-led physics programs for high school students worth checking out. If you also want to look into physics pre-college programs for high school students, you can check here.
15 University-led Physics Programs for High School Students
1. UPenn Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050 (program fees and housing) + $100 non-refundable application fee; Philadelphia public or charter high school students may qualify for a Penn Summer Scholarship, which covers the full cost of the program
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 1; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 with at least a 3.5 GPA can apply; having some background in physics is helpful, but it isn’t required
The University of Pennsylvania’s Experimental Physics Research Academy introduces students to current physics concepts, specifically electromagnetism, mechanics, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics. Through lectures, hands-on work, projects, and conversations with instructors, you’ll begin to understand how things work and why. Since it is a residential program, you’ll live on the UPenn campus and have access to its facilities. The curriculum starts with kinematics, then moves through nuclear physics, electricity, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. You’ll also spend time on ethical issues in research, experimental design, the philosophy of science, and different academic paths in physics. Each week, Penn faculty members give research talks about their specialties and current work, followed by open sessions where you can interact with them. You can find more information about the curriculum and alumni experiences here.
2. Harvard University’s Pre-College Summer School Program for High School Students — The Physics of Light
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee
Cohort Size: Average class size of 15 students
Dates: June 21 – July 2 | July 5 – 17 | July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: January 7 (early deadline) | February 11 (regular deadline) | April 1 (late deadline)
Eligibility: High school students who will graduate from high school and enter college in 2027 or 2028, and who will be at least 16 years old by June 20 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31
Harvard’s Pre-College Program is a two-week summer opportunity that gives high school students a clear view of college life. During your session, you’ll stay on the Harvard campus and take a non-credit college-level course alongside other students in the program. Each session offers close to 30 course options, and every week includes dozens of co-curricular activities you can join. If you’re interested in physics, the Physics of Light course is a strong option. You’ll learn important concepts about light as an electromagnetic wave, then move on to different topics in optics. You’ll also learn about metrology tools that use light and explore optical effects that influence the world around us. The course connects these concepts to current research and uses inquiry-based activities, interactive demos, and active problem solving.
3. Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer — Astronomy and Astrophysics
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $12,764 per session + $80 application fee + course-specific fees
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 17 | July 21 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 2 (early deadline) | March 2 (general deadline)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th-grade students, including current seniors, who are 15 or older
Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer Pre-College Program allows students to choose from more than 70 college-level courses in fields like physics, business, engineering, philosophy, psychology, data science, neuroscience, creative writing, and others. You can join college prep sessions, faculty talks, wellness activities, and community programs. If you’re interested in physics, the Astronomy and Astrophysics course covers the development of the universe, starting with early astronomy and moving into cosmology, extrasolar planetary systems, and black holes. You’ll learn about Newton’s laws, orbital dynamics, Kepler’s laws, universal gravitation, and space travel. You’ll also study the nature of light and matter, along with nuclear physics, so that you can study the sun, the solar system, the formation of chemical elements, distant galaxies, and the expansion of the universe.
4. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: Online and in person at Yale’s Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, New Haven, CT
Cost: $8,000 tuition; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: June 22 – July 3 (Online) | July 5 – August 2 (Residential)
Application Deadline: December 31 – March 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors aged 15.5 years or older by July 5
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics is a six-week program for students interested in math, science, and astrophysics. It begins with a two-week online self-study phase that will introduce you to observational astronomy and Python. This will also prepare you for the four-week residential session. During the residential portion, you’ll take classes at the planetarium, work in the observatory’s computer lab, and use telescopes on site and remotely to collect data for your research. Coursework covers observational astronomy, spectroscopy, telescope optics, stellar astrophysics, photometry, CCD imaging, and stellar evolution. You’ll finish by presenting your research in a scientific paper at the YSPA mini-conference. The program also includes guest lectures from Yale scientists, lab tours, a campus tour focused on science and engineering, and a college essay workshop. You can check out past participant experiences here.
5. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 11 at the time of application can apply; preference is given to rising seniors and students from under-resourced backgrounds
SPINWIP is a three-week program for high school students interested in physics and coding. You’ll learn about quantum physics, light, optics, lasers, quantum computing, and cosmology, including black holes, dark matter, and exoplanets. You’ll receive worksheets and homework after each lecture to help you understand the material. You’ll work in small groups guided by Stanford undergrads, learn from Stanford professors and researchers, and take part in workshops on college planning and career options. You’ll also learn Python and use tools like NumPy, Boolean logic, and Matplotlib to complete physics projects. The program will help you build coding skills and apply them to physics concepts and research methods. Hosted by the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology and Stanford Physics Department, it will also introduce you to different career paths in physics and astronomy. You can review the full syllabus here.
