15 STEM Summer Programs in Toronto for High School Students

TL;DR

You'll find 15 programs here covering engineering, robotics, AI, medicine, and lab-based science across Toronto's top universities and hospitals. Some are free with paid stipends, while others charge tuition but welcome applicants from outside Canada. Options run from single-day workshops to four-week residential courses, fitting students from grade 9 through grade 12. One standout, the Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program, places you inside a hospital research team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Immerse Education's Toronto Summer School is among the paid, internationally accessible picks, a two-week residential program for students aged roughly 15 to 18 with bursaries available.

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Summer is a chance to take a break from your regular school routine, but it can also be an opportunity to explore subjects that interest you beyond the classroom. If you're curious about engineering, computer science, medicine, robotics, or scientific research, a STEM summer program can help you build practical skills while giving you a taste of university-level learning.

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STEM Summer programs in Toronto can act as a foundation for your college journey — giving you a taste of what university life is like at a top institution, in person. Rather than simply reading about scientific breakthroughs, you will step into dynamic campus laboratories to apply the scientific method through hands-on, inquiry-based research. 

What are STEM summer programs in Toronto for high school students?

STEM summer programs in Toronto span disciplines including engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, mathematics, biotechnology, biomedical science, physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. If you’re considering a career in STEM, you should have a look at our guides on building a career in engineering and medicine.

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With so many options available, choosing the right program can feel overwhelming. Some emphasize engineering design, others focus on scientific research, while several combine multiple STEM disciplines into one interdisciplinary experience. Finding a program that aligns with your interests, academic background, and future goals can help you make the most of your summer.

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For Canada-wide options, consider STEM summer programs in Canada for high school students.

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To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 15 STEM summer programs in Toronto for high school students.

15 STEM Summer Programs in Toronto for High School Students

1. University of Toronto – CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost: CAD $732/week (domestic), CAD $1,111/week (international) + application fee of CAD $50–$60
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size dependent on course capacity
Dates: Weekly sessions from July 6th – August 21st
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; must have completed at least one year of high school and the required math/science courses for their grade level; open to international students

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CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges introduces you to engineering through immersive, week-long courses built around hands-on projects and practical problem-solving. You'll complete design challenges, laboratory activities, and site visits while learning how engineers approach real-world problems across different disciplines. 

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You can register for up to six one-week courses, allowing you to customize your summer experience based on your interests. Throughout the program, you'll work closely with University of Toronto undergraduate and graduate student mentors while strengthening your technical, collaborative, and critical thinking skills. By the end of the program, you'll have a clearer understanding of engineering pathways and university-level design work.

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Why it stands out: Its flexible format allows you to combine multiple engineering courses in one summer while learning directly from university students through project-based design experiences.

2. Immerse Education's Toronto Summer School

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cost: Varies; scholarships available through the Immerse Education bursary program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged approximately 15–18; open to Canadian and international applicants

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Immerse Education's Toronto Summer School offers a university-style academic experience where you can study subjects such as software development and AI while living on the University of Toronto campus. Small classes encourage discussion and collaboration, with lessons led by expert tutors who emphasize interactive learning and personalized feedback. 

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With an average of just seven students per class, you'll benefit from a highly personalized academic environment. Beyond your coursework, you'll participate in mentorship sessions, collaborative projects, and organized cultural activities that introduce you to campus life and the city of Toronto. At the end of the program, you'll receive a certificate of completion and a better understanding of university-level study. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: Small class sizes, personalized academic support, and a residential university experience allow students to explore STEM subjects while experiencing campus life alongside peers from around the world.

3. CIFAL York University Tech Innovators Summer Camp – Exploring the Future

Location: ADERSIM Lab, Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cost: $150 per day or $600 for the full five-day week

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; exact cohort size not officially published

Dates: August 10–14

Application Deadline: July 31st

Eligibility: Youth aged 13 to 18 for the high-school-aged Youth Camp (and children 9 to 12 for the Kids Camp); not open to international students

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This immersive, five-day STEM camp introduces you to the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world. During the camp, you will explore transformative fields like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, programming, drones, computers, and medical device technology. You will engage in hands-on activities such as creating code with Scratch, training models in the Teachable Machine Playground, exploring how computers store data, and completing an emotion classification challenge. 

