Social sciences programs in Canada for high school students allow you to explore subjects such as psychology, politics, economics, history, sociology, and anthropology while developing a deeper understanding of people, communities, and the forces that shape society. Rather than relying only on lectures, many programmes include research projects, debates, simulations, and discussions that make learning more engaging while building critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Some programmes take place at universities, giving you insight into what to expect from undergraduate study, while others are hosted by respected organisations that show where a degree in this field could lead. Together, these experiences provide practical academic preparation and introduce you to the methods researchers use to examine and address complex issues affecting people and communities.

Canada can be considered a particularly rich environment to study the social sciences. It has some internationally recognized universities and research institutions, thus offering opportunities to learn from experts working across fields such as psychology, public policy, Indigenous studies, economics, and international relations. The country also has museums, government organizations, and more that have outreach programs for you to experience these subjects beyond the classroom.

More importantly, Canada has a very diverse and unique social landscape, making it an excellent place to study human behavior and societal change from multiple perspectives. Topics like multiculturalism, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, immigration, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation are discussed extensively in this country, thus creating a valuable context for learning.

Below are 15 social science programs in Canada for high school students.

For subject-specific programs, you can check out psychology summer programs, economics summer programs, and law summer programs.

Key takeaways

The University of Toronto Faculty of Law’s International Law module costs $1,175 CAD plus a $98 registration fee, admitting 50 to 60 students per weeklong module in late July.
Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School runs two weeks across locations including London, Singapore, Toronto, Oxford, and Cambridge, averaging seven participants per class and open to students aged 13 to 18 worldwide.
The University of Toronto’s SPRINT program is entirely free and gives preference to Indigenous, Black, and racialized students entering grades 11 and 12, though it is not open to international students.
The Museum of Anthropology’s Native Youth Program pays CA$18.25 per hour but is highly selective, admitting a maximum of eight Indigenous high school students each year.
The Government of Canada’s Federal Student Work Experience Program pays CA$17.75 per hour for secondary students and hires over 7,000 students annually across all education levels.
UBC’s Future Global Leaders courses on topics like Crime and Society or Medical Anthropology cost between CA$925 and CA$2,885, depending on residency status and course format.
The Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program at St. Thomas University lets students earn post-secondary credits while studying archaeology, requiring an 80% or higher in relevant grade 11 courses.
Program costs for Canadian social sciences programs range from free options like the University of Toronto’s SPRINT to over CA$6,275 for the University of Toronto’s Pre-University Program courses.

1. University of Toronto Faculty of Law Youth Summer Program – International Law module

Location: University of Toronto (St. George Campus), Jackman Faculty of Law, 78 Queens Park Crescent, Toronto, ON, Canada
Cost: $1,175 CAD per module + a one-time non-refundable $98 CAD registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 50-60 students per module
Dates: July 27-31
Application Deadline: Open until full
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in Grades 10, 11, or 12 (must have completed Grade 10 by the start of the program); open to international students

As one of the most internationally focused social sciences programs in Canada for high school students, the University of Toronto Faculty of Law Youth Summer Program’s International Law module explores global human rights, international norms, and cross-border disputes. You also examine the legal powers of key institutions like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. Throughout the week, you will participate in dynamic workshops, Model United Nations simulations, draft UN resolutions, and hear from expert guest speakers.

The program’s unique feature is its immersive environment that offers unprecedented access to Canada’s top law school and legal professionals. By the end, you will develop strong oral advocacy skills and learn how to frame complex societal issues using the precise language of international law.

Why it stands out: It uniquely combines the rigorous academic environment of Canada’s most prestigious law school with hands-on simulations of real-world international diplomacy and legal practice.

2. Immerse Education’s Toronto Economics Summer School

A group of students walking towards the steps of a church-like structure as part of a tour.

Location: Trinity College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students from all around the world aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School is a two-week option among the many social sciences programs in Canada for high school students that dives into economic theory and its real-world applications, all of which you will learn from expert tutors associated with top universities and academic institutions. The syllabus is designed to strengthen your understanding of basic economic principles, global markets, and policy-making.

