As a high school student interested in software development or artificial intelligence, the field can feel both exciting and intimidating at the same time, and a software development & AI summer school in Toronto can make it feel far more approachable. You might know how to code, or maybe you’ve experimented with Python or built a simple app, but real-world AI involves far more than writing lines of code. It includes data analysis, machine learning models, system design, debugging, collaboration, and understanding how technology shapes society.

Imagine building your own AI model on a university campus, training a robot to complete tasks, developing a prototype app, or presenting your final project to instructors and peers who share your interest in technology. These programmes offer structured, hands-on learning that mirrors aspects of university study and the tech industry.

What are the different kinds of software development & AI programs in Toronto?

Choosing the right program can be difficult: some may be too introductory, others highly specialized, and not all offer meaningful project-based learning. That’s why it helps to compare options carefully based on academic rigor, hands-on opportunities, mentorship, and overall learning outcomes. 

Toronto is home to leading universities, research labs, and tech companies, which means students have access to programs that are grounded in real academic and industry practice. Some focus on foundational coding skills, while others dive deeper into machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, or software engineering workflows. 

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with ambitious peers, and strengthen your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Along the way, you’ll gain a clearer sense of what pursuing computer science, software engineering, or artificial intelligence at the university level might truly look like.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Software Development & AI Summer Schools in Toronto for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their structured curriculum, practical learning approach, and great visibility for networking or making a college application.

For more options, you can have a look at summer programs in Toronto for high school students. For online alternatives, you can check out online computer science programs for high school students.

15 Software Development & AI Summer Schools in Toronto for High School Students

1. CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 732/week (local students), CAD 1111/week (international students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Multiple dates in July and August
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 to 12; international students are welcome to apply

CREATE is one of the most flexible software development & AI summer school in Toronto because you can build your own multi-week schedule around AI, coding, and software engineering. For up to six weeks, you register for STEM topics that also stretch into game design and medicine.

If you get accepted into the program, you can register for as many weeks as you like within that program, as long as the course has space for you. The courses will be taught by current undergraduate and graduate students at the university in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to ask questions and think creatively.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its flexible multi-week structure and wide range of STEM topics, allowing students to customize their learning experience while being mentored by current university students.

2. Immerse’s Toronto Software Development & AI Summer School

Location: Trinity College, University of Toronto, Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Rolling admission
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15 to 18 years old

If you want to take the first step into technology, Immerse Education’s Software Development and AI Summer School is the perfect option for a summer of learning. In this summer school, you will engage with core topics in AI and software development through a series of practical problem-solving, AI projects, and collaborative challenges. The curriculum of this school includes activities such as group workshops, 1-on-1 tutoring, personal research projects, seminars by industry experts, and day excursions.

You will learn the basics of programming and artificial intelligence, and apply that new knowledge by developing and presenting a prototype/demo in which your skills in software, design, and the practical application of AI will be assessed. At the end of the school, you will receive a recognized certificate of completion that you can use for college applications.

Why it stands out: Combining rigorous AI academics with one-on-one mentorship and a final assessed prototype project that strengthens college applications.

3. University of Toronto Performing Arts & AI International Program

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 6500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 13th July – 2nd August
Application Deadline: 1st July
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18 years old; international students are welcome to apply

This summer school combines two unique areas: Performance Arts and AI. First, you get to choose your specialization: Acting or Digital Media & Sound Design. If you choose Acting, you will engage in hands-on and in-depth workshops that cover foundational acting, voice, and movement, as well as classes that focus on improv, monologue work, stage fighting, and more. If you choose Digital Media & Sound Design, you get to experience classes that explore sound design and its skills, such as recording, mixing, and assembling.

Both streams will include daily AI Workshops held in the university’s distinguished BMO Lab, a transdisciplinary hub bridging arts and science, where you will attend workshops focused on AI in the performing arts. While it is not clear whether you will receive a certificate of completion, this program will leave you excited about a future career in performing arts and in applying AI.

Why it stands out: Uniquely merging performing arts with AI workshops in a transdisciplinary lab that bridges science and creative expression.

4. DEEP Summer Academy

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 732/week (local students), CAD 1111/week (international students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Multiple dates between 6th and 31st July. Each course takes one week.
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 to 12; international students are welcome to apply

The DEEP Summer Academy is a week-long (up to 4-week) summer program dedicated to high school students interested in engineering. When you enter this summer school, you will be in a supportive learning environment where you are challenged to think creatively and ask questions.

In this program, you will be separated by grades (Grades 9 & 10 and Grades 11 & 12), and you get to pick your subjects, ranging from “Cracking the Code”, “Teaching Machines to Learn”, and “Self-Driving Robots”. You can choose as many courses as you’d like, depending on the availability of these courses. The courses will be taught by current Master’s and PhD students in the university to inspire your journey.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for offering grade-specific engineering tracks taught by master’s and PhD students, with the freedom to select multiple specialized courses.

