STEM programs for international high school students
Find programs whose sources explicitly welcome international applicants. Country selection, age rules, and financial aid can still restrict eligibility.
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. |
Summer Science Program (SSP) Residential research Program details on SciTeens | Current high school juniors, age 15–18 during the program, with the required science and mathematics courses. International applicants are eligible. | Paid program with need-based aid, including for international students. The 2027 fee is not yet published; aid can include travel. | Residential team research in astrophysics, biochemistry, bacterial genomics, or cell biology. Each track has its own course prerequisites. |
Girls Who Code Pathways Self-paced coding projects Program details on SciTeens | Grades 9–12, including rising ninth graders and graduating seniors; girls and nonbinary students worldwide. | Free. Check computer and internet requirements for the online activities. | Self-paced projects in game design, data science, AI, cybersecurity, or web development. This is skill-building, not a research internship. |
Stanford SPINWIP Online physics and coding | The last published cohort accepted grades 9–11, all genders, and international students. The 2027 application details are not yet published. | The last published program was free. Confirm the next cohort’s terms when applications reopen. | Virtual physics outreach with Python projects, lectures, and small-group work. This is research preparation, not a laboratory placement. |
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
The linked sources state that international students can participate. RSI uses participating-country selection; online access alone does not remove those restrictions.
Before you apply
Confirm your country’s application route before requesting recommendations. For travel programs, ask about visas, a guardian, housing, and whether aid covers international transport.
SciTeens does not run these programs or decide admissions. A listing does not mean applications are currently open.