If you’re a high school student looking to explore new subjects while experiencing life in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Sydney is an incredible place to spend your summer. You might already be curious about studying abroad, exploring different career paths, or testing what university-style learning feels like in a global setting. Summer programs in Sydney for high school students give you a structured way to do this while building confidence, independence, and a clearer sense of your academic interests.

Imagine spending your summer attending classes at institutions like the University of Sydney, working on projects, and exploring topics like business, medicine, engineering, or creative writing. Picture balancing academics with coastal life, visiting iconic landmarks, meeting students from around the world, and gaining independence along the way. These programmes combine academic enrichment with cultural immersion in a truly unique environment.

How do you choose the right summer programs in Sydney for high school students?

With a range of options available, it’s important to look for programs that go beyond basic classroom learning. The best ones offer small-group teaching, hands-on projects, and mentorship, helping you engage deeply with your subject.

These programs often take place on real university campuses, giving you a taste of student life. You might work on case studies, collaborate on group projects, or present your ideas, mirroring real academic workflows.

What makes Sydney especially appealing is how learning extends beyond the classroom. You’ll experience a global city known for its research culture, innovation, and coastal lifestyle, helping you develop independence, adaptability, and a broader worldview.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with peers from different backgrounds, and build essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what studying at a university level and living abroad might truly be like.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Summer Programs in Sydney for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, hands-on learning opportunities, and ability to provide meaningful global and cultural exposure.

For adjacent opportunities, consider summer programs in Australia.

15 Summer Programs in Sydney for High School Students

1. University of Sydney’s International Science School

Location: University of Sydney, Sydney
Cost: Free (scholarship covers all expenses valued at approximately AU$4,000)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 110 students (~70 from Australia and ~40 international)
Dates: Two weeks in July; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in Years 11 or 12; applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents attending school in Australia must be studying at least 50% STEM subjects and hold an ‘A’ grade or >80% in English and STEM. International students are selected by ISS representatives in partner countries (U.S., New Zealand, Thailand, China, India, Japan, Singapore, and the UK)

The International Science School is a free two-week program at the University of Sydney, where high school students connect with scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and entrepreneurs, and explore STEM disciplines. On campus, you will engage in activities like conducting experiments, going on lab tours, attending seminars and workshops covering topics in chemistry, biosciences, physics, engineering, IT, and geoscience.

You will also participate in the Science & Engineering Challenge, network with young researchers, and attend ethics and leadership workshops. You will stay in student accommodation with peers from across Australia and around the world. The schedule also features a packed social calendar including trivia, movies, and game nights, a traditional bush dance, a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, a gala reception in the University’s Great Hall, and a talent night.

Why it stands out: It lets you dive into STEM while connecting with Nobel Prize winners, scientists, and professionals, and living on campus at the University of Sydney.

2. Immerse Education’s Sydney Summer School

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Location: University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Cost: Varies according to program; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18

Immerse Education’s Sydney Summer School allows high school students to experience university life in the Australian city firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7 to 10 students, and learn from tutors. You can explore a wide range of subjects, spanning over 20 options, including computer science, economics, AI, business management, architecture, medicine, and philosophy.

The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning, so you may conduct dissections in medicine, design a robotic arm in engineering, participate in a moot court for law, or build creative writing portfolios and business case studies. At the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You will explore a subject of choice on a university campus while connecting with tutors and college students and completing a project you can add to your future applications.

3. University of Sydney Tahgara Program

Location: University of Sydney campus, Sydney, NSW
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One week in July
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in May
Eligibility: Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia

This is a free week-long residential program at the University of Sydney campus, designed to prepare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 students for final exams and post-secondary education. You will attend workshops led by exam markers, tutors, faculty, and university staff and students.

You will have access to an individually tailored curriculum to prepare for college. The program offers support and guidance covering scholarship applications, university pathways, and exam preparation. You will also receive one-on-one subject-specific tutoring.

