Free research programs for high school students
Compare research programs with no tuition. Application fees, travel, meals, and housing can still add to your budget.
Sources checked Nov 10, 2026
Compare the programs
This is a selected list, not a ranking. Fees and eligibility come from the linked program sources. Check current dates before applying.
Scroll across the table to compare eligibility, costs, and project work.
| Program and sources | Who can apply | Costs to check | What you will work on |
|---|---|---|---|
Research Science Institute (RSI) Residential research Program details on SciTeens | High school juniors, age 16 by July 1. International applicants need a participating-country route. | Tuition, housing, and meals are covered. The application fee is US$75; need-based waivers may be available. Confirm travel costs. | Six weeks of classes and mentored research, ending with a written report and presentation. |
MIT PRIMES-USA Remote mentored research | Grades 10–11, living in the United States outside Greater Boston. This is the remote PRIMES-USA section. | No program tuition. A computer, webcam, and reliable internet connection are required. | Year-long mathematics and bioinformatics research. Applied projects can include theoretical computer science. Expect at least 10 hours weekly in research phases. |
Simons Summer Research Program Research on campus Program details on SciTeens | Grade 11; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; age 16 by the program start. A school nomination is required. | No tuition. Application fee: US$75, with need-based waivers. Students pay housing, meals, transport, and personal expenses as applicable. | Six weeks in a Stony Brook research group. Biology-related placements depend on the available mentors; students present a research poster. |
Lumiere Foundation Breakthrough Scholar Program Remote mentored research | Low-income high school students worldwide. The foundation FAQ emphasizes seniors; confirm the current cohort criteria before applying. | Accepted Breakthrough Scholars pay no program fee. This is the nonprofit foundation program, not the paid Lumiere Research Scholar Program. | A 12-week research paper with individual mentor meetings. Confirm the available subjects and meeting schedule for your cohort. |
How this list was selected
Each program below states that accepted students pay no tuition. We include application fees and living costs when the source identifies them.
Before you apply
Ask about fee waivers before paying an application fee. For a residential program, calculate transport, meals, housing, and any required insurance separately.
SciTeens does not run these programs or decide admissions. A listing does not mean applications are currently open.