If you’re an international high school student looking to experience studying abroad, summer schools in New York offer an exciting opportunity. You may already be curious about what it’s like to learn in a global city, meet students from different cultures, and explore new academic interests. But beyond travel and sightseeing, these programs provide structured learning, cultural exposure, and a glimpse into university-style education in one of the world’s most dynamic locations.

Imagine spending your summer in New York City, attending classes in subjects like business, STEM, humanities, or the arts while exploring iconic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Picture engaging in discussions with peers from around the world, participating in group projects, and learning from experienced instructors in an international classroom setting. Summer schools in New York for international high school students combine academic enrichment with cultural immersion, creating a well-rounded experience.

What types of summer schools in New York are there for international high schoolers?

With many options available, it’s important to identify programs that offer meaningful academic content alongside cultural experiences. Some focus heavily on classroom learning, while others balance academics with excursions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Thoughtful research helps ensure you find a program that aligns with your interests and goals.

Summer schools in New York may offer a wide range of subjects, from business and leadership to engineering, media, and social sciences. You might attend lectures, participate in collaborative projects, or explore real-world applications of your chosen subject through case studies and discussions. You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with diverse peers, and gain a clearer understanding of what studying in an international academic environment might feel like. Along the way, you’ll build valuable skills such as adaptability, communication, and critical thinking.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 New York Summer Schools for International High School Students.

For more options, you can consider online summer programs.

15 New York Summer Schools for International High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s New York Summer School

Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York
Cost: Varies by format; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; open to international students

Immerse Education’s program is a premier summer school in New York for international students, allowing you to explore university-level subjects while experiencing the city’s vibrant academic environment. You choose from a wide range of courses in fields such as business, law, and the arts, all taught by expert faculty.

The program includes interactive seminars, group projects, and site visits, allowing you to apply your studies to real-world settings. By collaborating with international peers, you develop both academic and interpersonal skills, preparing you for university life. You also gain valuable insights into your academic interests while being introduced to the world’s leading industries and cultural landmarks.

Why it stands out: You will engage in university-style teaching and live on a historic college campus, so you’ll get a complete picture of university life.

2. Syracuse University Summer Pre-College

Location: Syracuse, New York
Cost: Varies as per format and type of student (Residential/Commuter); scholarships are available
Dates: 4-6 weeks in the summer; dates vary as per format
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors from around the world; some programs need them to be 15+

The Syracuse University Summer Pre-College program lets you experience real college classes before you finish high school. You can study subjects across architecture, art and design, business, college prep, communications, computer science, diversity, economics, engineering, film, history, math, psychology, and the sciences.

While you are there, you will listen to teachers, do hands-on work in labs or art studios, work on projects with other students, and go on fun field trips. Taking this program helps you build important life skills, like how to manage your time, communicate clearly, think deeply, and use new tools.

Why it stands out: It offers a unique Guaranteed Orange Pathway Program that can secure your future admission to the university, along with a $20,000 annual scholarship.

3. Columbia University Pre-College – NYC Residential Summer Programs

Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Cost: $12,838 + $80 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: Session A: June 29th – July 17th; Session B: July 21st – August 7th
Application Deadline: April 2nd
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12, open to international students

The Columbia University MYC Residential program offers an academic immersion at an Ivy League campus in NYC. You’ll select from subject areas such as business, neuroscience, law, or creative writing and engage in seminar-style classes taught by university-level instructors. The structure includes morning and afternoon lectures, with independent work and peer-group assignments to develop analytical and communication skills.

Residential life on the Morningside Campus provides a realistic preview of college living, including access to libraries and campus resources. By the program’s end, you’ll earn a certificate and gain a clearer understanding of university academic expectations and major selection.

Why it stands out: You’ll be taught by experienced tutors and have independent work components, so you’ll get an understanding of what university-level academic work looks like.

