Online Internships for High School Students

2025 Summer Internships | Ages 15-18

Learn about all facets of your subject in depth with an academic research internship.

Work with an expert mentor, explore your field in detail and become a published author in an academic journal. It’s a great way to unleash your passion and demonstrate commitment to your subject.

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Key Facts

Location:
Online via Zoom

Ages:
15-18 year olds

Size:
Max 15 interns

Dates:
June – August 2025

Mentors:
Typically Oxford and
Cambridge academics

Tuition:
£995

Commitment:
One month (4 sessions)
Every Saturday or Sunday

Hours:
12 hours of live mentoring

Graduations:
Letter of Recommendation &
Certificate of Achievement

Awards & Accreditations:
King’s Award for Enterprise

Test Drive Your Future Career

Prepare to impress in today’s highly competitive university application process with our academic research internships.

Business, Economics & Finance
Work alongside an academic researcher to co-author a research paper on a cutting-edge economic topic, with the chance for your work to be submitted to an academic journal.

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Computer Science & Coding

Work alongside an academic researcher to co-author a research paper on a cutting-edge computer science topic, with the chance for your work to be submitted to an academic journal.

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Engineering
Join an online Engineering Research Internship to explore cutting-edge innovations, co-author a research paper, and publish your work in an academic journal. Learn from an expert mentor and make your university application stand out.

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Law
Join an online Law Research Internship to explore a cutting-edge legal topic, co-author a research paper, and publish your work in an academic journal. Learn from an expert mentor and stand out from the crowd in your law school applications.

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Medicine
Join an online Medicine Research Internship to explore a cutting-edge topic, co-author a medical research paper, and publish your work in an academic journal. Learn from an expert mentor and stand out from the crowd in your medical school applications.

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Politics & International Relations
Join an online Politics & International Relations Research Internship to explore key geopolitical issues, co-author a research paper, and publish your work in an academic journal. Learn from an expert mentor and boost your university application.

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Psychology & Neuroscience
Join an online Psychology Research Internship to explore key psychological concepts, co-author a research paper, and publish your work in an academic journal. Learn from an expert mentor and strengthen your university application.

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What to Expect on Your Internship

You’ll meet with your mentor for a three-hour session every week on a Saturday or Sunday.
Here’s what to expect from each session.

Session #1:

Introductions

In the first session, you will:

  • Meet your mentor and your fellow interns
  • Be introduced to the topic by your mentor, and start to narrow down the focus of your research
  • Learn how to conduct research, including how to read, analyse and summarise the existing research
  • Split into small groups of 3-4 with your fellow interns and consider how to divide the research between the group

In between Sessions 1 and 2, you’ll do background reading on the topic, begin your own research and start making notes on your findings.

Session #2:

Learn How To Research

In this session, you will:

  • Learn how to structure and write a research paper and how to cite references
  • Discuss your background research with your mentor and fellow interns, and ask any questions that came up during your preliminary reading
  • In your small group, decide on a research question
  • Draft a plan for your paper, divide responsibility for the sections between the group and begin the formal research process

In between Sessions 2 and 3, you’ll make progress with your own research and keep detailed notes.

Session #3:

Get Feedback

In this session, you will:

  • Discuss your findings with your mentor and fellow interns
  • Decide on the key themes of your argument in the research paper and begin to formalise your notes
  • Ask your mentor any questions which have arisen from your research
  • Review your fellow interns' work so far

In between Sessions 3 and 4, you’ll write up the bulk of your section of the research paper, with feedback from your mentor.

Session #4:

Present Your Findings

In the last session, it all comes together! You will:

  • Combine your section of the research paper with that of the rest of your group, and write the introduction and conclusion
  • Review your fellow interns' work, and receive feedback on yours
  • Present your findings to the wider group
  • Complete the bibliography and finalise the structure and formatting of your paper, ready for submission to the OxJournal editorial board

Become a Published Author

During our online research internships, you’ll connect and collaborate closely with an academic researcher in your chosen field, and work with fellow interns from around the world. You’ll get the opportunity to research, co-author and publish a research paper in an academic journal.