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The program’s unique features include expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and a dynamic introduction to real-world technology platforms. By participating, you will develop essential skills like coding logic, critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and the confidence to pursue future tech careers.

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Why it stands out: It pairs expert instruction with immediate, practical application, ensuring you gain true confidence with the exact tools used by today's technology professionals.

4. University of Toronto – Science Unlimited Summer Camp

Location: University of Toronto, Department of Physics, Toronto, Canada
Cost: CAD $300; bursaries available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to 50 students
Dates: August 17–21
Application Deadline: April 17th
Eligibility: Students who have completed grade 10 or 11 by the start of the camp; open to international students

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Science Unlimited Summer Camp gives you the chance to explore a wide range of STEM subjects through interactive workshops led by faculty from across the University of Toronto. You'll participate in activities covering astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics, physics, and environmental science while working in university classrooms and laboratories. 

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The program lets you experience multiple STEM fields in a single week, involving hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and collaborative activities that help you discover how scientific ideas are applied beyond the high school classroom. By the end of the program, you'll have a broader understanding of university-level science and the many directions STEM studies can take.

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Why it stands out: It brings together faculty from several University of Toronto departments, allowing students to explore multiple STEM disciplines within one program.

5. Sunnybrook Research Institute – Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program

Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 25 students
Dates: July 6th – August 28th
Application Deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by July 1 and are legally authorized to work in Canada; not open to international students

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The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program places you in a hospital-based research environment where you'll contribute to projects exploring focused ultrasound technologies for medical applications. You'll collaborate with scientists and engineers while taking part in laboratory research, programming, engineering development, and data analysis. 

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The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows you to see how engineering, biology, physics, and medicine come together to solve healthcare challenges. Throughout the summer, you'll receive mentorship from researchers while developing practical research and professional skills. The program typically concludes with a report or presentation that showcases your research contributions.

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Why it stands out: It provides high school students with direct experience in interdisciplinary medical technology research within a leading hospital research centre.

6. University of Toronto – Blueprint Engineering Summer Program

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; limited cohort size
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: April 12th
Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Grade 10 or 11 who self-identify as Black; not open to international students

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Blueprint is a four-week engineering program that introduces you to multiple engineering disciplines through project-based learning and collaborative design challenges. You'll attend workshops covering engineering design, coding, robotics, computer science, and applied physics while working with faculty members and industry professionals. 

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A major part of the program is completing a capstone project that encourages you to apply engineering concepts to a real-world problem. Throughout the month, you'll strengthen your technical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exploring what engineering studies look like at the university level. The experience also provides opportunities to connect with mentors and learn about different engineering career pathways.

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Why it stands out: It is a fully funded engineering program that combines technical training, mentorship, and hands-on learning for Black high school students.

7. University of Toronto – Aerial Robotics Club (ARC)

Location: Online and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not officially published
Dates: Weekly online meetings from June to August, followed by in-person research sessions in August
Application Deadline: April 15th
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 who are proficient in English and have an internet connection; expected to provide evidence of academic proficiency and basic STEM knowledge (such as previous experience in robotics, programming, math, or science clubs); open to international students

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The University of Toronto Aerial Robotics Club (ARC) allows you to explore aerospace engineering through collaborative research projects focused on aerial robotics. You'll work alongside university students and faculty while reading scientific literature, developing research questions, and contributing to engineering projects from concept through implementation. 

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Instead of following a traditional classroom format, you'll participate in an authentic research experience that mirrors university research groups. The program combines online collaboration with optional in-person research sessions, allowing you to engage with ongoing engineering projects over the summer. By participating, you'll gain a deeper understanding of robotics, aerospace engineering, and the research process.

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Why it stands out: It allows high school students to contribute to university-led aerial robotics research while working directly with faculty members and student researchers.

8. Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto – Pharmacy Summer Camp @ U of T

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Cost: $649–$799 CAD per week; limited scholarships are available

Acceptance rate/cohort size/cohort size: Open admission; up to 50 campers per week

Dates: Week 1: July 6–10; Week 2: July 13–17; Week 3: July 20–24; Week 4: July 27–31; Week 5: August 4–7

Application Deadline: Open until places filled

Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; international eligibility not explicitly stated

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The University of Toronto’s Pharmacy Summer Camp offers you an immersive STEM experience designed to inspire your future in healthcare. During the sessions, you will explore core scientific topics like human physiology, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. 

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You will engage in hands-on activities such as compounding medications in the lab, conducting simulated health assessments, solving poison mystery cases, and touring state-of-the-art campus facilities. Uniquely, as one of Canada's only high school programs of its kind, it connects you directly with faculty and PharmD researchers. By the end, you will have developed practical laboratory proficiency, analytical problem-solving abilities, and the communication skills necessary for effective patient interactions.

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Why it stands out: It gives you rare, specialized exposure to the real-world drug development pipeline and simulated clinical patient care before you even begin university.

9. University of Toronto – Sciences Across the Spectrum

Location: University of Toronto, New College, Toronto, Canada
Cost: Non-Canadian: $6,275 CAD; Canadian: $4,850
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: June Session: June 14th – July 4th; July Session: July 5–25; August Session: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 with an Advanced+ level of English; open to international students.

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Sciences Across the Spectrum introduces you to university-level scientific inquiry by combining concepts from physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences in one interdisciplinary course. You'll participate in seminars, discussions, case studies, and practical activities while learning how scientists investigate questions using evidence and experimentation. Instead of concentrating on one scientific discipline, the course emphasizes how different branches of science work together to solve complex problems. 

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You'll also complete a small-scale independent research project that strengthens your analytical, communication, and scientific reasoning skills. The residential format offers an opportunity to experience university academics while living on campus.

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Why it stands out: It takes an interdisciplinary approach to science, helping students understand how multiple scientific fields connect through research and evidence-based inquiry.

10. University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine – STEAM-Design Program

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cost: No cost / $1,600 stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size/cohort size: Moderately competitive; approximately 50 students

Dates: July 6–31

Application Deadline: March 29th

Eligibility: Age 16 by June 30th of the program year; completed or in-progress Grade 10 Academic Science or a Grade 11 U/M/C science course, completed before July 1; residents or students of an Ontario high school; from a background facing systemic barriers in health sciences; STEAM-Design and Summer Mentorship Program alumni ineligible; not open to international students

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In this program, you will explore complex topics shaping modern healthcare, including biology, artificial intelligence, engineering, design, and data analysis. During the program, you will dive into hands-on activities like conducting lab experiments, joining interactive sessions with researchers, going on field trips, and completing a Research Design Project alongside a university mentor. 

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This experiential learning environment ensures you build critical future-ready skills, specifically participatory design, problem-solving, teamwork, and social accountability. The program is highly unique because it requires no admission fees or minimum GPA; instead, you actually earn a Grade 12 science credit (SNC4M) and a $1,600 stipend for completing it.

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Why it stands out: It breaks down traditional academic and financial barriers to STEM by paying underrepresented students to learn and participate, rather than charging them tuition.

11. University of Toronto – Designing Mitochondria for the Future Summer Program

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~28 students
Dates: July 13–14
Application Deadline: April 30th
Eligibility: Students in Grades 11–12; open to international students

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Designing Mitochondria for the Future is a two-day summer program that introduces you to biomedical research through interactive workshops, laboratory tours, and presentations led by researchers and healthcare professionals. You'll learn how scientists, engineers, clinicians, and innovators work together to address challenges in medicine while exploring the role of mitochondrial research in healthcare. 

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The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, giving you insight into how discoveries move from the research lab toward real-world medical applications. You'll also interact with graduate students, undergraduate mentors, and researchers who can share their experiences in scientific research and healthcare. Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing their participation.

