15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Australia
If you’re a high school student looking to expand your academic experience over the summer, structured programs help you explore your interests. These opportunities allow you to experience research environments, university labs, or industry-oriented classrooms, enabling you to explore fields such as medicine, engineering, or business. They also connect you with peers and mentors, providing early access to university networks and professional guidance.
Why should you attend a program in Australia?
Australia offers a range of summer opportunities hosted by leading universities, research institutes, and organizations across the country. Students can study marine science on the Great Barrier Reef, take part in AI or engineering research, or attend pre-university courses that simulate the first-year college experience. Whether you’re based locally or visiting from abroad, Australia’s mix of innovation, research culture, and outdoor exploration makes it an engaging place to learn and grow.
In this article, we’ve narrowed down 15 summer 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/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited to 25 students
Dates: December 2 – December 4
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Year 11 and Year 12 students
This three-day, field-based program introduces high school students to how agricultural science addresses real-world challenges related to food security and sustainability. You will visit the University of Tasmania research farms and local agricultural industries, gaining firsthand exposure to applied agricultural research. Scientists lead the program from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, where you will learn about current work in plant science, soil systems, and livestock research. Supervised field activities and discussions that highlight modern agricultural technologies and research approaches. Participants will also examine what studying agricultural science involves and discover academic and career options in agriculture.
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
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 artificial intelligence and machine learning programs designed for high school students seeking early exposure to computational thinking and data-driven problem solving. In the AI Scholars program, you will study foundational topics such as neural networks, supervised and unsupervised learning, and model evaluation across a series of guided instructional sessions. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, allowing you to apply concepts to real datasets and practical use cases. Students with prior coding experience may advance to 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 provides structured guidance through model development, experimentation, and technical writing, with optional support for publication-ready outcomes.
3. Focus on Mining
Location: Perth and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Cost/Stipend: Free; regional support available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited residential cohort
Dates: January 12 – January 16
Application Deadline: Applications for January intake closed; future intakes TBA
Eligibility: Year 11 and Year 12 students with an interest in STEM and the resources sector; application requires a mid-year school report and a reference letter from a STEM teacher or career counsellor
Focus on Mining is a five-day, residential immersion program that introduces high school students to Western Australia’s mining and resources industry. During the program, you will tour active mine sites in Perth and Kalgoorlie, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world mining operations and safety practices. You will also participate in interactive STEM workshops covering topics including geology, engineering, and resource-extraction technologies. The program includes opportunities to network with industry professionals and learn about academic pathways linked to mining and resources at Curtin University. Supported by Northern Star Resources and the WA School of Mines, the program is designed to provide early, practical insight into careers across Australia’s mining sector.
4. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Pathway
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; classes limited to 4–10 students
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions across multiple summer cohorts
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Pathway offers students the opportunity to study undergraduate-level subjects at leading universities worldwide. You will work closely with academics from institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard through a combination of university-style lectures and weekly 1:1 tutoring sessions. The program emphasizes small-group learning, allowing for in-depth discussion and personalized academic guidance. Depending on your chosen subject, you may participate in practical experiences such as medical dissections, robotic arm construction in engineering, or moot court simulations for law. Students can select from more than 20 subject areas, including artificial intelligence, computer science, economics, business management, medicine, philosophy, and architecture. By the end of the program, you will complete an individual academic project and receive written feedback along with a certificate of completion.
5. START QUT
Location: QUT Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane
Cost/Stipend: Free tuition; AU$1,000 regional bursaries available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots; first-come, first-served
Dates: January 12 – January 23 (excluding weekends)
Application Deadline: 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) enables high-achieving students to complete a first-year university STEM unit through a two-week, in-person summer intensive. You will participate in lectures, laboratory experiments, tutorials, and assessments delivered by QUT academics, with academic support from current undergraduate mentors. Available units span areas such as engineering design, chemical sciences, and computer systems, with select subjects structured to support participation from underrepresented groups in STEM. Prior to the academic component, you will attend an on-campus orientation to meet instructors, connect with peers, and review program expectations. Upon successful completion, you may receive advanced standing (academic credit) toward a future QUT degree. The program also provides targeted financial and logistical support for regional and Indigenous Australian students, including bursaries and accommodation assistance.
6. Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE)
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus (Woi-wurrung Wurundjeri Country), Victoria
Cost/Stipend: Free; all expenses covered, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort size
Dates: Late in the year, around summer
Application Deadline: Applications open mid-year
Eligibility: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9–10 from across Australia
The Residential Indigenous Science Experience (RISE) is an immersive, in-person STEM program designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10. Hosted at the University of Melbourne, the program allows you to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and exposure to real-world scientific applications. You will engage with University of Melbourne researchers and hear about current, cutting-edge research taking place across STEM disciplines. A core focus of the program is the integration of First Nations knowledges, highlighting the innovation, ingenuity, and scientific contributions of Australia’s First Peoples. You will stay on campus in a residential college, experiencing university life while building connections with peers from across the country.
7. IERC Summer School – James Cook University
Location: James Cook University, Townsville (Bebegu Yumba Campus), Queensland
Cost/Stipend: Free; JCU covers return travel, accommodation, meals, and program costs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort
Dates: November 23 – November 28
Application Deadline: September 26
Eligibility: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently in Year 12 and planning to commence university studies the following year
The IERC Summer School is a five-day, residential preparatory program designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students transitioning from Year 12 to university study at James Cook University. Delivered by the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC), the program focuses on building foundational academic skills needed for tertiary education. You will take part in structured sessions covering academic literacy, mathematics, chemistry, and essential university study skills, including critical reading and writing. The program integrates academic lectures with supervised recreational and team-building activities, facilitated by IERC staff and Indigenous Student Ambassadors. Participants will stay on campus in a residential college, experiencing university life firsthand while developing relationships with staff and peers.
8. IGNIS Mission Student Interns Program
Location: ECU campuses across Western Australia
Cost: Free; no cost to schools or students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; schools nominate 4–6 students per cohort
Dates: 6 days spread across the calendar year (dates determined in consultation with schools)
Application Deadline: Rolling expressions of interest submitted by schools
Eligibility: Students in Years 7–11 enrolled at Western Australian schools; participation via school nomination
The IGNIS Mission Student Interns Program is a hands-on STEM and engineering initiative that allows high school students to contribute to the design, testing, and deployment of satellite technology. As part of the program, you will work alongside ECU engineering academics and space industry professionals to help assemble sensors, test systems, and analyze data collected from ground stations and flight campaigns. The program is connected to the IGNIS Mission, a long-term collaboration between Australian universities and NASA focused on studying lightning events and bushfire ignition. Activities are delivered through a combination of on-campus experience days and guided school-based tasks supported by ECU staff. You will also have the opportunity to showcase satellite technology within your school communities during the program.
9. Holiday Science Program
Location: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited workshop places
Dates: One-day workshops during school holidays (dates released annually)
Application Deadline: Applications open at the start of each year
Eligibility: Queensland students in Years 10–12 studying at least one science subject; priority given to students outside South-East Queensland and those who have not previously attended a QIMR Berghofer program
The Holiday Science Program is a one-day laboratory-based training experience designed to introduce high school students to medical research environments. Hosted at QIMR Berghofer’s purpose-built education laboratory, the program allows you to gain hands-on experience with techniques related to genetics, infectious disease, and blood biology. You will work in a real research setting and learn how laboratory scientists design experiments, handle biological samples, and interpret results. Experienced researchers and educators lead the workshops and provide direct exposure to professional medical research workflows. The program is structured to provide students with a realistic snapshot of day-to-day life at a biomedical research institute.
10. Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF)
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Cost: Tuition-based; fees typically cover accommodation, meals, and program activities
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited by residential capacity
Dates: December 1 – December 5
Application Deadline: Rolling until the program is full
Eligibility: Year 10 and Year 11 students
The Australian Youth Aerospace Forum (AYAF) is a five-day, residential program designed to introduce high school students to academic and industry pathways in Australia’s aerospace sector. During the forum, you will explore topics including aviation, spacecraft systems, aeronautical engineering, and defense-related aerospace careers through seminars, workshops, and interactive demonstrations. The program includes site visits and opportunities to engage directly with aerospace professionals from industry, academia, and government. You may also participate in hands-on activities such as model rocket construction or aerodynamic design challenges. Sessions provide guidance on university study options, pathways through institutions like ADFA, and long-term career progression in aerospace and defense.
