Summers in high school can be your opportunity to step onto a university campus for the first time and begin shaping a clearer picture of your future in college. Summer programs in Canada for international students can give you an academic head start through university-level learning, practical activities, and exposure to leading institutions beyond the routine of the school year.

These programmes can provide a strong foundation for your college journey by introducing you to university life and helping you decide which subjects and campus environments suit your goals. Whether you are interested in science, humanities, business, economics, maths, or engineering, summer schools, internships, and pre-university programmes can help you explore those interests in greater depth.

Studying away from home also combines experiential learning with a first taste of independent college life. Canada can be a particularly appealing choice if you want to learn within a diverse, multicultural academic environment.

Why should you consider a summer program in Canada?

Canada is home to globally ranked universities such as the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill, and to research hubs working in fields ranging from quantum computing to artificial intelligence. Most programs here are taught in English, with French options in Quebec, and several connect you directly to Canadian universities you might later consider as you prepare your college applications. 

Imagine joining a seminar in a Toronto lecture hall, running an experiment in a Waterloo lab, or debating ideas with students who flew in from various countries, then exploring a new city together once class ends. That is what the strongest summer programs in Canada for international students are designed to do: let you build skills like research, academic writing, and lab technique while you find out what you want to do next.

For an international student, that mix of academic strength, safety, and openness makes Canada a practical place to test university life before you commit to it. To help you get started, we have curated 15 summer programs in Canada for international students.

For more practical experience, consider internships in Canada and summer research programs in Canada.

Key takeaways

• The University of Toronto’s DEEP Summer Academy charges CA$732 per week for domestic students and CA$1,111 per week for international students, plus an application fee that varies by round.
• Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme includes Toronto among its global sites, placing students in small groups of seven to 10 for a two week program open to students worldwide aged 13 to 18.
• The University of Ottawa’s Youth Summer University costs CA$7,345 and awards 4.5 university credits through an intensive course combined with a hackathon and leadership workshops.
• UBC’s Future Global Leaders Online lets students take a three-week course for CA$925 without any application process, learning live in small virtual classes of up to 35 students.
• The University of Toronto International Pre-University Program costs CA$6,275 for international students over three weeks, including accommodation, meals, and excursions in the program fee.
• McGill Summer Academy costs CA$5,500 and admits roughly 50 students per stream, offering two-week sessions focused on either neuroscience or political science.
• The University of Toronto Scarborough Summer School costs CA$6,450, including a CA$1,000 non-refundable registration fee, and restricts stream choices to management, computer and mathematical sciences, or physical and environmental sciences.
• Program costs for international students in Canada range from CA$925 for a three-week online UBC course to over CA$7,345 for the University of Ottawa’s in-person residential program.

15 Summer Programs in Canada for International Students

1. University of Toronto DEEP Summer Academy

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: Domestic: CA$732/week | international CA$1,111/week + CA$50 (round 1) or CA$60 (round 2) application fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6-10 | July 13-17 | July 20-24 | July 27-31 | August 10-14
Application Deadline: Round 1: March 3-23 | Round 2: March 24th – April 13th
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who have completed at least one year of high school; international applicants can apply

DEEP, run by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, is one of the most academically focused summer programs in Canada for international students interested in engineering, science, and technology. You will choose from specialised courses taught by graduate students and faculty, exploring technical subjects beyond the standard high school curriculum.

Classes typically combine lectures with labs and design projects in fields like robotics, biomedical engineering, and computer science. Courses are designed for students who have a solid foundation in math and science, so the pace matches a motivated first-year university class. You will study at U of T’s downtown campus among students from many countries. The program is designed to help you dive deep into a technical subject and assess your interest in an engineering or science major.

Why it stands out: You will pick from dozens of focused, advanced graduate student-led courses, gaining specialized exposure to a single engineering or science topic rather than sampling subjects broadly.

2. Immerse Education’s Toronto Summer School

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: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students across the globe, ages 13-18, currently enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

Immerse Education’s Toronto Summer School gives students aged 15 to 18 the opportunity to experience university life at Trinity College, part of the University of Toronto. You will study your chosen subject in small, seminar-style groups led by expert tutors, with options including Engineering, Medicine, Law, Economics, Psychology, International Relations, Business Management, and Software Development & AI. Teaching combines university-level discussion, hands-on workshops, field trips, and independent exploration.

