15 Online Summer Programs for International High School Students

A lot of high school students outside the U.S. want a real taste of American education, but the cost of travel and housing tends to close that door before it even opens. If you’ve been looking for a way that doesn’t require leaving your country or draining a family’s savings, the choices out there have historically been thin. Online summer programs for international high school students are one of the better answers to that problem.

Picture joining a seminar led by a professor from Yale, sitting next to students logging in from Seoul, São Paulo, and Nairobi, all working through the same case study at the same time. You hear how someone on the other side of the world reads the same problem you’re looking at, and it usually changes how you see it, too.

Why should you choose an online summer program as an international high school student?

What makes this worth considering isn’t just that it’s convenient. You get genuine exposure to an academic system you’d otherwise only encounter through rankings and articles, taught by people who actually work within it. You also walk away with something a regular classroom rarely offers: real conversations with peers from completely different countries. That mix of perspectives ends up teaching you almost as much as the coursework itself.

It matters for your applications, too, especially if U.S. or international universities are on your list. Admissions officers notice when a student has taken real steps to engage with a foreign academic system, and this kind of program proves exactly that, in a way that grades alone never quite can.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 online summer programs for international high school students!

For related options, consider summer programs for high school students.

Key takeaways

• Stanford AI4ALL costs $4,120 for a two-week program restricted to current 9th graders, with need-based financial aid available for eligible students.
• Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme offers 1:1 or small-group mentorship from tutors at Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities, open to students aged 13 to 18 worldwide, with optional college credit for students 14 and older.
• Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program is completely free and open to international girls and non-binary students aged 14 to 18, covering tracks like AI, cybersecurity, and game design.
• Cornell’s Pre-College Studies Online Summer Program costs $1,940 per credit plus a $75 application fee, letting students earn an official Cornell transcript entirely online.
• NYU Tisch’s Online High School Filmmakers Workshop costs $8,008 plus a $75 application fee and awards four college credits for a month of asynchronous, portfolio-building coursework.
• Johns Hopkins CTY Online Summer Courses require qualifying academic assessment scores, such as the SCAT or SAT, and cost between $1,365 and $1,420 per course.
• Wharton’s Financial Decision Making course costs $4,099 plus a $100 application fee, running twice over the summer in two week sessions with live lectures and small-group recitations.
• Program costs for online international summer programs range from free options like Girls Who Code and WIE RISE! to over $8,008 for NYU Tisch’s Filmmakers Workshop.

15 Online Summer Programs for International High School Students

1. Stanford AI4ALL

Location: Virtual (Stanford University, Stanford, CA)
Cost: $4,120; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 15-26
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: Current 9th-grade students worldwide

This two-week online program introduces you to the foundations of artificial intelligence through lectures, interactive workshops, and collaborative research activities. You’ll study topics such as natural language processing, computer vision, and AI applications in healthcare while working with classmates on team-based projects. Throughout the program, Stanford researchers and industry professionals share insights into both the technical and practical aspects of artificial intelligence. 

You’ll collaborate on a research project that explores how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges, giving you hands-on experience beyond classroom learning. By combining technical instruction with mentorship and project-based work, the program offers a well-rounded introduction to AI and its growing role across industries.

Why it stands out: It combines foundational AI education with collaborative research projects and mentorship from Stanford faculty and industry experts.

2. Immerse Education’s Online Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1:1 learning
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Program Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year.
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18 (accredited options require age 14+)

The Online Research Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct rigorous research with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. You will work with your tutor to explore a subject of your choice in depth and write an academic research paper. The program is offered in 1:1 and small group formats, and you can choose to receive college credit from universities in the US and the UK. 

The virtual research program is offered in over 20 subjects, including artificial intelligence, chemistry, psychology, economics, computer science, creative writing, philosophy, and more. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll get access to 1:1 Oxbridge- or Ivy-style research supervision culminating in a publishable academic paper.

3. Columbia University Online Summer Program

Location: Virtual (Columbia University, New York, NY)
Cost: $2,867 (1-week) / $4,017 (2-week); additional course $3,850; $80 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Session AA (1 Week): June 22-26; Session A (2 Weeks): July 6-17; Session B (2 Weeks): July 20-31
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Rising grades 9-12; open to international students

Among online summer programs for international high school students, this one stands out for letting you choose from more than 40 courses across subjects, including business, writing, STEM, and the humanities. You’ll participate in live virtual classes featuring discussions, simulations, collaborative activities, and instructor-led lessons alongside students from around the world.

