Real research. Real telescopes. Opportunities around the world.

Interested in astronomy, astrophysics, or space exploration?

Some programs offer financial aid covering most or even all tuition costs.

This guide includes summer programs in the United States and Europe, along with official links, prices, eligibility requirements, and scholarship information.

Updated: October 15, 2026. Prices are labeled by year. Where 2027 fees have not been announced, the 2026 published price is provided for reference. Travel costs may be additional.

1. Summer Science Program (SSP) — Astrophysics (Research & Academic)

Location: University campus locations in the United States

Best for: High school students interested in serious scientific research.

What you'll do: Spend five weeks collaborating on an astrophysics research project, learning scientific methods, and working with astronomical data. This is a research-intensive academic program rather than a recreational camp.

Eligibility: High school students who meet the program's grade-level and academic prerequisites. For astrophysics, relevant coursework includes physics and precalculus, or calculus if physics has not been taken.

Duration: Five weeks

Cost: $11,800 in 2026, including tuition, accommodation, meals, supplies, and local program activities.

Financial aid: SSP commits to covering 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Assistance can include travel costs. Some qualifying participants may also receive stipends.

2027 applications: Expected to open December 2026. The application is free.

Website: https://ssp.org/

Financial aid details: https://ssp.org/fees-financial-aid/

2. AstroCamp Portugal (Academic & Observational Astronomy

Location: Paredes de Coura, Portugal

Best for: Academically motivated students interested in astronomy, physics, and international scientific collaboration.

What you'll do: Participate in advanced astronomy and physics courses, practical projects, telescope observations, and discussions with scientists. The broader program can include continued activities over the following two years.

Eligibility: Students in the third-to-last year of secondary education. For the 2027 edition, this generally means students graduating in 2029. International eligibility must be checked against the official rules.

Duration: Two-week residential summer school, with possible later activities.

2027 dates: August 8–22, 2027.

Cost: Free for selected Portuguese students. Approximately €400 for selected international participants, plus travel to Porto.

Financial aid: International participants may seek assistance from program partners or other organizations. In 2026, an ESO-sponsored prize covered one student's participation expenses. Future award availability should be confirmed.

Website: https://astrocamp.astro.up.pt/en/

Eligibility and price: https://astrocamp.astro.up.pt/en/info.html

3. Arizona Astronomy Camp (Observational & Experiential Astronomy

Location: Mount Lemmon, Arizona, USA

Best for: Students who want hands-on observing experience at a professional astronomical site.

What you'll do: Learn to operate telescopes and investigate astronomical objects through observations, imaging, spectroscopy, and practical experiments.

Beginning Teen Camp: Ages approximately 12.5–15.

Advanced Teen Camp: Ages 14–19; requires completion of Algebra II or Geometry.

2027 dates: June 6–12 for Beginning Teen Camp and June 17–25 for Advanced Teen Camp.

Cost: $1,900 for Beginning Teen Camp; $2,000 for Advanced Teen Camp in 2027. Meals, accommodation, and transportation between Tucson and the observing site are included.

Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available.

Applications: Teen applications typically open in late November and can fill within two to four weeks.

Website and applications: https://astronomycamp.org/apply/

4. International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC) (Collaborative Research & Experiential Astronomy

Location: Changes by year; held in Mazarete, Spain, in 2026.

Best for: Students interested in collaborative astronomy projects and making international connections.

What you'll do: Spend three weeks in astronomy working groups, using telescopes, working with scientific data, learning about astrophysics, and collaborating with students and young scientists from different countries.

Eligibility: Ages 16–24.

Duration: Three weeks.

Cost: €1,190 in 2026. The 2027 fee has not been verified.

Financial aid: The International Workshop for Astronomy offers grants based on financial need. Its 2026 IWA grants could cover up to the full participation fee, but not travel expenses. Specific additional grants had geographic eligibility requirements.

Website: https://www.iayc.org/

Financial aid and previous application information: https://www.iayc.org/2025/12/31/iayc-2026-first-info.html

5. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) (Research & Academic)

Location: Yale University, Connecticut, USA

Best for: Students considering an academic or research career in astrophysics.

What you'll do: Undertake intensive astrophysics study and astronomical research, including observations and scientific analysis.

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, meaning students who are juniors when applying. International students are welcome to apply.

Duration: Six weeks.

