We know from experience that summer research programs are one of the best ways for high school students to boost their university applications: they can take an application from run-of-the-mill to a professional stand out. But where are you supposed to find the best high school research program for you? Where do you get started?

‍Let’s take a look:

Getting started: what is a research program?

A summer research program can range from working with Ph.D. scholars on new innovative science projects in a lab to studying the marine world on the high open seas. Summer research programs have been developed for all interest areas and can range from days to weeks or even the entire summer. A summer program can be full cultural immersion, improving the English language and learning about the history of a country, or a technical, lab-intensive experience. The options are endless.

To get a full list of prestigious research programs, check out the world's largest database of summer opportunities for free.

Free Summer Programs

All programs in this section are fully funded. Most are highly selective and cover housing, meals, and materials. Many require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency — check individual eligibility requirements carefully.

1. Research Science Institute (RSI) — MIT, Cambridge, MA  [STEM] [Research] [US only]

Format: In-person residential, 6 weeks

Widely considered the most prestigious free STEM research program for high schoolers in the US. Run by the Center for Excellence in Education at MIT, RSI accepts approximately 100 students globally each year (acceptance rate under 5%). The first week covers intensive STEM coursework with professors; the remaining five weeks are a supervised research internship. Students present findings at a symposium and many go on to publish their work. Open to high school juniors only. A $75 non-refundable application fee applies; all other costs are covered. The 2026 program ran June 28 – August 8, 2026; the 2027 deadline typically falls in early December.

2. MITES Summer (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) — MIT, Cambridge, MA  [STEM] [Research] [Underrepresented] [US only]

Format: In-person residential, 6 weeks

A highly selective six-week program at MIT for rising high school seniors from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds. Students take college-level coursework in subjects such as robotics, genomics, calculus, and biology, alongside hands-on lab projects and college-readiness workshops. Acceptance rates are reported as low as 1.5–4%. All costs including housing and meals are covered. Open to US citizens and permanent residents in 11th grade only. The 2026 deadline was February 1, 2026.

3. Simons Summer Research Program — Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY  [STEM] [Research] [US only]

Format: In-person (commuter), 6 weeks

Established in 1984, this program matches high school students with Stony Brook faculty mentors for six weeks of original research in science, math, or engineering. Students attend weekly faculty talks, workshops, and tours, and present a research poster and abstract at a closing symposium. A stipend is awarded at the end. Approximately 40 students are selected nationally; the program is not residential. Open to US juniors (11th grade), US citizens or permanent residents, aged 16 or older. The 2026 dates were June 29 – August 7, 2026; the 2026 deadline was February 5, 2026.

4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) — Stanford University, Stanford, CA  [STEM] [Research] [Bay Area only] [US only]

Format: In-person (non-residential), 8 weeks

An eight-week program placing high school students in Stanford biomedical research labs alongside faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Students investigate an original medically-oriented project and attend academic seminars. The program is free; a small number of need-based stipends are available. Note: selection strongly favors Bay Area students — those outside the San Francisco Bay Area are rarely admitted. Open to US juniors and seniors, aged 16+, US citizens or permanent residents. The 2026 program ran June 8 – July 30, 2026; the deadline was February 21, 2026.

5. Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) — Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA  [STEM] [Research] [Underrepresented] [US only]

Format: In-person residential, 6 weeks

A fully funded six-week program for high school juniors from underrepresented communities, including first-generation college students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants take computational and quantitative seminars, work on STEM projects with CMU faculty, and attend college readiness workshops. All costs are covered. Open to US citizens and permanent residents in 11th grade. The 2026 program ran June 20 – August 1, 2026; the deadline was February 1, 2026. Decisions were released April 15, 2026.

6. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program — Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX  [STEM] [Humanities] [Research] [US only]

Format: In-person residential, 7 weeks

One of the most selective free research programs in the US, accepting only 12 students per year. Scholars work directly with TTU faculty in a research area of their choosing — options span biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, physics, and engineering. All costs are covered; a $750 stipend is awarded on completion. A $25 application fee applies. Open to rising seniors, US citizens or permanent residents, aged 17+. Applications typically close mid-February.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/clarkscholars/

7. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Intern Program — NASA / UT Austin, Texas  [STEM] [Research] [US only]

Format: Hybrid: online modules (May–July) + 2-week in-person at UT Austin

A free NASA-funded program pairing high school students with Earth and space science researchers at UT Austin's Center for Space Research. Students analyze satellite data, attend academic sessions, and participate in field investigations. The program culminates in a virtual symposium where teams present their findings. Open to current sophomores and juniors (rising juniors and seniors), US citizens only, aged 16+ by July 5 of the program year. Over 1,000 annual applicants for approximately 60 on-site spots. The 2026 application deadline was February 22, 2026.

8. TechGirls — US-based (Virginia Tech + city rotations)  [STEM] [International] [Cultural] [Underrepresented]

Format: In-person, 23 days in the US + 7-month mentoring program

A US State Department exchange program for young women aged 15–17 from the United States and 37 eligible countries across six world regions. Participants attend a technology camp at Virginia Tech, then travel to a US city for community immersion and STEM career exploration, followed by a seven-month home community project with mentorship. All costs are covered for international participants. The 2026 program ran July 11 – August 2, 2026; the application deadline was January 20, 2026.

9. The Brilliant Club Scholars Programme — UK (multiple universities)  [Humanities] [STEM] [Research] [Underrepresented] [International]

Format: In-person (school-based tutorials + university visit), one term

A UK-based programme in which PhD researchers deliver seven university-style tutorials at secondary schools, working with small groups of students from non-selective state schools. Students complete a challenging final assignment graded at university level and attend a full-day graduation event at a partner university. Covers STEM, arts, and humanities. Students are selected by their schools in partnership with The Brilliant Club. Free to students. Available to students aged 8–18 across the UK. Active for 2025–26.

Paid Programs

Programs in this section charge tuition or fees. Financial aid and scholarships are available at some — check individual sites. Costs listed are approximate and subject to change.

10. USC Viterbi SHINE — University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA  [STEM] [Research]

Format: In-person, 7 weeks

A competitive-admissions engineering research program at USC Viterbi for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Students join a professor's research team for seven weeks, working on projects in fields including aerospace, biomedicine, and robotics. College prep workshops and communication skills training are included. Recommended GPA 3.4+; minimum 20 hours per week commitment. Cost: $6,330 (scholarships available). Applications typically close in mid-February.

11. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) — MIT, Cambridge, MA (also online)  [STEM] [Research]

Format: In-person at MIT (some courses online), 4 weeks

A rigorous project-based STEM program run by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for rising seniors. Students first complete free online prerequisite coursework (opening February), then selected applicants attend the four-week in-person intensive at MIT. Aerospace-relevant courses include Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing, Remote Sensing for Disaster Response, and UAS-SAR. Free for most students; a fee applies for households with income over $200,000. Housing is not provided. The 2026 program ran July 6 – August 2, 2026.

12. Boston Leadership Institute (BLI) — Wellesley/Needham, Waltham, and Boston, MA (also online)  [STEM] [Research] [Enrichment]

Format: Day or residential (also online), 1 or 3 weeks

Competitive-admissions three-week programs provide a research credential for college applications in fields such as biomedical research, neuroscience, forensic science, astrophysics, robotics, and surgical techniques. One-week introductory programs let students explore different fields without a multi-week commitment. Cost varies by program and format ($500–$3,000+). Active for summer 2026.

13. Indigo Research Intensive Summer Program (IRIS)  [STEM] [Humanities] [Research]

Format: Online, 6 weeks

A six-week online research program for high school students who want to pursue original, mentored academic research. Students work with experienced PhD mentors on a research project, learning methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing. Designed for students who want a structured research credential they can continue developing during the school year. Active for 2026.

14. International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) — St Andrews, Scotland & Oxford, England  [Enrichment] [Cultural] [International]

Format: In-person residential, 3 weeks

A premium international summer programme for students aged 13–18 at two prestigious university towns. Students choose one academic subject (Global Leadership, Law & Economics, AI & Computer Science, Academic English, Medicine, or others) alongside one elective (golf, tennis, theatre, photography, or sports leadership). The dual-study model balances academic rigour with activities and cultural excursions. Students from over 100 nationalities attend. Cost approximately £5,950 per three-week course, all-inclusive.