More precisely, you will learn about market behavior, inflation, trade, inequality, fiscal and monetary policy, and how these forces shape global economies through engagement in interactive seminars, workshops, and discussions. The program will take you on excursions and cultural activities that help you relate the concepts you learned to the real-world setting. Plus, you will meet students from around the world, which adds an international perspective to your experience. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: It blends concentrated academic development with an immersive international summer experience, helping you deepen your economics knowledge while engaging with peers in diverse cities worldwide.

3. University of Toronto Summer Psychology Research Initiative (SPRINT)

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~60 students
Dates: July 20-31
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students in Ontario; Indigenous, Black, and racialized (IBR) students entering grades 11 and 12 are given preference; not open to international students

This is one of the psychology-focused social sciences programs in Canada for high school students, allowing you to explore various concepts within the field while conducting research in the subject. You can choose from the lecture or research stream.

While students who opt for the lecture stream will learn psychology as a scientific research discipline, those who choose the research stream will also have the opportunity to use this newly acquired knowledge to work on a psychology research project under the guidance of undergrads and grads. You also get to interact with university students and get a better idea of studying psychology.

Why it stands out: You will have the chance to meet some of the professionals who are currently pursuing research in psychology and learn about their groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

4. Museum of Anthropology – Native Youth Program

Location: Museum of Anthropology at UBC, Vancouver, BC
Stipend: CA$18.25 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; maximum 8 Indigenous high school students
Dates: July 6th – August 14th (employment period)
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who are enrolled in a secondary school and identify as Indigenous youth; not open to international students

Offered by the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, this program is designed for urban Indigenous youth. You will receive job training and gain work experience in a role that encourages you to explore your identity using art and culture. For instance, students who participated in a previous cohort put together a pop-up exhibition that showcased their work, and you can expect to do something similar.

The program will engage you in workshops that teach you about art practices, materials, and processes to ensure you understand artwork better. You will have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous artists, curators, cultural workers, Knowledge Keepers, and museum/gallery professionals.

Why it stands out: The program ensures that it creates strong Indigenous leaders by providing mentorship to its participants and increasing their employment prospects.

5. Ivey’s John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program (SLP)

Location: Ivey Business School, London, ON
Cost: CA$450; limited need-based financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 150 students
Dates: August 3-7
Application Deadline: May 25th
Eligibility: 9th to 11th graders from anywhere in the world

The John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program (SLP) is a residential experience through which you can acquire leadership skills while exploring some new ideas. This program also gives you insight into what it is like to be a student at Ivey Business School and Western University. You will learn by participating in hands-on activities, case-based discussions, team challenges, and completing a capstone project.

Through your involvement in the program, you will enhance your adaptability and critical-thinking skills and learn to confidently work in a collaborative environment. Moreover, the program prepares you to take on challenges across fields like sustainability, technology, and more.

Why it stands out: You will learn about the impact that businesses have on society and the role you can play as a leader.

6. University of Toronto Pre-University Program – World Economics Course

Students sitting in a classroom and listening to the instructor.

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: International Students: $6,275 CAD; Canadian Students: $4,850 CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group seminars
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5-25; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; “Advanced+” level of English proficiency (CEFR C1+, IELTS 6.5+, or TOEFL iBT 91+) if you have been studying at an English language institution for less than 2 years; open to international students

In this course, you will immerse yourself in a three-week summer experience exploring how economic behavior shapes our interconnected world. You will study fundamental topics like scarcity, wealth, productivity, trade-offs, and global markets. Your daily schedule will involve engaging in seminar discussions, researching how economic concepts apply to your home country, analyzing global policies with international peers, and collaborating on a team-based Global Challenge final project.

Because you stay at the New College residence, you uniquely experience life at Canada’s premier university alongside a fully international student cohort. By the end of the course, you will develop practical university-level skills, including critical reading, academic research, note-taking, and cross-cultural communication.

Why it stands out: It goes beyond standard lectures, requiring you to apply theoretical economic principles to solve a practical, real-world Global Challenge alongside a highly diverse international student body.

7. UBC Future Global Leaders – Introduction to Global Politics

Location: UBC Vancouver Campus, British Columbia
Cost: $1,940 (Canadian/PR); $2,620 (International students); residence add-on is $2,650; bursaries are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; around 20-30 students per course
Dates: July 20-31
Application Deadline: Open until the course reaches capacity
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who have completed grade 10 or equivalent; open to international students

Among the social sciences programs in Canada for high school students, this option introduces you to the fundamental concepts of world affairs. You will explore essential topics like power, economics, globalization, human rights, terrorism, and international relations theories, including Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism. Throughout the course, you will analyze contemporary global events, articulate your ideas during interactive discussions, and complete afternoon university preparation workshops.

