15 Investment Banking Internships for High School Students

TL;DR

You’ll find 15 ways to explore investment banking here, from paid internships and apprenticeships to university summer programs and free online courses. Some placements pay you, while most pre-college programs charge tuition. They suit students in grades 9 to 12 or UK sixth form, and spots can be scarce, with 1435 Capital Management generally taking just 4 students each summer. Immerse Education’s Career Insights pathway in Banking & Finance runs for two weeks in London and New York for students aged 15 to 18, with a bursary programme available.

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For high school students, the field of investment banking can seem tough to enter; an unknown world of numbers, markets, and people making big financial decisions. There is much more to the field than watching stock prices or learning financial terms.

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You might study how companies raise money, analyze a business, build a financial model, or learn how investment decisions are made. An internship or work-learn program can give you an early look at that process.

What kind of investment banking internships are available to high school students?

Institutions across the U.S.A and the UK offer direct work experience with banks, investment firms, or financial institutions. There are also academies, university finance programs, or apprenticeships where you learn about portfolio management, financial markets, and investing through projects. We’ve included both, with a focus on programs that give you more than classroom exposure.

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These experiences can be useful if you’re considering finance, economics, or business in college. You can see what the work actually involves, build practical skills, and get a better sense of whether the field interests you before committing to it as a career.

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To help you explore your options, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Investment Banking Internships for High School Students. We’ve included internships, apprenticeships, work-learn programs, and finance-focused university programs.

15 Investment Banking Internships for High School Students

1. Columbia University: Investment Portfolio Management

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $12,838/session | Commuter: $6,381/session (Summer 2027 estimates), plus a $95 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: 2027 sessions: June 28th - July 16th or July 20th - August 6th
Application Deadline: Early registration deadline February 1st, 2027; general deadline March 1st, 2027 (residential) or April 1st, 2027 (commuter); applications open mid-November 2026
Eligibility: High school students; open to international students. You’re required to bring a laptop for this class and be comfortable with math

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Columbia University’s Investment Portfolio Management is a three-week, in-person course that introduces you to how professional investment managers build and manage portfolios. You’ll examine stocks, bonds, ETFs, and cryptocurrency, and learn valuation, risk management, diversification, and performance measurement. 

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You’ll take on the role of a professional money manager and manage your diversified portfolio through a simulation game. Guest speakers and discussions of current events also show you how investment decisions work in real time.

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Why it stands out: You’ll manage your own diversified portfolio in a simulation that puts the investment strategies you learn into practice.

2. Immerse Education's Banking & Finance Summer School

Location: London and New York

Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class

Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions

Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer

Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18; open to international students

Immerse Education's Career Insights pathway in Banking & Finance offers high school students an insight into financial markets and banking operations. In the program, you will explore different career paths through real-world projects, workshops, and network with industry leaders. The program is designed by industry experts to offer a professional world experience. You will explore various financial sectors based on your interests and develop the skill set of communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking required in the field. 

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You will learn key concepts like the banking system, the stock market, and financial analysis. You will learn how financial organizations plan to reduce financial risk while protecting both the company and clients. By the end, you will have expanded your knowledge in the field, gained professional working experience, developed skills, and earned a certificate.

Why it stands out: You will learn investment strategies, financial analysis, and case studies. You will work on real-world projects and expert-led workshops and earn a certificate.

3. Ladder Internship Program

‍Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

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Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. 

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Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. Apply now!

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Why it stands out: You work one-on-one with a manager at a high-growth start-up and present your finished project to the company, all remotely and in just eight weeks.

4. University of San Francisco: Wall Street Academy

Location: University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $2,150 | Residential: $3,425
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum cohort capacity is 50
Dates: 2027 cohorts: June 21-25 and July 12-16
Application Deadline: Not specified; registration for 2027 is open
Eligibility: High school students; international eligibility not specified

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Wall Street Academy is a finance and investing program for high school students who want to learn how financial professionals work. You’ll study investment fundamentals, global financial markets, and alternative investments in an Investment Lab. The program also introduces you to tools such as Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, and Excel, including PowerPoint skills used in finance. 

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Industry experts lead sessions, while company visits and networking events offer a closer look at financial institutions. Previous visits have included BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, and Merrill Lynch.

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Why it stands out: You’ll use the same financial tools professionals rely on and visit major financial institutions as part of the program.

