Online Research Internships

Summer 2026 Internships | Ages 15-18

Join an online Research Internship to work with an expert mentor, investigate a cutting-edge topic in your field and co-author an academic research paper.

At the end of your month-long internship, you’ll publish your paper in an academic journal - an impressive way to stand out in a competitive university application process.

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Key Facts

Location
Online via Zoom

Ages
15-18 year olds

Size
Maximum 15 interns

Dates
June 2026, July 2026, August 2026

Mentors
Academic researchers from leading universities

Fees
£995

Commitment
One month (4 sessions)
Every Saturday or Sunday

Hours
12 hours of live mentoring

Graduation & Certification
Letter of Recommendation &
Certificate of Achievement

Our Awards
King’s Award for Enterprise

What is a Research Internship?

An Oxford Scholastica Research Internship is a unique opportunity to work closely with an expert mentor and investigate a cutting-edge issue in your field.

From AI in breast cancer screening to climate diplomacy, from the neuroscience of heartbreak to the future of work, our internships explore some of the most exciting questions shaping the modern world.

You’ll collaborate with peers to co-author a research paper and see your work published under your name in an academic journal.

It’s an impressive way to demonstrate to admissions tutors that you’re ready for university-level study in your chosen subject.

No prior research or academic writing experience is required. Your mentor will guide you through every stage of the process.

Choose Your Research Internship Subject

Prepare to impress in today’s highly competitive university application process with our academic research internships. Choose your subject below to explore the cutting-edge topics you could research this year.

Business, Economics & Finance

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

See Business Internships 2026

Computer Science & AI

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

See Computer Science & AI Internships 2026

 

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.

See Engineering Internships 2026

 

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.

See Law Internships 2026

 

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.

See Medicine Internships 2026

 

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.

See Politics Internships 2026

 

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.

See Psychology Internships 2026

 

Hear From our Graduates

Emily Jacobs

Online Medicine Research Internship

“I was nervous about signing up for an internship, but I’m so pleased I did – it has been the greatest academic experience I’ve had so far. My mentor was so supportive, but he also stretched me at the same time. I’m really proud of publishing an academic paper at a young age. I really recommend it - to anyone who is uncertain I’d say go for it!”

Youtube video

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, OxJournal.

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 at home or abroad.



Celebration certificate of achievement oxford scholastica
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.

Online Internship Details

You can find more information about our upcoming online internships below.

Internship Topics

Business, Economics & Finance

Computer Science & Coding

Engineering

Law

Medicine

Politics & International Relations

Psychology & Neuroscience

What’s Included

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 with our research internships, designed to give you a real edge.

See what your future could look like with a course at Oxford Scholastica
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 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 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. 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. The programmes are designed to give you the opportunity to explore a cutting-edge topic with an expert mentor, and to co-author a research paper on that topic for publication.

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 timezone and any country! We’re delighted 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 the online internships connected to Oxford University?

No. Whilst we use Oxford University facilities for our residential programme, 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. You can read more about our relationship here.

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.

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