In high school, summers are often seen as a time to take a break from classes and step away from academic responsibilities. However, summers can be much more than that; you can use this time to explore new interests, challenge yourself through hands-on learning, and gain experiences that help shape your future goals. Engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students offer a practical way to engage in college-level coursework, learn from professors and professionals, and prepare for future career opportunities in engineering.

As a participant, you may spend the summer building model rockets, visiting aerospace facilities, learning how renewable energy systems work, and/or taking part in robotics and engineering design workshops. Even if you already know that engineering is the field you want to pursue, you will also gain clarity on different branches of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, aerospace, software, and environmental, while developing teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that strengthen your college applications.

What kinds of engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students are there?

Programs in Australia often combine academic learning with practical exposure, letting you tour the country’s renowned university labs, work on real-world challenges, and interact with peers who share your interest in innovation and problem-solving. The country offers a range of programs, from options focused on college coursework to opportunities in research. These programs focus on areas like aerospace, automation, mechatronics, renewable energy, infrastructure, coding, and design. You will learn from university faculty, researchers, and industry professionals, participate in workshops and site visits, and connect with like-minded peers. 

With the variety of programs available, it is important to choose the right option for you. Some options focus primarily on theoretical learning, while others prioritise technical skill-building through activities. To help you get started, we have curated a list of 15 engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students. We have focused on factors such as overall academic value, practical learning opportunities, and strong career exposure when selecting these programs. 

For adjacent opportunities, consider the online engineering program and summer programs in Australia.

15 Engineering Summer Programs in Australia for High School Students

1. University of Melbourne’s Girl Power in Engineering and IT

Location: University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, Melbourne
Cost: Free
Dates: Year 9 camp: July 5-8; Year 10 work experience: Final week of Term 2
Application deadline: April 12th
Eligibility: Female students in Year 9 from Australian secondary schools; international students are not eligible

Girl Power in Engineering and IT is a four-year program that offers you support from Year 9 through to Year 12, in the form of an on-campus camp, work experience, and mentoring at different stages. It starts in Year 9 with a four-day camp in July, where you will stay on campus at a residential college and explore different engineering and IT faculties through interactive workshops and careers panels.

In Year 10, you will complete a work experience week at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, where you will choose a focus area between engineering and IT. In Years 11 and 12, you will be matched with University of Melbourne engineering and IT students for mentoring. To take part in the later stages, you must have attended the Year 9 camp, as your journey through the program builds on each previous stage.

Why it stands out: Unlike most one-off programs, this one stays with you for four years, from Year 9 all the way through Year 12, providing a continuous opportunity to engage in engineering exploration before college.

2. Immerse Education’s Sydney Engineering Summer School

Location: Sydney, Australia
Cost: Varies according to program; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students around the world, ages 13-18 

Immerse Education brings a university-style learning angle to this list of engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students, introducing you to the fundamentals of the field. You will spend two weeks learning how engineers design efficient materials, while exploring key concepts in electrical and mechanical engineering, such as the principles of motion, force, and circuitry.

You will attend engaging group workshops and seminars, participate in discussions, and work on an individual project based on a specific topic of your choice while receiving one-on-one mentorship from expert tutors. The program also allows you to enjoy your time outside the classroom through day excursions to renowned institutions and landmarks. At the end of the program, you will complete your project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It lets you dive into engineering through college-level learning and a hands-on project in a university setting while offering one-on-one mentorship from expert tutors.

3. University of Sydney’s International Science School

Location: University of Sydney, Sydney
Cost: Free (scholarship covers all expenses)
Dates: Two weeks in July; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in Years 11 or 12; applicants who are Australian citizens/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 chosen by ISS representatives in partner countries (the U.S., China, India, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and the UK)

The International Science School is a free two-week program conducted on the University of Sydney campus, where high schoolers from around the world connect with scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and entrepreneurs, and explore STEM subjects. As a participant, you will dive into STEM while conducting experiments, going on lab tours, and attending seminars and workshops covering topics in engineering, chemistry, physics, IT, biosciences, and geoscience.

You will also participate in the Science & Engineering Challenge, network with young researchers, and take part in ethics and leadership workshops. You will spend two weeks in student accommodation, connecting with peers from across Australia and around the world.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore your interests in STEM while interacting with Nobel Prize winners, scientists, and professionals, and living at the University of Sydney.

4. CREATE STEM Program @ Edith Cowan University

Location: ECU School of Engineering, Joondalup Campus, Western Australia
Cost: Free
Dates: July 15-17
Application deadline: July 7th
Eligibility: High school students; international students are not eligible

The CREATE STEM Program at Edith Cowan University is a free STEM exploration program for high school students. You will spend three days engaging in challenging STEM activities across a range of engineering disciplines, including instrumentation, mechatronics, electrical, data processing, chemical, automation and control, and electronics.

The program activities are updated from time to time and are led by staff members at Edith Cowan University, as well as by undergraduate and postgraduate students. In the past, the program has offered activities like building your own robot and testing it at the end.

