If you’re a high school student interested in physics, online courses for high school students can help you explore the subject beyond equations and classroom experiments. Physics explains how the universe works, from motion and energy to relativity, quantum mechanics, electricity, and the structure of matter itself, while giving you a flexible way to study advanced concepts.

Imagine learning about astrophysics from university professors, exploring quantum theory through interactive simulations, or solving real-world physics problems alongside students from around the world. These courses go beyond memorizing formulas, encouraging students to think analytically, approach problems systematically, and understand the deeper principles behind physical phenomena.

Online courses can also help clarify future interests within STEM fields. Some focus on core areas like mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, while others introduce students to particle physics, space science, engineering applications, or computational physics.

How to choose the right online physics course?

Of course, not all online physics courses offer the same level of depth or engagement. Some rely mainly on prerecorded lectures and quizzes, while others emphasize live instruction, collaborative problem-solving, laboratory simulations, and project-based learning that make the subject far more interactive and rewarding. Choosing the right course can significantly shape both your understanding of physics and your confidence in tackling challenging scientific concepts.

Today, universities and educational organizations around the world offer exceptional online physics opportunities designed specifically for high school students. Whether you’re exploring physics out of curiosity, preparing for advanced study, or considering a future career in science or engineering, these courses can help you deepen your knowledge while experiencing university-level scientific learning.

To help you find the best opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Online Physics Courses for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, engaging instruction, and strong focus on conceptual understanding and scientific inquiry.

For related options, consider the in-person physics course.

15 Online Physics Courses for High School Students

1. Quantum Software – Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI)

Location: Primarily virtual; hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cost: Free for qualifying families; otherwise, a $2,400 summer program fee for families with income above $200,000 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 6th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Summer application deadlines occur in spring; teacher recommendation due April 3rd
Eligibility: High school students residing and physically attending school in the United States; must be current 9th – 11th graders (rising seniors eligible). Students must complete the prerequisite online coursework before consideration 

As one of the more advanced online physics courses for high school students, the Quantum Software program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Beaver Works Summer Institute introduces you to the basics of quantum computing through hands-on projects and coding. Before the summer session begins, you complete online coursework in areas like programming, linear algebra, classical computing, and introductory quantum concepts to prepare for the program.

The program focuses heavily on practical learning, so you spend much of your time coding, solving problems, and collaborating with teammates rather than only attending lectures. You also work on team projects based on real research ideas and present your solutions at the end of the program. 

Why it stands out: BWSI Quantum Software stands out because it gives high school students hands-on experience implementing real quantum algorithms at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while combining advanced quantum physics concepts with practical software engineering.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Physics Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarships available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)

Among the more research-focused online physics courses for high school students, the Online Research Program offers the opportunity to conduct rigorous research with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The program is offered in 1:1 and small group formats, and you can choose to receive college credit from universities in the US and the UK.

The virtual research program is offered in over 20 subjects, including physics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, psychology, economics, computer science, creative writing, philosophy, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. 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 experience authentic Oxford-style tutorials online, work closely with leading academics, and produce an assessed research paper – with the option to earn UCAS points or US college credit if you are aged 14 or above. 

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

Location: Virtual, hosted by Stanford University
Cost: Free to attend 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6-24
Application Deadline: May 1st; Applicants were notified by June 10th
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 at the time of application. International students may apply. Students from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds in physics are especially encouraged to apply

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a virtual summer program where high school students explore modern topics in physics through lectures, coding, and collaborative projects. Hosted by Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, the program introduces areas such as quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and quantum computing in an accessible way.

You also build Python programming skills and apply them to hands-on projects connected to real scientific ideas. You’ll work in small mentor groups led by Stanford undergraduates, creating opportunities for discussion, guidance, and collaboration throughout the program. 

Why it stands out: SPINWIP stands out because it combines advanced physics topics like Quantum Physics and astrophysics with mentorship from Stanford University researchers in a fully free and accessible virtual program for high school students.

4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Hybrid, in-person, or remote through George Mason University (research sites include Fairfax, Manassas, and Woodbridge campuses in Virginia)
Cost: $25 application fee; $1299 tuition for 3 college credits upon acceptance. Need-based waivers available for both fees. No stipend provided 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 18th – August 12th (8-week full-time summer internship)
Application Deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students worldwide. Students must be at least 15 years old by June 18th for remote or computer-lab internships, and at least 16 years old for wet-lab internships. Applicants must not have graduated from university before or during the internship. 

