If you’re a high school student interested in global politics, diplomacy, or international affairs, you may already be curious about how countries interact, how policies are shaped, or how global challenges are addressed, which is exactly why international relations summer programs in Toronto for high school students can be such a valuable opportunity. Set in a diverse and globally connected city, these programmes offer a strong environment for exploring international issues in a more serious academic context.

Imagine spending your summer in Toronto, attending seminars on global politics, participating in debates, and working on case studies about real-world international issues. Picture collaborating with students from around the world while exploring topics like diplomacy, international law, and global governance. These programmes combine academic learning with global exposure, helping you understand how the world works beyond textbooks.

How do you choose the right international relations summer programs in Toronto for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to look for programs that go beyond basic lectures and offer meaningful engagement through discussions, simulations, and research.

International relations programs often include seminars, debates, group projects, and presentations. You might analyze international conflicts, simulate diplomatic negotiations, or research global challenges, mirroring the work done in university-level international relations courses.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with diverse peers, and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and global awareness. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what studying international relations might involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 14 International Relations Summer Programs in Toronto for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic rigor, interactive learning experiences, and strong global perspective.

For more options, check international relations summer programs. For more subject options, consider summer programs in Toronto.

14 International Relations Summer Programs in Toronto for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Toronto International Relations Summer School

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (University of Toronto residences)
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

Framed as an academic deep dive rather than a general overview, this program places you in a seminar-style learning environment where international relations is treated as a serious university-level subject. Hosted in residences at the University of Toronto, you explore topics like international law, conflict resolution, and global governance through case studies, debates, and guided discussions.

Classes are intentionally small, which means you spend a lot of time engaging directly with tutors, many of whom have backgrounds in diplomacy, policy research, or institutions like the University of Cambridge. A key part of the experience is developing your own research project, where you investigate a specific global issue and build arguments around it with one-on-one academic support.

Why it stands out: Its seminar-style format and very small class sizes make it more academically intensive than most summer programs. The combination of independent research and 1-on-1 tutoring gives you a structured introduction to university-level IR work.

2. University of Toronto Youth Summer Program (YSP) – International Law Module

Location: University of Toronto (St. George Campus), Jackman Faculty of Law, 78 Queen’s Park Crescent, Toronto, ON, Canada
Cost: $1,175 CAD (~$853) per module + a one-time non-refundable $98 (~$71) CAD registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 50-60 students per module
Dates: July 27-31
Application Deadline: Open until full
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in Grades 10, 11, or 12 (must have completed Grade 10 by the start of the program); open to international students

In the University of Toronto Youth Summer Program (YSP) International Law Module, you explore the complex legal frameworks governing relations between nations. You will dive into core topics like global human rights, international criminal law, and the creation of international treaties. During the program, you will actively analyze real-world legal case studies, negotiate mock international agreements, and debate solutions to current global crises.

What makes this experience valuable is that you are guided directly by legal professionals and advanced law students inside Canada’s premier law school. By the end of the module, you will have developed your skills in critical thinking, public speaking, diplomatic negotiation, and legal reasoning.

Why it stands out: It transforms abstract global politics into hands-on legal experience, allowing you to practice high-level advocacy and diplomacy before you even reach university.

3. UBC Future Global Leaders – Introduction to Global Politics

Location: UBC Vancouver Campus, British Columbia
Cost: $1,940 (~$1,416) (Canadian/PR); $2,620 (~$1,913) (International students); residence add-on is $2,650 (~$1,935); bursaries are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; around 20-30 students per course
Dates: July 20-31
Application Deadline: Registration remains open until the course reaches capacity
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who have completed grade 10 or equivalent; open to international students

In the UBC Future Global Leaders Introduction to Global Politics course, you explore the fundamental forces shaping our world, including power, economics, and morality. You will study core international relations topics like human rights, globalization, terrorism, and global governance through various political lenses.

Throughout the program, you will attend morning university-level lectures, participate in afternoon pre-university preparation workshops, analyze historical case studies, and articulate your ideas on contemporary global events. The course enables you to experience a genuine first-year university curriculum taught by UBC faculty without the pressure of exams. By the end, you will have sharpened your critical thinking and improved your ability to organize, formulate, and defend complex political arguments.

Why it stands out: It perfectly balances rigorous academic exposure to global affairs with practical university preparation in a stress-free, exam-less environment.

4. UBC Future Global Leaders – Introduction to the Global Political Economy

Location: UBC Vancouver Campus, British Columbia
Cost: $1,940 (~$1,416) (Canadian/PR); $2,620 (~$1,913) (International students); residence add-on is $2,650 (~$1,935); bursaries are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; around 20-30 students per course
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Registration remains open until the course reaches capacity
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who have completed grade 10 or equivalent; open to international students

In this course, you explore the core themes of international trade, global finance, and international development. You will investigate how multinational corporations operate and analyze the competing ideologies shaping world markets.