Depending on your selected session, you’ll spend several hours each day engaging with college-style coursework in an interactive online setting. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Columbia University Certificate of Participation along with a written academic evaluation that can strengthen your academic portfolio. Students enrolled in the two-week option can also participate in the Columbia Writers Academy to receive guidance on developing college application essays.

Why it stands out: It provides a flexible Ivy League learning experience with a broad course selection and formal academic feedback.

4. Girls Who Code Pathways Program

Location: Fully virtual
Cost: None
Program Dates: June 29th – August 14th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: US-based girls and non-binary students in grades 9-12; international girls and non-binary students ages 14-18 on the start date

The Girls Who Code Pathways Program offers a self-paced curriculum covering areas such as web development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game design, and data science. You’ll complete coding projects at your own pace while building practical programming experience through hands-on assignments. Alongside the coursework, you’ll participate in virtual workshops, career panels, and networking events that introduce you to professionals working across the technology industry. 

Throughout the program, you’ll create projects such as websites, games, or apps that can be added to your personal coding portfolio. The combination of technical learning, mentorship, and community engagement helps you explore both programming skills and future technology careers.

Why it stands out: It provides free coding education while connecting students with mentors, industry professionals, and a global community of aspiring programmers.

5. Duke Pre-College Online Courses

Location: Online
Cost: $3,145 + $120 transcript fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; course capacities vary
Program Dates: June 29th – August 10th
Application Deadline: June 15th
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade students who will be at least 16 years old by June 29th; open to international students

These online courses allow you to enroll in college-level courses taught by Duke faculty while studying alongside visiting university students. You’ll attend live lectures, contribute to seminar discussions, complete research assignments, and manage independent coursework using Duke’s online learning platform. Throughout the session, you’ll submit essays, projects, and collaborative assignments that reflect the expectations of undergraduate classes. 

The program offers an authentic university learning experience, helping you build the academic independence and study skills required for college. Students who complete their coursework earn an official Duke University transcript along with transferable college credit.

Why it stands out: It allows high school students to complete credit-bearing undergraduate courses while earning official Duke college credit.

6. WIE RISE! Summer Research Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 27-31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders; international students accepted

This one-week virtual program introduces you to engineering research through live sessions, virtual lab tours, and discussions with undergraduate mentors. Each day highlights a different engineering discipline, giving you insight into current research and the methods engineers use to solve real-world problems. You’ll also complete simple at-home experiments using everyday materials, helping you connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. 

As the program progresses, you’ll learn how to interpret scientific literature, analyze research data, and communicate your findings effectively. You’ll wrap up the experience by presenting a short research project that reflects the full research process from exploration to presentation.

Why it stands out: It offers an accessible introduction to engineering research through hands-on activities and mentorship from current engineering students.

7. Cornell University Pre-College Studies Online Summer Program

Location: Online
Cost: $1,940 per credit + $75 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by individual class enrollment
Program Dates: Three-week Session 1: June 1-18; Three-week Session 2: June 22th – July 10th; Three-week Session 3: July 13-31; Six-week Session: June 22th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Three-week Session 1: April 28th; Three-week Session 2: May 14th; Three-week Session 3: June 2nd; Six-week Session: May 14th
Eligibility: Students ages 15-19 at the start of the course who have completed their sophomore year of high school, demonstrate academic readiness and English proficiency, and are open to international students

As one of the more credit-focused online summer programs for international high school students, this Cornell program has you take undergraduate-level courses taught by Cornell faculty across a wide range of academic disciplines. Classes combine live instruction with independent coursework, allowing you to experience the pace and expectations of a university course in either a three-week or six-week format.

Throughout the program, you’ll use Cornell’s online learning system to access course materials, submit assignments, and collaborate with classmates. The coursework is designed to mirror a real college classroom, helping you strengthen your time management, critical thinking, and independent study skills. Students who complete the program receive an official Cornell transcript and earn transferable college credit.

Why it stands out: It allows high school students to earn official Ivy League college credit by completing authentic Cornell undergraduate coursework.

8. Brown Pre-College: Mathematical Modeling of Finance

Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,554 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22nd – July 17th
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: Students worldwide in grades 9-12, ages 14-18; open to international students

This course examines how mathematical concepts are applied to finance, beginning with topics such as compound interest, annuities, and the time value of money before moving into probability and risk analysis. You’ll complete quantitative problem sets that demonstrate how mathematical models support financial planning and decision-making in real-world situations. 

As the course progresses, you’ll explore concepts including expected value, probability distributions, and conditional probability through applied exercises. By connecting mathematical theory with financial applications, the course shows how quantitative reasoning is used to assess investment decisions and financial risk. You’ll finish the program with a stronger understanding of how mathematics supports fields like finance, economics, and risk management.