A unique feature of this program is that it combines first-year university-level classes taught by faculty with practical readiness training, all without the pressure of exams. Ultimately, you will develop valuable skills in critical thinking, creative analysis, and effectively formulating organized arguments.

Why it stands out: It allows high school students to experience an authentic, grade-free university environment while building the academic confidence needed for higher education.

8. Government of Canada – Federal Student Work Experience Program

Location: Canada
Stipend: CA$17.75 per hour for secondary school students
Acceptance tate/cohort size: Highly competitive; over 7,000 students are hired annually across all education levels
Dates: Year-round; full-time or part-time during summer breaks and part-time during the academic school year
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Eligibility: Full-time students in a secondary or post-secondary accredited academic institution who meet the minimum age requirement in the province or territory of work, and you must be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term; if you’re in your final year of studies, you must have been previously employed under either the Federal Student Work Experience Program, the Co-op/Internship Program or the Research Affiliate Program; open to international students with valid visas permitting work in Canada

This program’s social sciences track immerses you in specific topics like social work, gender studies, human rights, and conflict studies. During your placement, you will perform key activities such as conducting empirical research, assisting in public policy development, drafting briefing materials, and evaluating government programs. The program features a unique year-round national inventory system that continually matches your profile to opportunities across hundreds of federal departments.

By completing these assignments, you will learn essential skills in policy analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional communication. Ultimately, you gain paid, practical public service experience while simultaneously advancing your full-time academic goals.

Why it stands out: It acts as the primary recruitment vehicle for the federal government, providing you a direct and accessible bridge into long-term public sector employment after graduation.

9. UBC Future Global Leaders – Crime and Society: Contemporary Topics

Location: UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Cost: Canadian and Permanent Resident: CAD $2,110; International: CAD $2,885; Optional Resident Add-on: CAD $2,650; a limited number of UBC President Bursaries are available for British Columbia grade 11 students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; small classes
Dates: July 20-31
Application Deadline: Residential: Three weeks before the session start date (or sooner if spaces fill); Commuter: One week before the session start date
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; completed grade 10 or equivalent; recommended 78% average, 3.5 GPA, B average, or IB 5 or higher, with IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 or equivalent recommended for English language learners; open to international students

Taught by Dr. Dan Small, a medical anthropologist and Research Associate in UBC’s Department of Anthropology, this two-week course immerses you in crime as a social science question. You investigate contemporary topics including the relationship between public order and violent crime, innovations in drug enforcement, and forensic psychiatry.

You study restorative justice, wrongful conviction, geographic profiling used in hunting serial criminals, structural violence, and advocacy and the law. You examine crime through the lenses of anthropology and sociology and learn to apply social science methods to understand and address it. Afternoon university preparation workshops build study and application skills for university success.

Why it stands out: It lets you study crime at a first-year university level with a practicing UBC medical anthropologist experienced in the forensic psychiatric system, combining social science methods training with pre-university workshops.

10. Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program: Introduction to Archaeology

A row of young women sit at a classroom table with laptops, phones, and a water bottle in front of them

Location: St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB
Cost: CA$1,000; need-based bursaries are available
Acceptance rate/cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: July 5-17
Application Deadline: June 26th
Eligibility: 11th graders who have an 80% or higher in a grade 11-level academic English course (or equivalent) and an 80% or higher in a Grade 11-level academic history or social studies course; 12th graders who meet STU’s Admissions Requirements; open to international students

The Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program stands out among the many social sciences programs in Canada for high school students by allowing you to experience studying at St. Thomas University through a university course. If interested in social science, you can opt for the Introduction to Archaeology course, which will allow you to explore various archaeological practices and the challenges faced by archaeologists. You will also learn how archaeology professionals uncover history with reference to case studies.

The fieldwork aspects of this program will include excavations, analyzing artifacts and skeletal material in STU’s anthropology laboratory, and dating exercises. You will be visiting the Fredericton Regional Museum and the Internment Camp Museum and advancing your knowledge in First Nations Archaeology.

Why it stands out: This program allows you to earn post-secondary credits while still in high school and exposes you to a curriculum that combines classwork and fieldwork, which is common in colleges.