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Why it stands out: It offers a free introduction to interdisciplinary biomedical research while connecting students with researchers, clinicians, and mentors working in the field.

12. York University – Spark Lab Summer Program

Location: York University, Keele and Markham Campuses, Toronto, Canada
Cost: CAD $495 (Five-day week); CAD $435 (Holiday four-day week); bursaries are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 29th – July 31th
Application Deadline: Rolling registration (Until full)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; open to international students

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The Spark Lab Summer Program allows you to build laboratory skills through week-long courses in biology, chemistry, and physics at York University. You can choose between experimental courses designed to strengthen foundational skills or research-focused courses based on projects developed by graduate students and professors. 

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You'll work in university laboratories while completing experiments in subjects such as neuroscience, microbiology, genetics, forensic science, anatomy, astronomy, and molecular biology. The program prioritizes hands-on experimentation, allowing you to develop practical laboratory experience rather than simply learning through lectures. Throughout the week, you'll gain exposure to university-level science and explore a variety of STEM fields.

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Why it stands out: Its combination of introductory laboratory courses and research-focused classes allows students to choose an experience that matches their interests and level of scientific experience.

13. Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)

Location: Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $1,600 CAD stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 100 students
Dates: July 6–31
Application Deadline: March 29th
Eligibility: Grade 11 students who are residents or students of a high school in Ontario and self-identify as Indigenous or Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry; must be 16 years of age by June 30, have completed Grade 10 Academic Science or any Grade 11 Science course; not open to international students

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The Summer Mentorship Program introduces you to a variety of health science careers through a month of academic activities, clinical simulations, workshops, and mentorship. You'll explore disciplines including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, kinesiology, and public health while learning from healthcare professionals and faculty members. The program also includes opportunities to shadow professionals, helping you better understand different careers within Canada's healthcare system. 

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By combining academic learning with experiential activities, you'll gain a broader perspective on healthcare education, research, and patient care. The experience is designed to help students explore future pathways in health sciences while building confidence in a university setting.

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Why it stands out: It provides Indigenous and Black students with paid access to mentorship, clinical experiences, and exposure to a wide range of healthcare professions through one of Canada's leading medical faculties.

14. T-CAIREM, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine – AI in Healthcare Summer Bootcamp for High School Students

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Cost/Stipend: $875 plus tax (in-person) or $725 plus tax (virtual)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated

Dates: July 13–17

Application Deadline: July 5th

Eligibility: Students entering or currently in grades 10 to 12; open to international students

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This program introduces you to the rapidly growing intersection of medicine and technology. You will explore topics like artificial intelligence concepts, machine learning model types, health data, Python coding, AI ethics, and healthcare regulations. Throughout the week, you will participate in interactive seminars, write code to train ML models, and collaborate with groupmates to solve a clinical question for your final presentation. 

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The program provides a flexible hybrid format and direct mentorship from University of Toronto medical students and PhD candidates. Ultimately, you will learn practical Python programming, model evaluation, clinical problem-solving, and effective teamwork skills. You will also earn a Certificate of Completion.

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Why it stands out: This bootcamp distinguishes itself by empowering high schoolers to tackle real-world clinical problems and build machine learning projects under the direct guidance of medical students and AI researchers.

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15. University of Toronto – DEEP Summer Academy

Location: University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Canada
Cost: Application fee: CAD $50 (Round 1) or CAD $60 (Round 2); Course fee: CAD $732/week (domestic), CAD $1,111/week (international); discounts are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Application-based; cohort size not specified
Dates:  Session A: July 6–10; Session B: July 13–17; Session C: July 20–24; Session D: July 27–31; Session E: August 10–14
Application Deadline: Round 1: March 23rd; Round 2: April 13th
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12; grades 9/10: completed grade 9 math and science courses by June; grades 11/12: completed grade 11 math and science courses by June; open to international students

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This program introduces you to university-level engineering through academically challenging, week-long courses taught by graduate students and undergraduate instructors from the University of Toronto. You'll explore topics across engineering, technology, and applied science while working through real-world problems in an interactive classroom environment. After being accepted into the program, you can register for up to four one-week courses, allowing you to customize your learning experience based on your interests. 