Why it stands out: It combines advanced mathematics with financial analysis, offering an applied introduction to quantitative methods used in finance.

9. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Online Summer Courses

Location: Online
Cost: $1,365-$1,420 tuition per course; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective based on qualifying academic assessments; small interactive virtual classrooms
Program Dates: Summer A: June 15th – July 20th; Summer B: July 14th – August 18th
Application Deadline: May 22nd (Summer A) / June 8th (Summer B)
Eligibility: High school students who qualify through CTY-approved assessments such as the SCAT, SAT, ACT, or equivalent exams; open to international students

Designed for academically advanced students, these online courses provide accelerated instruction in computer science and other technical subjects. You’ll complete coding assignments, work through algorithmic problems, and build software solutions while receiving regular feedback from instructors. Interactive virtual classes encourage discussion and collaboration with peers who share similar academic interests and abilities. 

The Robotics and Technology pathway introduces college-level topics such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and software development principles. By the end of the course, you’ll have strengthened both your programming skills and your ability to solve complex computational problems.

Why it stands out: It offers accelerated, instructor-led coursework designed for students seeking academic challenges beyond the standard high school curriculum.

10. NYU Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop

Location: Virtual (New York University, Tisch School of the Arts)
Cost: $8,008 + $75 non-refundable application fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: June 10th
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with a minimum 3.0 GPA; international students may apply with English proficiency

This online filmmaking workshop takes you through each stage of the filmmaking process, from developing a script to directing, filming, and editing your own productions. Most coursework is completed asynchronously, allowing you to learn at your own pace while still participating in scheduled meetings with instructors and classmates. 

Throughout the program, you’ll create multiple projects, including a documentary, a music video, and a final narrative film. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on production, giving you practical experience while helping you build a portfolio of original creative work. Students also earn four college credits, making the workshop both a creative and academic learning experience.

Why it stands out: It blends project-based filmmaking instruction with the opportunity to earn college credit through NYU.

11. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 15-26; July 6-17
Application Deadline: Rolling (priority in January)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12; international students welcome

This two-week online course introduces you to the fundamentals of finance through lessons on saving, investing, inflation, and financial decision-making. You’ll attend live lectures and participate in small-group recitations where teaching assistants help you apply financial concepts to practical situations. The curriculum also includes Excel-based exercises, data analysis, and collaborative projects that simulate real financial challenges. 

You’ll strengthen your ability to interpret financial information, evaluate trade-offs, and make informed decisions using quantitative tools. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clearer understanding of both personal finance and the broader economic systems that influence financial markets.

Why it stands out: It provides a university-level introduction to finance while emphasizing practical, real-world financial decision-making.

12. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)

Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6-24
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Domestic and international students in grades 9-11

SPINWIP gives you the opportunity to study advanced physics topics such as quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and cosmology through lectures delivered by Stanford researchers. Alongside the academic sessions, you’ll participate in Python workshops that demonstrate how coding can be used to solve physics-related problems. Small-group collaboration and regular mentorship from undergraduate students provide support as you work toward a final project. 

The program combines theoretical learning with programming and collaborative problem-solving, exposing you to concepts that extend beyond a typical high school physics course. You’ll complete a group project that integrates both coding and physics, reinforcing the knowledge you’ve developed throughout the program.

Why it stands out: It combines advanced physics instruction, coding experience, and mentorship in a structured virtual research environment.

13. Georgetown University Summer College Online

Location: Online
Cost: $1,895-$3,995 tuition / No stipend; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Rolling admissions; cohort size varies by session
Program Dates: Year-round enrollment with 1- to 12-week sessions
Application Deadline: One week before the selected session begins
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and older who are not yet enrolled in college and are within one year of high school graduation; open to international students

This flexible online program allows you to explore subjects ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity through structured digital coursework. You’ll complete video lessons, assignments, multimedia projects, and interactive activities while learning through Georgetown’s online platform. Faculty and mentors guide you throughout the program, encouraging you to strengthen your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills as you progress through the curriculum. 

The experience concludes with a Capstone Project where you’ll apply your learning to create and present a final project. Depending on the course you choose, you’ll earn either official university credit or an enrichment certificate upon successful completion.

Why it stands out: It offers flexible online learning with opportunities to earn university credit through courses developed by Georgetown faculty.

14. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Online Creative Writing Courses

Location: Virtual
Cost: $475 per course; need-based full and partial tuition grants available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 14th – July 26th
Application Deadline: April 20th
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 worldwide with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

This six-week online writing program lets you develop your skills through workshops in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, or television writing. You’ll complete weekly writing assignments, read published literature, and participate in structured discussions that encourage revision and thoughtful feedback. 

