If you’re a high school student who enjoys taking initiative, you may already be building the foundations of leadership, and leadership programs in Singapore for high school students can help you develop those strengths with real structure and mentorship. But true leadership goes beyond holding a title. It involves communication, resilience, strategic thinking, empathy, and the ability to inspire others toward a shared goal. One of the most dynamic places to explore and strengthen these skills is Singapore.

Imagine spending your summer or school break in a globally connected city known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and public leadership. Picture participating in interactive workshops, analyzing real-world case studies, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, and learning how leaders navigate complex decisions. These programmes combine structured academic learning with exposure to global business, policy, and social impact environments.

How do you choose the right leadership programs in Singapore for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to distinguish between programs that offer surface-level inspiration and those that provide structured skill development, mentorship, and real application. Thoughtful research ensures you select a program that aligns with your interests and long-term ambitions.

Across Singapore, leadership programs may include team-based challenges, collaborative problem-solving exercises, simulations, and project presentations. You might work in groups to design solutions to real-world issues, pitch ideas, or develop strategic plans. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your ability to think strategically, adapt to change, and lead with integrity in academic, professional, and community settings.

To help you take the next step, we’ve curated a list of 15 Leadership Programs in Singapore for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their structured learning environments, mentorship quality, and ability to empower you with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

For more subject tracks, you can consider summer schools in Singapore.

15 Leadership Programs in Singapore for High School Students

1. TED Summer School

Location: Online (global access)
Cost: from £2,495, summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Programme Dates: Summer 2026 (multiple two-week sessions across locations and formats)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; places are limited
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15-18 (14-18 for the virtual programme); strong English proficiency recommended.

The Virtual TED Summer School brings the programme’s core experience to students anywhere in the world. Delivered through a combination of daily live online sessions and guided self-paced learning, the programme is designed for students seeking flexibility without compromising on quality or engagement.

Students learn in small international cohorts (typically 6–12 students) and work closely with a dedicated tutor trained by the TED team. Over two weeks, participants develop an original idea, practise communication and presentation skills, and refine their thinking through feedback and reflection. The programme culminates in a recorded TED-style talk, alongside a final script, personalised feedback, and a certificate of completion: making it an accessible, high-impact option for students interested in online formats. To view upcoming virtual cohorts, time-zone options, and application details, check the Virtual TED Summer School page.

Why it stands out: The programme combines structured academic mentorship, small-group learning, and a final portfolio-based outcome, allowing you to develop transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and idea development.

2. ESSEC Business School – Business and Leadership Immersion Program for Youths (Singapore)

Location: ESSEC Asia-Pacific Campus, Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 3,800 – SGD 4,500 (varies by session; accommodation not typically included)
Programme Dates: Typically one- to two-week sessions in June-July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; closes once seats are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; open to domestic and international students with strong English proficiency

As one of the most rigorous leadership programs in Singapore for high school students, the ESSEC Business and Leadership Immersion Program for Youths introduces you to core business disciplines within a leading global business school environment. Over the course of the program, you attend faculty-led lectures and interactive workshops covering topics such as strategy, marketing, finance, and leadership decision-making.

Case studies and group projects form a central part of the curriculum, allowing you to analyze real business scenarios and present solutions in a structured academic format. You work collaboratively in diverse teams, developing communication, analytical, and presentation skills expected in undergraduate business programs. The program also includes exposure to ESSEC’s international campus environment, helping you understand how global business education is structured.

Why it stands out: It offers direct exposure to a globally ranked business school curriculum on ESSEC’s Singapore campus, closely mirroring undergraduate business classroom experiences.

3. Immerse Education’s Global Leadership Summer School

Location: Cambridge, UK (University college setting)
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Program Dates: Multiple sessions across July and August
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)

The Global Leadership Summer School by Immerse Education introduces you to leadership through university-style seminars focused on global challenges, communication, and decision-making. You explore leadership theory alongside practical skills such as persuasive communication, collaboration, and problem-solving within small tutorial groups designed to mirror Oxbridge teaching formats.

