15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Australia
STEM programs can be an opportunity for you to explore emerging research fields, build technical skills, and gain early exposure to careers in science and tech. STEM programs can help you build foundational knowledge in one or more fields of your choice and help you apply what you learn to projects and problem-solving exercises. These STEM opportunities can also connect you with researchers, industry mentors, and university faculty while providing you with experiences that can support future college applications and long-term career planning.
Why should you attend a program in Australia?
Australia offers a strong ecosystem of STEM enrichment opportunities thanks to its globally recognized universities, national science agencies, and industry-linked research organizations. You can learn directly from experts, gain exposure to different subjects, and explore university-level expectations while developing teamwork, communication, and analytical skills. Whether you are living or studying in Australia, or planning to visit the country, STEM programs here offer you the opportunity to experience a collaborative scientific culture and a diverse research landscape.
To help you shortlist the right options, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM programs for high school students in Australia.
If you are looking for online internships, check out our blog here.
1. University of Tasmania’s Feed Your Mind, Feed the World
Location: North West Tasmania
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 25 students
Dates: December 2 – 4
Application deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Year 11 and 12 students
Feed Your Mind, Feed the World is a three-day field-based program designed for senior secondary students who want to learn how agricultural science addresses real-world food and sustainability challenges. During the program, you will visit research farms, observe local agricultural industries, and learn directly from scientists at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, the research and teaching arm of the University of Tasmania’s agriculture program. The schedule includes supervised field activities, discussions about agricultural technologies, and exposure to current research in plant, soil, and livestock science. You will also learn what it means to study agricultural science at UTAS and career pathways in agricultural science. The small-cohort format allows for close interaction with instructors.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group or 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Rolling; seasonal cycles open in January, May, September, and November. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or demonstrate prior experience with Python or AI concepts
Veritas AI offers structured AI and machine learning programs for high school students who want to gain early exposure to computational thinking, data science, and modern AI applications. In the AI Scholars program, you will learn core concepts such as neural networks, supervised and unsupervised learning, and model evaluation through 10 instructional sessions. The program focuses on project-based learning, allowing you to apply newly learned skills to real datasets and practical problem-solving tasks. If you have some coding experience, you can join the AI Fellowship, where you will work 1:1 with a mentor from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, or Stanford on an independent AI research project. This track offers support throughout the research pipeline, including model development, technical writing, and optional publication guidance. Both programs are fully virtual and designed to accommodate a wide range of tech and computer science experience levels.
3. Edith Cowan University’s CREATE STEM Program
Location: Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup Campus
Cost: Free (students cover their own transport)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; intended for high-achieving students
Dates: July 15 – 17
Application deadline: July 7
Eligibility: Students in Years 9 – 12 with a strong interest or achievement in STEM
The CREATE STEM Program provides high school students with hands-on exposure to engineering disciplines. During this three-day experience, you will take part in structured workshops aligned with the WA Year 11 and 12 curriculum and also explore topics beyond the standard high school science and math courses. Sessions, led by ECU engineering faculty and supported by undergraduate and postgraduate mentors, cover fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, robotics, electronics, and automation engineering. Each workshop focuses on applied problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and the engineering design process. This is also an opportunity to experience university-level engineering academics.
4. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Pathway
Location: Various locations, including Sydney, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small classes of 4–10 students
Dates: Two-week sessions offered during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions for multiple summer cohorts
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 – 18, enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Pathway allows you to study undergraduate-style content across global university campuses, including the University of Sydney. In this program, you will learn through small-group seminars, university-style lectures, and weekly 1:1 sessions with an academic tutor. Each track integrates hands-on components; for example, medical students may take part in supervised dissections, while engineering students might construct robotic arm prototypes. You can choose from more than 20 subjects spanning architecture, AI, computer science, medicine, economics, and law. Over the two-week session, you will work on an independent project aligned to your chosen field and receive written feedback assessing your progress. You will receive a certificate of completion upon completion of the program.
5. START QUT (STEM Intensive)
Location: QUT Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane
Cost: Free tuition; AU$1,000 regional bursaries available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots; first-come, first-served
Dates: January 12 – 23 (excluding weekends)
Application deadline: Application window: August 1 – October 31; Enrolment cut-off: November 28
Eligibility: High-achieving Year 11 students entering Year 12; some units have gender- or attribute-based eligibility criteria
START QUT (STEM Intensive) allows high-achieving students to complete a first-year university STEM unit during a two-week summer intensive. In this program, you will participate in lectures, lab experiments, discussion sessions, and assessments led by QUT academics, supported by current undergraduate mentors. Unit options include engineering design, chemical explorations, and computer systems, with some subjects designed to promote diversity in underrepresented STEM areas. Before classes begin, you will attend an in-person orientation to meet staff, connect with peers, and review program expectations. Successful completion of a unit may provide advanced standing (credit) toward a future QUT degree, giving you a head start in your studies. Additional support is offered to regional and Indigenous Australian students through bursaries, accommodation assistance, and community activities.
