When you’re in high school, summer doesn’t have to mean stepping away from learning altogether. It can be a chance to explore academic interests more deeply, challenge yourself intellectually, and experience what focused study feels like outside the structure of the school year. Academic summer camps for high school students offer a balanced way to combine learning, exploration, and personal growth.

Imagine spending your days engaging in seminars, working through problem sets, participating in labs, or discussing big ideas with instructors and peers who share your curiosity. These camps create environments where learning feels active, collaborative, and purpose-driven. You’ll gain exposure to different teaching styles, explore subjects you might not encounter in your regular curriculum, and build confidence navigating more independent, university-style learning.

How do you choose the right academic summer camps for high school students?

It’s true, some camps prioritize structure over substance or offer limited academic challenge. That’s why thoughtful research matters. The most effective academic summer camps combine rigorous content with supportive instruction and meaningful engagement.

Across universities and educational organizations, academic summer camps are offered in STEM, humanities, social sciences, business, medicine, and the arts. Whether you’re discovering a new interest or deepening an existing one, these programs help you strengthen academic skills while gaining insight into future study paths.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in discussions, projects, and hands-on activities, and collaborate with motivated peers from around the world. Along the way, you’ll sharpen critical thinking, communication, and time-management skills that support long-term academic success.

You’ll be challenged to stay engaged and think independently. To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Academic Summer Camps for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic depth, supportive learning environments, and ability to make your summer both productive and rewarding.

15 Academic Summer Camps for High School Students  

1. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

Location: Fully online (live online classes)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is $3,200 (plus occasional materials ≤ $100); no stipend mentioned
Dates: Two 2-week sessions- June 15th to June 26th & July 6th – July 17th
Application Deadline: March 13th
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 8–11, ages older than 13 and younger than 19 during program dates; international students are welcome to apply

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes offers an immersive online academic experience that invites you to explore advanced subject areas beyond the typical high-school curriculum. Over two weeks each summer, you will engage in live, small-class discussions with expert instructors and work deeply on a single-subject course ranging from computer science and engineering to creative writing and philosophy.

In addition to rigorous study, the program fosters community through interactive workshops and global peer connections that enrich your learning and personal growth. You will receive meaningful feedback and a certificate of completion while building confidence in your academic interests. By blending challenging coursework with opportunities to connect across cultures and ideas, the program inspires your curiosity and intellectual development.

Why it stands out: It gives academically motivated students an immersive Stanford learning experience in a focused subject area, expanding knowledge and critical thinking in a global classroom with expert instructors.

2. Immerse Education’s Academic Summer Camp

Location: Boston, Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, robotic arm building in engineering, or moot courts for law.

You can choose from over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus.

3. Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) Summer Camp

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (on Harvard Campus)
Cost/Stipend: Costs vary by format: ~$4,180–$8,160 for 7-week online/commuting (depending on credits), $9,100 for 4-week residential, $15,735 for 7-week residential, + $75 application fee
Dates: 7-Week: June 20th – August 8th; 4-Week: July 12th – August 7th
Application Deadline: Early & priority financial aid: January 7th; Regular & financial aid: February 11th; Late deadline: April 1, 2026 (or earlier if full)
Eligibility: Must graduate from high school and enter college in 2026, 2027, or 2028; Must be at least 16 by June 20, 2026, and not turn 19 before July 31st. International students can apply

The Harvard Secondary School Program (SSP) offers high school students the opportunity to experience rigorous, college-level academics in an Ivy League environment. During the program, you’ll live on campus and enroll in courses taught by Harvard faculty, allowing you to explore subjects in depth while meeting high academic expectations. Beyond the classroom, the experience encourages intellectual independence, time management, and critical inquiry: skills essential for success in higher education.

You’ll engage with a diverse, international cohort of motivated peers, fostering discussion and collaboration across disciplines. By combining residential university life with demanding coursework, SSP provides a realistic preview of college academics at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

Why it stands out: It allows you to take real Harvard undergraduate-level courses alongside global peers, helping you experience Ivy League academic rigor, independence, and classroom expectations before college.

4. Yale Young Global Scholars Academic Summer Camp

Location: Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA (on-campus residential program).
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is $7,000 USD per two-week session (need-based financial aid available; travel not included)
Dates: Session I: June 21st – July 3rd | Session II: July 5th – July 17th | Session III: July 19th – July 31st
Application Deadline: January 7th
Eligibility: Ages 16-18 by July 19, 2026; Current high school sophomore or junior (or international equivalent); Graduation date in 2027/2028 (varies by hemisphere); First-time YYGS participant only

The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program is a prestigious two-week academic enrichment experience for outstanding high school students from around the world. Hosted on Yale University’s historic campus, you will join peers from over 150 countries to engage in interdisciplinary sessions exploring topics such as science and technology, politics, law, economics, and global problem-solving.