Academic sessions encourage discussion-based learning, allowing you to analyze real-world issues from multiple international perspectives while developing confidence as a leader. Alongside classroom work, you participate in workshops, mentoring sessions, and collaborative projects that simulate undergraduate learning environments.

Why it stands out: It combines small-group Oxbridge-style teaching with global leadership training and an international peer network, offering a clear preview of university-level learning.

4. University of St. Gallen – Asia Summer School (Singapore)

Location: Singapore (organized by the University of St. Gallen in collaboration with partner institutions)
Cost: Approximately CHF 3,800 (programme fee; accommodation and travel typically additional)
Program Dates: Typically two-week sessions in July
Application Deadline: Applications generally open in January and close in April
Eligibility: Primarily open to undergraduate students; high school students may apply in limited cases if they meet academic readiness requirements; international students are eligible

The Asia Summer School, organized by the University of St. Gallen, introduces you to global business strategy and economic dynamics within the context of Asian markets. Through lectures, case discussions, and company visits, you examine topics such as international business, innovation, and management in rapidly developing economies.

Faculty-led sessions emphasize analytical thinking and real-world application, helping you understand how business education is structured at a leading European university. You also participate in group projects and discussions that explore how organizations operate across cultural and regulatory environments in Asia.

Why it stands out: It combines European business school instruction with on-the-ground exposure to Asia’s business environment through lectures and company interactions in Singapore.

5. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS) – Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI)

Location: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Cost: Programme fees vary by cohort; typically fee-based (exact amount provided upon application)
Program Dates: Short-term executive-style programme; specific dates announced per cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by intake; application window announced on programme page
Eligibility: Designed for youth and young leaders (typically late secondary school to early university level); open to domestic and international participants

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy introduces you to leadership through the lens of governance, public policy, and global affairs. Delivered within NUS’s public policy school, the program combines lectures, policy simulations, and case discussions that reflect executive-style learning.

You explore topics such as leadership in public service, policy design, strategic decision-making, and regional governance challenges. Sessions are facilitated by faculty and policy practitioners, allowing you to examine how leadership operates within governments and international institutions.

Why it stands out: It situates youth leadership training within a globally recognized public policy school, offering early exposure to governance-focused academic instruction at NUS.

6. TOUCH Community Services – Leadership Development Programme

Location: Conducted at participating secondary schools and venues across Singapore
Cost: Varies by school partnership (typically school-sponsored; fees not publicly listed)
Program Dates: Delivered during the academic year; duration varies by school
Application Deadline: Applications are coordinated through participating schools; no public deadline listed
Eligibility: Secondary school students in Singapore (primarily nominated or enrolled through their schools; not open to international applicants independently)

The TOUCH Leadership Development Programme is designed to strengthen character-based leadership and social responsibility among secondary school students in Singapore. Through structured workshops, experiential activities, and facilitated discussions, you explore themes such as self-awareness, resilience, communication, and ethical decision-making. The programme often incorporates service-learning components, encouraging you to apply leadership skills within community contexts.

Sessions are interactive and reflective, helping you understand how personal values connect to leadership actions. Because the programme is typically delivered in partnership with schools, it aligns closely with Singapore’s broader student development and character education framework.

Why it stands out: It integrates leadership development with community service and character education within Singapore’s school-based learning framework.

7. Singapore Management University – SMU Young Leaders Summer Program

15 Leadership Programs in Singapore for High School Students 2

Location: Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 2,500-SGD 3,000 (varies by year; accommodation typically not included)
Program Dates: Typically one-week sessions in June-July
Application Deadline: Applications usually open in January and close in April
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17; open to domestic and international students with strong English proficiency

As one of the most immersive leadership programs in Singapore for high school students, the SMU Young Leaders Summer Programme introduces you to leadership development within a university environment known for seminar-style, discussion-based teaching. Through interactive workshops, case discussions, and team projects, you explore topics such as leadership styles, ethical decision-making, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Faculty and facilitators guide you through practical exercises that mirror SMU’s undergraduate pedagogy, emphasizing participation, collaboration, and analytical reasoning. You work in small teams to address real-world scenarios, present solutions, and reflect on how leadership operates in business and organizational contexts.