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University gives you and undergraduate students the opportunity to work on real STEM research projects with university faculty mentors. Over the course of eight weeks, you work full-time on research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, neuroscience, robotics, environmental science, astronomy, biomedical engineering, and data science.

The program focuses on hands-on learning, allowing you to use laboratory equipment, coding tools, and research methods commonly used in university-level research. Along with the research experience, you’ll build skills in scientific writing, presentations, and communication through workshops and mentorship. 

Why it stands out: ASSIP stands out because it allows high school students to conduct full-time, faculty-mentored original research across advanced STEM fields while earning college credit from George Mason University. 

5. Quantum Computing for Everyone 

Location: Online through edX and the University of Chicago (UChicagoX)
Cost: Free to audit individual courses; professional certificate track costs approximately $358 USD after discount 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment program with over 30,000 learners enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 3 months total
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners; only basic algebra and introductory programming knowledge recommended 

Quantum Computing for Everyone is one of the more beginner-friendly online physics courses for high school students, offering an online certificate program from the University of Chicago through edX that introduces you to the basics of quantum physics and quantum computing. Through two self-paced courses, you learn concepts such as qubits, quantum gates, quantum algorithms, and introductory quantum programming in a beginner-friendly format.

The program explains how quantum computers differ from classical computers and explores how quantum technologies may impact fields like cybersecurity, business, and scientific research. Rather than focusing heavily on advanced mathematics, the curriculum aims to help you build an intuitive understanding of how quantum systems work and how simple quantum operations are used in computing. 

Why it stands out: Quantum Computing for Everyone stands out because it makes advanced Quantum Physics and quantum programming accessible to beginners through a flexible, self-paced program from the University of Chicago.

6. Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy, and Gravity, from Particles to Planets 

Location: Online through Coursera and UNSW Sydney  
Cost: Free to audit with an optional paid certificate through Coursera 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment course with over 75,000 learners enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 2 weeks at 10 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners; designed for senior high school and beginning university students. Requires basic high school mathematics, including algebra, quadratic equations, and trigonometry 

If you want online physics courses for high school students that start with the fundamentals, Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets offers an accessible introduction through UNSW Sydney and Coursera. The course introduces you to core topics in classical mechanics, including motion, forces, gravity, momentum, energy conservation, projectile motion, and circular motion.

Through video lessons, animations, practice problems, and optional at-home experiments, you learn how physics explains both everyday movement and large-scale systems like planets, stars, and galaxies. The curriculum focuses on building conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills without requiring advanced calculus, making it approachable for motivated high school students. 

Why it stands out: Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy, and Gravity stands out because it connects core Physics principles to real-world phenomena ranging from everyday motion to planets, stars, and galaxies through highly interactive and beginner-friendly instruction from UNSW Sydney.

7. BWSI Remote Sensing for Disaster Response 

Location: Virtual (hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Cost: Free online prerequisite course; summer program fee is $2,400 for families with household income ≥ $200,000. Financial aid available for qualifying families  
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Online prerequisite course available before the summer session. The summer program generally runs from July 6th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in early spring; teacher recommendations are due April 3rd
Eligibility: High school students residing and attending school physically in the United States; applicants must currently be in grades 9-11. Completion of prerequisite online coursework is required 

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Remote Sensing for Disaster Response program introduces high school students to how data science and geospatial technology can support disaster response and environmental monitoring. Through online preparation and a four-week summer program, you learn how satellite, drone, and aerial imagery can be analysed to better understand real-world events and humanitarian challenges.

The curriculum includes topics such as Python programming, GIS, machine learning, image processing, feature extraction, and satellite image analysis using real datasets. You’ll also gain experience with tools like pandas, geopandas, Git, and open-source geospatial platforms while working on mapping and classification tasks. 

Why it stands out: This program stands out for combining AI, GIS, satellite imagery, and disaster-response applications in a fully virtual, real-world data science experience for high school students. 

8. Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space 

Location: Online through Coursera and the University of Arizona
Cost: Free to audit with an optional paid certificate through Coursera  
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment course with over 266,000 learners enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 5 weeks at 10 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners; no prior science background required 

Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space is an introductory online course offered by the University of Arizona through Coursera that explores how scientists study the universe and its evolution. The course introduces you to key topics in astronomy and astrophysics, including stars, galaxies, black holes, exoplanets, dark matter, telescopes, electromagnetic radiation, and the Big Bang.