5. Wake Forest University: Finance & Investing Institute

Location: Winston-Salem, NC - Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus
Cost/Stipend: $3,500 (subject to change); limited need-based scholarships available, though not for international students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size not specified; admissions are rolling until institutes fill
Dates: One week, Sunday to Friday, overnight; 2027 dates will be released on November 1st, 2026
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1st, 2026, with rolling admissions and no hard deadline
Eligibility: Current 9th - 12th grade students; international students are encouraged to apply

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Wake Forest University’s Finance and Investing Institute introduces high school students to investing, financial markets, and careers in finance. You’ll explore stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment products, while learning how fundamental analysis helps investors value them. 

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You’ll attend discussions with faculty and finance professionals about careers in the field and how finance shapes both personal and professional decisions. You’ll pitch potential investments, build an investment portfolio, and participate in a mock investment competition. The program also includes visits to a financial institution and trading floor, along with discussions of current events and sessions with companies and financial firms.

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Why it stands out: You’ll put your investment knowledge to the test in a mock competition while hearing from finance professionals and visiting a financial institution.

6. 1435 Capital Management’s High School Summer Internship Program: Venture Analysts

Location: Princeton (Skillman), New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; generally 4 students per summer
Dates: 10 weeks, full-time, in summer
Application Deadline: Applications for summer 2027 are open and reviewed on a rolling basis until a hard cut-off date
Eligibility: Rising juniors, rising seniors, and rising college freshmen generally between the ages of 16 and 18 with strong written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Google Workspace suite; applicants must be US-based and authorized to work in the US; not open to international students

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High School Summer Internship Program: Venture Analysts is a ten-week, full-time, in-person internship for students interested in finance, venture capital, investment banking, and the startup ecosystem. You’ll work alongside an investment team, research startups and markets, track portfolio company performance, and identify potential investment opportunities. 

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The role also includes market research, trend analysis, product testing, and meetings with entrepreneurs. You’ll see how investment teams evaluate companies and discuss deals and strategy.

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Why it stands out: You’ll work alongside an investment team and contribute to real venture capital tasks, from researching startups to identifying potential deals.

7. IntoUniversity: Big City Bright Future (BCBF) Internship

Location: London and Edinburgh
Stipend: £1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; places for up to 120 students across 20 partner firms
Dates: June 28th - July 16th, 2027
Application Deadline: Applications open December 4th, 2026 and close January 11th, 2027
Eligibility: Students in Year 13/S6, in their final year of college or sixth form, or on a gap year who are part of the IntoUniversity programme; you must have the right to work in the UK, so it isn’t open to international students

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The BCBF Internship is a three-week paid program that gives high school students the chance to gain workplace experience before university. You can choose from placements in areas such as asset management, investment banking, law, technology, and consultancy. The first week takes place in London and covers presentation skills, teamwork, and commercial awareness. 

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You’ll then spend two weeks at a firm in London or Edinburgh, where you’ll work with a team on an assigned project and learn about the organization’s day-to-day work. The program ends with a group session to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can use the experience at university and beyond.

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Why it stands out: You’ll spend two weeks inside a real organization, giving you a closer look at the work and skills involved in your chosen career area.

8. Standard Chartered: UK Markets Apprenticeship

Location: United Kingdom
Stipend: Salaried role; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Two-year programme; start date not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified; openings are posted on Standard Chartered’s early careers job search
Eligibility: You must have lived in the UK or EEA for the last three consecutive years and can’t be enrolled at university or hold a degree; not open to international students who don’t meet the residency requirement

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Standard Chartered’s UK Markets Apprenticeship offers you early experience in corporate and investment banking while you work toward a professional qualification. You’ll complete a Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist qualification in partnership with the University of Exeter, including three CISI exams covering Securities & Investments, UK Financial Regulations, and Derivatives. 

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During the academic part of the apprenticeship, you’ll receive support from mentors, trading floor colleagues, and a dedicated Learning and Skills Coach.

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Why it stands out: You’ll work on a live trading floor while earning industry-recognized CISI qualifications in investment operations.

9. JPMorganChase: Aspiring Professionals Program

Location: London and Glasgow
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Two-week, in-person placement; dates not specified
Application Deadline: Applications run through the Social Mobility Foundation, which accepts applications between September and December
Eligibility: Year 12, lower sixth, or S5 students who meet the Social Mobility Foundation’s criteria, such as being eligible for free school meals or being care experienced; international eligibility not specified

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The Aspiring Professionals Program, run with the Social Mobility Foundation, gives you a two-week, in-person work placement at JPMorganChase’s London or Glasgow office. You’ll get an overview of the firm’s business areas, work on a project you’ll showcase, and build practical skills such as CV writing and interview techniques. 