5. Summer AI Bootcamp for Teens

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 1791
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Three bootcamp schedules throughout the month of July
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students who are interested in AI and its application in real life, want to learn the Python programming language, and are interested in pursuing AI in further education. Not sure if international students can join.

Code-It Hacks Kids runs one of the most beginner-friendly software development & AI summer school in Toronto, taking you from Python basics to building AI models that recognise images in three weeks. In week one, you can take an optional introductory Python course (free of charge). By week two and three, you can choose one out of three courses: Generative Image and Classification (you will learn the science behind those cool filters on social media), Reinforcement Learning (teaching AI to play a game), or Generative AI (learn how to create custom emojis).

All programs also include an industry site visit to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is used in the industry. At the end of the program, you will get a certificate of completion from the school.

Why it stands out: Guiding students from Python basics to building real AI models, including generative AI and reinforcement learning, plus industry site exposure.

6. Toronto Pre-University Summer School

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: Starting from CAD 1995, the cost varies per class taken. AI class cost CAD 2150 (levels 1 and 2)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Different intakes from June to August, class runs for two weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 to 18 years old, international students can apply

This pre-university summer camp is a two-week program for students aged 13 to 18, where you can focus on subjects such as AI, technology, healthcare, finance, and investing. In total, you get to attend 60 hours of learning, including camps such as Level 1 & 2 AI and Machine Learning with Python, Finance and Investment Management, Foundations of Healthcare and Medicine, Video Game Coding, Game Design, and Ethical Hacking.

At the end of the program, you will receive an industry-recognized digital badge, become part of a global alumni network, and get a head start on your future.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for delivering intensive, multi-level AI training with industry-recognized digital credentials and access to a global alumni network.

7. Automate Your World

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 6-10 July
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 17 years old, international students living in Canada may apply

This hands-on program, operated by OntarioTech, lets you explore how engineering works around you. This program will introduce you to Arduino, a microcontroller board, to get you started with coding and electronics. Throughout the one-week program, you will learn how engineers use the Engineering Design Process to make everyday items smarter and use the skill to build your own smart home system to integrate lights, motors, sensors, and more devices.

Every day, there will be outdoor activities, interactive classes, problem-solving classes, and hands-on projects. At the end of the summer school, you will get more confident in coding, have a deeper understanding of automation, and see firsthand how engineering can solve daily problems.

Why it stands out: Its hands-on Arduino-based engineering experience, where students design and build a functioning smart home system.

8. Python Survival Lab (Beginners)

Location: Toronto, Canada, and virtual
Cost/Stipend: CAD 280
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 4-7 August
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 17 years old, international students living in Canada may apply

This summer school provided by OntarioTech will introduce you to the world of Python through interactive learning. In this course, you get to step into a post-apocalyptic world where every challenge must be solved through coding and the Engineering Design Process. You will navigate the challenges by learning and mastering Python fundamentals, such as variables, loops, conditionals, generating secure passwords, building secret-messaging tools, and creating digital defences.

The deeper you go through the storyline, the more activities will be unlocked, such as simple network analysis, cyber forensic puzzles, and processing data to uncover hidden patterns. At the end of the project, you will be equipped with a fundamental Python skill that can help you open up new possibilities in coding and software development.

Why it stands out: Turning Python learning into an immersive, story-driven coding adventure that integrates cybersecurity and data analysis challenges.

9. Future AI Leaders Camp

Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Cost/Stipend: Starting from CAD 3800 for international students and CAD 1900 for Canadian citizens or PR holders
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 19th July – 1st August and 3-16 August
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 to 18; international applicants may apply

The Future AI Leaders Camp is one of the most activity-packed software development & AI summer school in Toronto options, preparing students aged 13 to 18 with practical AI skills, confidence, and resilience for future success. The course introduces tools and technologies such as Python, ChatGPT, TensorFlow, web design, and wider AI learning platforms.

For two weeks, you will learn AI skills through hands-on projects (building an AI self-driving robot and an AI sorting machine) and visiting AI labs like the AI Lab in the University of Toronto and the AI Robot Lab in the University of Waterloo, attending sports events like pickleball and tennis, as well as mingle with other students through day trips and student parties.

Why it stands out: Combining AI robotics projects with university lab visits and leadership-building social activities.

10. Girls Who Code Pathways Summer Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 29th June – 14th August
Application Deadline: 25th February (early deadline), 10th April (general deadline)
Eligibility: Girls in high school from 9th to 12th grade, accepting applications from around the world

The Girls Who Code Pathways virtual summer program is an international program for girls and non-binary people to tackle hands-on projects in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and more. For five weeks online, you will get to explore coursework in five tracks: AI + Data Science, Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and AI + Society.

