Research and Summer Programs in Canada

The top research programs in Canada for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states and countries here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Nov 15, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Summary

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Alberta

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Alberta, Canada

Cost

Starting at CAD 2,700

Application Deadline

Mar 15, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program offers 4-6 week summer research experiences for Grade 11 students interested in health and medical sciences, including priority areas in digital health, data-enabled health transformation, and health innovation. The HYRS program at the University of Alberta is administered by the Undergraduate Research Initiative, in collaboration with WISEST.

Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Alberta

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Alberta, Canada

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci, Engineering, Busines...

Summary

The Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth has been designed as a practical solution to enable Black Youth to develop hands-on skills that will be immediately transferable to disruptive technologies, including robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and tissue engineering. Candidate interns will be matched with hosts for full-time or part-time internships of up to 8 or 16 weeks. All interns will participate in leadership and entrepreneur training.

Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology Summer Research Program (WISEST SRP)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Alberta

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Alberta, Canada

Cost

Starting at $1,783

Application Deadline

Apr 3, 2024

Categories

AI/ML, Comp Sci, Mathematics, ...

Summary

The WISEST Summer Research Program (SRP) encourages participants to explore a future in science, engineering, and technology fields.

Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition

See website

Hosting Institution

Sanofi Canada

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Canada

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics, Engineering, Biol...

Summary

The Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition celebrates the best research projects from across the country with a focus on health sciences, life sciences and biotechnology. The Competition is hosted in partnership with Youth Science Canada, as part of their regional and Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF).

Shad Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Shad Canada (and participating Universities)

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Multiple

Cost

CAD 3615

Application Deadline

Dec 1, 2023

Categories

Comp Sci, Mathematics, Biology...

Summary

Shad is a month-long program for grade 10 & 11s. It has 2 experiences which is ShadOnCampus which gives you the latest in STEAM & entrepreneurship programming tailored to the excellence of the campus, faculty, labs and of course, local culture; and the ShadAnywhere by which you will experience and have a connection digitally.

Quantum School for Young Students

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Waterloo

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jun 7, 2024

Categories

Mathematics, Engineering, Phys...

Summary

QSYS is a unique enrichment program for high-school students that offers a blend of expert lectures, group discussions, problem solving, mentoring, and networking with world-leading quantum researchers.

University of Toronto Medicine Youth Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

CAD 1686

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Biology, Medicine

Summary

Med YSP offers students the opportunity to learn about science/medicine and conduct life science labs. Join students from across Canada and the World to explore various diseases, the next generation of treatments, and what it takes to become a health professional.

University of Toronto Law Youth Summer Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

CAD 1248

Application Deadline

Feb 14, 2024

Categories

Social Science

Summary

During the Law YSP, students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 can spend between one and five weeks at the Faculty of Law discussing advanced legal concepts, learning about the reality of the Canadian legal system, and applying their knowledge in a variety of stimulating environments.

Youreka’s Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Youreka Canada

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

CAD 80

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Environmental Science, Comp Sc...

Summary

Our curriculum will bring students from the foundations of experimental design to topics in scientific computing and statistical analysis. Throughout our program, we offer professional development opportunities in the form of workshops, seminars, and challenges.

Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Mount Saint Vincent University, University of Manitoba, The University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Calgary

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Halifax, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2023

Categories

Comp Sci, Mathematics, Biology...

Summary

The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Program addresses the under-representation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at Canadian universities. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of academic role models for these students. The Foundation addresses this by offering scholarships to Indigenous students in grades 11 and 12 to spend a week at a Canadian university interacting and learning with professors and their teams. During their week on campus, students can meet role models, learn about the support systems available to them on campus, and experience the excitement of doing research.

SRI Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Sunnybrook Research Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Feb 9, 2024

Categories

Mathematics, Biology, Engineer...

Summary

Each summer, we hire motivated and hard-working, independent high-school students passionate about math and sciences to assist us in various projects we are working on in our lab. Our goal is not only to further our progress but also to give these students experience working in a research lab. During the summer, students will gain enriched, hands-on knowledge in the fields of physics, engineering and biology that would be difficult to attain elsewhere.