You will also complete a substantial Personal Project that demonstrates applied knowledge and disciplined thinking. Outside academic sessions, you can explore Toronto’s landmarks, cultural neighbourhoods, and Niagara Falls while building friendships with participants from around the world. Accommodation, meals, course materials, and organised activities are included. 

Why it stands out: You will get a taste of university life and engineering academics while working with a student mentor, completing a personal project, participating in discussion-based classes, and living on a college campus.

3. McGill Summer Academy

Location: McGill University, Montreal, QC
Cost: CA$5,500; awards available for Canadian students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students/stream
Dates: July 5-18 (Session 1) | July 19th – August 1st (Session 2)
Application Deadline: Round 1: December 1st – February 15th | Round 2: February 16th – March 22nd
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11, ages 16-17; open to international students

McGill Summer Academy is a two-week residential program conducted on McGill’s downtown Montreal campus that blends morning classes with afternoon workshops and city activities. You will take courses in one of two streams, one focused on neuroscience and another on political science, both led by McGill faculty and graduate students, and build study strategies for the transition to university.

The cohort draws motivated students from around the world, letting you engage in discussions and explore diverse perspectives in classrooms. Afternoons move learning off campus into Montreal, connecting your coursework to the bilingual city around you. You will also receive guidance on applying to university. The program is designed to provide domestic and international students with a structured introductory experience at a Canadian research university.

Why it stands out: You will spend your summer in a bilingual Canadian city, with program activities integrating Montreal exposure between academic classes.

4. University of British Columbia Future Global Leaders

Location: University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC
Cost: CA$1,940 course fee and CA$2,110 mini school fee for domestic students | CA$2,620 course fee and CA$2,855 for international students + residential fees CA$2,650
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6-17 | July 20-31 | August 3-14
Application deadline: Residence registration closes three weeks before the session start date; Commuter registration closes a week before
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-18 who have completed grade 10 (with a recommended 78% average); open to international students

Future Global Leaders lets you take introductory university courses taught by UBC professors and instructors on the Vancouver campus. You will choose a subject from areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, law, or media, and study it in small classes without the pressure of exams. The program pairs academic learning with campus life, activities, and a diverse student community.

Courses mirror first-year university offerings, so you will sample the actual content of a major before you apply. You may also tour university facilities like labs, engage in hands-on exercises, and connect with professionals within your chosen discipline. You can choose to live on campus or attend as a commuter. 

Why it stands out: You will explore the UBC campus and study subjects offered by one of seven university departments, sampling fields that most secondary schools do not dive into during regular classes.

5. University of Ottawa Youth Summer University

Location: University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
Cost: CA$7,345 (includes CA$6,500 plus tax)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited students
Dates: English program: July 26th – August 15th | French program: July 5-25
Application deadline: Spring (April – May); rolling until full
Eligibility: Students ages 16-17 with an 80% average; open to international students

For students comparing credit-bearing summer programs in Canada for international students, the University of Ottawa Youth Summer University offers a distinctive three-week experience. You will study diplomacy or management and entrepreneurship while completing an intensive course, a hackathon, and leadership and career workshops.

You will leave with transferable university credits, which few high school summer programs award. Workshops in leadership and self-discovery will help you build soft skills and explore your academic direction. Living on an urban campus will offer you a taste of Canadian university life.

Why it stands out: Along with academic exploration opportunities, you will receive an exclusive application package for early conditional offers to several University of Ottawa undergraduate programs.

6. University of Waterloo Future Ready

Location: University of Waterloo’s Renison University College, Waterloo, ON
Cost: International student fee: CA$4,150 | Domestic student fee: CA$3,500 + CA$35 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6-17
Application deadline: April 15th
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-17; open to international students

Future Ready, offered by Renison University College at the University of Waterloo, is a two-week program where you get to explore major global challenges through interdisciplinary seminars. You will gain hands-on exposure to engineering design, cross-cultural communication, and research. In the process, you will build skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration while exploring life on the Waterloo campus.