Your daily schedule includes attending morning academic lectures, participating in afternoon university-preparation workshops, evaluating the tensions between government policies and market pressures, and joining weekend excursions to local spots like Granville Island. You experience a true first-year university curriculum taught directly by a UBC Political Science faculty member, without the pressure of final exams. Through this, you build critical analytical skills, a strong grasp of global economics, and academic readiness for college.

Why it stands out: It allows you to tackle complex, university-level political economy concepts under the guidance of real university faculty while experiencing authentic campus life in Vancouver.

5. University of Toronto – Global Leadership: Food for All Futures

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cost: $6,275 CAD (~$4,554): all inclusive; $4,850 CAD (~$3,520): domestic students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 20-25 students per class
Dates: Session 1: June 14th – July 4th; Session 2: July 5-25; Session 3: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18; advanced English proficiency; open to international students

This course explores international relations through the lens of food security and policy. You engage with topics like supply chains, agricultural systems, and global inequality, using design thinking to develop solutions to real-world challenges tied to SDG2 (Zero Hunger). The program blends academic research, case studies, and discussions to help you understand how local and global systems interact in shaping access to resources.

Collaboration is a key component, with group work focused on cross-cultural perspectives and problem-solving. Over three weeks, you gradually build toward presenting actionable ideas that address food access, sustainability, and policy gaps.

Why it stands out: It applies international relations to the single global challenge of food security, making the learning unusually focused and policy-driven.

6. University of Toronto – Global Leadership: Sustainable Cities

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Among the more policy-driven summer programs in Toronto for high school students, this course explores international relations through the lens of urban development, focusing on how cities respond to global challenges like sustainability, population growth, and infrastructure planning. You examine how policy, governance, and environmental considerations intersect in shaping modern urban spaces.

The program uses case studies and design thinking to help you analyze real-world issues such as housing, transportation, and resource management across different global contexts. Through collaborative projects, you develop proposals that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and social inclusion. Academic research, discussions, and presentations form the core of the experience, giving it the feel of a focused university seminar.

Why it stands out: It connects international relations directly to urban policy, offering a practical lens on how global decisions shape cities.

7. Western University Summer Academy

Location: Western University Campus, London, Ontario, Canada
Cost: $8,400 CAD (~$6,096)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Two weeks in July
Application Deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: High school students completing grade 11 and entering grade 12; open to international students

At the Western University Summer Academy, you tackle global challenges by focusing intensely on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will study international sustainability from multiple perspectives, covering topics across global business, social sciences, humanities, and engineering. During the program, you will conduct hands-on research to solve real-world challenges, engage in mentorship sessions with experts, participate in collaborative excursions, and experience living in a university residence.

A valuable feature of this two-week program is the opportunity to earn an official university credit while still in high school. Through these experiences, you will build essential skills in critical thinking, global problem-solving, and academic leadership.

Why it stands out: It moves beyond traditional political diplomacy, requiring you to actively apply international relations concepts to pressing, real-world sustainability crises.

8. University of Waterloo (Renison) – Future Ready Program

Location: University of Waterloo (Renison University College), Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Cost: Domestic: **$3,500 CAD** (~$2,540 USD); International: **$4,150 CAD** (~$3,012 USD) + $35 CAD application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students per session
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: April 15th
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17 with high-intermediate to advanced English proficiency (Minimum B2 CEFR level); open to international students

In this program, you tackle some of the world’s most pressing global challenges through an interdisciplinary lens. You will explore topics relevant to international relations, such as global problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and innovative idea generation to address worldwide issues.

During your two weeks on campus, you will collaborate on team-based global impact projects, participate in dynamic academic seminars, experience interactive cultural excursions, and live in residence alongside a diverse cohort of international peers. The program’s unique feature is its highly immersive multicultural environment that fosters a deep understanding of global perspectives without the pressure of formal exams.

Why it stands out: It bridges the gap between high school and university by immersing you in an international student community where you actively practice global collaboration to solve complex, real-world problems.

9. United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) – SDG Council

Location: Virtual / Remote (Operates nationally across Canada, with potential in-person gatherings like the national SDG Summit, subject to funding)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: 1-year commitment
Application Deadline: Rolling or tied to specific cohort/project launches
Eligibility: Youth residing in Canada (Typically ages 15-30); not open to international students

In the UNA-Canada SDG Council, you actively participate in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda by engaging directly with global policy and international relations. You will explore all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on critical topics like climate action, gender equality, clean energy, and poverty eradication.

During your time on the council, you will track government commitments, draft youth-informed policy briefs, negotiate consultation-based resolutions, and present your recommendations to government officials and UN missions. The program stands out for its cumulative, multi-cohort leadership model, ensuring that your work directly builds upon the efforts of previous youth leaders.