6. CSIRO’s Young Future Shapers
Location: Available across multiple states in Australia
Cost: Free (program covers camp and travel costs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students/year
Dates: Year-long program
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in Term 1 (January/early February – late March/early April)
Eligibility: Students in Years 5 – 10 (including homeschooled students); priority given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, girls, students from regional schools, or students from underserved areas; immediate family members of CSIRO, BHP, or BHP Foundation staff are not eligible.
Young Future Shapers is a year-long program, run by Australia's national science agency CSIRO, that is designed to help you explore and build skills in STEM. As a participant, you will receive personalized support and can choose one of three options: attending a 4-5 day STEM camp with behind-the-scenes tours and activities, bringing your class or club on a day-long trip with experts, or creating your own custom kit of equipment and tech to explore STEM at home. Throughout the year, you will participate in 10 to 12 hours of virtual events, briefings, and development activities. At the end of the program, you can join the Youth Reference Council to share your perspective to help CSIRO Education and Outreach projects.
7. Advanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Skills Program (GISP)
Location: Queensland (delivered through partner schools and local industry sites)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by school.
Dates: Workshops, tours, and work-and-learn placements offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling; students apply through their school
Eligibility: Year 9–12 students enrolled at Gateway to Industry Schools partner institutions
The Advanced Manufacturing GISP provides high school students with direct exposure to Queensland’s manufacturing sector through activities, virtual reality modules, industry tours, and structured workplace learning. In this program, you will explore real engineering and manufacturing environments using simulated VR worksites and guided activities that reflect authentic tasks performed by industry professionals. Your school may also participate in site visits to local manufacturing facilities, where you will learn about production systems, career pathways, and emerging technologies. Additional components include a career-focused short course for Year 10 students and resources that help integrate engineering skills and trade pathways into school learning. In Years 10–12, you may also take part in structured work experience placements, completing applications, interviews, and workplace tasks under the supervision of the host employer.
8. Curtin University Girls+ Engineering Tomorrow (GET) Network Girls+ in STEM Program
Location: Curtin University, Bentley, Perth
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-weekend sessions across May – September
Application deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in Years 11 and 12
The GET Network runs a 10-session program designed to help girls and non-binary students explore engineering. Scheduled on Saturday mornings across Terms 2 and 3 at Curtin University campus, the program allows you to dive into engineering fields through workshops and mentorship-based activities. Here, you will connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and Curtin University students (who will also offer mentorship). The program also offers insights into engineering courses and careers you can explore after senior secondary school.
9. University of Sydney’s International Science School
Location: University of Sydney, Sydney
Cost: Free (scholarship covers all expenses valued at approximately AU$4,000)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 110 students (~70 from Australia and ~40 international)
Dates: Two weeks in July; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in Years 11 or 12; applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents attending school in Australia must be studying at least 50% STEM subjects and hold an 'A' grade or >80% in English and STEM. International students are selected by ISS representatives in partner countries (USA, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom)
The International Science School is a two-week residential program at the University of Sydney, where you will connect with scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and entrepreneurs, and explore STEM fields. You will participate in experiments, lab tours, seminars, and workshops across physics, chemistry, biosciences, engineering, IT, and geoscience at the University of Sydney. The program includes activities like the Science & Engineering Challenge, networking with young researchers, and ethics and leadership workshops. You will stay in student accommodation with peers from across Australia and around the world. The program also features a full social calendar including a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, trivia nights, a traditional bush dance, a gala reception in the University's Great Hall, and a talent night.
10. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute High School Work Experience
Location: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified (priority given to Year 12 applicants)
Dates: September 22 – 24
Application deadline: August 4; applications open February 4
Eligibility: Australian students in Year 11 or 12 enrolled at Australian high schools or colleges working towards an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma; applicants must be studying at least two science subjects and have achieved an average grade of B/high achievement or better across all subjects. Priority is given to students living outside South East Queensland.
The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute offers a work experience program designed to give you hands-on exposure to medical research across three days during school holidays. You will start with an introductory laboratory training day to learn basic research techniques. For the remaining two days, you will be placed with a scientist in one of QIMR Berghofer's working research laboratories in areas including cancer, infection and inflammation, brain and mental health, or population health. This free program can help you develop the skills required to pursue a career in science or medicine and build connections with researchers and other STEM professionals.
11. Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF)
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Cost: Not specified; fees typically cover accommodation and activities
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selective due to residential capacity
Dates: December 1 – 5
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Year 10 and 11 students
The Australian Youth Aerospace Forum is a five-day residential program that introduces high school students to the academic and industry pathways available in Australia’s aerospace sector. Throughout the week, you will explore topics such as aviation, spacecraft systems, aeronautical engineering, and defense-related aerospace careers through seminars, workshops, and interactive demonstrations. The program includes facility tours, networking opportunities with aerospace professionals, and activities like model rocket builds or aerodynamic design challenges. You will also learn about university programs, defense routes such as ADFA, and career progression within the aerospace field. A key aspect of the forum is its live-in format, which allows you to connect with students from around the country to collaborate and share ideas.
12. James Cook University and Queensland Department of Education’s Classroom on the Reef
Location: Orpheus Island, Queensland
Cost: Not publicly specified; varies by school group booking
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; limited availability due to island capacity
Dates: Programs offered throughout the summer; dates vary based on school group scheduling
Application deadline: Rolling; coordinated through schools and JCU
Eligibility: Secondary school students (typically Years 9–12) participating through school-organized groups
Classroom on the Reef is a field-based science program at the Orpheus Island Research Station that allows you to study marine ecosystems directly within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. During the program, you will participate in real research activities, including reef monitoring, species identification, and data collection, alongside experienced science educators and marine professionals. Activities may include snorkeling surveys, guided walking trips, lab sessions, and behind-the-scenes exposure to research station operations. Live data feeds and underwater camera systems will support your learning, helping you connect field observations with broader ecological concepts. You will experience daily life on a working research station, from morning wildlife observations to evening field discussions.
13. The Science Experience
Location: Multiple universities across Australia
Cost: AU$80 (one-day program) | AU$160 (two-day program) | AU$220 (three-day program) with GST included; rotary sponsorship is often available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: One-, two-, or three-day programs offered throughout the summer
Application deadline: Rolling; students are encouraged to apply early due to limited spots
Eligibility: Year 9 and 10 students; no academic prerequisites
The Science Experience is a short, activity-based program that allows Year 9 and 10 students to explore STEM fields inside real university laboratories and lecture theatres. Over one to three days, you will participate in hands-on experiments, short lectures, demonstrations, and guided activities led by scientists and university instructors. Many sites offer campus tours, visits to research or industry facilities, and opportunities to interact with working scientists. The program also introduces you to STEM career pathways and future study options across Australia’s tertiary institutions. A key aspect of the experience is the chance to collaborate with peers from different schools and gain insight into STEM interests across the region. Rotary’s long-standing support for the program also allows you to seek sponsorship to cover part or all of the program fee.
14. NYSF Year 12 Program
Location: Australian National University, Canberra; University of Queensland, Brisbane
Cost: AU$3,065 program fee + AU$70 non-refundable application fee; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: January 6 – 14 (Canberra) | January 13 – 21 (Brisbane)
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students who are entering Year 12
The NYSF Year 12 Program is a residential STEM experience designed to help students explore university pathways and career options across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. During the program, you will participate in tours of laboratories, research institutes, and industry facilities, gaining insight into current scientific work and emerging technologies. Sessions include presentations from researchers, workshops with STEM professionals, and discussions about academic pathways at leading Australian universities. The residential format allows you to live on campus, engage in team-building activities, and connect with peers from across Australia. Alumni volunteers help facilitate the program each year, creating a peer-supported learning environment. You will also gain access to the NYSF alumni network, which offers ongoing opportunities, including leadership development events and follow-up STEM programs.
15. Future Doctors Australia
Location: Various sites, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth (venue varies by cohort)
Cost: AU$2,490
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students/program
Dates: Multiple four-day sessions offered throughout December, January, April, July, and September
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18
Future Doctors Australia is a four-day medical immersion program designed to help high school students understand the day-to-day realities and career pathways of the medical field. Throughout the program, you will learn from junior doctors, medical students, and specialists across a range of disciplines through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive discussions. The curriculum includes small-group sessions focused on specialties such as pediatrics, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and obstetrics, giving you exposure to diverse clinical areas. You will also participate in team-building activities, communication workshops, and sessions that explain the medical school admissions process. While not a traditional hospital work-experience placement, the program offers structured, high-impact learning that simulates many aspects of real medical training. Each cohort concludes with a graduation ceremony and a completion certificate.
Image source - Veritas AI