Beyond coursework and coding, you will also get real-world insights through virtual partner events with leading tech organizations. You can also connect with other participants through a private Discord server and optional Student Hours for live support and collaboration. At the end of the virtual summer school, you will be awarded a certificate of completion to help you further in your academic career.

Why it stands out: Inclusive global virtual format, offering multiple AI-focused tracks alongside industry partner engagement.

11. University of Toronto Blueprint Program

Location: Toronto, ON
Cost/Stipend: Free, excluding transport and accommodation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 6-31 July, followed by biweekly events from October to February the next year, ending with graduation on March
Application Deadline: 29th March
Eligibility: Canadian Black students in grades 10 & 11. Not open to international applicants

The Blueprint program at the University of Toronto is designed especially for Black high school students passionate about engineering and science. This program is split into two streams: engineering, human health stream, mechatronics, or automation.

The courses are taught by master’s and doctoral students at the university, giving you inspiration to pursue what you want in life. This is a year-long program that starts with summer school in July, continues with biweekly events from October to February, and ends with graduation in March.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its year-long structure supporting Black students in engineering through summer immersion and sustained mentorship.

12. Rosedale x University of Waterloo Summer Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Students are encouraged to contact the Rosedale Global High School partner
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 17-28 July
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: International high school students interested in AI and quantum computing and looking to boost their portfolio for college applications

Rosedale Global High School partners with the University of Waterloo to launch a summer program focused on AI and quantum computing. In this virtual program, you can learn more about algorithms, machine learning, data processing techniques, quantum key distribution, and other academic skills.

The program will also focus on teaching how to locate relevant research, understand methodologies, and synthesize findings. There is no certificate of completion at the end of the program, but you will leave the program feeling more confident in applying AI and quantum computers in your daily life.

Why it stands out: Introducing both AI and quantum computing in one academic virtual experience tied to a leading research university.

13. Pre-U STEM Innovation Program

Location: On-campus in a different campus in Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 1699 (residential program) or CAD 1299 (commuter program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Multiple dates in multiple campuses from July to August, each program lasts for 1 week
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 through 11

STEM Canada’s Pre-U STEM Innovation Program is an on-campus program designed to explore different STEM programs to help students prepare for college. It offers multiple courses, including Robotics and AI, and 3D Engineering. If you take the Robotics and AI stream, you will get hands-on laboratory research in subfields of artificial intelligence and attend courses on topics such as Robotics, Algorithms, AI & Machine Learning, and Automation (up to 24 hours).

Not only attending academic courses, but STEM Canada also provides daily outings and activities to keep you active and facilitate team building between you and your classmates. Once you graduate from the program, you will carry home a Program Certificate, and you can keep all of the tools and resources you use during the program for yourself.

Why it stands out: Blending hands-on AI and robotics lab research with campus-based team-building experiences.

14. University of Ottawa Summer Enrichment Program

Location: Ottawa, Canada
Cost/Stipend: CAD 375 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 29th July – 21st August
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9 through 12; it is unclear if international students can apply

Attending the University of Ottawa’s Summer Enrichment Program, you might get an idea of your future career. Each week, you will learn a different STEM program through hands-on activities in your field of choice.

Classes include Civil and Environmental Engineering, Introduction to Science, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Pre-Medicine, Software Engineering, and other Engineering topics. In addition to attending classes, there will be mentoring sessions led by industry key players or University of Ottawa students.

Why it stands out: Allowing students to explore multiple STEM disciplines weekly while receiving mentorship from university and industry professionals.

15. Toronto STEM School Summer Camps AP Program

Location: Virtual classes and on-campus exam
Cost/Stipend: From CAD 160
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Different courses per date, around July to August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: General high school students and international students living in Canada are allowed to apply

The summer camp offering at Toronto STEM School Summer Camps Program is a series of themed, week-long day camps designed to deepen your engagement with STEM through hands-on, project-based learning. Across themes like STEM + Arts, STEM + Coding, and STEM + Environment, you explore real academic content, including robotics, 3D printing, Arduino coding, and environmental science challenges, blending creative thinking with technical skills.

The structure of these camps emphasises active problem-solving and collaboration. Beyond pure academics, the program nurtures creativity and analytical reasoning through integrated activities that connect theory with tangible outcomes, making learning more fun.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for integrating robotics, Arduino coding, and 3D printing into themed, project-based camps that connect technical skills with creative problem-solving.

Code By Day, Explore Toronto By Night

Toronto makes tech feel real, from university labs to the start-up buzz downtown. Your summer can feel both focused and alive.

A software development & AI summer school in Toronto gives you structure to build, test, and improve, with mentors and peers who push you.

You’ll finish with projects you can explain, plus the confidence that comes from solving hard problems in a new setting.

Want to enjoy the city without burning out? Visit our Student Life and Cultural Immersion blogs for tips on study routines, budgeting, accommodation, well-being, and making the most of Toronto.