Cost: $7,800 in 2026. The fee included accommodation, meals, instruction, project costs, and field trips but excluded travel, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Financial aid: Limited need-based awards are available after admission. Typical assistance has been approximately 50% of tuition, with some awards reaching 80%.

Applications: Typically open around late December for the following summer.

Website: https://yspa.yale.edu/

Financial aid: https://yspa.yale.edu/fees-financial-aid

6. Advanced Space Academy (Space Exploration & STEM)

Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama, USA

Best for: Students interested in astronaut training, aerospace engineering, and space missions.

What you'll do: Participate in simulated space missions, engineering activities, astronaut-training exercises, and team-based challenges.

Eligibility: Ages 15–18.

Duration: Approximately six days.

Cost: Listed from $1,899 for 2027 sessions.

Financial aid: The Space Camp General Scholarship Program offers need-based and academic scholarships to eligible students worldwide.

2027 scholarship deadline: December 6, 2026, according to the published scholarship page.

Website: https://spacecamp.com/SpaceCamp/

Scholarships: https://spacecamp.com/scholarships/

7. AstroCamp California (Experiential Science & STEM)

Location: Idyllwild, California, USA

Best for: Students looking for an overnight camp combining STEM, astronomy-related activities, and outdoor experiences.

What you'll do: Choose from science, creative, and adventure activities in a residential camp setting. This is broader than a specialized astrophysics research program.

Eligibility: Ages 12–17 for the two-week program.

Duration: Approximately two weeks.

Cost: $4,600 for a two-week session in 2027, before eligible discounts.

Financial aid: Limited need-based assistance covering up to 50% of tuition. The published 2027 aid application deadline is March 1.

Website: https://astrocamp.org/camp-dates-rates/

8. Science Camps of America — Land, Sea, Air & Space (Experiential Science & STEM)

Location: Hawaiʻi Island, USA

Best for: Students interested in space science alongside geology, Earth science, and outdoor fieldwork.

What you'll do: Explore scientific topics through field experiences on Hawaiʻi Island, including space-related and environmental science activities.

Eligibility: Ages 13–17, entering grades 8–12.

Duration: Ten days.

Published cost: $2,955 for a ten-day session; confirm the applicable year and next session before applying. The listed fee includes lodging, meals, instruction, field trips, and airport transfers from designated airports.

Financial aid: Full and partial scholarships are available, primarily based on financial need.

Website: https://sciencecampsamerica.com/land-sea-air-space-camp/

Scholarships: https://sciencecampsamerica.com/scholarships/

Which camp should you choose?

For an authentic astrophysics research experience: Start with Summer Science Program, Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics, or Arizona Astronomy Camp.

For an international astronomy experience: Explore AstroCamp Portugal and International Astronomical Youth Camp.

For aerospace engineering and astronaut training: Consider Advanced Space Academy.

For a more traditional summer camp experience: Look into California AstroCamp or Science Camps of America.

What if you can't afford an astronomy camp?

Before ruling out a program because of its advertised price:

• Read its financial aid policy. Some programs can cover most or all tuition.

• Check whether room, board, transportation, and equipment are included.

• Determine whether scholarships require a separate application or are requested after admission.

• Look for travel funding, especially when applying internationally.

• Apply early. Some programs have limited scholarship budgets or fill quickly.

• Consider free online astronomy research and citizen-science projects if travel is not possible.

A high advertised tuition does not necessarily mean a high final cost. For example, SSP can cover 100% of an admitted student's demonstrated financial need.

More places to discover astronomy opportunities

NOVA — Network for Outreach & Vocation in Astronomy

https://www.novastronomy.com/us-resources

An astronomy opportunity resource covering camps, courses, competitions, observatories, and other ways for students to get involved.

Zooniverse — Astronomy research projects

https://www.zooniverse.org/projects?discipline=astronomy

Contribute to real research projects online. Project availability varies, and participating does not require attending a summer camp.

NASA Citizen Science

https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/

Discover opportunities to contribute to scientific projects using observations, images, and research data.

American Astronomical Society

https://aas.org/

Explore astronomy organizations, educational resources, and professional pathways.

Notes From Orbit

Exploring space through science, creativity, and opportunities for the next generation.

Program availability, tuition, deadlines, and eligibility can change. Always verify current information with the organizers before applying or making travel arrangements.