15 Summer Programs in The UK for High School Students
If you're hoping to make the most of your summer, structured programs can be a great way to explore academic interests, build practical skills, and prepare for university pathways. These experiences extend beyond classroom learning, often incorporating projects, expert lectures, and exposure to professional environments, and help you build analytical, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Furthermore, they are an ideal environment for building valuable connections, creating a network of like-minded peers, mentors, and industry experts that can lead to future collaboration and career opportunities.
Why should you attend a program in the UK?
The UK is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence, with universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and LSE offering programs that provide a glimpse of their undergraduate teaching. These programs typically feature intensive academic sessions in subjects across STEM, humanities, law, and business, often taught by university faculty, and combine rigorous study with social and cultural activities. These programs are ideal for UK-based and foreign students looking to explore the opportunities offered in the region.
To help you get started, we have found 15 summer programs in the UK for high school students.
If you are looking for free online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
1. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford
Location: Oxford University and London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Approximately £6,240 ($8,270); scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, small cohort sizes
Dates: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: May 8
Eligibility: Students completing grades 10–12 who are between the ages of 16–18 by June 14
Brown University hosts this biotech-focused course in the UK, perfect if you’re exploring medicine or bioengineering. You’ll learn lab-relevant concepts like gene therapy, CRISPR, and bioinformatics while discussing ethical and global impacts. Key activities include frequent interactive site visits and conversations with experts, such as touring the Big Data Institute (BDI) to see how AI and machine learning are used in disease study, or visiting the Jenner Institute to learn about vaccinology and immunology. Research center visits, including the Francis Crick Institute, expose you to cutting-edge science happening across the UK. You complete a portfolio of analysis and project work that mimics undergraduate assignments.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Hillsdale Summer Study — In Love & War: The Land & Literature of England
Location: Warwick, Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, Windsor, Canterbury, London
Cost/Stipend: Approximately £3,770 ($4,995); scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 30 – 50 students
Dates: July 2 – 16
Application Deadline: February 15, but rolling till the cohort is full
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This two-week program takes you to the places that inspired famous English writers like Shakespeare and Chaucer. You’ll learn from Hillsdale College faculty and complete reading discussions that connect themes like desire and conflict to history. The class travels across seven iconic cities in England to deepen your understanding of British literature. You also earn three U.S. college credits if you pass the course with a grade of C or higher. If you’re interested in studying literature or the arts in college, this may strengthen your academic background in a very memorable way.
4. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Pathway
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohort sizes
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. You work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4 – 10 students. You attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, robotic arm building in engineering, or moot courts for law. You can choose from over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the end of the program, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find out about courses and enrol here.
5. University of St Andrews – Summer Academic Experience Courses
Location: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Cost/Stipend: £6,850; limited scholarships are available on selected tracks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small and limited cohort size
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Ages 16–18 | Minimum 3.2 GPA | international students require visa clearance
In this program, you’ll study a focused academic track such as Psychology, Creative Writing, or Social Sciences over three weeks and learn under St Andrews faculty and graduate mentors. Coursework includes seminar discussions, writing assignments, and interactive workshops where you apply your learnings to real-world research questions. Field trips around Scotland, from castles to historic museums, help you connect lessons to real culture and history. Students in creative courses may have portfolio-building opportunities, while STEM students might engage in lab-style investigation. Social events and residential activities also help you make friends and build confidence away from home.
6. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School
Location: King’s College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £3,195 – £11,685 depending on the number of weeks and residential option + £65 application fee; limited scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; more than 1,500 students each year
Dates: Session 1: July 6 – 10; Session 2: July 13 – 17; Session 3: July 20 – 24; Session 4: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–17 | B2 English proficiency | Travel visa may be required
In this program, you’ll choose from week-long academic courses across subjects like Neuroscience, International Relations, and Business Management, taught by King’s faculty. Classes include a mix of university-style lectures, group discussions, and workshops where you work on academic writing or research analysis. You’ll also complete a final presentation or project, which can help build your portfolio. Outside the classroom, you’ll explore London through academic field trips, like visits to the British Museum or engineering labs. This is a strong pick if you're interested in applying to UK universities and want to experience what coursework might look like in college.
