If you’re a high school student interested in global politics, diplomacy, or international affairs, you may already be curious about how countries interact, how policies are shaped, or how global challenges are addressed. But beyond classroom discussions, you might still wonder what studying international relations at a deeper level actually looks like. Online international relations programs for high school students make it easier to explore this field from anywhere while building a stronger understanding of global issues.

Imagine spending your time attending virtual seminars on global politics, participating in debates, and working on case studies about real-world international issues. Picture collaborating with students from different countries while exploring topics like diplomacy, international law, global economics, and conflict resolution. These programmes combine academic learning with flexibility, helping you build a global perspective without needing to travel.

How do you choose the right online international relations programs for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to look for programs that go beyond passive lectures and offer meaningful engagement through discussions, simulations, and research. Some programs emphasise live, interactive classes, while others offer more flexible, self-paced learning.

Online international relations programs may include virtual lectures, group discussions, debates, and independent research projects. You might analyse global conflicts, simulate diplomatic negotiations, or present your ideas, mirroring university-level coursework in international relations.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with peers from around the world, and develop essential skills such as analytical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what studying international relations at the university level might truly involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Online International Relations Programs for High School Students. They’ve been picked for their academic quality, interactive learning opportunities, and ability to build a strong global perspective from anywhere in the world.

For in-person options, check international relations summer programs.

15 Online International Relations Programs for High School Students

1. Brown Leadership Institute

Location: Online through Canvas, Brown’s Learning Management System
Cost/Stipend: A non-refundable application fee of $80 plus $5,778 (application fee waivers and scholarships available)
Dates: June 22nd – July 17th
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders from anywhere in the world, aged 14-18 by June 14th

Brown Leadership Institute is one of the more action-focused online international relations programs for high school students, especially for those interested in social justice, civic engagement, and global change. If selected for the programme, you will be able to choose from a list of courses, often focusing on civic engagement, gender equality, educational access, and more.

During the sessions, you will engage in discussions with your peers, who will encourage you to devise solutions for global issues. You will be asked to choose a social issue to address in your community and create an Action Plan to solve it using what you learned in the program. You will then have to share a report explaining the obstacles you faced in implementing your Action Plan and what the positive outcomes were. 

Why it stands out: The program gives you hands-on exposure to a collaborative model of leadership and fosters active listening, public speaking, problem-solving, teamwork and other skills. 

2. Immerse Education’s Online International Relations Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Eligibility: High school and secondary school participants aged 13-18 from anywhere in the world; accredited options require age 14+

Covering topics such as international policies, diplomatic history, and global governance, this Immerse Education program is suitable for high school students who would like to pursue their higher education in international relations. As a participant, you can choose to have one-on-one tutoring sessions that teach you basic concepts or sit in group sessions actively engaging with students who share your passion for international relations.

Given that the curriculum combines both subject study and academic research, you will also spend your time working on an independent research paper. You even receive guidance for having your academic research paper published in a high school journal. 

Why it stands out: You will participate in seminars, simulations and more activities that equip you with strategic thinking, diplomatic skills, and analytical abilities to succeed in the field. 

3. SPICE Reischauer Scholars Program

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $500; a limited number of full and partial need-based tuition waivers are available
Dates: February 1st – June 14th
Application Deadline: September 1st – October 17th
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders from the US

Organised by the  Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education in collaboration with the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), this online course is for US high school students who wish to learn more about Japan. The five-month program will touch on topics such as Japanese history, literature, religion, art, politics, economics, and contemporary society.

More importantly, it will dive deep into the U.S.–Japan relationship, making it a wonderful choice for you, given your interest in international relations. You will also have the opportunity to interact with Japanese students from the Stanford e-Japan Program, thus exchanging knowledge about each other’s cultures. Additionally, you are required to complete readings, weekly assignments, an independent research project, and presentations on Japan. 

Why it stands out: The program invites ambassadors, top scholars and experts from the US and Japan to lead the online sessions.  

4. SPICE US–China Co-Lab on Climate Solutions

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,500-$4,000; a limited number of partial and full need-based tuition waivers will be offered
Dates: February 27th – May 22nd (tentatively)
Application Deadline: November 8th (extended)
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders and gap year students from the US and China

The US–China Co-Lab on Climate Solutions program welcomes high school students from the US and China to engage in an online program discussing how both countries can address the climate crisis together. Throughout the program, you will explore various climate change issues that adversely affect the planet and examine the various climate actions undertaken.

Moreover, you will get to discuss the US-China relationship, touching on key points such as cultural differences, geographical distance, technological firewalls, and political tensions. The goal of the program is to encourage teenagers to take the initiative to solve climate issues together. 

Why it stands out: The course explores how it is important for the US and China to take responsibility, as they are both large economies and emit a significant amount of greenhouse gas. 

