15 Summer Schools for 18 Year Olds

TL;DR

You’ll find 15 summer schools for students around 18, from fully funded research to paid internships and pre-college courses at Stanford, Yale, and Harvard. Some are free or pay you, like RSI and Bank of America Student Leaders, while others charge tuition with financial aid available. Most are for rising seniors, though a few, like Clark Scholars and Tufts, also accept recent graduates. ResearcHStart, for example, offers eight weeks of full-time cancer research with a taxable stipend. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway welcomes ages 13 to 18 in cities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Sydney.

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As an 18-year-old student, you may be looking forward to a summer that offers more than just a break from school. You might be preparing for university, exploring a subject you enjoy, or trying to understand what academic life will be like after high school. A summer school can help you make the most of this transition while giving you an opportunity to learn in a new environment.

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Picture yourself attending classes at a university, working alongside students from different countries, exploring a subject in greater depth, and experiencing campus life before starting your degree. Depending on the program you choose, you could take part in lectures, workshops, group projects, practical activities, or discussions led by experienced instructors. You’ll also have the chance to develop new skills, meet people with similar interests, and gain a better idea of what you want from your future studies.

How do you choose the right Summer Schools for 18 Year Olds?

Choosing a summer school can be difficult when you have so many options available. Some programs may focus heavily on academics, while others combine classroom learning with cultural activities, career exploration, or university preparation. You’ll need to consider what you want to gain from the experience before making your choice.

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Universities and educational institutions offer summer schools across a wide range of subjects and locations. You might study economics in London, explore engineering at a university campus, develop your creative skills through an arts program, or take an introductory course in a subject you are considering for university. You’ll also want to check the program’s eligibility requirements, duration, cost, location, and application deadlines.

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Of course, the best summer school for you will depend on your interests and plans. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 Summer Schools for 18-Year-Olds. They’ve been selected for their academic opportunities, university experience, practical learning, and potential to help you prepare for your next step.

15 Summer Schools for 18 Year Olds 

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $50 application fee with waivers available; a stipend is not typically provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks; the 2026 program ran June 8th to July 30th
Application Deadline: The 2027 application opens in December
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; Bay Area students are preferred

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The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program gives you eight weeks of practical experience in biomedical research. You can indicate your preferred research areas, including immunology, neurobiology, cancer biology, bioengineering, stem cell research, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, and genetics. 

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Most participants spend their time working in a laboratory on a research project, while the bioengineering option offers a team-based design experience. Throughout the summer, you’ll attend lectures, complete research work, and prepare a poster showcasing your project.

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Why it stands out: You get an unusually intensive opportunity to spend eight weeks conducting biomedical research in Stanford’s research environment.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto
Cost/Stipend: 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 cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13 to 18; open to international students from around the world

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Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway lets you experience university life firsthand. You will study in tutor-led seminars averaging 7 students, with two 1:1 tutorials, masterclasses, and guest speakers across your two weeks. You can explore more than 20 subjects, including Architecture, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, and Philosophy, with residential or commuter options. 

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By the end of the programme, you’ll present a personal project on the final Friday, and accredited options let you earn 8 UCAS points or 3 US college credits from age 14. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living in a historic university city.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.

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The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. 

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At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.

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Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. Bank of America Student Leaders

Location: Partner nonprofit organizations in eligible U.S. program locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $17 an hour or the local minimum wage, whichever is higher; Leadership Summit expenses are covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Six-week internship between June and July, including a 3-day Leadership Summit (June 16th to June 18th in 2026)
Application Deadline: March 16th (2026 cycle; applications opened February 9th)
Eligibility: At least 18, with a high school diploma earned within the past two years and 12 to 18 hours of post-secondary credit; must live in an eligible program location and be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship; not open to international students

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The Bank of America Student Leaders program gives you the chance to combine paid work experience with leadership development and community service. You’ll spend six weeks interning full-time with a local nonprofit organization, contributing to work that addresses community needs. 