Why it stands out: It lets you explore engineering fields like mechatronics, electronics, and automation through hands-on STEM activities at no cost.

5. Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) 

Location: Curtin University’s Bentley campus, and sites around the Perth metro, Western Australia
Cost: Free (funded by the non-profit Engineering Aid Australia)
Dates: July 12-18
Application deadline: May 3rd
Eligibility: First Nations students in Years 9-12 in Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT), and South Australia (SA) 

IAES is a week-long engineering-focused program designed for high school students. You will spend the week engaging in hands-on engineering challenges, interacting with professional engineers, and receiving supervision and guidance from indigenous university students.

You will also tour the Curtis University campus and connect with peers and faculty. The experience can offer you insights into future engineering pathways and the opportunity to be eligible for an education scholarship.

Why it stands out: It offers First Nations students hands-on engineering exposure and networking opportunities on a university campus at no cost! 

6. The Science Experience 

Location: Multiple universities in Australia
Cost: AU$90 (one-day program) | AU$250 (three day program); financial aid may be available
With GST included, rotary sponsorship may be available.
Dates: Multiple one- to three-day programs offered throughout the year, including in the summer
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Year 9 and 10 students in Australia

The Science Experience is an activity-based learning opportunity designed for Year 9 and 10 students who want to explore STEM within real university laboratories. Over one to three days, you will engage in experiments, demonstrations, lectures, and guided activities led by scientists and university instructors.

Many locations offer visits to research or industrial facilities, campus tours, and the chance to connect with scientists. Additionally, the program also offers insights into career pathways and future study options in STEM across Australia’s tertiary institutions. You will also get to network with peers from other schools during the program.

Why it stands out: It combines networking and career exploration with hands-on exposure to science and engineering in academic and industrial STEM environments, all in a condensed, focused format.

7. James Cook University IERC Winter School

Location: James Cook University’s Bebegu Yumba campus, Townsville
Cost: Free
Dates: June 28th – July 3rd
Application deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10 to 12 from across Australia

The Winter School is a five-day residential program where you will live on campus at Saints Catholic College at James Cook University and attend academic lectures and team-building activities. You can choose a discipline that interests you, including engineering, and spend the week experiencing what it’s like to study the subject in college.

During the program, you will take part in lectures, research projects, and social events alongside other Indigenous students from around the country. You will have the chance to meet university staff and students and build connections with others in the program. After the program, you can attend the university’s Summer School program in your final year of high school as the next step toward university.

Why it stands out: The program lets you pick your own area of study from a wide range of disciplines, giving you a genuine taste of the specific university career path you are considering.

8. Monash Engineering Girls (MEG)

Location: Monash University, Victoria
Cost: Free
Dates: Multiple events throughout the year, including summer opportunities
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school girls in Years 9 to 12; open to international students 

Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) is a free program that helps students, primarily girls, explore career pathways in engineering through year-round activities. You will participate in special activities, workshops, VIP events, online events, and on-campus visits to explore the field of engineering.

You will have the opportunity to connect with current engineering students and academic staff at Monash University to get some guidance on preparing for future STEM academics. The program also offers a glimpse into what studying at Monash looks like. All events are scheduled after school or during the holidays.

Why it stands out: You will explore different engineering fields through special events, activities, and interactions with Monash students and academic staff.

9. NYSF Year 12 Program

Location: University of Queensland, Brisbane, and Australian National University, Canberra
Cost: AU$3,180 + AU$70 non-refundable application fee; financial aid available
Dates: The Australian National University: January 6-14; The University of Queensland: January 13-21
Application deadline: June 24th
Eligibility: Students entering Year 12 from around Australia

National Youth Science Forum’s Year 12 Program is a residential summer program that is designed to help high schoolers explore academic and career paths in STEM. You will spend nine days exploring science and tech facilities and future pathways in STEM, learning about STEM-focused research, and connecting with former participants of the program.

You will go on educational tours, network with research providers and industry partners, and even participate in interesting social activities. Once the summer program ends, you will get to join the program alumni and gain access to events and programs conducted in the future. 

Why it stands out: You’ll explore STEM careers through research talks, facility tours, and interactions with scientists, industry experts, and past participants.

10. UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club

Location: Virtual or UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW
Cost: Free
Dates: Events and workshops are available year-round, including in the summer.
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in Australia; primarily designed for women, non-binary, and gender diverse students.

UNSW Young Women in Engineering Club is a free resource for high school students, especially girls, non-binary, and gender diverse students, who want to explore engineering beyond school. As a club member, you will get access to opportunities to connect with UNSW engineering students and women engineers, attend workshops, participate in events and challenges, and receive an e-newsletter with resources and study tips.

In the past, the program has offered events focused on bioengineering, robotics engineering, virtual reality, and cybersecurity. You will explore advanced education and career opportunities in engineering, read articles on a range of topics, including scholarships, life as a student at UNSW, and work experience.