The programme combines lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects, allowing you to think critically, exchange ideas with fellow scholars, and learn directly from Yale faculty. Beyond the classroom, you will become part of a vibrant global community through social activities and cross-cultural exchange. This immersive experience expands your academic horizons while fostering personal growth and lifelong connections with a diverse international cohort.

Why it stands out: It brings together academically driven students from 150+ countries for intensive, two-week interdisciplinary study at Yale, combining Ivy League faculty lectures with small-group seminars and global collaboration.

5. Architecture & Landscape Architecture Summer Camp

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania (Penn State campus)
Cost/Stipend: $1,100 (covers instruction, housing, meals, materials)
Dates: Session 1: July 12-16 | Session 2: July 19-23 
Application Deadline: June 16th 
Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering grades 9 through graduating seniors

Penn State’s Architecture Camps offer you an immersive introduction to architectural thinking through a blend of design exploration, technical skill-building, and creative problem-solving. Hosted by the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture, the program introduces you to core concepts such as spatial design, drawing, model-making, and architectural history.

You engage in studio-based learning while working closely with faculty and peers who share your interest in the built environment. Beyond academics, the camp provides insight into life at a major research university, allowing you to experience campus culture firsthand. This structured yet creative environment makes the program a strong foundation if you are considering architecture or related design disciplines.

Why it stands out: It gives high school students hands-on exposure to real architectural and landscape design studio work—including drawing, model-making, site visits, and guided creative problem-solving—letting you experience the fundamentals of professional design education in a college environment long before university applications.

6. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars Academic Summer Camp

Location: UC Berkeley campus in Berkeley, California, USA (with online option for Virtual track)
Cost/Stipend: Paid program; residential programs cost ~$14,000–$16,000, virtual/commuter programs charge per academic unit.
Dates: Residential Session C: ~June 22nd – August 14th (8 weeks) | Residential Session D: ~July 6th – August 14th (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Residential track: March 9th | Virtual & Commuter track: June 1st
Eligibility: High school students (generally must be 16+ by program start); Residential & Virtual: open to domestic & international students in good academic standing, may need English proficiency; Commuter: for Bay Area residents; must be at least 16 and meet grade requirements

The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars program offers you a unique opportunity to experience college-level learning and campus life at a world-class university during the summer. You can choose from several tracks to earn UC Berkeley credit while taking courses alongside current students and faculty. Beyond academics, the program fosters community through workshops, social activities, and college exploration sessions designed to build your confidence and broaden your perspective.

If you enroll in the residential track, you will live on campus and enjoy a fully immersive experience, while the commuter and virtual tracks offer flexible ways to engage with Berkeley’s academic environment. This summer program also helps strengthen your college applications and prepares you for future academic success.

Why it stands out: It lets you take real Berkeley Summer Sessions courses and earn college credit while experiencing UC Berkeley life alongside students from around the world, giving authentic exposure to a top U.S. research university’s academic pace and community.

7. UCLA Summer Sessions for High School Students (Academic Camp)

Location: Los Angeles, California (UCLA campus) for in-person courses/programs; online options also available for virtual formats
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Dates: Summer sessions run broadly from late June through August/September, with multiple session lengths
Application Deadline: Feb 18th
Eligibility: High school students all over the world (generally 15+ years old and currently enrolled in high school); individual programs may have additional requirements (e.g., GPA or grade level).

The UCLA Summer Sessions for high school students offers you an exciting chance to dive into real college academics at a globally recognised university. You can choose from a wide range of in-person, online, and accelerated courses across more than 30 subject areas, allowing you to earn official UCLA college credit while studying alongside undergraduate students.

Beyond standard courses, you can explore immersive options like Precollege Summer Institutes and the Summer College Immersion Program, which blend academic learning with workshops and co-curricular experiences that build confidence and college readiness. These programmes help you strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment. By engaging with UCLA’s vibrant campus community and world-class faculty, you gain a meaningful head start on your future academic journey.

Why it stands out: It lets you earn actual UCLA college credit and experience a world-class university’s academic environment across multiple programme formats while building skills that strengthen your academic profile and college readiness.

