While summers in high school often feel like a pause button after a long academic year, they can also be a chance to push your curiosity further and learn beyond the classroom. Research programmes in Cambridge for high school students are one way to do that, offering a more hands-on, deeper look at subjects than you usually get at school. Exploring topics in this way can help you grow intellectually, discover what truly interests you, and strengthen your future college applications.

Imagine conducting experiments in historic laboratories, discussing ideas with scholars who are shaping their fields, or working on research questions that go beyond textbook answers. These programmes in Cambridge offer an environment where learning feels alive, surrounded by centuries of academic tradition and constant innovation.

If you live in the UK, Cambridge offers a fresh academic setting. You get exposure to college-style learning, develop critical thinking, and gain confidence in presenting your ideas.

What kinds of research programmes in Cambridge for high school students are there?

Finding the right research programme can feel overwhelming. Some opportunities may sound impressive but offer little real academic engagement, while others may be too narrow or lack proper mentorship. Choosing well matters because a strong programme challenges you while also supporting your growth.

Cambridge-based research programmes for high school students span a wide range of disciplines. You can find options focused on STEM subjects such as biology, physics, computer science, and engineering, as well as programmes in the humanities, social sciences, medicine, law, and economics. You may work on individual research projects, collaborate in small groups, attend lectures by university-level instructors, and receive feedback that helps refine your ideas. 

Whether you want to explore a long-standing interest or test a subject you are curious about, these programmes are designed to help you think like a researcher. To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Research Programmes in Cambridge for high school students. 

Additionally, you can consider enrolling in summer programs in Cambridge, or have a look at summer programmes in the UK.

15 Research Programmes in Cambridge for High School Students  

1. Sustainability and Marine Ecosystems: An Environmental Perspective 

Location: University of Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: From £4,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Typically mid-July to late-July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 12-19 from around the world

This programme lets you explore environmental science through both classroom learning and hands-on fieldwork that brings key concepts to life. You will study the dynamics of ecosystems, sustainability challenges like climate change and pollution, and how conservation efforts work in real environments. The course also includes practical research in marine biology labs and field sites where you collect and analyse data, gaining a feel for how scientists study biodiversity and ecological health.

Expert-led seminars help you understand how human activity affects natural systems and what individual scientists can do to protect them. Along with group projects and discussions, you will build skills in observation, scientific reasoning, and environmental communication. The experience balances scientific thinking with an appreciation for practical ecology and prepares you for future academic study or activist engagement.

Why it stands out: You get a blend of laboratory investigation, fieldwork, and critical thinking that mirrors how environmental research unfolds in the real world.

2. Immerse Education Cambridge Summer School

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class sizes (average of 7 participants per class)
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions with multiple summer cohorts
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Cambridge Summer School gives you a chance to dive into university-style academic study in one of the most historic academic cities on the planet. Known for being one of the most immersive and globally inclusive research programmes in Cambridge for high school students, this two-week residential experience lets you explore a subject in depth. You can choose your track from a wide range of options that include business management, physics, nanotechnology, philosophy, mathematics, law, architecture, AI, biology, creative writing, international relations and many more. You’ll be taught by expert tutors and take part in small group discussions that mirror collegiate learning. Being based in historic Cambridge University college accommodation lets you live and study where real undergraduates do, while meals, social activities, and cultural outings are included to enhance your experience. 

You’ll work on projects, engage in hands-on learning, and attend workshops that help build both academic insight and confidence. Beyond the classroom, you’ll make friends with peers from many countries and take part in traditional activities like punts on the River Cam and trips to iconic sites around the city. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You develop university-level research skills with mentorship from tutors connected to top institutions while balancing your existing school year commitments.

3. Fitzwilliam College Young Researchers 

Location: Online with an in-person presentation day at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January 12th – April 11th
Application Deadline:  January 4th
Eligibility: Year 10 students who are currently attending a state school in the UK

The Young Researchers programme at Fitzwilliam College lets you join an online super-curricular experience where you work with a small group on a real research project guided by a PhD-level Group Leader. Across eight sessions between January and March, you will explore your chosen topic, engage in discussion with peers, and complete preparatory activities that build your research skills.