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The program also brings selected students together for a three-day Leadership Summit, where you’ll build career skills and explore how public and private organizations respond to social challenges. Since the program now requires some college credit, it’s best suited to you after your first year of college.

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Why it stands out: You earn a paycheck while gaining nonprofit experience and taking part in a national leadership summit.

5. Yale Young Global Scholars: Politics of Law & Economics (PLE)

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies; need-based financial aid can cover up to the full tuition cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small seminars with a 12:1 student-to-instructor ratio
Dates: 2027 sessions: June 20th to July 2nd; July 4th to July 16th; July 18th to July 30th
Application Deadline: October 15th, 2026 (Early Action); January 6th, 2027 (Regular Decision)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 to 18 in their sophomore or junior year (or international equivalent); open to international students from all countries

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The Politics of Law & Economics session lets you examine how governments, markets, and legal systems shape societies around the world. You’ll explore topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, governance, international policy, and conflict through economic, legal, and political perspectives. 

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You’ll attend lectures by Yale faculty and small seminars with Yale undergraduate and graduate students, investigating questions about inequality, political participation, and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence. You’ll also develop critical thinking and analytical skills through an interdisciplinary approach.

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Why it stands out: You get to examine politics, law, and economics together while learning alongside students from more than 150 countries at Yale.

6. Research Science Institute (RSI)

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, and Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 100 students at MIT and 50 at Stanford in 2027
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: December 11th, 2026
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors); open to U.S. and international students

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At the Research Science Institute, you’ll combine intensive STEM coursework with an individual research project under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. The six-week program begins with coursework in scientific theory before you move into a five-week research internship. 

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You’ll work on an individual project with a mentor and develop your understanding of how scientific research is conducted. Starting in 2027, RSI also runs a second site at Stanford alongside MIT. If cost is a concern, you can compare more fully funded summer programs for high school students.

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Why it stands out: You spend five weeks conducting individual STEM research with an experienced mentor as part of a highly selective international cohort.

7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free, with room, board, and meals included; $25 application fee; $750 stipend on completing your research project
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive; 12 students
Dates: Seven weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: February 15th, 2027 (applications open January 2nd)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent high school graduates who are at least 17 by the start of the program; U.S. citizens or permanent residents only

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The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program gives you seven weeks of intensive research experience alongside Texas Tech University faculty. You’ll work on a research project in one of the program’s available fields, which include biology, cancer biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. 

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Weekly seminars and social activities are also built into the program, giving you opportunities to engage with the other scholars outside your research work. After completing your research project successfully, you’ll receive a $750 stipend.

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Why it stands out: You get a highly focused research experience with just 12 scholars, plus room, board, meals, and a completion stipend.

8. PNNL High School Business Internship

Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Academic-year internship, August to May
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in business careers who meet the requirements in individual postings; international eligibility not specified

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The PNNL High School Business Internship lets you explore a business career while gaining experience in a national laboratory environment. You can work alongside experienced PNNL business professionals and receive mentorship from staff. 

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During the internship, you’ll also take part in leadership development activities, communications workshops, career-awareness sessions, and laboratory tours. Your school may also offer elective credit for the internship through its work-based learning program.

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Why it stands out: You get to explore business careers inside a U.S. national laboratory while gaining workplace experience and professional development.

9. Harvard Pre-College Program

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 program fee + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid available for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small classes
Dates: 2026 sessions: June 20th to July 2nd; July 5th to July 17th; July 19th to July 31st
Application Deadline: January 7th (Early); February 11th (Regular) in the 2026 cycle
Eligibility: At least 16 by the first day of your session and graduating from high school and entering college within the next two years; international students are eligible to apply

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The Harvard Pre-College Program gives you two weeks to explore a subject through college-level, non-credit coursework while living on campus. You can choose from courses across areas such as science, medicine, humanities, law, business, writing, and creative fields. 