8. Brown University Pre-College Academic Summer Camp

Location: Brown University campus, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by program length & format (e.g., ~ $8,372 for 3‑week on‑campus residential; ~ $3,364 for 2‑week online). No stipend.
Dates: Summer sessions run in June – July
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Domestic and international students completing grades 9–12, ages 14–18 by June 14th

Summer@Brown at Brown University offers you the chance to dive into college-level learning while exploring your academic interests in a vibrant campus setting. You can choose from more than 230 engaging courses that reflect the breadth of Brown’s open curriculum, spanning sciences and humanities to arts and technology.

The programme blends rigorous academics with workshops, social activities, and community living, helping you develop independence, critical thinking, and meaningful connections with peers from around the world. Whether you study on campus or in a hybrid format, you’ll experience real college-style classes without the pressure of grades. Beyond the classroom, Brown encourages your personal growth through a balance of structured learning and enriching extracurricular experiences.

Why it stands out: It lets you immerse yourself in college‑level study across hundreds of courses at an Ivy League campus while joining a global community of scholars and exploring subjects deeply without the pressure of formal grades.

9. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Academic Summer Camp

Location: Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition ranges from $3,149 to $7,501, depending on program; no stipend for participants
Dates: Session 1: June 22nd – July 11th | Session 2: July 13th – August 1st
Application Deadline: May 2nd
Eligibility: Students must meet age/grade prerequisites and qualifying test requirements for chosen courses; varies by program. International participants are welcome

Johns Hopkins CTY delivers some of the most academically accelerated summer camps for high school students, built for learners ready to move beyond the standard curriculum. Through intensive courses in STEM, humanities, and writing, you engage with fast-paced, college-level material alongside equally motivated peers. CTY programs are known for their rigorous instruction, experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.

Depending on the format, you may study on a university campus or participate through online offerings, gaining flexibility without compromising academic depth. Overall, CTY stands out for combining academic excellence with a structured, supportive learning environment that helps you explore your strengths and prepare for future academic success.

Why it stands out: It gives academically advanced learners access to deeply challenging STEM and interdisciplinary coursework alongside peers from around the world, fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and confidence in a vibrant learning community.

10. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute (Academic STEM Camp)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded for qualifying students (needs-based funding available); otherwise, tuition applies
Dates: July (4-week intensive)
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: U.S. high school students (typically entering senior year) with a strong interest in advanced STEM topics

The MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute is one of the most technically demanding academic summer camps for high school students, designed for those ready to work at an undergraduate pace. Hosted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the programme centres on hands-on, project-based learning in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and embedded software.

You will work in teams, guided by MIT-affiliated instructors and industry experts, to design, build, and test solutions to complex problems. BWSI mirrors the intensity of undergraduate-level study, making it ideal if you are seeking academic depth rather than surface-level exposure. Beyond technical skills, the program helps you develop collaboration, problem-solving, and research-oriented thinking.

Why it stands out: It delivers intense, MIT-level hands-on STEM experience across emerging technologies, helping you build advanced technical skills and apply engineering concepts to real projects well beyond typical high school curricula.

11. Duke University Summer Academy Academic Camp

Location: Durham, North Carolina (Research Triangle / Duke University campus)
Cost/Stipend: Varies
Dates: June 17th – July 9th
Application Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility: Rising juniors & seniors in high school; must be ≥ 15 years old before program start & able to live/commute to the Triangle (no school restriction).

Duke University’s Summer STEM program offers you the opportunity to explore advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics in a university-level academic setting. Designed for motivated learners, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, collaborative projects, and faculty-led instruction. You will engage with real-world STEM challenges while gaining exposure to Duke’s research-driven academic environment.

Beyond academics, you will experience campus life and interact with peers who share strong intellectual curiosity. The program is well-suited for you if you are looking to deepen your subject knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills, and gain early insight into studying STEM at a top U.S. university.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in hands-on engineering design and technical problem solving under mentorship from Duke faculty and graduate students, helping you build real project experience, technical portfolios, and modern STEM skills through collaborative, design-focused work.

12. Imperial College London Global Summer School (Academic Camp)

Location: London, United Kingdom (Imperial College London campus, South Kensington)
Cost/Stipend: £7,695 (programme fee; no stipend & personal travel/visa costs not included)
Dates: 29th June – 10th July | 3rd August – 14th August
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: Ages 16-17 with strong academics and English language skills. International students are accepted

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School offers you the opportunity to experience university-level learning at one of the world’s leading STEM-focused institutions. Through subject-specific tracks, you engage in interactive lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative workshops led by Imperial faculty. The programme is designed to challenge you academically while helping you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in an international classroom setting.