4. New York University – Pre-College

Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Varies depending on the number of credits; more information here
Dates: July 1st – August 12th
Application Deadline: June 15th
Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering 11th or 12th grade, having a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

The NYU Pre-College program gives high school students the chance to enroll in undergraduate-level courses alongside NYU undergraduates and earn college credit. You’ll choose from over 30 academic areas, such as engineering, journalism, or computer science, and attend lectures and seminar discussions in a New York campus setting.

You’ll reside in NYU accommodations and have access to various resources, such as libraries and labs, enabling you to have a campus life experience. You will be doing assignments and may get graded credit. The program is a means to delve deeper into your chosen areas of study and figure out if you have the academic capacity and independence required for higher-level ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌work.

Why it stands out: You’ll be taking classes alongside NYU undergraduates, so you’ll have the opportunity to build a useful network and get insights into NYU’s academics and student life.

5. Fordham University Summer Leaders Academy

Location: Fordham University (Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses), New York, NY
Cost: Varies by program; more details here; limited need-based discounts are available
Dates: Multiple 1-week & 2-week sessions between June 22nd and August 4th
Application Deadline: Residential: April 30th; Commuter: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors worldwide (entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade); credit-bearing courses taken by rising seniors require a 3.0 GPA

The Summer Leaders Academy is designed to provide you with a brief but intense exposure to specific university majors and college life. The curriculum is divided into focused academic tracks, such as Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Finance, and Global Business, with courses taught by Fordham faculty. You can choose from one to two-week sessions with credit and non-credit tracks.

You engage in seminar-style classes, collaborative group discussions, and persuasive presentations. You will also attend career-building sessions, receive guidance on college applications, and participate in community-building social activities. Students also participate in college readiness workshops and receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: It emphasizes university-style classes and developing professional skills, so you’ll be equipped with academic and practical skills.

6. Barnard College Pre-College Programs

Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: Residential: $10,771; Commuter: $8,160 + $75 application fee; limited need-based financial aid is available for domestic students only
Dates: Session 1: June 29th – July 17th; Session 2: July 20th – August 7th
Application Deadline: April 15th
Eligibility: Current high school students from all nationalities at least 14 years old by the program’s start

Barnard’s Pre-College Programs offer high school students a taste of intellectual and residential life at a top liberal arts college in New York City. The offerings are intensive, non-credit courses in subjects that emphasize social justice, philosophy, entrepreneurship, and creative endeavors.

You engage closely with Barnard faculty and students, participate in seminar-style discussions, and take field trips across the city. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and developing personal and academic independence within a challenging, women-centered environment. The program is a strong preparatory experience for liberal arts colleges, and you receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: Its intellectually-focused curriculum and teaching under Barnard faculty help you prepare a strong application for liberal arts and social science colleges.

7. Columbia Engineering SHAPE (Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers)

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Commuter: $6,241; Residential: $11,492; need-based scholarships are available for U.S. students
Dates: Session 1: July 6-24; Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders worldwide plus recent high school graduates; you should be at least 16 to enroll as a residential student

SHAPE is a selective, paid pre-college summer program for students deeply interested in the application of STEM fields, specifically engineering. You take college-level engineering courses, work on practical, hands-on projects in Columbia’s engineering labs, and learn directly from university faculty. The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ studies involve essential subjects such as robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering that focus on interdisciplinary, real-world problem-solving.

You can pick from residential and commuter options. The program is a good combination of challenging academic lectures, an introduction to Columbia’s Makerspace facilities, and professional workshops related to college readiness and engineering ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌careers. You receive a certificate of completion from Columbia Engineering.

Why it stands out: It provides access to Columbia’s engineering labs and renowned Makespace, helping you build a strong foundation for engineering applications.