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You’ll work through challenging readings, problem sets, discussions, and presentations with Harvard-affiliated instructors. The work is academically rigorous, and you may receive a written evaluation showing whether you met course requirements. If you’re weighing other options for your final year, you can also explore these college programs for high school seniors.

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Why it stands out: You get a concentrated taste of Harvard academics and residential college life in just two weeks.

10. ResearcHStart

Location: University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and Rush University
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; taxable stipend ($3,000 listed on UChicago’s program page)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Eight weeks, 35 to 40 hours per week; the 2026 program ran June 15th to August 7th
Application Deadline: The 2027 application is not yet available
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of application who are at least 16 at the start of the program and live in Illinois or Lake County, Indiana

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ResearcHStart gives you eight weeks of full-time cancer research experience at one of five participating universities. You’ll work in the laboratory of an established cancer researcher while exploring areas such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and cancer disparities. 

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You’ll also take part in career development and skill-building workshops, a cancer-focused faculty lecture series, and mentoring with university faculty, research professionals, program staff, and peers. Along the way, you’ll build an understanding of cancer and its impact on Illinois residents.

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Why it stands out: You get eight weeks of full-time cancer research experience across a network of five major Illinois universities.

11. Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS)

Location: Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Cost/Stipend: $350 program fee, paid only after acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 28 students selected from 309 applications in 2026
Dates: Two weeks; the 2026 program ran June 14th to June 26th
Application Deadline: March 20th (2026 cycle; applications opened October 20th)
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) from the U.S. or Puerto Rico; not open to international students

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The Business Opportunities Summer Session gives you two weeks to experience college academics and campus life through a business-focused program at Penn State. You’ll take college preparation and business fundamentals courses taught by Penn State faculty while learning more about the admissions process. 

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The 2026 cohort also visited EY’s Philadelphia office and competed in a case competition to apply what they learned. The residential format lets you stay in a residence hall and interact with other academically driven students.

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Why it stands out: You get a focused introduction to business education while experiencing residential college life at Penn State’s University Park campus.

12. Young Scholars Program (YSP) - Northeastern University

Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Six weeks, Monday to Thursday; the 2026 program ran June 22nd to July 30th
Application Deadline: March 2nd (2026 cycle; applications opened December 15th)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who live within commuting distance of Northeastern and attend school in Massachusetts; international eligibility not specified

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The Young Scholars Program gives you six weeks of research experience while you are still in high school. You’ll work in a Northeastern research laboratory with faculty and graduate student mentors, with projects spanning areas such as chemistry, biology, computer engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and bioengineering. 

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Guest lectures and visits to corporate and government sites help you see what scientists and engineers do. The program ends with final research presentations and a poster session.

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Why it stands out: You get a free, mentor-supported research experience in a Northeastern laboratory.

13. AI Scholars

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Four weeks; the 2026 program ran June 20th to July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st (2026 cycle)
Eligibility: In 11th grade when you apply and at least 16 by June 20th of the program year; open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only

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AI Scholars gives you four weeks to explore artificial intelligence through college-level instruction, research projects, faculty lectures, and industry experiences. You’ll learn foundational computing and AI concepts through a core curriculum taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty. 

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You do not need previous coding experience to apply, though you should show a strong interest in AI. You’ll also receive mentorship from CMU faculty, staff, and researchers and take part in college preparation and career development activities.

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Why it stands out: You get a fully funded, four-week residential introduction to AI at Carnegie Mellon, with research, mentorship, and industry exposure built into the experience.

14. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 for 3 college credits (fee waivers available based on financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 18th to August 12th (2026 cycle)
Application Deadline: February 15th (2026 cycle)
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students; international eligibility not specified

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The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program places you in a George Mason University research lab for a summer-long research internship. You’ll work on a research project under the guidance of a George Mason mentor while earning 3 college credits. 

