Lumiere Individual Research Program

About the Program

The Individual Research Program runs for 12 weeks and includes nine individual sessions with a PhD fellow or postdoctoral mentor and two individual writing-coach sessions. The current program table describes its output as a college-level academic paper. The general FAQ welcomes high school students in grades 9–12 and university students worldwide, without requiring prior research experience.

Winter 2026 has priority admission on November 8 and regular admission on November 22, 2026, with a December 7, 2026 start. The organizer labels the next intake Winter Cohort II 2026: its deadline is December 27, 2026 and its start is January 18, 2027. No exact cutoff clock or timezone is given.

The current Admissions & Payment FAQ lists Individual Research tuition of USD 3,190. A deposit follows acceptance, and full tuition must be paid before the Week 1 mentor meeting. The linked deposit terms do not specify the deposit amount. Older provider articles quote USD 2,990 or USD 2,600; the current FAQ price is used here. Partial need-based aid may be requested on the program application. Full aid through the separate Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation may be available to families earning below USD 80,000 annually; this is a possible qualification, not an automatic award.

Checked November 4, 2026 using the current program table, FAQ eligibility and payment answers, application process and official linked deposit terms.

Eligibility

The current FAQ welcomes high school students in grades 9–12 and university students worldwide, regardless of research experience. Successful completion can make students eligible for three post-baccalaureate credits through UC San Diego Extended Studies; the credit option may have separate requirements. High school students in grades 9–12 and university students.

Eligible Countries

How to Apply

Apply through the official student application page by the relevant cohort deadline. Shortlisted applicants interview with a Lumiere staff member; mentor matching and an admission decision follow. Applicants may indicate financial need on the application. A deposit follows acceptance, with full tuition due before the Week 1 mentor meeting. Current Winter 2026 and Winter II 2026 deadlines and starts are listed below; no later cohort dates are confirmed here.