Beyond academics, you gain exposure to campus life in London, connect with motivated peers from around the world, and explore potential pathways for future study. This immersive experience allows you to test your interests, build confidence, and gain a realistic insight into studying at a top UK university.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in world-class STEM learning on Imperial’s South Kensington campus, combining real lectures, labs, and a collaborative innovation challenge with an international cohort, giving a genuine taste of university study at a top global science and engineering institution.

13. University of Toronto Pre-University Academic Summer Camp

Location: University of Toronto, St. George campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Approximately CA $6,275 for the 3-week all-inclusive program (includes tuition, residence, meals, activities).
Dates: 3-week sessions in June 14th – July 4th, July 5-25, July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: No specific deadline
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 15–18 with an advanced English level

The University of Toronto’s Pre-University Program offers high school students a structured introduction to undergraduate-level learning at one of Canada’s leading research institutions. Designed for academically motivated students, the program allows you to explore subjects such as STEM, business, humanities, and social sciences through interactive lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors while engaging with peers from around the world, creating a truly global classroom environment. Beyond academics, the program provides insight into university life, expectations, and learning styles at a top-ranked institution. This balance of intellectual challenge and exposure makes the experience especially valuable for students preparing for competitive college pathways.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in a world-class research university setting with academic courses across disciplines and an international student community, helping you build university-level skills, global perspectives, and real subject knowledge before you apply to higher education.

14. NYU Precollege Academic Summer Camp

Location: New York University campus in New York City
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by credits (approx. $700 – $14,000+) depending on the number of credits taken; additional fees apply (housing, dining, activity fees, etc.)
Dates: July 2nd – August 13th
Application Deadline: mid-June
Eligibility: Open to all rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students (summer) or current 11th/12th graders for fall/spring terms; recommended strong academic standing (3.0+ GPA).

Summer is the perfect time for you to explore new academic interests and gain a taste of university life, and NYU’s Precollege Program offers exactly that. You can enroll in rigorous courses across fields like science, arts, business, and humanities while engaging with world-class faculty in an immersive college environment.

Beyond academics, you will connect with peers from around the globe, collaborate on projects, and take part in cultural and social activities across New York City. The program supports both your personal growth and your understanding of college-level study. With a blend of learning, exploration, and networking, NYU Precollege offers a summer experience that is intellectually stimulating and unforgettable.

Why it stands out: It lets high school students take real NYU undergraduate courses for college credit while living and learning on NYU’s New York City campus alongside a global cohort, giving a genuine taste of university academics and student life.

15. Boston University High School Honors Academic Summer Camp

Location: Boston University campus in Boston, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Tuition and fees are required (no stipend). Estimated past costs for residential ~ $11,000+ and commuter ~ $7,000+ (2026 final rates pending approval). Application fee $75. No compensation/stipend.
Dates: June 28th  -  August  7th
Application Deadline: May 22nd
Eligibility: Students entering junior or senior year of high school; admissions based on grades, course rigor, personal statement & recommendation(s); standardized tests optional for 2026 (except for international language requirements). 

High school summers offer the perfect opportunity to go beyond the classroom and explore your academic passions. The Boston University High School Honors program allows students to dive into college-level courses across subjects like science, humanities, and business while experiencing life on a vibrant university campus.

You’ll attend lectures led by expert faculty, engage in interactive workshops, and collaborate with peers from around the world. Beyond academics, the program encourages personal growth through social activities and campus life exploration. Combining rigorous coursework with immersive experiences, it gives students a head start in preparing for university and future careers.

Why it stands out: It lets you take real Boston University undergraduate courses alongside current students, earn up to 8 transferable college credits, and experience authentic college academics and campus life in one of the U.S.’s major research universities.

How Summer Academics Shape University Readiness

Summer can act as a rehearsal space, where curiosity replaces routine and learning stretches beyond familiar expectations. It’s a time to see how you think and work when structure loosens.

In settings shaped through the academic summer camps for high school students listed in this article, challenge appears gradually through deeper reading, sharper discussion, and greater ownership of your work.

Those moments build awareness of how you manage time, respond to feedback, and stay motivated, all of which matter far more at university than memorised content.

To plan with clarity and confidence, explore our University Preparation blogs for guidance on applications, subject choices, academic habits, and preparing for the realities of higher education.