Since the course is asynchronous, you can manage your own schedule while meeting weekly deadlines and engaging with classmates online. You’ll receive detailed critiques from instructors and peers, giving you multiple opportunities to revise and strengthen your writing over the course of the program. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio of polished work along with a deeper understanding of literary craft in your chosen genre.

Why it stands out: It offers a workshop-based creative writing experience with a strong focus on revision, peer feedback, and instructor guidance.

15. Brown Pre-College Course: Psychopathology – Investigating the Biology and Psychology of Mental Illness

Location: Virtual (Brown University, Providence, RI)
Cost: $3,364 + $80 non-refundable application fee; financial aid available for U.S. students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Session 1: June 29th – July 10th; Session 2: July 13-24
Application Deadline: May 15th
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 14-18) in grades 9-12; open to international students

This online course examines mental health from both biological and psychological perspectives, beginning with the neuroscience of brain function before exploring clinical approaches to mental illness. You’ll work through lectures, multimedia resources, and case studies that demonstrate how different disorders are diagnosed and treated in real-world settings. 

The mostly asynchronous format allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule while also offering optional live sessions with instructors. You’ll evaluate clinical case studies to better understand how mental health professionals assess symptoms and develop treatment plans. By the conclusion of the course, you’ll have a broader understanding of the scientific and psychological foundations of mental illness, along with insight into related academic and career pathways.

Why it stands out: It introduces students to both neuroscience and clinical psychology through a structured exploration of mental health and its treatment.

Frequently asked questions: Online summer programs for international high school students

Are online summer programs actually designed with international students in mind?

Yes, every program in this list explicitly welcomes international students, unlike many in-person US pre-college programs that carry visa or residency restrictions. Cornell’s Pre-College Studies Online, Duke’s Pre-College Online Courses, and Georgetown’s Summer College Online are all built to accommodate students studying from anywhere in the world. Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme is also specifically structured around a globally distributed cohort, connecting you with tutors and peers across different countries and time zones.

How much do online summer programs cost for international students?

Costs vary considerably by institution and format. Free options include Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program and WIE RISE!, while mid-range programs like Wharton’s Financial Decision Making cost around $4,099. Premium options include NYU Tisch’s Filmmakers Workshop at $8,008 and Brown’s Mathematical Modeling of Finance course at $5,554. Financial aid is available for most tuition-based programs, so cost alone shouldn’t rule out an otherwise strong fit.

Do online summer programs award real college credit?

Some do, though it varies. Cornell’s Pre-College Studies Online and Duke’s Pre-College Online Courses both award official transferable college credit and a university transcript. NYU Tisch’s Filmmakers Workshop also awards four college credits. Others, like Columbia’s Online Summer Program and Georgetown’s Summer College Online, offer a certificate of participation or an enrichment option alongside a separate credit-bearing track, so check which format you’re enrolling in.

What is the difference between a synchronous and an asynchronous online program?

Synchronous programs, like Wharton’s Financial Decision Making or SPINWIP, require attending live lectures and recitations at scheduled times, which can be tricky across time zones. Asynchronous programs, like NYU Tisch’s Filmmakers Workshop or the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, let you complete coursework on your own schedule with occasional optional live sessions. If you’re joining from a significantly different time zone than the US, an asynchronous or hybrid program tends to be more manageable.

How selective are online summer programs for international students?

Selectivity varies by program. Johns Hopkins CTY requires qualifying assessment scores in advance, and NYU Tisch’s Filmmakers Workshop requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Others, like Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program or WIE RISE!, use more open, non-competitive enrollment. Regardless of selectivity, meeting age and grade-level requirements, which range from 9th grade specifically at Stanford AI4ALL to broader high school eligibility elsewhere, matters as much as academic strength.

Is Immerse Education a good option for international students exploring online programs?

Immerse Education’s Online Research Programme is a strong choice if you want individualized, Oxford-style mentorship rather than a structured lecture course. Offered in 1:1 or small group formats across more than 20 subjects, including AI, economics, and creative writing, the program has you work with a tutor to write an academic research paper. You’ll receive a written evaluation, the chance to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium, with the option to earn college credit if you’re 14 or older.

Turning Virtual Learning Into Real Momentum

Choosing among these online summer programs for international high school students gives you a genuine introduction to US and UK academics without needing to travel.

Once the program ends, you can turn that virtual experience into a clearer sense of your academic and career direction.

The independence, technical skills, and academic habits you built become a strong foundation for stronger university applications ahead.

Keep building on what you started this summer by exploring our University Preparation blogs for guidance on your next steps.