8. NYU Stern School of Business – Summer @ Stern (through NYU Precollege)

Location: NYU Campus, New York, NY
Cost: $12,012 – $16,016+ for international students (based on 6-8 required credits); roughly $4,000 – $8,000+ for U.S. students depending on credit load; additional costs: ~$4,600 for housing/dining; limited scholarships are available for domestic students
Dates: July 5th – August 11th
Application Deadline: International Students: March 13th; U.S. Students: June 15th
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA); open to international students

Summer @ Stern is not a separate program but a track within the NYU Precollege Program where you enroll in an actual 4-credit undergraduate business course taught by Stern faculty. Course options may include an Introduction to Business, Marketing, or Finance. You will attend regular college classes, complete university-level assignments, and take exams alongside current NYU students.

You earn transferable college credit upon successful completion of the course, providing the clearest possible demonstration of readiness for college business studies. This program simulates the full academic and social experience of an NYU undergraduate.

Why it stands out: You’ll be exposed to an urban, globally-connected business school, giving you a sense of business dynamics in a real-world, high-profile environment.

9. Manhattan College Entrepreneurship Pre-College Camp

Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY
Cost: $1,400 + $50 nonrefundable registration fee; discounts are available
Dates: July 6-23
Application Deadline: Rolling registration
Eligibility: 15-17-year-old high school students; open to international students

This intensive pre-college camp is designed for high school students interested in the complex process of starting and scaling a business venture. The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ first three weeks are all about teamwork where you and your teammates come up with a business idea and take it step by step to a full-fledged business plan and a final pitch.

Additionally, the program is a blend of core university business concepts such as business management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurial strategy, and the faculty is always there to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌guide you. Students learn essential skills in financial modeling, market research, and public speaking through the process of developing and formally pitching their final venture.

Why it stands out: Its structure involves building a business venture and a pitch deck, so you’ll get an experience of how collegiate business programs work.

10. Cornell University – Pre-College Studies

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Cost: $1,940 per credit + $75 application fee; limited partial scholarships are available
Dates: June 1-18; June 22nd – July 10th; June 22nd – July 31st; July 13-31
Application Deadline: May 5th; May 19th; June 16th (varies as per dates)
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-18 who have completed grades 10-12

The Cornell Pre-College Studies program allows high school students to enroll in regular Cornell University undergraduate courses and earn official credit. You’ll attend lectures, complete assignments, and engage with faculty in fields ranging from engineering and business to the humanities and veterinary science. The residential option (if chosen) places you in a campus residence hall with access to student resources, labs, and social programming.

A strong emphasis on college-style study helps you build academic habits and assess which majors or disciplines might interest you. By completing the program, you receive a Cornell transcript and gain clearer insight into the demands and rewards of university-level learning.

Why it stands out: It’s a certified R1 Research University, so you’ll have access to high-grade equipment and understand what research looks like at top universities.

11. Ithaca College Summer College for High School Students

Location: Ithaca, New York (on the Ithaca College campus)
Cost: $5,900 + $50 application fee; financial aid is available
Dates: July 12-31
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide between 14 and 18 years old and entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade

The Ithaca College Summer College enables you to earn three college credits by studying topics that cover communications, environmental sciences, health, writing, psychology, sociology, theater, music, STEM, and sports media. During the three weeks, you will attend professor-led lectures, engage in hands-on workshops to practice creating content, and go on weekend field trips to local nature spots like Taughannock Falls.

Current undergraduate resident assistants actively mentor your daily learning and host fun evening social events. By the end, you will develop study habits, critical thinking, and practical media skills perfect for building your own digital projects.

Why it stands out: It offers credit-bearing courses specifically designed and reserved for pre-college students, allowing them to experience the school’s top-tier reputation in communications, theater, and music through hands-on, residential learning.

12. NYU Tandon School of Engineering – SPARC (Summer Program for Automation, Robotics, and Coding)

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,300 + $638 housing fees + $199/week meal charges + $30 dining charges
Dates: June 16-27; July 7-18; July 28th – August 8th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th-grade students who are 15+ and have a strong math background; open to U.S. and international students; international students require a student visa (F-1 or J-1)

SPARC introduces students to robotics, automation, and programming through hands-on lab sessions and guided instruction by NYU Tandon faculty. You gain knowledge of fundamental ideas in robot navigation, microcontrollers, and sensor integration. Workshops for designing, constructing, and testing robotic devices are part of the program.