You learn how astronomers use observations and scientific evidence from across the electromagnetic spectrum to better understand distant objects and cosmic events. Through modern discoveries and real scientific examples, the course helps you build a stronger understanding of space science and how the universe works. 

Why it stands out: Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space stands out because it makes advanced Astrophysics concepts like black holes, exoplanets, dark matter, and cosmology accessible to beginners through a highly engaging and comprehensive course from the University of Arizona.

9. Pre-University Physics 

Location: Online through edX and Delft University of Technology (DelftX)
Cost: Free to audit; an optional verified certificate is available for $55 USD  
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment course with over 38,000 learners enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; approximately 5 weeks at 6-8 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners; intended for high school students, prospective engineering students, and beginning university students with prior high school-level physics and calculus knowledge 

Pre-University Physics is an online university-preparation course offered by Delft University of Technology through edX for students planning to study STEM or engineering subjects in college. The course reviews important physics topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and wave physics while introducing the problem-solving style commonly used in university-level courses.

You learn how to solve algebra-based physics problems, work with vectors, apply estimation techniques, and use introductory calculus in physical situations. The curriculum focuses on analytical thinking and helps you understand how physics connects to engineering and real-world systems. 

Why it stands out: Pre-University Physics stands out because it bridges the gap between high school and university-level Physics by teaching rigorous problem-solving and engineering-oriented applications in an accessible online format from Delft University of Technology.

10. Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) 

Location: In-person (commuter or residential) and online synchronous through Johns Hopkins University Engineering Innovation
Cost: Online: Approximately $4,328 total; In-person commuter: Approximately $3,960 – $4,230; Residential: Approximately $8,060 – $10,190
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: In-person: June 29th – July 24th; Online: June 29th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; applications typically close when capacity is reached
Eligibility: Current high school students or recent graduates with strong performance in math and science courses, completion of Algebra II, and one lab-based high school science course. Rising sophomores may be considered, though priority is generally given to older students; international students are welcome to apply

Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) is a pre-college program offered by Johns Hopkins University that introduces students to the science and engineering behind renewable and sustainable energy systems. Developed with the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute, the program explores technologies such as solar power, wind energy, hydropower, smart grids, and energy storage systems.

Through labs, engineering challenges, and data analysis activities, you learn how energy is generated, transferred, stored, and used in modern infrastructure. The curriculum also connects physics concepts like thermodynamics, electricity, mechanics, and energy systems to real engineering applications and sustainability challenges.

Why it stands out: SEE stands out because it combines hands-on renewable energy engineering projects with real-world applications of Physics and sustainability while allowing high school students to earn college credit from Johns Hopkins University. 

11. BWSI Unmanned Air System – Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAS-SAR) 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA for in-person components; online prerequisite course available virtually) 
Cost: Free online prerequisite course; summer program fee is $2,400 for families with household income ≥ $200,000. Financial assistance available for qualifying families 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly Selective
Dates: Online prerequisite course offered before the summer program. Summer session runs approximately July 6th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Summer application deadlines typically fall in early spring; teacher recommendations due April 3rd
Eligibility: High school students residing and attending school physically in the United States; applicants must be current 9th – 11th graders (rising seniors are commonly admitted). Students must complete the prerequisite online coursework 

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) UAS-SAR program introduces high school students to unmanned aerial systems, radar imaging, and aerospace engineering through project-based learning and team collaboration. Before the summer session begins, you’ll complete online coursework covering topics such as vectors, matrices, radar systems, UAV flight dynamics, Doppler processing, and programming for signal processing.

During the four-week summer program, you work with mentors and radar experts to design, build, and integrate a working radar system onto a UAV platform. The curriculum includes hands-on challenges involving synthetic aperture radar imaging, motion compensation, radar construction, and UAV integration.

Why it stands out: What makes BWSI UAS-SAR stand out is its rare combination of hands-on UAV engineering, real-world radar imaging, and advanced signal processing research typically taught at the undergraduate or graduate level.

12. Python4Physics 

Location: Hybrid through the University of California, Berkeley (in-person and remote participation available)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Remote participation is open enrollment; in-person participation is selective due to limited space
Dates: June 15th – July 10th
Application Deadline: In-person: May 23rd; Remote: June 10th
Eligibility: Open to everyone, including high school students. Only basic algebra knowledge is required; no prior physics or calculus background is necessary 

Python4Physics is a free summer program hosted by the University of California, Berkeley Physics Department as part of the REYES initiative that introduces you to Python programming through scientific and physics-based applications.