Towards the end of the programme, you will prepare your own research-informed presentation summarising what you’ve investigated. That presentation culminates in an in-person day at Fitzwilliam College in April, where you deliver your work to your group and receive support from your mentor. This blend of online study with an on-campus culmination day mirrors early academic research experiences.

Why it stands out: You gain hands-on research experience paired with expert guidance and an opportunity to present your work at Cambridge.

4. CATS Cambridge Summer Program – STEM & English for Science

Location: CATS Cambridge School, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: £3,340
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size 15 students
Dates: Start date is June 28th (two-week course)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged roughly 14-17 with upper-intermediate (B2) English proficiency; international students are welcome to apply

At CATS Cambridge, you can deepen your understanding of STEM subjects while strengthening your English for Science in an engaging summer learning environment. Over two weeks, you’ll attend interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and lab sessions that explore topics like physics, robotics, coding, and real-world scientific problem-solving. English lessons are integrated into your day so you build confidence in communicating scientific ideas clearly and effectively.

There’s also a vibrant social programme with full-day excursions to places like London or the National Space Centre and fun evening activities that help you bond with other students. By the end of the programme, you’ll present your final project and earn a certificate that recognises your effort and growth. The combination of academic engagement and social exploration makes this an enriching way to spend part of your summer in Cambridge.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain practical STEM insight with hands-on activities alongside peers from around the world.

5. NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility – Young People in Research

Location: Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Variable
Dates: Specific dates vary
Application Deadline: No single deadline; opportunities are typically arranged on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to young people aged 16+ who are interested in clinical research engagement and work experience; arrangements for non-UK residents may vary and are best clarified with programme organisers

At the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, the Young People in Research initiative invites you to engage with real clinical science in ways that go beyond observation. You can take part in work experience placements, spending a day with experienced CRF teams to learn how clinical research projects are planned and delivered, and understand how trials and studies help drive health improvements.

The programme also includes the ACTIVE youth board (for ages 8-18), where you can help identify research priorities and provide input that shapes research practice. Being involved gives you exposure to cutting-edge medical science, roles within research teams, and insight into how patient voices influence study design and delivery. You may also encounter opportunities to participate in healthy volunteer studies, where your contribution helps scientists understand health and disease better. 

Why it stands out: You can gain real insight into how clinical research works and contribute to shaping studies that impact health outcomes. 

6. Cambridge Centre for Languages – Senior Summer Course

Location: St. Mary’s, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies depending on the type of accommodation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class size
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week courses in July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-17 years

The CCL Senior Summer Course offers you a structured academic program in one of the UK’s most prestigious university settings. You’ll attend lessons focused on the English language and British life & culture, complemented by a project track in coding, entrepreneurship, or performing arts.

Outside class, you’ll join excursions, experience student life near Cambridge University, and live either in college-style residential accommodation or a homestay. With small classes (max 16 students), you’ll receive personalized attention while collaborating with motivated peers in an immersive setting. 

Why it stands out: It combines the structured academic environments and experiences of residential life of a university, giving you a realistic picture of what college would look like. 

7. MPW Summer School

Location: Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Fee varies for the residential and day courses
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Designed for students aged roughly 14–17; international applicants are welcome; intermediate English (B1+) usually expected

The MPW Summer School at Cambridge gives you a balanced blend of focused academic learning and enjoyable summer experiences. Across your 2-week course, you’ll choose a subject stream such as Computing & AI, Medicine & Sciences, Law & Politics, or Maths, Physics & Engineering, guided by experienced tutors and guest lecturers. Lessons are interactive and include workshops, life skills sessions, and activities aimed at equipping you with critical thinking, communication, and academic confidence.

Outside of the classroom, there’s a lively schedule of cultural excursions around Cambridge and group social events that deepen your connection with peers from different countries. You’ll live in accommodation near central Cambridge and receive a certificate and academic report upon completion. This format helps you explore potential academic interests while getting a taste of life in a UK educational setting.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore academic streams of your choice in a personalised classroom environment.

