NYU offers a wide range of summer programmes tailored for high school students who are eager to experience university-level study in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Designed for students in grades 9 through 12, these programmes provide immersive academic and pre-professional experiences across disciplines such as arts, media, STEM, business, and global studies.

Options include the NYU Precollege programme, which allows students to enrol in actual credit-bearing university courses, and shorter, non-credit offerings like the Tisch Summer High School programme and the NYU Career Edge series. Whether students want to explore creative industries, get a head start in economics, or try out university life before applying, NYU’s summer opportunities combine rigorous academics with access to the cultural and professional energy of New York City.

Programmes vary in length and format, including residential, commuter, and online options – making it easy for students to find something that fits both their schedule and academic goals. We’ve broken down every option below.

A full list of NYU summer programs for high school students

NYU Precollege

  • In-Person or Online, Rising juniors and seniors, ~6 weeks
  • Arts & Media, STEM, Business & Entrepreneurship, Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Take courses, earn credits, and experience life as an NYU student.

AI+Art Summer High School Program

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM, Arts & Media
  • Create media and robots using AI tools.

Computer Engineering for Good

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Use internet-connected tech to solve global challenges.

Tisch Summer High School

  • In-Person or Online, High school sophomores and juniors, ~4 weeks
  • Arts & Media
  • Professional arts training in one of 8 tracks, with credit.

Songwriters Summer Workshop

  • Online, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • Arts & Media
  • Two-week intensive on songwriting.

Future Business Leaders Webinar Series

  • Online, High school students interested in business, 9 sessions
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • 9-part webinar series on business fundamentals.

Design, Invent & Innovate (DII)

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–18, ~1 week
  • STEM
  • Learn innovation principles in science and engineering.

Immersive Summer Interacting with Technology & Engineering (I-SITE)

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Hands-on tech experience, ending in a team challenge.

NYU Urban Journalism Workshop

  • In-Person, High school juniors, ~1 week
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Intensive journalism ‘boot camp’.

Simons NYU Science Exploration Program

  • In-Person, High school students aged 16+, ~3 weeks
  • STEM
  • Explore physical and life sciences with NYU scientists.

High School Summer Art Intensive

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~4 weeks
  • Arts & Media
  • Four-week residential fine arts program.

Tisch Online High School Screenwriters Workshop

  • Online, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • Arts & Media
  • Intro to scriptwriting for film and TV, for credit.

User Experience Design

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Explore the intersection of art, design, and tech.

SPARC

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–17, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Build and program your own robots.

SPS High School Academy: Career Edge

  • In-Person or Online, High school students aged 14–18, ~1 week
  • Arts & Media, STEM, Business & Entrepreneurship
  • One-week career exploration courses.

Democracy Scholars

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~1 week
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Study political philosophy and social justice.

XR Through Virtual Worlds

  • In-Person or Online, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Design and build augmented reality experiences.

Machine Learning

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Intro to computer science and AI foundations.

Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop

  • Online, High school students aged 14–18, ~2 weeks
  • Arts & Media
  • Write, shoot, and edit your own films.

Coding for Game Design

  • In-Person or Online, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Create custom video games using Unity.

Summer Math Program for Young Scholars

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~3 weeks
  • STEM
  • Explore college-level maths topics.

GSTEM

  • In-Person, High school juniors, ~4 weeks
  • STEM, Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Conduct mentored STEM research.

ieSoSC

  • In-Person, High school students aged 15–18, ~2 weeks
  • STEM
  • Learn the science behind smart cities.

Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)

  • In-Person, High school students aged 14–18, ~3 weeks
  • STEM
  • Intro to CS and cybersecurity.

ARISE

  • In-Person, NYC high school juniors, ~7 weeks
  • STEM
  • Conduct mentored science/engineering research.

College Admissions Leadership Institute (CALI)

  • In-Person, High school juniors and seniors, ~1 week
  • College Prep
  • Build a strong college application with NYU admissions.

About New York University (NYU) – A Brief Overview

New York University (NYU) is one of the largest private universities in the United States and is deeply embedded in the cultural and intellectual fabric of New York City. Its main campus spans the vibrant neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village and beyond, making the university uniquely urban, dynamic, and globally connected.

For high school students, attending an NYU summer programme means more than taking courses—it means stepping into the pace and complexity of city life while engaging with world-class academic content. Whether studying film, economics, computer science, journalism, or global politics, students are learning from experienced faculty in the heart of a city that lives and breathes these subjects daily.

The NYU summer experience gives students access to real university resources: lecture halls, libraries, labs, and professional-grade studios. They live in residence halls, make international friendships, and take part in workshops and excursions that add depth to classroom learning. For those considering NYU or simply curious about city-based university life, the summer programme offers a compelling, first-hand look at what it means to be a student in one of the most exciting and globally recognised academic environments.

Key Features of NYU Summer Programs for High School Students

NYU’s high school summer programmes are defined by flexibility, real-world exposure, and academic depth. Students can choose from one- to seven-week options and either take university-level classes for credit or enrol in focused enrichment workshops. Courses are taught by NYU faculty and experienced professionals, and cover subjects ranging from writing and tech to business, politics, and the performing arts. The Precollege track provides a true undergraduate experience, while shorter options like Career Edge focus on career exploration and skill-building. With a campus embedded in the heart of New York, students also benefit from access to the city’s industries, institutions, and cultural life.