Why it stands out: It is a free program that offers access to workshops, networking opportunities with engineers and UNSW students, events, resources, and engineering challenges to help you prepare for future engineering academics.

11. Start QUT (STEM Intensive)

Location: Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD
Cost: No tuition fees; limited bursaries available
Dates: January 8-23
Application deadline: October 31st
Eligibility: Year 11 students; eligibility for international students is not specified

Start QUT (STEM Intensive) is a free two-week opportunity for high school students to complete a university unit in STEM. You will attend lectures, participate in lab experiments and exercises, and work on assessments while learning from faculty and undergraduate students.

The program offers a range of tracks to choose from, including chemical explorations, engineering design and professional practice, and design of computer systems. You will also learn through hands-on workshops and get to work and connect with peers during the program. The program concludes with a showcase where you will share your experience and program work with peers and family members.

Why it stands out: You get to complete a university-level unit in STEM and explore engineering through lectures, lab experiments, and assessments in a university setting.

12. CSIRO Young Future Shapers

Location: Multiple locations across Australia; Both virtual and in-person components included
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round opportunities + STEM Camp (four or five days) + 10-12 virtual hours during the year
Application deadline: March 10th
Eligibility: Students in Years 5-10 (including homeschooled students) in Australia; preference given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, students from regional schools, girls, or students from underserved areas.

Young Future Shapers is a year-long program run by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, designed to help students explore and develop STEM skills. As a participant, you will receive personalised support and get to choose one of three options: attending a four- to five-day STEM camp with behind-the-scenes tours and activities, bringing your class or club on a day-long trip with experts, or creating your own custom kit of equipment and tech to explore STEM at home.

Throughout the year, you will spend 10 to 12 hours on virtual events, briefings, and development activities. At the end of the program, you can join the Youth Reference Council to share your perspective to help CSIRO Education and Outreach projects. 

Why it stands out: This free program offers a fully personalised STEM experience and opportunities to explore your interests and build a network of professionals and peers who share your passion for STEM.

13. Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF)

Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Cost: Tuition-based; details not specified
Dates: December 1-5
Application deadline: Typically, mid-October
Eligibility: Year 10 and 11 students; international student eligibility is not specified

AYAF gives this list of engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students a focused aerospace pathway, combining career exploration with practical exposure to Australia’s aerospace industry. You will attend seminars, participate in workshops, and hear from industry experts about defence-focused aerospace work, aviation systems, aeronautical engineering, and spacecraft technology.

The program includes site visits, interactions with experienced professionals from government organisations and universities, along with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. You’ll also engage in interactive activities focused on model rockets and balsa wood gliders.

Why it stands out: You get to explore aerospace careers through seminars, site visits, and hands-on activities while learning from industry experts, all in five days.

14. Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) @ University of Melbourne

Location: University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, Melbourne
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer program; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10 from anywhere in Australia

RISE is a residential camp where you will take part in hands-on workshops and presentations covering engineering, chemistry, geology, genetics, physics, and maths, along with visits to STEM facilities. You will meet other Indigenous students, interact with scientists, and explore both the principles and real-world applications of science.

The program also covers how Indigenous knowledge connects with STEM today, celebrating the innovations and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. While at the camp, you will stay on campus, just like a university student. After the program, you can join the Youth Reference Council or return as mentors to support future students.

Why it stands out: It integrates Indigenous knowledge and First Peoples’ innovations directly into the science curriculum, making it one of the few camps where Indigenous culture is a core focus.

15. WOMENG Youth Program

Location: RMIT City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria
Cost: Free
Dates: March 27th – March 29th (excursions); March 30th – March 31st (shadowing); April 21st (final workshop)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Female students in Years 9 and 10, ages 15 and up, from Victoria-based secondary schools

The WOMENG Youth Program is a work experience program run in partnership with RMIT’s STEM College, designed for female students interested in exploring infrastructure engineering. Over the course of the program, you will visit three real construction sites, the Rail Academy Newport, the RPV Metro Tunnel HQ, and the Downer Group Somerton Plant, to see the infrastructure engineering industry up close.

You will then spend two days shadowing an experienced industry mentor on a 3-on-1 basis, following their regular workday and learning about career paths and day-to-day tasks. The program wraps up with a one-day workshop where industry speakers will discuss career pathways for women in engineering and share their personal experiences. At the end, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: This program takes you directly into active construction sites and real workplaces, giving you hands-on exposure to the engineering industry before college.

From Engineering Projects to University Life in Sydney

A strong engineering programme should leave you with more than a completed project; it should help you understand how engineers think, test, build, and improve ideas.

The engineering summer programs in Australia for high school students featured here cover everything from aerospace site visits and robotics workshops to renewable energy, coding, infrastructure, and university lab work.

Together, they show how broad engineering can be, whether you’re drawn to designing materials, solving environmental challenges, building software, or exploring future transport systems.

Thinking about where that interest could lead next? Read our Ultimate Guide to University of Sydney and explore what studying in one of Australia’s leading academic cities could look like.