The cohort is designed for an international cohort, letting you connect with peers through activities and excursions that run alongside the academic sessions. You will finish with a personalized evaluation and a certificate from Renison. The program also gives you an early view of Waterloo’s academic and innovation culture.

Why it stands out: You get to connect with a diverse cohort of peers, boost public speaking and problem-solving skills, and receive a personalized written evaluation detailing your skills, not just a certificate, at the end of the two weeks.

7. Concordia University Science & Engineering Camps

Location: Concordia Sir George Williams Campus, Montreal, QC
Cost: A non-refundable registration of CA$50/week + camp fees CA$100 – CA$1,000 depending on the program; 5% discount available for students who apply by March 6 + discounts available for children of Concordia University employees and students attending with their siblings
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by program; limited spots available
Dates: Varying by track; one- to five-week camps available during the summer
Application deadline: March 6th (early-bird registration); registration opens on February 16th
Eligibility: Students ages 5-17 from anywhere in the world; each camp caters to a specific age group, with dedicated options for high school students

Concordia University runs a series of summer camps designed to help high school students explore a STEAM field of choice. You can choose from options such as the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence camp to explore the impact of AI and how to use it ethically, or the STEAMpunks camp, which offers hands-on workshops, lab tours, activities, and trips focused on STEAM disciplines.

The Environment camp is another track to consider if you want nature-focused experiences, with one track centered on solar energy, heat islands, and plastic, and another on animals, plants, and microorganisms. Another option is the Concordia Counsellor-in-training: Arts and Science camp that lets you build leadership skills with a focus on arts and science activities.

Why it stands out: You get to choose from a range of short, accessible camps to explore a STEM or art discipline under the guidance of instructors on a university campus. 

8. University of Toronto Scarborough Summer School

Location: University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON
Cost: CA$6,450 (includes a CA$1,000 non-refundable registration fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohorts
Dates: July 5-17 | July 20th – August 1st | August 4-16
Application deadline: March 30th
Eligibility: High school students planning to pursue management, computer and mathematical sciences, or physical and environmental sciences; open to international students

The UTSC Summer School welcomes high school students from around the world to study at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus across two-week sessions. You will choose a stream in management, computer and mathematical sciences, or physical and environmental sciences, all taught by U of T faculty. Coursework blends with experiential learning, cultural activities, and campus life experiences.

The program is designed specifically for an international cohort, so you will study alongside peers from many countries. You will use the campus’s labs, study spaces, and athletics facilities during your stay. It gives you structured insights into one of Canada’s top-ranked universities before you apply for college.

Why it stands out: You will study at a U of T campus, following a curriculum designed for an international cohort and choosing one of three faculty-led streams.

9. University of Toronto Youth Summer Program: Law

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: $CA1,175/module + a one-time CA$ 98 registration fee; scholarships available for Canadian students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 50-60 students/week
Dates: One- to five-week modules between July 6th and August 21st
Application deadline: Open till full; summer registration opens on February 11th
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; open to students from across North America and around the world

The Youth Summer Program offered by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law introduces you to legal thinking through week-long modules. The program is built around mock legal scenarios, so you will experience and engage in the work of lawyers rather than only learning about it. You can choose modules in areas such as corporate law, criminal law, international law, or law, AI, and technology to explore your legal track of choice through simulations and hands-on work involving deal negotiation, witness preparation and examination, and case argument.

Career talks and sessions on university admissions will round out each week. You will explore life on U of T campus and connect with a diverse cohort of peers.

Why it stands out: You will learn through courtroom and negotiation simulations led by U of T law faculty and earn an official certificate.

10. University of Toronto International Pre-University Program

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: $CA6,275 all-inclusive fees | Domestic student fee: CA$4,850
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 14th – July 4th | July 5-25 | July 26th – August 15th
Application deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18 with advanced English; international students welcome

This three-week residential program is designed for international high school students with strong English skills. You will choose a morning and an afternoon course from options spanning economics, law, film, applied mathematics, psychology, and global leadership.

Classes are seminar-style and taught on the downtown campus, with accommodation, meals, and excursions included. You will study alongside peers from various countries. The program gives you an extended, structured introduction to English academics and the learning environment at a leading Canadian research university.

Why it stands out: It lets you study two subjects in one residential term, helping you test two possible majors side by side.