Advantages of NYU Summer Programs for High School Students

One of the biggest draws of NYU’s summer offerings is the chance to study in New York while experiencing life at a globally respected university. Students benefit from world-class instruction in cutting-edge subjects, all while being part of an environment that encourages ambition and independence. Those enrolled in the Precollege programme earn academic credit, which can strengthen college applications and even be applied toward future university courses.

The range of options means students can choose an experience that aligns with their academic or career interests, whether it’s exploring cybersecurity, media production, entrepreneurship, or international relations. Access to NYU’s campus and facilities – including libraries, studios, and labs – further enhances the academic experience. For aspiring undergraduates, the chance to engage with NYU’s teaching style and student community offers a valuable preview of college life.

Disadvantages of NYU Summer Programs for High School Students

While NYU’s summer programmes offer clear value, they’re not without drawbacks. The cost of tuition, accommodation, and additional fees can be high, especially for students enrolling in the Precollege track or living on campus. Financial aid is available but limited, which can put the experience out of reach for some families.

The Precollege programme, while offering credit, also comes with high academic expectations and the pressure of university-level coursework. It may not be the best fit for students still developing confidence in independent learning. Shorter programmes like Career Edge provide strong introductions to subjects but are non-credit and relatively brief – more taster than deep dive.

And while New York is an exciting place to learn, it can also feel overwhelming for students who aren’t used to fast-paced, urban environments. Those looking for smaller classes, personalised mentoring, or a more campus-based experience might find alternatives better suited to their needs.

NYU Summer Programs vs Immerse Education New York Programmes

Both NYU and Immerse Education offer academically ambitious high school students the chance to explore subjects in New York City. The key difference lies in structure, delivery, and educational focus.

NYU’s Precollege programmes are taught in a large-scale, undergraduate environment. They are excellent for students whose main goal is to build their academic record with college-level classes. Shorter programmes like Career Edge are topic-specific and skills-focused, offering professional insight without the pressure of formal assessment.

Immerse Education’s New York programme, by contrast, is a bespoke course tailored for students aged 13–18 focusing on specific subject exploration, skill-building, and personal development in a more supportive setting. Courses are typically capped at ten students and delivered using a model that combines classroom learning and industry visits, encouraging discussion, individual feedback, and confidence-building. Beyond the academic timetable, a full social programme includes cultural excursions, inspiring guest speakers, and enriching activities.

In New York, Immerse offers subjects such as business, marketing, banking, and media, allowing students to experience the city from behind the scenes of industry. To help high schoolers prepare for university and professional life, the timetable includes workshops on public speaking, university preparation, and leadership development are built into the timetable.

Where NYU immerses students in the experience of being a university student, Immerse Education helps them get ready for that next step – academically, socially, and personally – and to enhance their understanding of their chosen subject in a real-world context.

Business Management

In-person

Cultivate leadership skills in New York, where multinational...

Career Insights
Provides a comprehensive introduction to various professions. Suitable for students starting to consider their future careers and wishing to explore different professions.
Ages: 15-18

Coding

In-person

Master the language of technology in Cambridge, a...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
A laptop that shows programming codes.
Ages: 16-18

Are NYU Summer Programs for High School Students Worth It?

For students who are confident, self-motivated, and looking to get a head start on college academics, NYU’s summer offerings can be an excellent investment. The chance to study in the heart of New York, earn credit, and engage with experienced faculty adds real value to both academic development and college readiness. That said, the price point and structure won’t suit everyone. For those who want more flexibility, feedback, or subject exploration without the pressure of grades, other programmes may offer a better fit.

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Alternatives to NYU Summer Programs for High School Students

New York is a hotspot for academic summer programmes. The School of The New York Times offers writing and media-focused courses for high school students looking to build portfolios and communication skills. NYU’s own Career Edge and Precollege tracks serve different interests and commitment levels. Other options include the Summer Academy by the Times, as well as Columbia University’s pre-college programmes, which focus on intensive subject study in an Ivy League setting.

Immerse Programs in the USA and Other Great Opportunities

For students who want subject variety, smaller classes, and a more personalised academic experience, Immerse Education’s USA programmes are a strong alternative. Outside New York, Immerse also runs programmes in Boston and San Francisco. In Boston, students can explore engineering, medicine, business management, and software development – ideal for those interested in STEM and social impact. In San Francisco, the focus shifts to technology, artificial intelligence, and start-up culture, giving students exposure to Silicon Valley thinking and innovation.

All Immerse courses include guest lectures, cultural experiences, and academic mentoring, making them ideal for students who want a holistic, supportive, and engaging learning environment tailored to pre-university learners.

How to Apply for NYU Summer Programs for High School Students

Applications vary by programme. For Precollege, students apply online through the NYU Admissions portal, submitting a transcript, personal statement, and recommendation. SAT or ACT scores are not required, but students must meet age and GPA criteria. For programmes like Career Edge or Tisch, the application may include additional materials, such as portfolios or subject-specific essays. Deadlines fall in spring, and early application is encouraged due to limited places and high demand. Financial aid may be available for select programmes, so it’s worth reviewing eligibility carefully during the application process.

Final thoughts

NYU’s summer programmes offer high school students access to university-level academics, professional exposure, and the culture of one of the world’s most exciting cities. But for students looking for a more guided, personalised learning experience – one that balances academic depth with confidence-building and support – Immerse Education is a powerful alternative. Whether in New York, Boston, or San Francisco, Immerse programmes help students discover their strengths, explore new ideas, and prepare for what comes next – on their own terms.