5. SPICE Sejong Korea Scholars Program

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,000; financial aid available
Dates: February to early June
Application Deadline: November 8th (extended)
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders and gap year students from the US

Another program offered by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education is this one that focuses on U.S.–Korea relations and teaches you about modern Korean history and society. You will attend online lectures led by scholars from Stanford University while getting to participate in discussions with fellow participants.

Apart from this, you will be given reading materials and weekly assignments. You will also get to work on an independent research project, resulting in an academic paper and a presentation of your research. Prior to applying to the program, you should note that this is an intensive program that requires you to dedicate 4 to 6 hours per week.

Why it stands out: Students who complete the course fully, including all the course requirements, will gain Stanford Continuing Studies Program credit.

6. University of London Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World

Location: Online via Coursera
Cost/Stipend: Free and paid options available
Dates: Flexible schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students from anywhere in the world

This course gives you the opportunity to study the United Nations, its history and its functions while being introduced to different UN themes. The lectures will dive into the role that the UN Security Council plays in global diplomacy, the UN’s  “fundamental human rights,” how the UN reacts to conflict, and more. 

You will be exposed to the research that is being done surrounding the UN and what critics are saying about the UN. By participating in this short course, estimated to be eight hours long, you will gain the knowledge to discuss basic UN topics and enhance analytical, communication, and policy-based skills. During the last part of the course, you will be encouraged to think about the future of the UN. 

Why it stands out: You will explore different ways to engage with international organisations through your education, career or volunteer experience, thus connecting academic learning with real-world involvement. 

7. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship Opportunities

Location: Remote internships are available
Cost/Stipend: Stipends are given to a limited number of students based on financial needs
Dates: February to April (spring), June to August (summer), and October to December (fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students

If selected for an internship with the FPRI, you will be working closely with staff whose focus is on foreign relations. In the process, you will get an insight into what it is like to be employed at a think tank. As an intern, you will be paired with a professional in international relations who will guide you throughout the program. This person will assist you in gaining skills that are essential to succeed in the field.

You will also simultaneously pick up some skills, like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management, that would be useful in any profession. Moreover, the program will bring in guest speakers to cover foreign policy topics and conduct career-focused seminars. Interested students can also write a research paper that can possibly be published on FPRI’s Intern Corner.

Why it stands out: Interning for the Foreign Policy Research Institute, you will be able to attend in-person, virtual, and hybrid events hosted by FPRI.

8. Rice University International Relations: Dynamics of Global Political Change

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,795; need-based scholarships available
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13 and above

This pre-college program offered by Rice University introduces you to various aspects of international relations and gives you an understanding of global politics. You will develop a fundamental understanding of democracies, semi-democracies, and authoritarian regimes while exploring how the governments around the world are different from each other. You will then focus on how these different governments protect civil liberties and political rights in their own ways.

The course also covers the democratic institutions’ and guardrails’ use of economic, cultural, and political science profile data in keeping a political system intact. Plus, it will introduce you to factors that influence political transitions, such as a government going from democracy to semi-democracy. 

Why it stands out: Each student will get to work on a project where they use Freedom House Data to compare the government structure of any two countries over a particular period of time. 

9. Syracuse University Summer College Course: International Relations

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $3,165 (tentatively); merit-based and need-based scholarships plus discounts available
Dates: July 6th – August 14th
Application Deadline: December 15th – May 1st
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders worldwide plus recent graduates who are at least 15 years old, have a basic understanding of JavaScript or HTML, and a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

In this pre-college course offered by Syracuse University, you will be introduced to different theories that help you understand how different countries interact with each other. The course will refer you to current affairs and international events so that you can gain a practical understanding of those theories taught to you.

You will also learn about some important concepts in the world of international relations, including foreign policy, international cooperation, economic integration and trade, human rights, environmental challenges, and more. The course also gives you a preview of how international relations have changed over time and how people’s perspectives about them differ from one another. 

Why it stands out: Syracuse University ensures that the sessions are engaging by having a schedule that includes documentary screenings, interactive simulations, in-depth case studies, and working on projects.

10. Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program: International Relations: How the World Works

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 (enrichment course) or $3,995 (college credit course); need-based scholarships available
Dates: 1-, 2-, or 4-week cohorts available (enrichment course) or 6-, 8-, or 12-week cohorts available (college credit course)
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: High school students from anywhere in the world who are at least 13 years old, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than 1 year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).

Georgetown University started this course to engage students who are curious about careers in international relations, politics, law, and economics, with recognition for the increasing importance of international relations in today’s global setting. The course is also much more suitable for students who simply want to know how the world around them works.

It will ensure that you form an understanding of international affairs, teaching you its history, its current structure, and more. You will also be exposed to other topics related to international relations, such as human rights and how people’s perceptions about it differ, plus the different types of forces and how countries employ them to protect themselves. 

