Unlock new opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth with UCLA Summer Programs in 2025! The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a diverse array of summer programs tailored to high school and undergraduate students. Whether you’re passionate about STEM, arts, or leadership, UCLA has the perfect program to match your interests. In this guide, discover the top UCLA summer programs for 2025, complete with program descriptions, key dates, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and links for more details. Dive into the transformative experience of UCLA’s summer programs and take a step closer to your future goals.
UCLA Summer Sessions for High School Students and Undergraduate Students
UCLA Summer Sessions offer high school students a unique chance to experience college-level learning while exploring their academic interests in a dynamic and engaging setting. These UCLA summer programs provide high school students the opportunity to earn college credits in subjects like Introduction to Computer Science, Calculus, and American Film History.
Program Dates: Several sessions between June 23 2025 – September 12 2025
Application Deadline: May 01, 2025
Eligibility: Grade 9 – 11 students
For more information on UCLA Summer Sessions for high school students, please click here
UCLA Summer Sessions also cater to undergraduate students by offering college-level courses across a variety of disciplines. These UCLA summer programs are ideal for undergraduates looking to fulfill prerequisites, accelerate their academic progress, or explore new subjects of interest.
Students can choose between attending classes on UCLA’s vibrant campus or opting for flexible online courses to suit their needs. Participants not only benefit from UCLA’s world-class faculty and resources but also gain valuable exposure to university life, fostering both academic growth and independence. UCLA summer programs are open to international students, creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that connects participants from around the globe.
Program Dates: Several sessions between June 23 2025 – September 12 2025
Application Deadline: May 01, 2025
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are current UCLA and UC students, and visiting college students.
For more information on UCLA Summer Sessions for undergraduate students, please click here
UCLA Acting and Performance Summer Institute for High School Students
The UCLA Acting and Performance Summer Institute is a hands-on, conservatory-style program tailored for high school students with a passion for the performing arts. As part of the UCLA Summer Programs, this immersive experience offers intensive training in acting techniques, movement, voice, and improvisation, all led by distinguished faculty from UCLA’s renowned School of Theater, Film, and Television. Students delve into the foundations of performance and develop the skills necessary to excel in both stage and screen acting.
This UCLA summer program goes beyond traditional classes, featuring workshops on audition techniques and character development to prepare participants for future opportunities in the arts. Collaborative group projects and individual performances culminate in a showcase, allowing students to present their work to peers and faculty. This experience not only enhances acting abilities but also builds confidence and fosters creative growth.
Program Dates: June 22- July 12 2025
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Eligibility: Grade 9 – 12 students
For more information on UCLA Acting and Performance Summer Institute, please click here
UCLA Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute for High School Students
The Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute is a cutting-edge program that introduces high school students to the fascinating world of nanoscience. It is one of the specialized UCLA summer programs designed for students passionate about STEM fields. Participants engage in hands-on experiments, including synthesizing nanoparticles and exploring their applications in medicine and technology. The program includes lectures, lab sessions, and group projects.
As part of the broader UCLA summer programs, this institute offers both residential and commuter options. The Residential Program provides a more comprehensive experience with extended time on campus, including evening and weekend activities, while the Commuter Program is shorter and focused on daytime academic components. The Residential Program is ideal for those seeking an immersive campus life experience, while the Commuter Program is suited for local students who prefer to commute daily.
For a glimpse into the program’s final presentations, you can watch this video:
Program Dates:
July 20, 2025 – July 26, 2025 for the Residential Program
July 21, 2025 – July 25, 2025 for the Commuter Program
Application Deadline:
July 11, 2025 for the Residential Program
July 18, 2025 for the Commuter Program
Eligibility: 10th-12th grade students
For more information on UCLA Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute, please click here
UCLA Bruins-In-Genomics (B.I.G.) Summer Program for undergraduate students
The Bruins-In-Genomics (B.I.G.) Summer Program at UCLA is an intensive eight-week immersion program designed for undergraduates passionate about genomics and bioinformatics.
The UCLA B.I.G. Summer Program offers two distinct tracks to accommodate varying levels of experience:
Track 1: This option begins with two weeks of intensive, hands-on workshops dedicated to teaching next-generation sequencing data analysis and statistical methods. After completing the workshops, students transition into six weeks of research in a UCLA laboratory, working under the guidance of faculty mentors. This track is best suited for students who have limited prior exposure to bioinformatics and want to build foundational skills.
Track 2: This option is tailored for students who already have a background in bioinformatics or biostatistics through previous coursework. Participants in this track bypass the initial workshops and start directly with their research in a UCLA laboratory. Students choosing this track are expected to identify their preferred laboratory placements as part of the application process.
This program is an excellent addition to the range of UCLA summer programs, offering students the chance to enhance their academic and professional trajectories in a supportive and innovative research environment.
Program Dates: June 23 to August 15, 2025
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information on UCLA B.I.G., please click here
UCLA BRI Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE) for undergraduate students
The Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE) at UCLA is a competitive program that stands out among UCLA summer programs, providing undergraduate students with an immersive experience in neuroscience and physiology research. This eight-week summer program offers participants the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside leading scientists, gaining hands-on research skills and exposure to advanced methodologies in brain research.
As part of the prestigious UCLA summer programs, participants in BRI-SURE are paired with faculty mentors who guide their research projects. These projects are designed to address significant questions in neuroscience and physiology, enabling students to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the research process. The program also includes professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities to prepare students for graduate school and research careers.
Program Dates: June 16 to August 09, 2025
Application Deadline: January 22, 2025
Eligibility: The program is open to undergraduate students currently participating in honors research programs, such as the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0.
For more information on UCLA (BRI-SURE), please click here
UCLA summer programs offer exceptional opportunities for high school and undergraduate students to explore their academic and creative passions, gain valuable skills, and experience life at one of the world’s top universities. Whether you’re interested in research, the arts, leadership, or STEM, there’s a program at UCLA that’s perfect for you. Be sure to check the application deadlines and eligibility criteria for your preferred program and take advantage of these transformative experiences.