6. Texas Tech Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free, with a $25 application fee | Students earn a $750 stipend after completing their research project report
Cohort Size: 12 students
Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, graduating this year or next, and at least 17 years old when the program starts
Texas Tech’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week research experience where you’ll complete hands-on research projects, work one-on-one with a faculty mentor, and join weekly discussions, seminars, field trips, and social events. You’ll get to dive into a subject and see what college-level research is like. Research areas include Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Cancer Biology, Computer Science, History, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on Cancer Bioimaging. Past physics projects have covered topics such as using pulsars in globular clusters as local gravitational wave detectors, identifying pulsators and binaries in the ZTF hot subdwarf population, and studying the structural basis of the catalytic activity of Dnase1 family endonucleases. You can check out more past research projects here.
7. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes — Frontiers in Physics
Location: Virtual (synchronous lectures)
Cost: $3,200 + up to $100 for course materials like textbooks or readers; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: The average class size is 16 students per class
Dates: June 15 – 26 | July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11 can apply; you can check individual course pages for their specific grade-level requirements
Stanford University’s Pre-College Summer Institutes offer a two-week online program in which students can choose from 75 non-credit courses across areas such as physics, computer science, social justice, medicine, engineering, chemistry, and math. You can take only one course each summer. Every course includes two hours of live instruction each day, along with assignments, seminars, workshops, and other activities. When you finish, you’ll receive a written evaluation and a certificate. If you’re interested in physics, the Frontiers in Physics course focuses on three major advances in the field: particle physics, quantum mechanics, and Einstein’s special and general relativity. You’ll study topics like mass energy equivalence, time dilation, and well-known relativity paradoxes. You’ll also solve Schrödinger’s equation to understand tunneling, study important quantum experiments, and learn about the Bohr-Einstein debates. Assignments include an experiment on the wave nature of light, a scientific article on relativity, and a general-audience article on a modern physics topic.
8. Northeastern University’s Exploring Modern Physics Program
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: $7,095; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 15 (priority deadline) | February 27 (regular deadline) | March 15 (late deadline)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are at least 17 years old can apply; students should understand basic physics concepts and basic trigonometry, though calculus is not required
Northeastern University’s Exploring Modern Physics Program introduces students to modern physics topics that usually go beyond AP Physics, including cosmic rays. You will study topics like particle physics, special relativity, radioactivity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology. You’ll also learn about real-world applications like nuclear energy and climate modeling. You’ll engage in lectures, guest talks, and hands-on lab work. Working in the lab, you’ll observe cosmic rays using a cloud chamber and measure their properties with an electronic muon counter. To participate in the program, you must understand basic physics concepts such as conservation of momentum, linear momentum, and conservation of energy in collisions. The program will help you discuss your interests in language that aligns well with competitive college applications.
9. Summer@Brown Pre-College Program — May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $3,096–$10,858; some courses may have extra fees; scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: Courses run between June 15 and July 25 and last 1–3 weeks on campus or 5 weeks in a hybrid format
Application Deadline: January 14 – May 8
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9–12 who are 14–18 by June 14 can apply; you can check individual course pages for any specific prerequisites
Brown University’s Pre-College Programs allow students to experience college-level learning through about 230 non-credit courses across many subjects. Classes are taught by experienced instructors. You’ll spend around three hours of class a day, five days a week, plus a couple of hours of homework or group work. You can also participate in workshops, events, and other activities. If you’re interested in physics, the May The Force Be With You: Physics for the Ages course is a good option. In this course, you’ll develop a clear foundation in Newtonian physics and the behavior of forces. You’ll begin with basic no-force models to learn about equilibrium, then move on to constant force to understand kinematic equations, free fall, and projectile motion. From there, you’ll study linear restoring forces to explore how pendulums, springs, and molecular vibrations work. You’ll also learn why these models matter and look briefly at the history of physics from Aristotle to Newton.
10. University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program — Physics of Stars: An Introduction
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $9,300 (Residential) | $6,100 (Commuter) + $50 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Around 25 students per class
Dates: June 13 – July 3 | July 5 – 24
Application Deadline: February 11 (priority deadline) | March 12 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors aged 14 or older
The University of Chicago’s Pre-College Summer Immersion Program gives high school students the chance to spend three weeks taking an undergraduate-level course. Each course is graded and earns 100 units of credit, the same as a full quarter class at UChicago. You’ll study a subject of interest and work with researchers, faculty, and other professionals through workshops, research projects, and hands-on activities. If you’re interested in physics, the Physics of Stars: An Introduction course covers the theory of stellar structure and explains how we study the interiors of stars even though we only observe radiation from their outer layers. You’ll review important principles like gravity, radiation, pressure, and how radiation interacts with matter, then apply them to study how stars work. You’ll also gather your own measurements of stellar temperatures and luminosities using robotic telescopes online. Throughout the course, you’ll analyze images and other astronomical data sets with Python through guided coding assignments. The class also includes a field trip to the Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin.
11. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free, but on-campus housing and meals cost $2,450 | Stipend is provided (amount is unspecified)
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors aged 16 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program gives high school students the chance to take part in STEM research. You can list up to three research areas or mentors you’re interested in, with options across civil engineering, physics, astronomy, biomedical informatics, computer science, neurobiology, biochemistry, math, and more. Once placed, you’ll work with a faculty mentor, join a research group, and learn experimental design, lab techniques, and research methods. You’ll get to write a research abstract and present a poster at the final symposium. You can also join lab tours, workshops, faculty talks, and other events. If you are interested in physics, the Physics and Astronomy department offers projects in areas like quantum materials, where you’ll use advanced optical nanoscopy techniques such as near-field IR and THz spectroscopy. You can also work in the Laser Teaching Center on projects involving geometric optics systems, optical tweezers, or optical interference used in holography.
12. Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers University
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Cohort Size: 25–30 students
Dates: July 12 – 18 (Introduction) | July 19 – 25 (Advanced Topics)
Application Deadline: May 24 (Domestic students) | April 14 (International students)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors aged 16–18 with a minimum 3.0 GPA and English proficiency
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Science Summer Academy at Rutgers allows students to explore space science. You’ll dive into astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology through lectures, activities, and field trips. You can join for one or two weeks, and each week covers different topics. Week I focuses on meeting researchers, hearing about their work, touring the observatory, and learning how telescopes help us study the universe. Week II will help you learn how scientists turn raw observations into discoveries. You’ll use tools like Python, SDSS, SQL, and Gaia to work with real data and apply it to stellar and galactic astronomy. You’ll learn about current research and how the publication process works, and you may take part in an observing session if weather conditions allow. The second week is a good fit for students who completed Week I or already have a strong interest in physics, astronomy, or data science.
13. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University
Location: Virtual or in person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 10%
Dates: Summer session: June 23 – August 21| Academic-year session: September 15 – May
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15; you can continue during the school year with mentor approval. It doesn’t require a separate application
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who will be 15 or older by June 1, live in designated Maryland counties, and have at least a 2.8 GPA
Johns Hopkins University’s ASPIRE program gives local students a chance to explore STEM careers through hands-on projects led by mentors from the Applied Physics Laboratory. You’ll work on real research while developing your technical and communication skills. At the time of applying, you’ll list two areas of interest, though the program assigns mentors and projects. Options include physical science, engineering, math, environmental science, programming, AI, machine learning, data analysis, and more. You can also choose up to three preferred project types, such as research and development, lab work, social impact, or public relations. If you’re interested in physics, projects may include exploring ways to improve quantum algorithms using methods from nuclear magnetic resonance, creating a tool to measure electromagnetic wavelengths with an Arduino Uno, or designing an electric-field sensor with web-based mapping software to measure low-frequency signals and noise sources.
14. Cornell SCE Fall & Spring Study — Introduction to Experimental Physics
Location: Virtual or in person at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: Tuition is $1,940 per credit hour + non-refundable fees for supplies or course materials
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: August 25 – December 20 (Fall Session) | January 20 – May 16 (Spring Session)
Application Deadline: August 20 (Fall session) | January 20 (Spring Session)
Eligibility: High school students aged 18 or older can apply; you can check the additional prerequisites here
Cornell’s School of Continuing Education lets high school students take commuter or online coursesfor college credit alongside college students. You’ll have access to campus libraries and resources and can choose from more than 100 courses in physics, engineering, data science, business, psychology, computer science, and more. When you finish a course, you’ll get an official Cornell transcript. If you’re interested in physics, the Introduction to Experimental Physics course will allow you to learn how physicists design and run experiments. You’ll take on multi-week investigations, design your own projects, and think about how models are built through experiments. You’ll learn to analyze data, design experiments, come up with strong research questions, and think about ethical issues in physics experiments. You will also develop your communication and collaboration skills. This course will help you understand measurement, experimentation, and how theories connect to real data.
15. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Remote, hybrid, or in-person at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $1,299 for 3 college course credits + $25 application fee (both waivable based on financial need) | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: December 8 – February 15
Eligibility: For computer lab internships, whether remote, in person, or hybrid, students need to be at least 15 years old by the start date. For in-person or hybrid wet-lab internships, students must be at least 16 years old
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program is an eight-week STEM research experience for high school students. You’ll work with George Mason University faculty, develop skills in using research tools, scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving, and explore different STEM fields. Research options include electrical and computer engineering, physics, astronomy, data science, computer science, math, cybersecurity, and more. Depending on your mentor and project, the internship may be remote, in person, or hybrid. Some projects may lead to publications or conference presentations. Past project examples from various departments are available here. If you are interested in physics, you can work in the Physics and Astronomy department on topics such as atmospheric, space, and planetary science, the NASA Landolt mission, exoplanet astronomy, or spectroscopy of solar magnetic loops using satellite data.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking to be mentored by professors from top universities in subjects like physics, 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 – Cornell University