Why it stands out: It offers exposure to a university environment, college-prep support, and personalized, subject-specific guidance at no cost!

4. Immerse Education’s Sydney Career Insights Summer School

Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway introduces high school students to professional industries through experiential learning in major global cities, including Sydney. Over the course of the two-week program, you will engage in interactive workshops, company visits, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world workplace settings.

Industry mentors and professionals will provide feedback and career advice as you explore sectors like business, journalism, medicine, law, or engineering. Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions will help you refine your goals and boost confidence in presenting your work. The program concludes with a final presentation where you will share your findings and experiences with peers and professionals. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: It combines professional skill development with hands-on experiences to help you explore a future in a field of choice.

5. University of Sydney CCE’s Years 10–12 Course: Essay Writing

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Location: Online or Belinda Hutchinson Building on the University of Sydney campus, Sydney, NSW
Cost: AU$440
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8-20 students/class
Dates: Multiple sessions offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Not specified; open enrollment with rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in Years 10-12, ages ~15-18; international students

This two-day course, offered by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education, covers the skills you need to write essays for assignments and exams across a range of subjects. Over 16 hours of instruction spread across two days, you will learn how to develop a clear argument, structure your essays, and write using a formal academic voice and appropriate vocabulary and punctuation.

Your teacher will guide you through NESA’s syllabus requirements and marking guidelines, so you know what examiners are looking for and practice with past exam questions. You will receive one-on-one feedback on your work throughout the course.

Why it stands out: It offers personalized instruction to boost your formal writing skills and prepare for college-level writing over a short period.

6. U@Uni Academy @ University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Location: University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Free!
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots through U@Uni partner schools; not open to the public
Dates: 1 week in July + multi-year programming starting from the end of Year 10
Application deadline: Applications typically open in March through partner schools
Eligibility: Students enrolled in UTS U@Uni partner high schools, typically entering Year 11

The U@Uni Academy at UTS is a multi-year pathway program designed to introduce students to university life and provide an alternative route to undergraduate entry at UTS without relying solely on ATAR scores. The program is part of UTS’s commitment to equity and widening access to higher education.

You will work alongside UTS academics and student mentors across subject areas, including engineering, business, health, media, and design, completing project-based work and engaging in activities that mirror university coursework and professional expectations. The program includes a one-week experience on the UTS campus, where you will engage in workshops, campus immersion activities, and collaborative projects. Successful completion of the program can lead to a guaranteed offer to a UTS undergraduate degree.

Why it stands out: It offers long-term enrichment with a direct, formal pathway to university admission to high school students at no cost.

7. UNSW Gateway Program

Location: Online and UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Not specified; typically free support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: On-campus days in July; online resources available in May – June; Year 10 program in February/March
Application deadline: Not specified; information available via schools
Eligibility: Australian/NZ citizens or permanent residents in Year 10-12 attending UNSW Gateway partner schools or meeting low-SES, regional, or Indigenous equity criteria; not open to international students

UNSW’s Gateway Program offers on-campus exposure and academic support online and in person to high school students. You will attend faculty-led workshops, interactive masterclasses, campus tours, and social activities designed to show you what academics at UNSW look like.

In July, UNSW also runs on-campus visits for Year 11 and 12 regional students, offering a full schedule of sessions and cultural activities. Participating in the Gateway Program can support your application to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway, which offers early conditional university offers to eligible students based on criteria beyond ATAR.

Why it stands out: It combines academic exposure with college application support, helping you prepare for college admissions and assess your interests at the same time.

8. Sydney Community College’s Creative Writing Course: Fairy Tales and Lore

Location: Sydney Community College Rozelle Campus, NSW
Cost: AU$279
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 11-25
Application deadline: Open till full
Eligibility: Students around the world and adults over 16

This short course at Sydney Community College is anin-person writing class designed to help you refine creativity with a focus on writing fairy tales. You will begin the program by exploring the origins of fairy tales and learning about the link between nature and fairy tales while engaging in a walking tour of Callan Park.