Why it stands out: You get to apply your newly acquired knowledge in international relations in a simulated activity where you are a president who has to come up with a solution for a human rights crisis in a far-off nation.

11. Internships at Pasquines

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: No stipends
Dates: Opportunities available all year round; indefinite term with commitment as less as 2 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to high school students; international students are welcome to apply

As a non-profit organisation with a limited budget, Pasquines constantly looks for students who are willing to work as unpaid interns for it. If selected for an internship there, you will be working for a news outlet where you will have the opportunity to cover political, policy, economic, design, and innovation issues. Pasquines encourages you to write both local and national stories.

Given the nature of the work, the news outlet prefers students who are interested in politics and public affairs, plus passionate about digital journalism. It can also help your application if you have strong communication skills, are detail-oriented, and are adaptable. Interns work from home, using Trello to submit work and Slack to communicate with other staff members. 

Why it stands out: These internships ensure professional growth by giving you work experience and the opportunity to learn new things. 

12. HarvardX: Religion, Conflict and Peace

Location: Online via edX
Cost/Stipend: Free to audit
Dates: Flexible schedule with 8 weeks (4-8 hours per week) to complete
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students from anywhere in the world

This online course by Harvard University is well-suited for students who would like to explore how religion shapes violence, whether fueling or reducing it. For this purpose, the course will cover various aspects related to religion and conflict. You will discover the differences between religions, their evolution over time, and their strong interconnection with human culture.

You will explore the role that religions play in contemporary conflicts. Moreover, the course will teach you to understand and analyse how religious sentiments undoubtedly impact politics, economics, and cultural life. You will also touch on the impact that religious conflicts have on various aspects of people’s lives, including public health, education, and commerce. 

Why it stands out: By the end of the program, you will have a strong understanding of the function of religions in contemporary world affairs.

13. LSE: Business, International Relations and the Political Economy

Location: Online via edX
Cost/Stipend: Free to audit
Dates: Instructor-paced with 8 weeks (7-10 hours per week) to complete
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students from anywhere in the world

Hosted by the London School of Economics and Political Science, this course aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance of globalisation and how the global economy has an impact on businesses. The curriculum will start by exploring the different factors, such as foreign policies, conflict and unrest, and disruptive forces, plus international events that drive globalisation.

Given that this is an international relations course with a focus on business development, it will primarily focus on teaching you how to run a successful business strategically while tackling problems that arise due to globalisation. Some of the other topics you will cover in the online course include the evolution of globalisation, global power shifts, contesting globalisation, governing the global system, and more. 

Why it stands out: This program can be a stepping stone for those considering high-level decision-making roles, as it equips you with the knowledge and analytical thinking skills needed to determine business decisions based on global events.

14. USC Dornsife Centre for the Political Future High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free with no stipends provided
Dates: May 26th – August 14th
Application Deadline: April 24th
Eligibility: Rising 10th through 12th graders around the world with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale

In this internship program, you will choose a particular bill related to environmental policy or sustainability and make a legislative policy memo and legislative process analysis based on it. The program lets you choose from local, state, or federal-level bills, and it can be something that has already been passed, is in the legislative process now, or has been rejected in the legislative process.

The program will schedule five check-in sessions during which you will gain professional assistance in completing the two written assignments. More importantly, you are required to rewrite them based on your project coordinator’s revision and resubmit the finalised and edited copy of your work. 

Why it stands out: Apart from completing the two main projects, you will also be welcome to participate in two of the three guest speaker sessions hosted during the program. 

15. ICRP Virtual Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free with no stipends provided
Dates: Varying dates based on cohorts. Applicants can propose their own starting date
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Open to all high school and university students with sound communication skills

For those comparing online international relations programs for high school students with practical work experience, the ICRP Virtual Internship offers the chance to work with a non-government organisation while exploring international relations and media issues. Your role as an intern comes with responsibilities across writing, research, event support, and cultural relations policy.

These include writing articles or blogs for ICRP’s in-house publication Human Rights Issues, helping with organising online events for it, completing a research paper related to cultural relations policy, and more. You are also required to collect and analyse data for ICRP Online Resources. Plus, ICRP hosts online courses and lectures for its interns, making the internship program both a work and learning experience. 

Why it stands out: By the end of the program, you will have a portfolio consisting of well-researched articles covering contemporary international relations issues. 

From Global Debates to Essential IR Reading

International relations becomes clearer when you move from headlines into diplomacy, international law, conflict, governance, economics, and policy debates.

The 15 online international relations programs for high school students in this article include Brown, Immerse Education, Stanford SPICE, Georgetown, Rice, Syracuse, and LSE.

Through simulations, research projects, policy memos, climate discussions, and virtual internships, you can build stronger global awareness.

Want to keep sharpening your perspective? Explore our International Relations Top Books Guide for essential reads on diplomacy, power, conflict, global institutions, and world affairs.