Why it stands out: It moves beyond traditional educational simulations by embedding youth directly into real-world advocacy pipelines and national policy creation.

10. Harvard Undergraduate International Relations Scholars Program (HUIRSP)

Location: Virtual
Cost: $500 (Early) / $700 (Standard) / $800 (Late); need-based financial aid is available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 100–150 students
Dates: August 14-16
Application Deadline: May 23rd
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; open to international students

In this program, you engage with global issues like climate change, public health, and security through discussions, speaker sessions, and analytical assignments. The core experience is the Policy Lab, where you’re placed in a team representing a global actor, such as a government, NGO, or international organization like the United Nations, and tasked with developing policy responses to evolving global scenarios.

You also gain exposure to experts in the field, including academics and policymakers, while building skills in policy writing and cross-cultural collaboration. Despite being virtual, the program is structured to feel fast-paced and intellectually demanding.

Why it stands out: Its live policy simulation forces you to think and act like a real decision-maker under changing global conditions.

11. United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme (UNITAR)

Location: Virtual (UNITAR e-Learning Platform)
Cost: $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; ~30 participants per cohort
Dates: June 8th – July 3rd; July 27th – August 21st
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots fill
Eligibility: High school students, university students, and young professionals interested in international affairs; open to international students

As one of the more globally oriented international relations summer programs in Toronto for high school students, this programme gives you a structured introduction to how international diplomacy and global cooperation actually function. Over four weeks, you move through modules covering the UN system, conference diplomacy, and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a mix of self-paced study and live sessions.

The curriculum is designed to be interactive, combining readings, discussion boards, and expert-led webinars on topics like Model UN training and UN career pathways. Weekly workshops focus on practical skills such as negotiation, leadership, and communication in international settings. Because participants come from different countries and backgrounds, discussions often reflect diverse perspectives on global issues.

Why it stands out: It offers direct exposure to UN frameworks and diplomacy training in a structured, small-cohort format.

12. Georgetown University Pre-College – International Relations: How the World Works

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Location: Online
Cost: $1,895 (enrichment); $3,995 (college credit); need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Multiple sessions offered year-round (varied lengths)
Application Deadline: One week before the course start date
Eligibility: Students aged 13+; open to international students

This program introduces you to core international relations concepts through a structured, asynchronous format. You explore topics like global systems, foreign policy, human rights, and conflict using recorded lectures, guided discussions, and applied assignments. The course emphasizes analytical thinking, with a capstone project that requires you to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world global issues.

Along the way, you receive support from mentors or teaching assistants, helping you navigate both content and assignments. The flexible format allows you to move at your own pace while still engaging with rigorous academic material. By the end, you build a portfolio of work that reflects your understanding of how international systems function.

Why it stands out: It lets you earn transferable college credit from Georgetown while studying IR in a flexible, self-paced format.

13. Brown University – International Relations of Russia, China, and Europe

Location: Online
Cost: $4,656; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 15-20 students per class
Dates: July 6-24
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Students completing Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), open to international students

This course takes a case-study approach to international relations by focusing on Russia’s interactions with major global actors like the United States, China, Ukraine, and the European Union.You explore foundational IR theories and use them to analyze why countries behave the way they do in real geopolitical situations.

The structure blends independent learning with interactive elements, including reading current news, participating in discussion boards, and engaging with global issues as they unfold. A key component is the final research proposal, where you investigate a topic of your choice and present it in a format that fits your strengths, whether that’s a policy memo, video, or blog.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore IR through a focused geopolitical case study while offering flexible, creative ways to present your work.

14. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (remote and in-person options)
Stipend: None; limited stipends available based on financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Early March (varies each year slightly)
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.; open to international students, however, FPRI does not sponsor visas, and international students must be able to work remotely or have independent U.S. work authorization

This internship gives you a direct look into how foreign policy research and analysis actually work. Instead of a classroom setting, you engage in hands-on tasks, ranging from research and writing to supporting events or operations, depending on your assigned role. Weekly seminars led by experts expose you to current global issues and policy debates, helping you connect your work to real-world developments.

You also get the chance to interact with professionals in the field, which adds a networking and mentorship dimension to the experience. For students interested in writing, there may be opportunities to contribute to research pieces or publications through FPRI platforms.

Why it stands out: It offers real-world policy research experience within a professional think tank setting.

From Policy Simulations to Deeper International Insight

A summer spent debating treaties, analysing global crises, and questioning political decisions can change how you see the world and your place in it.

That is the value of international relations summer programs in Toronto for high school students, which turn curiosity into sharper thinking, stronger arguments, and wider perspective.

Through simulations, seminars, and case studies, you begin connecting diplomacy, law, conflict, and sustainability to the deeper forces shaping headlines, institutions, and societies.

Our International Relations Top Books Guide can take you further, opening up bold ideas, essential debates, and powerful reading that keeps your global curiosity alive long after.