8. Cambridge Leadership Academy Cambridge Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee applies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small immersive cohort; exact numbers vary by year
Dates: July 26th to August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility:  Open to secondary school students aged approximately 14-20 from around the world

The Cambridge Leadership Academy Summer Programme gives you a concentrated residential experience focused on leadership, personal growth, and professional skills in a setting tied to the University of Cambridge facilities. Over six nights, you’ll participate in interactive workshops and seminars on topics like confidence building, communication, time management, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial thinking, and goal setting with experienced mentors and guest speakers.

You’ll work individually and in groups to reflect on your ambitions, build practical leadership habits, and connect with like-minded young people from many places. The programme also includes personal coaching sessions, networking opportunities with successful professionals, and social activities like excursions and receptions that broaden your experience beyond the classroom. 

Why it stands out: You’ll leave with practical leadership tools, personal coaching insights, and real connections that can shape your academic and career direction. 

9. The Sutton Trust Cambridge Summer School

Location: At a University of Cambridge college
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: August 17th – August 21st
Application Deadline: February 12th
Eligibility: UK state-school Year 12 students, prioritising disadvantaged and first-generation applicants

The Sutton Trust Summer Schools at Cambridge give you a chance to live and learn on a historic campus while diving deep into a subject that interests you. You will be part of small-group teaching, specialist lectures, seminars, and research-style activities led by Cambridge academics and current students. The focus is on academic challenge, so you will explore new material beyond your school syllabus and may even work on mini-projects or problem sessions that mirror real undergraduate study.

Living in a Cambridge college and taking part in social activities lets you experience what student life is really like there, including college dinners and campus tours. You will also attend sessions with peers from across the UK who share your academic interests, building connections and confidence. By the end of the programme, you should have a clearer sense of what university study involves and feel more prepared for your future applications.

Why it stands out: This programme combines genuine academic challenge with a fully funded residential experience that gives you a real taste of what studying at Cambridge is like. 

10. IGNITE Young Minds Summer Camp 

Location: Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: £4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 19th – July 25th
Application Deadline: January 30th
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15-18. International applicants are welcome to participate, provided they can travel to the UK and meet programme requirements.

At this one-week summer camp in Cambridge, you’ll dive into the world of entrepreneurship through hands-on workshops and immersive sessions designed to sharpen your problem-solving, creative thinking, and leadership skills. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, build a business model, develop essential core business skills, including financial awareness, and practise pitching your ideas with mentorship from instructors and guest speakers.

The programme blends entrepreneurial challenges with cultural activities like tours of Cambridge, punting, and field visits that bring the learning experience to life. Throughout the week, you’ll work in teams on real-world challenges and receive guided feedback to help refine your communication and collaboration abilities. The course culminates in a group pitch and presentation day where you’ll showcase what you’ve developed and receive a certificate of attendance. You’ll also connect with like-minded peers and gain insights into academic life at one of the world’s most renowned universities.

Why it stands out: You’ll build real entrepreneurial and business skills and build confidence in a dynamic team setting.

11. Cambridge Future Scholar Programme – Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR)

Location: Online delivery (with optional access to the CCIR Lab in Boston, USA)
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small groups of 2-5 students per course
Dates: 13-week sessions offered in Spring, Summer, and Fall with flexible start dates
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the season
Eligibility: Designed for high school students interested in advanced research across disciplines; open to international applicants who meet academic and English proficiency requirements

The Future Scholar Programme is one of the most intensive research programmes in Cambridge for high school students, offering structured mentorship from university-level faculty linked to institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT. You combine weekly lectures with dedicated research time to produce original academic work. Over 13 weeks, you’ll combine weekly lectures and seminars with dedicated mentorship and office hours, giving you both foundational knowledge and hands-on research time.

Small group sizes ensure personalised attention as you plan and execute an independent research project, with support reaching toward possible publication or presentation. Throughout the term, you receive ongoing feedback and can request a formal evaluation and letter of recommendation from your mentor. While the work is delivered online, select participants may have the chance to engage with facilities like the CCIR Lab near MIT at no extra cost. You’ll connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and gain insight into how professional researchers think and work.

Why it stands out: You’ll conduct genuine academic research with guidance from top-tier faculty and produce original work that mirrors early-career scholarly practice.