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Throughout the internship, you’ll build lab and research skills and learn how scientific questions are investigated. Since ASSIP accepts both high school and undergraduate students, you’ll work alongside a wide range of young researchers. If credit is a priority for you, you can compare these pre-college summer programs for credit.

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Why it stands out: You earn college credit while conducting mentored research in a university lab.

15. Tufts Engineering with Artificial Intelligence

Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost/Stipend: Commuter $4,425; Residential $5,950
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Two-week sessions; 2026 ran July 5th to July 17th and July 19th to July 31st
Application Deadline: May 1st (2026 cycle)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 to 12 or recent high school graduates; residential students must be no older than 19 by the end of the program; programming experience in any language required; open to international students

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The Engineering with Artificial Intelligence program gives you two weeks to explore machine learning and AI through lectures, practical challenges, and engineering projects. You’ll learn about the history and societal impact of these technologies while building a mathematical and algorithmic understanding of how they work. 

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University and industry experts will introduce you to current developments in AI, and you’ll join debates on the ethical responsibilities of developers. By the end of the program, you’ll develop your own AI-based solution to a problem and present it at a project showcase.

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Why it stands out: You move beyond simply learning about AI by building your own solution to a pressing problem.

Frequently asked questions: Summer Schools for 18 Year Olds

Can 18-year-olds still attend summer programs for high school students?

Yes, but you need to check each program’s age and grade rules carefully. Many programs on this list are built for rising seniors, so you can usually attend at 18 if you’re still in high school that summer. Some set firm limits, like Tufts, where residential students must be no older than 19 by the end of the program. Others, like Clark Scholars and Tufts, also accept recent graduates.

Are there free summer schools for 18-year-olds?

Yes, several strong options cost nothing to attend. RSI, CMU AI Scholars, and Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program are free, and Clark Scholars covers room, board, and meals with a $750 completion stipend. ResearcHStart also pays a taxable stipend for eight weeks of cancer research. Most free programs are highly selective and have residency or citizenship rules, so read the eligibility details before you apply.

Can international students attend summer schools at 18?

Yes, though many US research programs are limited to US citizens or permanent residents. Yale Young Global Scholars, RSI, Harvard Pre-College, and Tufts all accept international applicants. Immerse Education's Academic Insights pathway is open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world in Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, and Toronto. If you’d like to study in Britain, you can also browse these summer camps in the UK for 18 year olds.

Do summer schools give you college credit?

Some do, but many pre-college programs are non-credit. George Mason’s ASSIP awards 3 college credits, while Harvard’s Pre-College Program is non-credit and focuses on the academic experience. Immerse offers accredited options that earn 8 UCAS points or 3 US college credits from age 14. Always confirm with your future university how it treats credits from a summer program.

Is it worth doing a summer program after you graduate high school?

It can be, especially if you want to test a subject or gain work experience before university starts. Clark Scholars and Tufts both accept recent graduates, and Bank of America Student Leaders is now designed for students who have finished high school and earned some college credit. Some students also use this summer to travel and learn at the same time, as with these summer travel programs for 18 year olds.

When should you apply for summer schools as an 18-year-old?

Start in the fall, since the most selective programs close early. RSI’s deadline is December 11th, 2026, and Yale Young Global Scholars has an Early Action deadline of October 15th, 2026. Many others close between February and March, including CMU AI Scholars, Clark Scholars, and Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program. Programs like Tufts accept applications until May, but popular sessions can fill sooner.

Stepping into university study a summer early

Your last summers before university are a rare chance to test a subject, a campus, and a way of learning before committing to it.

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Among these summer schools for 18 year olds, you can choose full-time research, paid nonprofit work, or two weeks of university-level seminars abroad.

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Look closely at age limits and graduation requirements, since several programs close their doors once you finish high school or turn 19.

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For more advice on choosing courses, applications, and your first year away from home, explore our University Preparation blogs for practical, step-by-step guides.