11. UBC Future Global Leaders Online

Location: Online (live sessions offered by University of British Columbia)
Cost: CA$925/course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open registration; up to 35 students/class
Dates: July 6-24 (Session 1) | July 27th – August 14th (Session 2)
Application deadline: No application required; register until courses fill
Eligibility: Students, ages 15-18, who have completed grade 10 (recommended 78% average); open to students worldwide

The online version of Future Global Leaders brings UBC instruction to you wherever you are. You will take a three-week introductory course in subjects such as business, engineering, regenerative medicine, or social entrepreneurship, learning in small live virtual classes.

Daily sessions run two hours, leaving room for other summer commitments. A student Discord will help you stay connected with the cohort of students across time zones. This is designed to be a low-barrier way for international students to try UBC-taught courses before considering a campus program.

Why it stands out: You will learn live from UBC instructors from anywhere in the world, with no lengthy application or travel required.

12. McMaster English & Cultural Immersion Program

Location: McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Cost: CA$4,100, CA$4,200, or CA$4,600 based on program length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission; small classes
Dates: July 18th – August 2nd (two weeks) | July 12th – August 2nd (three weeks) | August 1-23 (three weeks)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and university students; open to international students

McMaster’s Office of International Affairs runs this English-and-culture immersion program for high school and university students. You will spend about 30 hours a week on language instruction and applied practice, led by experienced instructors and McMaster graduate students. Afternoons and weekends bring excursions to sites such as Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, and the Royal Ontario Museum.

The program pairs classroom English with structured outings, so you practice the language in everyday Canadian settings. Small classes will help you access individual attention across reading, writing, and presentation skills. The program is designed for international students who want to strengthen their English while experiencing life at a research university.

Why it stands out: You will practice English directly with McMaster student facilitators during daily activities conducted outside the classroom.

13. U of T’s CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges

Location: University of Toronto’s St. George Campus, Toronto, ON
Cost: Application fee: CA$50 (Round 1) or CA$60 (Rounds 2-4) + course fee: CA$732/week for domestic students | CA$1,111/week for international students; rebates available for registering multiple weeks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6th – August 21st (six one-week sessions within this window)
Application deadline: Multiple rounds; applications open March 3rd, with four rounds running through August 10th
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 who have completed at least one year of high school; grade 9/10 applicants must have completed grade 9 math and science, while grade 11/12 applicants must have completed grade 11 math, chemistry, and physics. International students can apply, but will need English proficiency test scores if English isn’t their first language

CREATE lets you enroll in up to six week-long engineering courses over the summer, each guiding you through hands-on design challenges led by current U of T undergraduate and graduate students. Courses span disciplines across the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and each one centers on a design project you will present to peers and staff at the end of the week.

Classes combine classroom sessions with discussions, problem-solving, and outdoor activities to help you connect with peers and instructors as well as apply what you learn. The program doesn’t offer academic credit, but you will receive a certificate of completion for each course, which you can list as an extracurricular activity on future college applications. 

Why it stands out: It lets you sample up to six different weeklong engineering courses across disciplines in a single summer, giving you a broad, hands-on view of the field before committing to a specific path in college.

14. University of Toronto Youth International English Program

Location: University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Cost: CA$5,550 – $5,750 all-inclusive fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open admission
Dates: June 14th – July 4th | July 5-25 | July 26th – August 15th
Application deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Students, ages 13-18; open to international students of all English levels 

The Youth International English Program at U of T’s New College combines English study with academic and cultural activities for students from more than 30 countries. You will choose a morning course such as General English, Academic Preparation, or IELTS Preparation, with optional afternoon courses in areas like global commerce or media. The residential program includes accommodation, meals, evening events, and weekend trips.

Course options span experience levels, from beginner to advanced, so you will learn English and prepare for advanced academics at a level that matches your skills. You will live and study on the downtown Toronto campus. It gives younger international students a supported first experience of a Canadian university.

Why it stands out: You will get to learn in groups split by English level, from beginner to advanced, making the program an accessible option to explore.