12. ISSOS Cambridge Summer School – ISSOS International

Location: Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is ~£7,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited places with a cap of 10% of students from any single nationality to ensure a diverse international cohort
Dates: July 8th – July 29th
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 13-18 from around the world

The ISSOS Cambridge Summer School gives you a residential learning experience set within the historic environment of the University of Cambridge. Over three weeks, you’ll choose one academic subject (like entrepreneurship, journalism, or English language) and one elective to pursue deeper learning in areas that interest you, supported by qualified teachers and professionals. Each day typically blends structured morning classes with creative electives in the afternoons, designed to build skills, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.

Beyond academics, the programme includes a packed schedule of cultural trips, evening activities, workshops, and excursions so you can explore Cambridge and nearby British cities with peers from around the world. Accommodation, meals, and even airport transfers are part of the all-inclusive fee, and you’ll leave with an academic report and completion certificate. 

Why it stands out: You’ll live and learn on a Cambridge college campus while balancing academic and creative pursuits in a fully immersive international setting.

13. UCI School of Medicine – Summer Online Research Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,350 tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; generally small cohorts with rolling admissions
Dates: Session One: June 22nd – July 10th; Session Two: July 13th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15-18 with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher who are interested in biomedical research; international students may apply for this online programme 

The UCI School of Medicine’s Summer Online Research Program lets you delve into foundational research methods in medicine from anywhere in the world. Over three weeks, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor and supported by undergraduate and graduate coaches while you learn about responsible research practices, evidence-based medicine, and how to critically evaluate clinical literature.

You’ll develop skills in structured scientific writing, produce an organised research report, and have the potential to submit an abstract for consideration at a national conference where your name could be listed as a co-author. The coursework happens online via Zoom, email, and guided modules, offering flexibility alongside structured guidance. Along the way, you get to interact with mentors who can offer insights on college and careers in biomedical science. 

Why it stands out: You gain real research experience and mentorship that can lead to conference presentations, all through a flexible online format.

14. PRIMES-USA

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective with a small cohort
Dates: Year-long programme
Application Deadline: Typically late November or early December
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors who live in the United States (students must reside outside the Greater Boston area for PRIMES-USA)

PRIMES-USA lets you engage in mathematical research over the course of a full year, working closely with graduate mentors from MIT and partner universities on unsolved problems in areas such as number theory, combinatorics, computational biology, and theoretical computer science. You begin with advanced reading and preparation, followed by active research where you work independently or in a group under mentor guidance, and finish the year by writing a final research paper and presenting your work at a conference.

Throughout the programme, you’ll meet regularly online with your mentor, commit significant weekly study time, and gain experience that mirrors real academic research. Because PRIMES-USA culminates in a formal project report and presentation, it’s not only about learning new mathematics but also about building skills in writing, analysis, and communication that are valuable for future STEM study.

Why it stands out: You get a rare chance to do original research under mentorship, producing a real research paper and presenting it in an academic setting.

15. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:  Selective with a relatively small cohort
Dates: Three-week session in July
Application Deadline: Usually opens early in the year, with deadlines in the  spring
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11; students from any country may apply

The SPINWIP programme invites you to explore exciting frontiers in physics through a three-week online summer experience led by faculty and students from the Stanford Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. You’ll attend live virtual lectures that introduce concepts from cutting-edge areas like quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and quantum computing, and learn to code in Python, then apply those coding skills in physics-based projects.

Along the way, you’ll work in small groups led by Stanford undergraduate mentors and take part in discussions that mirror real scientific inquiry. Some workshops focus on college planning and career development, giving you practical insight into how to navigate future steps in science and academia.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain exposure to research-level physics topics and build real skills in coding and scientific thinking, all through a free, supportive virtual programme that connects you with Stanford mentors.

A Closer Look at Student Life in Cambridge

Research is only part of the experience. What makes it transformative is the environment where ideas are tested, challenged, and refined each day.

Research programmes in Cambridge for high school students place you inside a culture shaped by tradition, intellectual ambition, and global collaboration. You do not just study a subject. You begin to understand how scholars think, question, and build knowledge.

Living in Cambridge means cycling past centuries-old colleges, debating in small groups, and gaining confidence in your academic voice.

Curious what daily life there truly feels like? Read our Ultimate Guide to Cambridge and discover everything you need to know before you go.