The learning modules cover fairy tale themes and characters, and let you develop characters for your own unique fairy tale. You will receive feedback from peers to refine and edit your fairy tale. In the process, you will build writing proficiency and develop your own storytelling techniques.

Why it stands out: It lets you refine your fiction writing skills and techniques over two weeks through peer feedback, nature exploration, and classroom sessions.

9. Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary School Days

Location: The Concourse, Chatswood, NSW, and Sydney Town Hall, Sydney, NSW
Cost: AU$29; free tickets available for schools with an ICSEA value under 1,000 attending the Sydney Town Hall session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 25-26
Application deadline: Not specified; early booking recommended for free tickets
Eligibility: High school students worldwide; primarily meant for Years 7-10, but open to all secondary students

Secondary School Days is a one-day event part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival, where you will attend five author presentations in a single day. You will hear from a mix of Australian and international YA and children’s authors who will discuss their books, their writing processes, and the ideas behind their work.

The most recent lineup includes authors writing across genres like mystery, thriller, fantasy, and romance. The program is designed to connect you with literary themes and encourage your own creative thinking and writing. Book signings are available at the end of each session.

Why it stands out: It lets you hear from authors and understand their writing process to develop your own style at a low cost.

10. Campion College Winter Program

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Location: Campion College, Toongabbie (Western Sydney), New South Wales
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified, but spots are limited
Dates: July 7-10
Application deadline: Not specified; registration opens late in the year, and places are filled on a first-come basis
Eligibility: Year 11 and 12 students, recent high school graduates, and gap year students, ages 16 and 19, in Australia

This program is a four-day residential experience at Campion College designed for students who are considering enrolling in the college’s liberal arts degree. You will stay on campus, attend sample academic sessions, take part in information sessions, and join social activities, including a formal dinner, recreational activities, and evening events in the residential halls.

A student panel held on Day 3 will give you the chance to hear directly from current Campion students about their experience. Optional Mass is held each morning in the college chapel, reflecting the college’s Catholic identity.

Why it stands out: The program is fully residential and free, giving you a genuine four-day experience of living and studying on campus before committing to enrollment.

11. Sydney Youth Orchestras HSC Winter School

Location: Santa Sabina College, Strathfield (Greater Sydney), New South Wales
Cost: AU$440 for HSC Winter School only + AU$80 performance fee | Combined Winter School + HSC Winter School package: AU$940
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13-17
Application deadline: Not specified; registration is open now
Eligibility: Students around the world in Years 10, 11, and 12 who are studying or preparing to study HSC Music 2 or Music Extension

The HSC Winter School is a five-day afternoon program run by Sydney Youth Orchestras and led by experienced music educators and HSC markers, designed to help you prepare for HSC Music 2 and Music Extension. The program focuses on HSC performance, past examination papers, and sight-singing, giving you the chance to develop your understanding of these core syllabus areas in a focused environment.

You will also have the option to sign up for a one-on-one rehearsal with an accompanist to work on your HSC performance pieces, for an additional fee. Each session runs for two and a half hours, making it a manageable commitment during the school holidays while still covering substantial ground in exam preparation.

Why it stands out: The program is led by practicing HSC markers, meaning you get direct insight into how your performance and written work will be assessed in the actual exam.

12. Powerhouse Museum’s Lunar Academy

Location: Sydney Observatory, Millers Point (Sydney), New South Wales
Cost: AU$180
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~20 students/stream
Dates: May 6th – June 17th (Wednesday stream) | May 7th – June 18th (Thursday stream)
Application deadline: March 23rd
Eligibility: Students in Years 10 and 11; international student eligibility is not specified

Lunar Academy is a seven-week after-school program run by Powerhouse Academy at Sydney Observatory, designed for Years 10 and 11 students with an interest in physics and astronomy. Over the course of the program, you will connect with industry experts in navigation, astrography, and observational astronomy, and explore the Southern Sky through both scientific and cultural perspectives.