15. Simon Fraser University Summer Camps

Location: Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus, Burnaby, BC
Cost: Varies by camp; CA$90 – CA$450 (most standard camps run CA$240–$395 per week); four-day week discounts available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Late June – early September (multiple camps available within this window)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students, ages 5-18 in and outside Canada; specific age brackets vary by camp

Simon Fraser University offers a wide range of half-day and full-day camps across recreational, educational, sports, and specialty categories for children and teens. You can choose from camps focused on advanced sports, leadership development, filmmaking, engineering challenges, and language and culture camps. Many sports camps are run by SFU varsity coaches and athletes, offering skill-building at multiple levels, from beginner introductions to advanced, university-prep-style clinics designed for older teens.

Camps run in weekly sessions throughout the summer. As the offerings span such a broad age range and range of interests, you can find options that align with your skills, interests, and goals, whether you are looking for something recreational or more skill-intensive.

Why it stands out: The camps span a wide range of interests and skill levels under one program, from beginner STEM exploration to university-prep-style varsity sports clinics run directly by SFU coaches and athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are summer programs in Canada open to international students by default?

Yes, every program in this list explicitly welcomes international students, though many charge a higher tuition rate than domestic students. UBC’s Future Global Leaders and the University of Toronto’s DEEP Summer Academy both list separate domestic and international fee tiers. A few programs, like the University of Toronto’s Youth International English Program and International Pre-University Program, are specifically designed with an international cohort in mind, so you’ll be studying primarily alongside peers from other countries rather than a mixed domestic and international group.

How much do summer programs in Canada cost for international students?

Costs vary widely depending on format and length. Online options like UBC’s Future Global Leaders Online cost CA$925 for a three week course, while in-person residential programs run considerably higher: the University of Ottawa’s Youth Summer University costs CA$7,345, and the University of Toronto Scarborough Summer School costs CA$6,450. Concordia University’s Science & Engineering Camps offer a more affordable entry point, with camp fees starting around CA$100 to CA$1,000 depending on the specific track and week count.

Do summer programs in Canada award college credit?

Some do, and it’s worth checking closely since policies differ. The University of Ottawa’s Youth Summer University awards 4.5 university credits through its intensive course and hackathon format, a rare offering among high school summer programs. Most other programs, including McGill Summer Academy and UBC’s Future Global Leaders, provide a certificate of completion rather than transferable credit. If earning real university credit is a priority, confirm this directly with each program, since even similarly structured university-run courses vary on this point.

What is the difference between an in-person and online summer program in Canada?

In-person programs, like the University of Toronto Scarborough Summer School or McGill Summer Academy, place you physically on campus, giving you access to labs, residence life, and excursions around the host city. Online programs, like UBC’s Future Global Leaders Online, let you study from home in live virtual classes, which removes travel costs and visa logistics but also removes the campus immersion. If experiencing Canadian university life firsthand matters to you, an in-person program will deliver that more fully than an online equivalent.

How selective are summer programs in Canada for international students?

Selectivity varies by program structure. McGill Summer Academy is fairly selective, admitting around 50 students per stream per session, while UBC’s Future Global Leaders Online has open registration with no formal application beyond registering before a course fills. Programs tied to hackathons or leadership components, like the University of Ottawa’s Youth Summer University, tend to review applications more closely given their credit-bearing structure. Regardless of selectivity, English proficiency requirements apply broadly across nearly every program on this list.

Is Immerse Education a good option for international students exploring Canada?

Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme is worth considering if you want a globally minded cohort experience with Toronto as one of several available locations. The two week program places you in small groups of seven to 10 students, studying subjects like engineering, computer science, or medicine through hands-on activities such as designing a robotic arm or conducting dissections. You’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and earn a certificate of completion, giving you flexibility to choose a different global campus in future summers if you want to compare experiences.

Build Your Path Towards University in Canada

Canada offers international students more than campus exposure; summer study can reveal lecture styles, laboratory expectations, multicultural communities, and everyday student life firsthand.

These summer programs in Canada for international students may combine subject teaching, practical projects, faculty guidance, residence experience, and visits beyond the classroom in major cities.

Comparing programme content, location, support, costs, and progression routes can help you judge which universities and academic environments best match your ambitions for Canada ahead.

Ready to understand Canadian admissions, scholarships, degree options, application timelines, and student life? Read Our Ultimate Guide to University in Canada before deciding confidently.