Centre for Health Informatics' Summer Studentship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Calgary

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Calgary

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Jan 15, 2024

Categories

Mathematics, Biology, Medicine

Summary

The Centre for Health Informatics' Summer Studentship Program offers students the opportunity to engage in health research under the supervision of an academic member during the summer term. The program accepts a limited number of students each year and is open to high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants will be matched to a faculty member residing within CHI based on their chosen academic discipline and research interests.

Daniels Design Discovery Program

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Starting at CAD 1350

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Architecture, Arts

Summary

Daniels Design Discovery provides a comprehensive introduction to the discipline of architecture, giving you the opportunity to experience different ways of seeing, thinking and making through the lens of design. The program will develop your skills in a broad range of design tools and techniques, providing a strong foundation to explore your creative potential.

Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag – Flooded Valley Healing

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Environmental Science, Enginee...

Summary

Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag – Anishinaabemowin for Flooded Valley Healing – is an Indigenous Youth Program that weaves together cultural teachings with landscape architecture design and environmental conservation field work. Each summer, up to10 Toronto-based Indigenous youth, ages 15-25, are employed fulltime at the U of T for seven consecutive weeks and part time in Fall and Spring. Teachings by Elders and Knowledge Keepers strengthen the youth’s self-confidence, cultural identity, and connection to land. Youth are introduced to postsecondary education and career paths in the fields of Landscape Architecture, Ecological Science, and Indigenous Studies. Through collaborations with a broad range of partner organizations, they engage in various methods of research, design, and realization of projects, including community tree planting, medicine gardens, green roofs, urban agriculture, campus landscapes, and ravine conservation areas.

University of Toronto Math Academy

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

CAD 400

Application Deadline

Jul 22, 2024

Categories

Mathematics, Quantitative

Summary

Math Academy is Toronto’s most elite math course for high-school-aged students. Students compete for a place by writing a challenging problem set designed to assess the creativity of their mathematical thinking. New curriculum is delivered each session. Students are accepted into the program on the basis of their solutions to a problem set which is aimed at highlighting their ability to think mathematically and creatively rather than testing for specific curricular knowledge.

University of Toronto Science Unlimited

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

CAD 300

Application Deadline

Apr 15, 2024

Categories

Physics, Engineering

Summary

Science Unlimited offers high school students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a week of workshops from the Departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Math, Physics and the School of the Environment.

University of Toronto Online Technology Programs in Gaming, Coding and Creativity

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

CAD 1445

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

Explore our diverse range of pre-university courses in Engineering, Gaming, Coding, and Creativity. Each course is designed to offer your teen a firsthand look into the expanding tech industry and equip them with skills that will make them stand out.

University of Toronto Blueprint

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Biology, Engineering, Medicine

Summary

Blueprint is an academic enrichment program that was designed for highly motivated Black students in Grades 10 and 11 who are interested in careers in Science, Technology Engineering and Math with a strong interest in Engineering. The program includes 5 weeks of summer programming and yearlong student engagement including monthly webinars and scheduled meet-ups. Students will be exposed to state-of-the-art teaching facilities and labs at Canada’s top engineering school and have the opportunity to hear from students and researchers in the fields.

University of Toronto Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP)

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

Starting at CAD 725/week

Application Deadline

Mar 28, 2024

Categories

AI/ML, Comp Sci, Mathematics, ...

Summary

The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program (DEEP) is designed for highly motivated high school students with an aptitude for science and math. DEEP provides students from around the world with the opportunity for advanced study in a variety of engineering, technology, business, and science disciplines.

University of Toronto CREATE: Engineering Design Challenges

See website

Hosting Institution

University of Toronto

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Toronto

Cost

CAD 675/week + Application Fee

Application Deadline

Aug 11, 2024

Categories

Environmental Science, Comp Sc...

Summary

At CREATE, students will explore the exciting fields of science and engineering through a unique opportunity to learn from current Undergraduate and Graduate students while engaging with cutting-edge research. The practical activities, laboratory experiments, and site visits will lead participants through the Engineering Design Cycle to find solutions.

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