By doing so, you’ll get an insight into university-level study in the field, gain valuable work experience for your CV and prove your passion for the subject to university admissions tutors.

Hear From a Graduate

Brooke McMenamy

Online Medicine Research Internship

“I have really enjoyed my experience with Oxford Scholastica. The Medicine research internship was an invaluable opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a real academic in the field. The small group size meant we could work closely with our mentor and get detailed feedback and lots of support.”

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll leave with a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and the opportunity to join our Ambassador Programme – all designed to help your application stand out to top-tier universities.



Earn a Certificate of Achievement
All students who successfully complete the course will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.
Get a Letter of Recommendation
Students who meet our criteria will be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.
Join Our Ambassador Programme

Want to continue learning? Apply for our one-year Ambassador Programme to gain valuable skills in marketing, networking, entrepreneurship and more. With monthly virtual meetings, you'll develop practical skills to shape your future.

Meet Your Mentors

During your internship, you’ll work closely with a mentor. Our mentors are academics with experience studying and working in your chosen field. They’ll guide you to refine your ideas and help you publish a research paper.

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Mentor

Arushi Sharan

BA Hons, Master's (Diploma), MA, DPhil (Oxon) Candidate

Arushi is a DPhil candidate in International Development at the University of Oxford, supported by the Abdul Rauphu Mustafa Scholarship. She holds an MA in Political Science (Distinction) from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s in Conflict Transformation. She has taught Comparative Politics at Ashoka University and published research on policy and governance.

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Mentor

Faissal Sharif

BSc (Maastricht University), MSc (Imperial College London), DPhil cand. (Oxon)

Faissal Sharif holds a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Maastricht University, including a semester at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and an MSc in Translational Neuroscience from Imperial College London. Currently pursuing a DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford, he focuses on neurotechnology for mental disorders. Faissal has worked with MedTech startups, the European Space Agency and as a university lecturer. A recipient of fellowships from SDW, DAAD and DSI, he is also a freelance science journalist. Fluent in German, English and Persian, he is now learning Mandarin.

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Mentor

Daniel Timms

BA (Hons) Cantab

Daniel is a software developer and STEM tutor who studied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. He began programming in Matlab and later worked at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, developing large-scale C++ applications and natural language processing systems. Daniel primarily uses Python and has represented the UK in mental calculation and memory competitions.

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Mentor

Merissa Hickman

MPhil (Hons) Cantab

Merissa is a PhD candidate in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics, supported by the prestigious Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme. She holds an MPhil in Genomic Medicine from the University of Cambridge, where she received an academic merit scholarship. Her achievements include the Phil Strong Memorial Prize and a Cambridge Trust Scholarship.

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Mentor

Yash Salunkhe

CFA, BSc Hons (LSE), MPhil (Cantab)

Yash holds an MPhil in Economic Research from the University of Cambridge and a BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (First-Class Honours) from the London School of Economics, where he received the J R Gould Prize for academic excellence. His professional experience includes a year in venture capital in India and two years modelling UHNW portfolios at Citi Global Wealth in New York.

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Mentor

Athanasios Peftinas

LLB (DUTh), LLM (DUTh), MSc (UOM, AU), MJur (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)

Athanasios is a DPhil candidate in Law at the University of Oxford. Graduating first in his cohort for his undergraduate degree, he also holds three master’s degrees. He founded the law review Ypapogi in 2015, serving as editor-in-chief, publisher and director. A qualified lawyer in Greece with two years of practice, his research focuses on Constitutional Law and Legal Theory.

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Mentor

Deanna Giraldi

BA (Vassar), BA (Vassar), MPhil (Yale)

Deanna is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Her research examines the consequences of gun violence and the biopsychosocial impacts of trauma on survivors, families and communities. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Political Science from Vassar College and a Master's in Public Health from Yale.

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Mentor

Liam Obuobie

MEng (Hons)

Liam holds an MEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Newcastle University and is now a Mechanical Engineering (Building Services) Graduate at Arup. He became EngTech registered during his university industrial placement, a rare achievement among UK students. With experience in aerospace, automotive engineering and data analytics, Liam has also taught Physics and Maths to GCSE and A Level, inspiring young people in engineering.