Basic control algorithms and Python are covered in coding instruction. The curriculum emphasizes practical engineering skills and project-based learning. By the end, you feel more comfortable with robot hardware and programming, which are frequently used in university engineering courses.

Why it stands out: It offers hands-on robotics and coding experience, focusing on microcontrollers, sensor integration, and Python programming, giving you practical skills in automation and robotics for future engineering studies.

13. Pace University Pre-College Summer Programs

Location: New York City, Westchester
Cost: $150 per credit
Dates: Summer 1: May 28th – July 11th; Summer 2: July 20th – August 29th
Application Deadline: Summer 1: May 18th; Summer 2: July 10th
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors worldwide with at least an 85% grade average; proof of your English language skills required (like a TOEFL or IELTS test score)

If you want to experience life in the heart of the Financial District, Pace University offers a dynamic summer school in New York for international students. You can study many different subjects like business, digital film, and social media while getting a head start on your future university career.

During your time there, you will listen to actual professors, do hands-on work in modern computer labs, go on fun field trips around New York City, and create your own final projects. By the end, you will learn useful skills like how to solve everyday problems, build a strong work portfolio, think deeply, and share your ideas clearly.

Why it stands out: It gives you the chance to earn real college credits and potential scholarships while testing out a future career before you even graduate.

14. Adelphi University Pre-College Summer Programs

Location: Garden City, New York (on the Adelphi University campus)
Cost: One-week non-credit academies: $1,000; Three-week college-credit courses: $3,540 (Residential); $4,540 (Commuter)
Dates: One-week: July 20-24; Three-week: July 12th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (June 12 for non-credit academics)
Eligibility: Non-credit academies: Students from around the world entering 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade | College-credit courses: Students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade

The Adelphi University Pre-College Summer Program gives you a clear look at college life before you even finish high school. You can study art, computer coding and artificial intelligence, communications, nursing, music production, law, medicine, psychology, quantum engineering, writing, business, and healthcare. During your time there, you will do hands-on activities like getting your CPR certification, planning a new business idea, joining helpful college-prep workshops, and going on fun field trips.

A unique feature of this program is its special support system for students who learn differently, along with a chance to earn a future college scholarship. By the end of your classes, you will build great skills like how to communicate clearly, manage your time, solve problems, and think deeply.

Why it stands out: It lets you earn real college credits while giving you hands-on career practice and extra support in a welcoming campus setting.

15. Marist College Summer Pre-College

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York
Cost: 3 college credits: $3,700; 6 college credits: $6,660
Dates: Session I: June 28th – July 11th; Session II: July 12-25
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students worldwide entering their junior or senior year

The Marist College Summer Pre-College program lets you experience real university life while earning three transferable credits. You can choose from topics covering AI literacy, business, creative writing, crime and justice, environmental science, fashion design, fashion merchandising, film, finance, game design, pre-health, pre-law, psychology, robotics, sports communication, studio art, and theatre.

During your session, you will debate real-world issues, build projects during team hackathons, practice skills in medical simulation labs, and go on local field trips. By participating, you will build practical skills like critical thinking, clear communication, financial management, and active problem-solving.

Why it stands out: It allows you to earn actual college credits while taking highly specific, career-focused classes like sports communication and AI literacy in a close-knit environment.

From the Big Apple to a Global Education

Choosing a summer school in New York for international students is a transformative decision that extends far beyond the classroom walls of Manhattan or Brooklyn.

These programs offer a rare chance to test-run university life in a global hub, allowing you to sharpen academic skills while navigating a metropolis.

By the time your session ends, you will have gained the independence and cross-cultural confidence necessary to thrive in any elite higher education environment worldwide.

Explore our Study Abroad blogs now to discover expert tips and destination guides that will masterfully turn your New York experience into a global future!