11. UBC Future Global Leaders – Medical Anthropology: Contemporary Topics

Location: Online (delivered by UBC Extended Learning, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; live classes run in Pacific Time)
Cost: Summer: CAD $925; Fall/winter: CAD $850
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; maximum of 35 students
Dates: Session 2: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served until spots fill or the course begins
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18; completed Grade 10 or equivalent; recommended 78% average, 3.5 GPA, B average, or IB 5 or higher; recommended IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 (or equivalent) for English language learners; open to international students

In this program, you explore health, illness, and healing through a social sciences lens, using anthropological theory to examine medicine cross-culturally in this first-year-level UBC Future Global Leaders online course. You attend live virtual classes two hours daily with a UBC-affiliated instructor, analyzing contemporary topics such as medical regulation, genetics, cancer, addiction, medical ethics, and mental health and the law.

You study the lived experience of illness and the complex intersection of health professionals, patients, and families. Between classes, you read, research, and contribute to discussion boards, with virtual drop-in office hours for extra support. You build skills in cultural analysis, critical thinking, and academic discussion valuable for anthropology, sociology, psychology, medicine, or health sciences.

Why it stands out: It is taught by Dan Small, a UBC- and Cambridge-trained medical anthropologist and UBC Department of Anthropology research associate with 20 years of work in addiction, mental health, and homelessness.

12. University of Toronto Pre-University Program – Law, Ethics & Society Course

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: International Students: $6,275 CAD; Canadian Students: $4,850 CAD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5th – July 25th; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; “Advanced+” level of English proficiency (CEFR C1+, IELTS 6.5+, or TOEFL iBT 91+) if you have been studying at an English language institution for less than 2 years; open to international students

The University of Toronto Pre-University Law, Ethics & Society course immerses you in the social sciences by exploring foundational questions of justice and civic duty. You will examine topics including how societies distinguish right from wrong, the inherent need for laws, and your specific rights and obligations as a citizen. You will actively analyze case studies, collaborate on group projects, engage with guest speakers, and participate in field trips.

A unique feature of this intensive program is its comparative approach, which explicitly encourages you to contrast Canada’s legal framework with your own country’s system. By the end, you will develop university-level skills, such as critical reading, active seminar participation, effective research, and academic writing.

Why it stands out: It seamlessly bridges theoretical social science with practical legal comparisons, equipping high school students with advanced academic tools in a truly international classroom setting.

13. UBC Urban Studies Mini School – Shaping Future Cities

Location: UBC Vancouver campus, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Cost: Canadian and Permanent Resident: CAD $2,110; International: CAD $2,855; Optional Resident Add-on: CAD $2,650; the UBC President Bursary is available for eligible grade 11 British Columbia students who demonstrate financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration; small classes
Dates: August 3-14
Application Deadline: Residential: Three weeks before the session start date (earlier if spaces fill); Commuter: One week before the session start date
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; registration through a parent/guardian Family Account with a completed information package; choice of commuter or residence option; open to international students

In this program, you spend two weeks on UBC’s Vancouver campus studying cities through an interdisciplinary social science lens, in a mini-school offered by the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SCARP) and the Department of Geography. Through case-based and interactive learning, you examine what a city is, where cities come from, how city systems function and are governed, and how decisions are made about the future of cities.

You complete 45 hours of in-person class time across weekday morning and afternoon sessions, engaging directly with city-making processes. You also gain information on learning pathways and career opportunities in urban planning and development, urban geography, architecture, and urban community development.

Why it stands out: It is taught on the UBC Vancouver campus by UBC’s School of Urban and Regional Planning and Department of Geography, giving high school students a university-level, case-based introduction to city-making within Canada’s leading urban studies environment.

Location: The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Cost: CA$2,110 (Canadians and Permanent Residents) and CA$2,855 (International Students) plus CA$2,650 for students who want to choose the residential option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: August 3-14
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; open to international students

This mini school aims to help you understand the psychology of different social groups, where you will participate in discussions that help you uncover answers to some questions regarding social biases and social identities. You will specifically focus on how social biases and social identity based on gender, race, and social class affect people.

To further elevate your understanding, the mini school will introduce you to theories and engage you in some experiments. You will also understand how social inequality plays out in organizations, society, and among people. It will encourage you to think of ideas for inclusion for all.