Image Item
Mentor

Arushi Sharan

BA Hons, Master's (Diploma), MA, DPhil (Oxon) Candidate

Arushi is a DPhil candidate in International Development at the University of Oxford, supported by the Abdul Rauphu Mustafa Scholarship. She holds an MA in Political Science (Distinction) from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Master’s in Conflict Transformation. She has taught Comparative Politics at Ashoka University and published research on policy and governance.

Image Item
Mentor

Faissal Sharif

BSc (Maastricht University), MSc (Imperial College London), DPhil cand. (Oxon)

Faissal Sharif holds a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Maastricht University, including a semester at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and an MSc in Translational Neuroscience from Imperial College London. Currently pursuing a DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford, he focuses on neurotechnology for mental disorders. Faissal has worked with MedTech startups, the European Space Agency and as a university lecturer. A recipient of fellowships from SDW, DAAD and DSI, he is also a freelance science journalist. Fluent in German, English and Persian, he is now learning Mandarin.

Image Item
Mentor

Daniel Timms

BA (Hons) Cantab

Daniel is a software developer and STEM tutor who studied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. He began programming in Matlab and later worked at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, developing large-scale C++ applications and natural language processing systems. Daniel primarily uses Python and has represented the UK in mental calculation and memory competitions.

Image Item
Mentor

Merissa Hickman

MPhil (Hons) Cantab

Merissa is a PhD candidate in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics, supported by the prestigious Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme. She holds an MPhil in Genomic Medicine from the University of Cambridge, where she received an academic merit scholarship. Her achievements include the Phil Strong Memorial Prize and a Cambridge Trust Scholarship.

Image Item
Mentor

Yash Salunkhe

CFA, BSc Hons (LSE), MPhil (Cantab)

Yash holds an MPhil in Economic Research from the University of Cambridge and a BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (First-Class Honours) from the London School of Economics, where he received the J R Gould Prize for academic excellence. His professional experience includes a year in venture capital in India and two years modelling UHNW portfolios at Citi Global Wealth in New York.

Image Item
Mentor

Athanasios Peftinas

LLB (DUTh), LLM (DUTh), MSc (UOM, AU), MJur (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)

Athanasios is a DPhil candidate in Law at the University of Oxford. Graduating first in his cohort for his undergraduate degree, he also holds three master’s degrees. He founded the law review Ypapogi in 2015, serving as editor-in-chief, publisher and director. A qualified lawyer in Greece with two years of practice, his research focuses on Constitutional Law and Legal Theory.

Image Item
Mentor

Deanna Giraldi

BA (Vassar), BA (Vassar), MPhil (Yale)

Deanna is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Her research examines the consequences of gun violence and the biopsychosocial impacts of trauma on survivors, families and communities. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Political Science from Vassar College and a Master's in Public Health from Yale.

Image Item
Mentor

Liam Obuobie

MEng (Hons)

Liam holds an MEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Newcastle University and is now a Mechanical Engineering (Building Services) Graduate at Arup. He became EngTech registered during his university industrial placement, a rare achievement among UK students. With experience in aerospace, automotive engineering and data analytics, Liam has also taught Physics and Maths to GCSE and A Level, inspiring young people in engineering.

Dates & Fees: Online Summer Internships

Find dates and fees for our online internships below. Each runs for a month with live sessions over four weekends.
We’re also adding new internships regularly – register here to stay updated on future opportunities.

Internship Cohorts

July: Saturdays

July: Sundays

August: Saturdays

August: Sundays

What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee
EXPERIENCE

  • 12 hours of mentorship
  • Dive into a cutting-edge topic
  • Co-author a research paper
  • Publish your work in an academic journal

NETWORKING

  • Work closely with an expert mentor
  • Collaborate with fellow interns
  • Dedicated support and guidance
  • Build an international network

GRADUATION

  • Graduation ceremony
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Ambassador programme invitation

One Month Internships:

£995

Benefits of Our Research Internships

Get ready to stand out in today’s competitive university application process with our research internships, designed to give you a real edge.