The course teaches you how to use Python for topics such as data analysis, mathematical modelling, statistics, and numerical problem-solving while building foundational coding skills. Through interactive examples and projects, you’ll explore how programming can be used to solve equations, analyse scientific data, and model physical systems. 

Why it stands out: Python4Physics stands out because it teaches beginners how to apply Python programming to real Physics and data-analysis problems through a free, accessible hybrid program hosted by the University of California, Berkeley. 

13. BWSI Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing (UAV) 

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA for the summer program; online prerequisite course available virtually)
Cost: Free online prerequisite course; summer program fee is $2,400 for families with household income ≥ $200,000. Financial aid available for qualifying families 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Online prerequisite course available before the summer session. The summer program typically runs from July 6th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Applications are generally due in early spring; teacher recommendations are due April 3rd
Eligibility: High school students residing and attending school physically in the United States; applicants must currently be in grades 9-11. Completion of prerequisite online coursework is required 

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing program introduces you to autonomous drones, robotics, and aerial systems through hands-on projects and team-based challenges. Before the summer session, you’ll complete online coursework covering topics such as linear algebra, quadrotor dynamics, control theory, computer vision, navigation, and state estimation.

During the four-week program, you work in teams with DJI Tello drones to design and test autonomous flight algorithms that can navigate UAV racecourses. You’ll gradually build your skills through weekly modules before applying them in competitive drone racing challenges and experiments. The program is especially suited for those interested in robotics, AI, computer vision, aerospace engineering, or autonomous systems. 

Why it stands out: This program stands out for giving high school students hands-on experience developing autonomous drone racing systems using real computer vision, control theory, and UAV engineering techniques taught by MIT researchers. 

14. Introduction to Astrophysics 

Location: Online through edX and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFLx)
Cost: Free to audit; an optional verified certificate is available for $179 USD 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-enrollment course with over 47,000 learners enrolled
Dates: Self-paced; available through January 1, 2050
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners; recommended background includes introductory university-level mathematics and physics concepts such as trigonometry, calculus, and differential equations 

Introduction to Astrophysics is a self-paced online course offered by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne through edX that introduces you to the physics behind stars, galaxies, and the universe. The course explores topics such as gravity, blackbody radiation, stellar evolution, dark matter, gravitational lensing, galaxies, and the Big Bang through structured weekly lessons.

You learn how astronomers combine theoretical physics, mathematical models, and observational data to study cosmic phenomena and understand how the universe evolves. The curriculum also covers important concepts like Kepler’s laws, the Doppler effect, radiation processes, and cosmological expansion while strengthening scientific reasoning and quantitative thinking skills. 

Why it stands out: Introduction to Astrophysics stands out because it teaches university-level Astrophysics and cosmology through a rigorous yet accessible online format that connects theoretical physics directly to real astronomical observations.

15. Thermodynamics and Climate Change 

Location: Virtual through Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseWare
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open-access course
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with proficiency in single-variable calculus and basic programming experience. Prior coursework in chemistry, physics, and biology is helpful but not required 

Thermodynamics and Climate Change is an advanced high school-level course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that explores physics and energy systems through the context of climate change and sustainability. Originally developed as part of the MITES Semester program, the course introduces topics such as thermodynamics, entropy, enthalpy, combustion, energy conversion, and climate science while connecting them to real technologies like solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and geothermal energy.

You’ll also use Python and Jupyter notebooks to model thermodynamic systems and study possible climate mitigation strategies through computational analysis. The curriculum combines physics, engineering, coding, and environmental science in a way that encourages both scientific reasoning and practical problem-solving. 

Why it stands out: Thermodynamics and Climate Change stands out because it combines undergraduate-level Physics concepts with coding-based climate modelling to show how thermodynamics can be applied to solving real-world energy and climate challenges at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Let Physics Learning Continue Beyond the Screen

Physics does not end when an online lesson finishes. The strongest learning often begins when you keep questioning, rereading, and testing ideas independently.

The online physics courses for high school students in this guide can introduce quantum theory, mechanics, astrophysics, engineering, coding, energy systems, and climate science.

After each course, further reading can help difficult ideas settle, giving you more context for equations, discoveries, experiments, and university-level physics thinking.

Ready to keep that curiosity moving? Use our Physics Top Books Guide to find reads that make complex concepts clearer, deeper, and more memorable.