11. GoBeyond Reef to Rainforest Adventure (Australia)
Location: Sydney, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Cost: Tuition-based; approximately USD $8,570
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited to 12 students per session
Dates: July 7 – July 27
Application Deadline: Rolling; subject to availability
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–18 (students under 15 require special approval; 14-year-olds must contact the program office before applying)
The GoBeyond Reef to Rainforest Adventure is a three-week summer travel and service program focused on environmental conservation, wildlife stewardship, and cultural exploration across Australia. You will begin the program in Sydney with guided city exploration and a supervised surf experience at Manly Beach, followed by visits to iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House. The itinerary includes living aboard a yacht while sailing through the Whitsunday Islands, where you will learn basic sailing skills and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. A key component of the program is community service with Kuranda Envirocare, where you will assist with rainforest restoration through tree planting, wildlife corridor monitoring, and ecological surveys, including frog population assessments. Additional activities include wildlife encounters at Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will learn about Australia’s native species and conservation efforts.
12. The Science Experience
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Victoria
Cost: Paid (tuition-based; fee varies by program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited cohort; capacity varies by session
Dates: January 19 – January 21
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Year 9 and Year 10 students
The Science Experience is a three-day, in-person summer program that introduces Year 9 and 10 students to university-level science through interactive learning at the University of Melbourne. You will participate in lectures, laboratory experiments, and practical activities guided by academic staff across various STEM fields. These activities may involve DNA extraction, genetics experiments, fossil and mineral studies, physics demonstrations with laser shows, and climate and atmospheric science exploration. Additionally, you will work on mathematics, coding, and applied problem-solving through workshops and group projects. The program is designed to give you a practical sense of university life while allowing you to explore multiple areas of science in a short, intensive format.
13. Classroom on the Reef
Location: Orpheus Island Research Station, Queensland
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified; varies by school group booking
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited availability; cohort size determined by island capacity
Dates: Programs offered throughout the summer; dates vary based on school group scheduling
Application Deadline: Rolling; coordinated through participating schools and James Cook University
Eligibility: Secondary school students (typically Years 9–12) participating through school-organized groups
Classroom on the Reef is a field-based marine science program that allows students to study ecosystems directly within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Hosted at the Orpheus Island Research Station, the program immerses you in authentic scientific research activities such as reef monitoring, species identification, and ecological data collection. You will work alongside experienced science educators and marine professionals while participating in snorkeling surveys, guided coastal walks, and laboratory-based investigations. The program integrates live data feeds and underwater camera systems to help connect hands-on field observations with broader ecological and environmental concepts. You will experience daily life at a working research station and gain insight into how marine research is conducted in remote field settings.
14. NYSF Year 12 Program – National Youth Science Forum
Location: Australian National University, Canberra; University of Queensland, Brisbane
Cost: AU$3,065 program fee plus AU$70 non-refundable application fee; scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; limited residential places
Dates: January 6 – January 14 (Canberra) | January 13 – January 21 (Brisbane)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Students entering Year 12
The NYSF Year 12 Program is a residential STEM immersion designed to help students explore academic pathways and careers across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. During the program, you will tour university laboratories, research institutes, and industry facilities to gain insight into current scientific research and emerging technologies. You will attend presentations by researchers and participate in workshops led by STEM professionals, covering both technical topics and university study options. The program’s live-in format allows you to experience campus life while taking part in structured team-building activities with peers from across Australia. You will also gain long-term access to the NYSF alumni network, which provides ongoing STEM opportunities, leadership development, and continued engagement beyond the summer program.
15. Future Doctors Australia
Location: Various Australian cities, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth (venue varies by cohort)
Cost: AU$2,490
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 24 students per program
Dates: Multiple 4-day sessions offered throughout December, January, April, July, and September
Application Deadline: Rolling until each cohort is full
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18
Future Doctors Australia is a four-day medical immersion program designed to give high school students a structured introduction to clinical medicine and medical career pathways. Throughout the program, you will learn directly from junior doctors, medical students, and specialist clinicians through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive discussions. Small-group sessions introduce you to a range of medical specialties, including pediatrics, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and obstetrics. The program also includes communication training, teamwork activities, and guidance on medical school admissions and preparation. Each cohort concludes with a formal graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion.
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