Why it stands out: It reflects SMU’s seminar-driven teaching style, offering a close preview of undergraduate leadership education in a leading Asian business school environment.

8. Tetr – Summer Basecamp

Location: Singapore (global rotating locations; Singapore cohorts available)
Cost: Cost varies by cohort and location (typically fee-based; financial aid may be available)
Program Dates: Multiple summer cohorts, typically two to three weeks in June-August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; closes once cohort capacity is reached
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18; open to domestic and international students

Tetr’s Summer Basecamp introduces you to entrepreneurship through an intensive, project-based format centered on building and launching a real venture. Over the course of the program, you work in teams to identify a market opportunity, validate demand, design a product or service, and test it in a real-world setting.

The curriculum emphasizes execution rather than theory, encouraging you to interact with customers, gather feedback, and refine your business model. Mentors with startup or industry experience guide you through workshops on branding, sales, financial planning, and pitching. The program culminates in a final presentation where you showcase your venture concept and reflect on measurable outcomes.

Why it stands out: It focuses on building and testing an actual business during the program, emphasizing execution-driven entrepreneurship in a global setting.

9. NUS SCALE – Negotiation in a Global World for Young Leaders

Location: National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 2,000-SGD 2,500 (programme fee; accommodation typically not included)
Program Dates: Usually one-week sessions offered during June-July
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April or once the cohort reaches capacity
Eligibility: High school students aged approximately 15-18; open to domestic and international students with strong English proficiency

The Negotiation in a Global World for Young Leaders programme at NUS introduces you to leadership through negotiation, diplomacy, and decision-making frameworks. Through interactive lectures, role-play exercises, and case discussions, you learn how leaders negotiate agreements across cultural, political, and business contexts. The curriculum focuses on practical skills such as conflict resolution, persuasion, strategic communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

You participate in simulations that mirror real-world negotiation scenarios, allowing you to test strategies and reflect on outcomes with peers. Faculty facilitators guide discussions on how negotiation influences leadership in business, international relations, and public policy.

Why it stands out: It centers leadership training around negotiation simulations, offering practical experience in decision-making and diplomacy within a university learning environment.

10. New York University Stern – Future Business Leaders Webinar Series

Location: Online
Cost: $350
Program Dates: August 9th – August 30th
Application Deadline: July 1st
Eligibility: Open to high school students demonstrating academic strength and interest in business or leadership; open to domestic and international students

The Future Business Leaders Webinar Series, offered by NYU Stern, introduces you to leadership through an academic exploration of modern business fields. Across nine live online sessions, you learn directly from Stern faculty and industry professionals about how leadership functions in areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, accounting, data science, and management.

Each session connects business concepts with leadership decision-making, helping you understand how organizations operate across different industries. The program begins with purpose-driven leadership frameworks and progresses toward applied discussions on strategy, innovation, and professional leadership pathways.

Why it stands out: It offers direct access to NYU Stern faculty and industry leaders in a structured online format that introduces leadership across multiple business disciplines.

11. United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme

Location: Online
Cost: $750 (limited scholarships available)
Program Dates: January 12th – February 6th | April 13th – May 8th | June 8th – July 3rd | July 27th – August 21st
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served admission; cohort capped at approximately 30 participants
Eligibility: Open to high school students, university students, and aspiring young leaders worldwide; international students are eligible

The United Nations Young Leaders Online Training Programme introduces you to leadership through global governance, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Over four weeks, you participate in a blend of live webinars, interactive workshops, and self-paced learning modules designed to explain how international institutions operate in practice.

The curriculum explores topics such as conference diplomacy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), cross-cultural communication, and multilateral decision-making processes. Sessions led by UN professionals and policy experts provide insight into negotiation, consensus-building, and leadership within global organizations.

Why it stands out: It offers direct insight into UN-style diplomacy and global leadership training through expert-led sessions in a small international online cohort.