You will also learn how to operate the Observatory’s telescopes hands-on. Sessions are held once a week as an after-school program, running for two hours each week with a slightly longer final session. You can choose to join the Wednesday or Thursday series based on your preference.

Why it stands out: The program gives you direct, hands-on access to Sydney Observatory’s telescopes under the guidance of working industry experts, in a small cohort.

13. Powerhouse Museum Creative Studio

Location: Sites across Sydney
Cost: Varies by event; typically, free participation is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by event
Dates: Multiple events throughout the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Local high school students and adults

The Powerhouse Museum runs this structured, creative workshop-style program for students and adults, drawing on its collections spanning history, science, technology, engineering, design, and innovation. You may participate in design challenges, engineering workshops, and maker-based projects facilitated by museum educators and, in some cases, university or industry collaborators.

These sessions are designed to be hands-on and project-based, letting you produce tangible outputs rather than completing passive observation activities. In the past, sessions focused on animation, engineering, AI, graphic design, illustration, product design, and a range of other creative disciplines.

Why it stands out: This museum-led series lets you learn how to create art, develop projects, and design tangible projects under the guidance of experienced professionals, artists, and instructors.

14. SciX@UNSW Program

Location: UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales
Cost: AU$ 745; a limited number of fee waivers are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; projects are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Summer School: January 19-23 + program activities from November through May
Application deadline: Applications open on October 27th; projects are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Senior high school students in Australia; the program is designed to support those working on HSC Extension Science or International Baccalaureate independent projects.

SciX@UNSW places you in a real UNSW research group, where you carry out an independent science project under the guidance of a senior academic and a Ph.D. student mentor. Each research project is allocated to a small group of students, with one or more Ph.D. mentors, and roughly six students per mentor. The program spans several months, beginning with online pre-work and a virtual Q&A session in November and December, followed by the one-week on-campus Summer School in January, where you will develop your hypothesis, collect data, and conduct analysis.

After the Summer School, you will join additional virtual check-in sessions to connect with your mentor in late February and early May and get support for your analysis and final write-up. Projects cover a wide range of science fields, including astronomy, cognitive science, marine biodiversity, quantum computing, materials science, and more; you can choose a project based on your interests.

Why it stands out: The program gives you direct access to university-level research facilities and Ph.D. student mentorship over several months, rather than just a short workshop experience.

15. Brent Street Winter Camp

Location: Brent Street Studios, Sydney, New South Wales
Cost: AU$499
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; open registration
Dates: July 6-10
Application deadline: No fixed deadline; open registration with direct booking
Eligibility: Students, ages 7 to 22, of intermediate to advanced dance level from any studio across Sydney and Australia

Winter Camp is a five-day dance intensive at Brent Street Studios, featuring five one-hour classes a day with industry-leading choreographers across a range of dance styles. The full timetable and teacher lineup are released at the start of the camp.

Over the course of the week, you will work with more than 30 teachers across 25 classes. Throughout the camp, teachers will look out for standout dancers to award a scholarship to the Spring Camp held in September. The experience is designed to expose you to different dance styles over a short period.

Why it stands out: The camp offers access to choreographers teaching a variety of dance styles across five days, along with a chance to win a scholarship to the studio’s Spring Camp.

From University of Sydney to Global Pathways

A summer in Sydney can preview what it means to study, live, and learn independently in a major global student city.

The 15 summer programs in Sydney for high school students cover STEM, writing, music, business, career insights, and university preparation.

With options across universities, museums, festivals, observatories, and creative studios, Sydney can help you imagine where international study might lead next.

Ready to turn that possibility into a plan? Explore our Study Abroad blogs for destination guides, subject advice, application tips, and global university insights.