Why it stands out: Your schedule will include time in the university psychology lab, where you will attend lab meetings and research demonstrations.

15. McGill Summer Academy: Understanding Migration, Global Citizenship and Diasporic Resistance

Location: McGill University, Montreal, QC
Cost: CA$5,500; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~50 students per stream, per session
Dates: July 5-18 (Session 1) and July 19th – August 1st (Session 2)
Application Deadline: February 15th (Round 1 for early decisions) and February 16th – March 22nd (Round 2)
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders; open to international students

McGill Summer Academy offers one of the most globally oriented social sciences programs in Canada for high school students, exploring migration and the international system through history, sociology, politics, philosophy, and economics. You will cover topics like human rights, international law, conflict and cooperation, peacekeeping, climate change, and Indigenous approaches to global order.

During the course, you will analyze case studies of migrant experiences, engage in critical discussions, participate in in-class debates, and collaborate in a two-day international organization simulation. The program’s unique structure allows you to experience college-level academics and project-based learning directly alongside McGill faculty and researchers. Ultimately, you will build essential skills in critical reading, applied critical thinking, and presentation confidence.

Why it stands out: It transforms complex global governance theories into an interactive experience, giving high school students a concrete, hands-on introduction to university-level political science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most are, though a few notable exceptions exist. The University of Toronto’s SPRINT program and the Museum of Anthropology’s Native Youth Program are both restricted to Canadian residents or specific communities. Programs like UBC’s Future Global Leaders courses, the University of Toronto’s Pre-University Program, and Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School are explicitly open to international students, with several charging a higher tuition tier for non-Canadian applicants.

Costs vary considerably by program length and university. Shorter law and archaeology programs, like the University of Toronto’s International Law module or the Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program, cost around $1,000 to $1,175 CAD. Longer, more comprehensive options like McGill Summer Academy or the University of Toronto’s Pre-University Program run $5,500 to $6,275 CAD. A few programs, including SPRINT and the Federal Student Work Experience Program, are free or even paid positions rather than tuition-based courses.

A small number do, though it’s not the norm. The Rubin and Depow Summer Study Program at St. Thomas University explicitly awards post-secondary credits while you’re still in high school. Most other programs, including UBC’s Future Global Leaders courses and McGill Summer Academy, provide a certificate of completion or a written evaluation rather than transferable credit. If credit matters to you, confirm this directly with each program, since even similarly structured university courses handle this differently.

The field spans a wide range of disciplines. Programs like UBC’s Crime and Society course and the University of Toronto’s Law, Ethics & Society course focus on legal and criminological topics, while McGill’s Understanding Migration course leans into sociology, politics, and history. Psychology-focused options exist too, like the University of Toronto’s SPRINT program and UBC’s Psychology of Social Groups Mini School. If you’re still deciding which social science interests you, a broader program like Immerse Education’s offerings can help you sample multiple angles before committing to one.

Selectivity ranges from highly competitive to open enrollment. The Museum of Anthropology’s Native Youth Program admits just eight students annually, and SPRINT is described as highly competitive despite being free. Other programs, like UBC’s Future Global Leaders courses, operate on a first-come, first-served basis once minimum eligibility criteria are met. Regardless of selectivity, meeting specific academic prerequisites, like the Rubin and Depow Program’s 80% grade requirement, matters as much as the overall strength of your application.

Immerse Education’s Economics Summer School is a strong option if you want structured exposure to economic theory and policy without needing Canadian residency. The two week program, available across locations including Toronto, covers topics like market behavior, inflation, and fiscal policy through interactive seminars and workshops, taught by tutors connected to top universities. With an average of just seven participants per class, you also get significant individual attention, and the program includes excursions that connect economic concepts to real-world settings.

Study People, Cultures, and Communities Worldwide

Understanding how people think, organise communities, and respond to change can reveal new ways of seeing the world.

The 15 social sciences programs in Canada for high school students featured in this article let you explore psychology, economics, politics, law, anthropology, and global affairs through practical academic experiences.

By comparing subject focus, teaching approach, location, cost, and eligibility, you can identify the programme that best matches your interests and ambitions.

Ready to broaden your perspective through international learning? Browse our Study Abroad blogs for destination insights, cultural guidance, and practical advice to choose your next academic experience with confidence today.