12. NUS SCALE – Sustainability Awareness, Leadership Development, and Community Engagement (SLC) Youth Programme

Location: National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 1,800-SGD 2,500 depending on programme format (accommodation typically not included)
Program Dates: Typically short-term sessions offered during June-July
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in April or once places are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged approximately 15-18; open to domestic and international students with English proficiency

The Sustainability Awareness, Leadership Development, and Community Engagement (SLC) Youth Programme at NUS introduces you to leadership through sustainability and social impact initiatives. Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative discussions, you explore how environmental and social challenges are addressed by communities, organizations, and policymakers.

The curriculum emphasizes leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while encouraging critical thinking about sustainability practices. You also participate in project-based activities that examine real-world sustainability issues and community engagement strategies. Faculty facilitators guide you through discussions on responsible leadership and the role of young leaders in shaping sustainable futures.

Why it stands out: It connects leadership development with sustainability education, offering hands-on learning about community engagement and responsible leadership within the NUS academic environment.

13. NUS SCALE – Youth Programme in Media, Communications & Marketing

The Youth Programme in Media, Communications & Marketing at NUS introduces you to leadership through strategic communication and media-driven influence. Through lectures, workshops, and group projects, you explore how organizations communicate ideas, build brands, and shape public perception in global markets.

The curriculum examines topics such as marketing strategy, digital media, storytelling, and audience engagement, helping you understand how communication functions as a leadership tool. You work in teams to analyze campaigns and develop communication strategies for real or simulated scenarios.

Why it stands out: It combines leadership development with practical exposure to media and marketing strategy within a university learning environment at NUS.

14. Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS) – International Youth Discovery Programme (IYDP)

Location: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 2,000-SGD 3,000 depending on cohort (programme fee; accommodation usually separate)
Program Dates: Short-term programme typically offered during June-July sessions
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in April or once the cohort reaches capacity
Eligibility: Youth and high school students aged approximately 15-18; open to domestic and international participants with English proficiency

The International Youth Discovery Programme (IYDP) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy introduces you to leadership and global development through the lens of public policy and governance. Through lectures, policy discussions, and interactive workshops, you explore topics such as sustainable development, international cooperation, and leadership in public institutions.

Faculty and policy practitioners guide sessions that examine how governments and organizations address complex social and economic challenges. You work with peers in group discussions and problem-solving activities that reflect the collaborative learning environment used in university policy programs.

Why it stands out: It introduces youth leadership through public policy education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, offering early exposure to governance-focused university learning.

15. NUS College – Summer School

15 Leadership Programs in Singapore for High School Students 3

Location: National University of Singapore (NUS College), Singapore
Cost: Approximately SGD 3,000-SGD 4,000 depending on the programme package (accommodation and activities may be included)
Program Dates: Typically two-week sessions in June-July
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in April or once places are filled
Eligibility: High school students aged approximately 16-18; open to domestic and international students with strong English proficiency

The NUS College Summer School introduces you to interdisciplinary learning within one of Singapore’s flagship undergraduate colleges. Through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, you explore themes related to leadership, innovation, sustainability, and global challenges.

The program emphasizes discussion-based learning, encouraging you to analyze complex problems and present solutions with peers from different academic backgrounds. Faculty-led sessions mirror the teaching style used in NUS College’s liberal arts curriculum, combining academic inquiry with applied problem-solving.

Why it stands out: It provides early exposure to NUS College’s interdisciplinary curriculum, allowing you to experience discussion-based learning within Singapore’s leading research university.

Lead Loudly, Stay Calm in Singapore

Leadership is tested when plans change and people disagree. In Singapore, you can practice staying calm, clear, and accountable in real time daily together fast.

Across workshops, case discussions, and simulations, you learn to listen, negotiate, and make decisions that serve the group, not your ego under pressure right now.

The leadership programs in Singapore for high school students in this list give you mentors, diverse peers, and projects that prove your growth clearly too.

Keep that momentum going by reading our Personal Development blogs for tools on communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence you can use immediately everywhere you lead.