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You’ll also have your own JPMorganChase mentor who supports you during the placement and afterward as you consider your future options. Along the way, you’ll meet senior leaders and see how the firm’s businesses work together to serve clients.

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Why it stands out: You’ll spend two weeks inside a JPMorganChase office with a dedicated mentor guiding you through the experience.

10. Morgan Stanley Finance Academy

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; recent cohorts of about 120 students
Dates: Five months; dates for the next cohort not yet posted
Application Deadline: Not specified; you can sign up on Morgan Stanley’s page to be notified when applications open
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors, with a focus on students from underrepresented communities; international eligibility not specified

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Morgan Stanley’s Finance Academy is a five-month virtual program that helps high school seniors build their knowledge of banking and financial services, expand their networks, and find mentors. You’ll learn from Morgan Stanley analysts and associates working in areas such as investment banking, global capital markets, institutional equities, fixed income, and research. 

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Topics range from the difference between private equity and venture capital to what goes into launching an initial public offering, along with financial literacy and networking skills. The program ends with a capstone competition in which your team develops a solution based on one of Morgan Stanley’s past transactions, judged by a panel that includes the client involved.

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Why it stands out: You’ll learn directly from Morgan Stanley professionals and compete in a capstone built around a real past transaction.

11. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston: Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Internship Program

Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer work experience, with a year-round extension for selected interns that can last up to three years
Application Deadline: Not specified; the program runs in partnership with the Boston Private Industry Council
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year in the Boston Public Schools; international eligibility not specified

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Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) is a paid internship and work-learn program for eligible high school students. The program begins with a summer work experience that includes job coaching and workshops on workplace skills. 

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Based on available openings, interest, effort, and performance, you may be selected to continue into a year-round internship for up to three years. You’ll build skills such as complex problem-solving and conflict resolution and gain experience in a professional workplace.

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Why it stands out: You can turn a summer internship into up to three years of paid work experience, gaining more time to build professional skills before graduation.

12. NYC Dept. of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) - NYC Ladders for Leaders

Location: New York City, across all five boroughs, with internship placements citywide
Stipend: At least $16.50/hour in 2026, with some employers paying more
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Six weeks in the summer at 25 to 40 hours per week, plus up to 30 hours of pre-employment workshops and trainings
Application Deadline: The 2026 deadline was January 16th, 2026; 2027 dates not yet posted
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or college students ages 16-24; resident of one of the five New York City boroughs; prior paid or volunteer work experience; you must be legally allowed to work in the U.S., so international students without work authorization aren’t eligible

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Ladders for Leaders connects you with paid professional summer internships at leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies in New York City. Before starting an internship, you’ll complete training in resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, workplace expectations, and business etiquette. 

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Your Ladders Community Partner uses the career interests you share to decide which employers you interview with, so you can make your interest in finance clear. The program includes an application and selection process, pre-employment workshops, mock interviews, and interviews with potential employers. For more city-based options, you can also browse these finance internships in NYC for high school students.

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Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid experience at a New York City employer while completing training that prepares you for the professional workplace.

13. Columbia University: Introduction to Finance & Investment Management

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY, or online
Cost/Stipend: In-person (1 week): $2,883 | Online (1 week): $2,868 | Online (2 weeks): $4,018 | Academic Year Weekend: $2,868, plus a $95 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Offered during the academic year and in summer; 2026 summer sections ran in June, July, and August, and 2027 course dates are not yet posted
Application Deadline: Summer 2027 early registration deadline February 1st, 2027; general deadline April 1st, 2027
Eligibility: High school students who are comfortable with math and prepared for a challenging experience; open to international students

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Columbia University’s Introduction to Finance & Investment Management is a quantitative course for high school students interested in understanding financial markets, offered in one-week, two-week, and weekend formats. You’ll learn core finance concepts such as interest rates, compound interest, the time value of money, and risk and return. 

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The course also covers how stock markets and international financial markets work, along with the roles of investment banks, asset managers, central banks, and other financial institutions. You’ll explore investment strategies, portfolio management, and different types of investments, including mutual funds, venture capital, private equity, and hedge funds, before creating your own investment strategy and portfolio.

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Why it stands out: You’ll move beyond learning how financial markets work by creating your own investment strategy and portfolio.

14. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee; limited need-based scholarships are available, mainly for U.S. citizens
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 14-25, 2027 or July 5-16, 2027
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 27th, 2027; rolling admissions after that
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12; open to international students

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Wharton Global Youth’s Financial Decision Making is a two-week online summer course that introduces you to economics and personal finance. You’ll study financial markets, money and banking, data-based decision-making, wealth management, and financial ethics. 

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The course uses Excel, actual financial datasets, and practical examples to help you understand how financial decisions work. You’ll also work with other students on a group project and develop skills in data analysis, communication, teamwork, and investing.

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Why it stands out: You’ll work with real financial data and use what you learn to make and evaluate investment decisions.

15. Financial Foundations: Invest in Girls

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Dates: Multiple course cycles throughout the year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment
Application Deadline: Varies by course cycle
Eligibility: High school students who identify as girls; international eligibility not specified

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Invest in Girls’ Financial Foundations is a free, four-unit series of live online courses that introduces high school girls to personal finance, investing, and careers in finance. Unit 1 covers paychecks, budgeting, and digital banking, while Unit 2 focuses on credit, loans, and protecting yourself from fraud. In Unit 3, you’ll learn the basics of investing, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and diversification. 

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Unit 4 helps you prepare for internships and jobs with resume, interview, and LinkedIn skills. You can also apply for the Invest in Girls summer internship at investment and advisory firms, with applications opening in spring 2027. Invest in Girls is a program of the Council for Economic Education.

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Why it stands out: The series takes you from basic money management and investing to preparing for internships and a future career in finance.

Frequently asked questions: Investment Banking Internships for High School Students

Can high school students get investment banking internships?

Yes, but formal investment banking internships for high school students are rare and very competitive. Big City Bright Future, for example, offers places for up to 120 students across 20 partner firms, and you need to be part of the IntoUniversity programme to apply. You’ll usually find more openings through structured routes like Ladders for Leaders, the Boston Fed’s TIP program, or Standard Chartered’s apprenticeship. If those don’t fit, a university finance program or virtual academy can still show you how banks and investment teams operate.

How do I get an investment banking internship in high school?

Apply early, since many finance programs close their applications between January and April. Big City Bright Future closes on January 11th, 2027, and Columbia’s early registration deadline is February 1st, 2027. Many applications ask for a resume, essays or a short video, and a teacher recommendation, so start preparing these in the fall. You can also browse these finance internships for high school students to find placements that match your location, age, and eligibility.

Are investment banking internships for high school students paid?

Some pay you, but many finance programs for high school students charge tuition instead. Big City Bright Future pays £1,500 for its three-week programme, and Ladders for Leaders paid at least $16.50 an hour in 2026. The Boston Fed’s TIP program and Standard Chartered’s apprenticeship are also paid, though they don’t publish exact amounts. Pre-college courses at Columbia, Wake Forest, and Wharton charge tuition, so check costs and scholarship options before you apply.

What age do you need to be for an investment banking internship?

It depends on the program, though many options on this list welcome students from grade 9 onward. Wharton’s Financial Decision Making accepts students in grades 9 to 12, while 1435 Capital Management looks for rising juniors, rising seniors, and rising college freshmen generally aged 16 to 18. Ladders for Leaders accepts students aged 16 to 24. If you’re 15 or older, Immerse Education’s Career Insights pathway in Banking & Finance welcomes students aged 15 to 18 in London and New York.

Are there virtual investment banking programs for high school students?

Yes, you can join several finance programs fully online. Morgan Stanley’s Finance Academy is a five-month virtual program for U.S. high school seniors, led by analysts and associates from areas like investment banking and fixed income. Wharton’s Financial Decision Making runs live online for two weeks each summer, and Invest in Girls offers free live courses for high school girls. If you want more flexible options, explore these online finance courses for high school students.

Do investment banking internships help with college applications?

Yes, they can help by showing a sustained interest in finance and the initiative to pursue it early. What matters most is explaining what you actually did, such as managing a simulated portfolio or pitching an investment. Columbia’s pre-college courses give you a Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter that your counselor can add to your recommendation. At Immerse Education, you can also opt in to earn 8 UCAS points or 3 US college credits on an accredited Banking & Finance course.

Explore banking careers while still in school

Getting into finance early can feel out of reach, but the right program shows you how deals, portfolios, and client work actually come together.

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The investment banking internships for high school students you’ll find here range from paid placements in London to free online courses and university summer programs.

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Before you apply, check each deadline, eligibility rule, and work authorization requirement carefully, since several placements only accept students who live or study locally.

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For more guidance on choosing a career path and building relevant experience before university, browse our Career Exploration blogs and plan your next step.