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🇨🇦 7 Canadian Summer Programs for International High School Students

Summer 2026 may be coming to an end, but it's never too early to start planning for next summer. For international high school students, summer programs can be a great way to explore academic interests, experience university life in Canada, meet students from around the world, and develop skills beyond the classroom.


If you're already thinking about how to make your next summer meaningful, this guide is a great place to start. I've gathered seven Canadian summer programs that international students can consider for Summer 2027, giving you plenty of time to research your options, prepare your application, and keep an eye on upcoming deadlines.


  1. University of Guelph - Discover Your Future Summer Institute

📍Location: Guelph, Ontario

👥 Eligibility: Canadian and international high school students aged 15-17

⏰ Duration: 2 weeks (July or August)

📚 Focus: Academic exploration (business, agriculture, veterinary science, biological sciences, arts, social sciences, engineering), leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving skills

💰 Cost: $4,450 (Canadian students), $5,000 (International students)

🏠 Housing: Residential; students live on the University of Guelph campus


⭐ Why consider it?

This program is designated specifically for students who want to explore different academic fields before university. Participants can experience various subjects while developing leadership and teamwork skills. It's also a great opportunity for international students to experience Canadian campus life. When not in class, participants will also explore some of Ontario's most iconic destinations like Niagara Falls.




  1. University of Toronto - Pre-University Program

📍Location: Toronto, Ontario

👥 Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 with an advanced level of English

⏰ Duration: 3 weeks (June, July, or August)

📚 Focus: Economics, literature, law, science, global leadership, film, statistics, psychology, and more

💰 Cost: $4,850 (Domestic rate), $6,275 (All inclusive program fee)

🏠 Housing: Residential; accommodation, meals, supervision, and activities are included


⭐ Why consider it?

Students can choose from university-level subjects at Canada's #1 university. It is also an unique opportunity to live with their classmates all around the world, learn about different cultures, and practice communicating in English. When not in class, students will also explore famous Toronto neighborhoods, shopping centres, and cites.




  1. McGill Summer Academy

📍Location: Montreal, Quebec

👥 Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11

⏰ Duration: 4 weeks (divided into two two-week sessions)

📚 Focus: Neuroscience stream & political science stream

💰 Cost: $5,500

🏠 Housing: Residential, with housing and extracurricular activities included


⭐ Why consider it?

McGill Summer Academy combines academic coursework with hands-on learning and activities designed to help students prepare for university. Participants also get to meet students from around the world and interact with current McGill students and faculty.


🌍 International student note

International participants should check Canada's entry requirements early. McGill notes that students who need a visa should apply for a visitor visa, as Summer Academy participants are not eligible for student visas.




  1. OCAD University - Pre-University Summer Intensive

📍Location: Toronto, Ontario

👥 Eligibility: Domestic and international students who have completed Grade 10 and be 16 years or older

⏰ Duration: 3 weeks

📚 Focus: Art, design, studio practice, portfolio development, and creative exploration

💰 Cost: $4,700 plus tax (without accommodation), $7,150 plus tax (with accommodation)

🏠 Housing: Optional residence-style accommodation and meal plan


⭐ Why consider it?

Students spend three weeks working in OCAD U's studios, learning from faculty, visiting galleries, and developing a new body of work. By the end of the program, students have work that can contribute to a portfolio for future post-secondary applications.




  1. University of Waterloo - Future Ready

📍Location: Waterloo, Ontario

👥 Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17

⏰ Duration: 1.5 weeks

📚 Focus: Investigating innovation, exploring culture, cultivating communication, navigating projects

💰 Cost: $3,500 (Domestic student), $4,150 (International student)

🏠 Housing: Includes classes, accommodation, meals, on-campus activities, off-campus excursions, supervision, applicable taxes as required


⭐ Why consider it?

Future Ready gives students an opportunity to explore different areas of study at the University of Waterloo while developing skills for university and beyond. Participants receive a personalized evaluation and certificate of completion. One important note is that the program is an enrichment experience and does not provide university credit or advanced standing.




  1. SHAD Canada

📍Location: 30+ University campuses across Canada (McMaster University, Ontario Tech University, St. Thomas University, etc.)

👥 Eligibility: High school students currently completing grades 10 or 11

⏰ Duration: 1 month (both live-in, virtual)

📚 Focus: STEAM, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, teamwork, real-world problem solving

💰 Cost: $7,495 (Domestic student), $11,950 (International student) (live-in)

🏠 Housing: Residential for the live-in program, with accommodation, meals, activities, and field trips


⭐ Why consider it?

SHAD is a month-long Canadian STEAM and entrepreneurship program that brings together students to explore new ideas, collaborate on real-world challenges, and develop solutions that can make a difference. Beyond academics, participants build leadership and teamwork skills while becoming part of a diverse community of students from across Canada and around the world.


💡 Good to know

SHAD's application process is highly competitive, and students are selected based on qualities such as curiosity, creativity, community-mindedness, leadership potential, and willingness to think differently - not simply academic performance.




  1. Ivey's John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program

📍Location: London, Ontario

👥 Eligibility: High school students currently completing grades 9-11

⏰ Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

📚 Focus: Leadership, business, entrepreneurship, innovation, case-based learning, teamwork, problem-solving

💰 Cost: $450 for the 2026 program

🏠 Housing: Students stay in Western University residence for four nights, giving them the opportunity to experience university campus life firsthand (accommodation, meals, program materials included)


⭐ Why consider it?

For students interested in business and leadership, this program offers a chance to experience the case-method approach at Ivey Business School while working with other motivated high school students. Participants take part in hands-on workshops, team challenges, case discussions, and a capstone project focused on developing solutions to real-world problems. The program also brings together approximately 150 students from Canada and around the world.




Before You Apply

For international students, choosing a summer program involves more than looking at the subject and university name. Before applying, make sure to check international eligibility, entry requirements, total cost, housing, application deadlines, and academic fit.


A summer program doesn't have to be the most prestigious or expensive option to be valuable. The best program may be the one that gives you the opportunity to explore an interest, experience a new environment, meet people from different backgrounds, and return home with a clearer idea of what you want to pursue.


Stay tuned for the U.S. programs!!

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