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Throughout the program, you'll learn directly from researchers and graduate students while gaining exposure to engineering concepts that are typically introduced in the later years of university. Along the way, you'll collaborate with other STEM-focused students and gain a better understanding of engineering research and university pathways.

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Why it stands out: It offers academically rigorous engineering courses taught by graduate researchers, giving high school students an early introduction to advanced engineering concepts in a university setting.

Frequently asked questions: STEM Summer Programs in Toronto for High School Students

What subjects do STEM summer programs in Toronto cover?

STEM programs in Toronto span engineering, computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, biomedical science, and physical sciences like chemistry and physics. CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges and DEEP Summer Academy focus on engineering design and applied technology, while Sciences Across the Spectrum blends physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences into one interdisciplinary course. Others go narrower: the Pharmacy Summer Camp centers on pharmaceutical sciences, and the T-CAIREM AI in Healthcare Bootcamp combines Python coding with clinical applications. With this range, you can find something matched closely to your specific STEM interest rather than a general overview.

Which STEM programs in Toronto accept international students?

Several do, though eligibility varies significantly by program. CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges, DEEP Summer Academy, Sciences Across the Spectrum, Spark Lab, ARC, and the T-CAIREM AI in Healthcare Bootcamp are all open to applicants from outside Canada. Others are restricted: Blueprint, the Summer Mentorship Program, STEAM-Design, and the Focused Ultrasound Research Program require Canadian citizenship or Ontario residency. Immerse Education's Toronto Summer School is also open to international applicants, with students joining from around the world for its two-week sessions on the University of Toronto campus.

Do any of these programs offer real research experience?

Yes, several place you directly inside active research work rather than a structured curriculum. The Aerial Robotics Club has you read scientific literature and contribute to aerospace engineering projects with university faculty. The Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program puts you inside a Sunnybrook hospital research team working on medical ultrasound technology. Read our guide on how to get research experience in high school for an in-depth idea.

What grade level or age do you need to apply?

Most programs accept students in grades 9 through 12, though several narrow that range further with age cutoffs. CREATE and DEEP Summer Academy both require you to have completed the prior grade's math and science courses. The Focused Ultrasound program requires you to be at least 16 by July 1. Immerse Education's Toronto Summer School uses age rather than grade as its cutoff, accepting students aged approximately 15 to 18 currently enrolled in middle or high school.

Are there free or paid STEM programs available?

Both exist, and several free options actually pay you to participate. Blueprint, the Summer Mentorship Program, STEAM-Design, and Designing Mitochondria for the Future all carry no cost, with the latter two paying a $1,600 CAD stipend on completion. Paid options range widely too: Science Unlimited costs $300 CAD, Spark Lab runs $435 to $495 CAD per week, and Sciences Across the Spectrum costs $4,850 to $6,275 CAD for three weeks. Free programs tend to carry the narrowest eligibility, often restricted to Ontario residents from specific backgrounds.

How competitive are STEM summer programs in Toronto?

Selectivity varies widely across this list, from open enrollment to highly competitive review. Spark Lab and the Pharmacy Summer Camp use open or non-competitive admission, accepting most applicants who register before spots fill. Others are considerably more selective: the Focused Ultrasound Research Program accepts roughly 25 students, and the Aerial Robotics Club and Designing Mitochondria programs are described as highly selective with limited cohort sizes. Reviewing each program's acceptance details before applying gives you a realistic sense of how competitive your options are.

Build a global STEM foundation in Toronto

A single summer in Toronto can place you inside an engineering lab, a hospital research team, or a robotics workshop, depending on your interests.

Among the region's STEM summer programs in Toronto for high school students, you'll find options suited to nearly every grade, budget, and academic interest.

Living and studying on a university campus abroad gives you mentorship, real lab time, and a genuine preview of academic life ahead.

When you're ready to take your STEM ambitions further afield, explore more study abroad resources to help you find the right program.

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