For high school students looking to strengthen their university applications, participate in world-class Model UN debates, or publish research alongside Ivy League and Oxbridge faculty, three premier programs are currently accepting applications.
Here is a full breakdown of eligibility, fees, deadlines, and potential out-of-pocket costs for HMUN China, Alpha Scholars, and CCIR Academy.
Quick Summary & Fee Comparison
| Program | Format & Target | Base Cost | Financial Aid? | Application Deadline |
| HMUN China 2026 | In-Person (Guangzhou) • Grades 7–12 | $580 USD | Yes (Fee waivers available) | Late Registration: Aug 5, 2026 |
| Alpha Scholars Program | Virtual • Grades 9–12 | $2,800 – $3,300 USD | Yes (Need-based aid) | Early Bird: Aug 22, 2026 |
| CCIR Academy (Future Scholar) | Virtual • High School Students | Paid Tuition (Varies by track) | Yes (Partial/Full aid) | Fall Pre-Apps: Aug 9, 2026 |
1. Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) China 2026
Overview: An intense 4-day international Model UN conference held in Guangzhou, China, organized directly with Harvard’s Model UN team. It offers committee debates on global issues and is beginner-friendly for first-time delegates.
- Target Audience: High school and middle school students in Grades 7–12 (Ages 13+).
- Location: Guangzhou, China (In-person).
- Base Tuition / Entry Fee: $580 USD per international delegate (or 3,980 RMB for Chinese domestic applicants).
- Deadlines: Late Registration closes August 5, 2026. Conference dates are August 15–18, 2026.
- Hidden & Out-of-Pocket Charges:
- Travel & Flights: Round-trip airfare to Guangzhou, China.
- Hotel & Accommodation: Delegate fees cover conference entry only; hotel accommodations and daily meals in Guangzhou are not included.
- Visa Fees: Required China entry visa processing fees.
- Faculty Advisor / Chaperone Fees: Faculty advisors pay a separate fee of $200 USD / 1,500 RMB.
2. Alpha Scholars Program (Social Science Research)
Overview: A selective online research program where high schoolers conduct 1-on-1 social science research on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guided by Harvard mentors. Top research papers earn a feature in the Harvard International Review.
- Target Audience: High school students in Grades 9–12.
- Location: 100% Virtual.
- Base Tuition: $2,800 USD (Early Bird rate) to $3,300 USD (Standard tuition).
- Deadlines: Early Bird deadline is August 22, 2026.
- Hidden Charges:
- Publication Submission Fees: While top-performing papers are selected for feature consideration, optional third-party academic journal submission or formatting tools may incur extra charges.
3. CCIR Academy (Cambridge Future Scholar Program)
Overview: Organized by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR), this program matches ambitious high school students 1-on-1 with faculty members from Cambridge, Oxford, and MIT. Students complete an independent university-level paper by the end of the term.
- Target Audience: High school students globally.
- Location: 100% Virtual.
- Base Tuition: Paid Tuition (typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,400+ USD depending on group vs. 1-on-1 tracks and financial aid allocations).
- Deadlines: Fall Pre-Applications are due August 9, 2026.
- Hidden Charges:
- Optional Journal Distribution Fees: Additional processing or publication fees may apply if students opt for external academic journal submission services beyond standard internal showcase platforms.
Official Program Links
- Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) China: HMUN China Official Application Portal
- Alpha Scholars Program: Alpha Scholars Official Application Page
- CCIR Academy (Cambridge Future Scholar): CCIR Academy Admissions Portal
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