Receive Expert Mentorship

Throughout your online internship, you’ll be paired with an expert mentor – a distinguished academic and researcher from a leading university – who will provide invaluable guidance and support as you work on your project.

Your mentor will challenge you to push your boundaries, providing feedback and advice to ensure you achieve your best. This mentorship will ensure you gain first-hand experience in your field of interest.

Develop Professional Skills

Throughout the programme, you’ll attend expert-led sessions and work directly with your mentor while collaborating with fellow interns. This is an opportunity to develop critical professional skills such as academic writing, critical thinking, project management and effective communication. These skills will prepare you for future studies and your career.

Collaborate Globally

Be part of a dynamic, international network of aspiring students who come from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Throughout the internship, you’ll work together on research projects, engage in thoughtful discussions and build meaningful connections.

These interactions will not only deepen your understanding of the subject at hand, but will also enhance your ability to work collaboratively across cultures, honing your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

Build an International Network

Study and experience Oxford online with passionate, curious and motivated young people from around the world. Our students are driven to elevate their academic ambitions and shape their future.

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: FES Lörrach

COURSE: Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

 


 
Oxford Scholastica has given me the confidence to determine my own future. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and try incredible new things, even when they seemed scary at first. I've also had the amazing opportunity to build a network of kind and open-minded people, all from different countries.
Alfonso Feris
Alfonso Feris

AGE: 16

SCHOOL: Colegio Los Pininos

COURSE: Experience Engineering Academy

 


 
One thing I have learned at Oxford Scholastica is how to become better at making new friends. I am usually regarded as an introverted person, but here, in less than two weeks, I have made friends as close as brothers. I am sure our friendship will last a lifetime!
Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: Meadowhall School

COURSE: Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

 


 
Oxford Scholastica has taught me to always reach for the stars. The programme has really opened my eyes to what I want my life to look like. I've learned academic skills but also social and emotional skills, like how to network, how to live away from home and how to make new friends.
Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Nottingham Girls High School

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 


 
I have found the classes so insightful and interesting and have learnt more about Medicine than I ever have in school, as well as new topics I had never considered. I'm sure this knowledge will be invaluable in my application to medical school and it has made me feel much more confident in my own abilities.
Shanaya Ailsinghani
Shanaya Ailsinghani

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: GEMS Dubai American Academy

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 


 
I have benefitted a lot from Oxford Scholastica. I have developed my social skills, especially learning how to interact with others outside of a formal setting like school, and gained a lot of confidence. The programme has also given me much more clarity about my potential future career options.

Your Questions,
Answered.

Why do an online internship?
Our online internships are a great way for high school students to experience university-level research in a supportive environment. You’ll learn from experts, gain valuable skills in your field of choice and have the chance to co-author an academic paper for publication.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement to include in your university applications. Interns who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their mentor, highlighting their strengths, participation and personality.
How long are the online internships?

Our online internships run for a month, with live sessions held on four consecutive weekends.

How early should I apply?
There is no fixed deadline as we assess applications on a rolling basis until we’re full. We have a limited number of places which tend to become fully booked early in the year, especially for our more popular internships. You can view our availability on our application form.
Can I do more than one internship at a time?

We love your enthusiasm but given the time you’ll need to dedicate to your project, unfortunately it’s not possible to do more than one internship at once. However, many interns choose to join us for multiple internships over time.

Do online internships pay?

Interns enrolled in our online internships don’t get paid, but the programmes are extremely beneficial to those who want to gain experience in specific fields that aren’t usually open to under-18s.

Are these internships suitable for international students?
Absolutely. As long as you’re able to be online each day at the specified time with your mentor and team, you’re welcome to join us from any time zone and any country! We’re very excited to welcome students from around the world to our programmes each year. We have internships running at various times to suit different time zones around the world.
Are there scholarships available?
Rather than offering a small number of full-course scholarships to our programmes, we maximise our impact by delivering thousands of hours of free mentoring and academic guidance each year. You can read more about our social impact here.
Are the online internships connected to Oxford University?
No. Whilst we use Oxford University facilities, and a number of our mentors teach or study at the university, it’s important to understand that we have no formal connection with the University of Oxford.

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