7. Oxford University AI & Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School
Location: Oxford Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: Starts from £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 19 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18
In this program, you’ll study how artificial intelligence influences business decisions and global industries while learning from Oxford academics and researchers. The curriculum covers Python essentials, data analysis, and real-world AI applications, such as in healthcare and finance. You’ll also explore ethical concerns in AI development, which is becoming more essential in the tech world. Throughout the program, you work in teams on a practical AI innovation challenge, presenting your final solution to industry-experienced judges. Lectures take place inside one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, giving you a sense of professional academic life. It’s a good fit if you want to mix computing with entrepreneurship or economics.
8. Imperial College London Global Summer School
Location: Imperial College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rate differs according to time and year of application, subject, and several other factors; more than 550 students each year
Dates: June 29 – July 10 or August 3 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 with strong STEM academic performance (Majority of 9-7 grades (A*-A) at GCSE level or the international equivalent, with a minimum of grade 7 (A) in maths and relevant science subjects) | Proof of English language ability required (E.g., IELTS)
Imperial College London’s Global Summer School enables you to learn STEM topics at one of the highest-ranked science universities in the world while also completing a major innovation project. During Week 1, you choose a subject area, like Engineering, Physics, or Medicine, and begin hands-on work and simulation-based activities. Then, in Week 2, you join the Innovation Challenge, where your team designs a solution to a real global issue like healthcare accessibility. Imperial faculty and researchers guide your progress, offering feedback used in actual scientific careers. Social events include exploring London’s museums and attending cultural activities with students from all over the world.
9. The University of Edinburgh – Pre-University Summer School
Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost/Stipend: Around £4,995 - £5,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, manageable class sizes
Dates: June 29 – July 10
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 who are in their penultimate or final year of high school and meet the minimum English language requirements (equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component)
The University of Edinburgh offers five academic pathway options, including Data Science, Life and Social Sciences, and Design, each focused on providing you with a complete university experience. You may get lab exposure in genetics or biochemistry, or portfolio feedback if you're exploring the arts. You live like university students by staying in catered accommodation on campus and utilizing free time to explore the city's landmarks like Arthur's Seat, Scottish Parliament, or industry labs, and the historic Royal Mile, all while building a global network of friends. You’ll also get advice on applying to universities in the UK, including insight into UCAS and personal statements.
10. University of Warwick – Pre-University Summer School
Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 + £50 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies as per track
Dates: July 14 – 24
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17
In this program, you’ll choose between Economics & Finance, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, or Science & Engineering, studying topics not usually available in high school, such as postmodernism or environmental economics. Faculty integrate current events into lectures, helping you understand real-world connections behind academic study. There are networking events with Warwick students or advisors who share tips for applying to top universities in the UK. You’ll also join visits like Warwick Castle and the city of Oxford, adding historic context to what you study.
11. Oxford University – Future Climate Innovators Summer School
Location: Oxford Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: Starts from £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 32 students
Dates: July 19 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 16 – 18 on August 1
This sustainability-focused program trains you to analyze environmental issues and create solutions that could be useful in the real world. You’ll gain scientific knowledge about climate change, ecosystems, and weather patterns while working in teams to create a climate-focused business project. You’ll ultimately present your idea at the Oxford Climate Innovation Conference, an experience that can help you demonstrate leadership and initiative. Industry visits and career workshops also help you see what sustainability-related job paths look like. If environmental science interests you, this is one of the best summer programs in the UK for high school students, thanks to its mix of science and entrepreneurship.
12. Notre Dame Pre-College Study Abroad — London: Knowledge & Power
Location: Notre Dame London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Approximately £6,603 ($8,750) + £ 57 ($75) application fee; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 18 students
Dates: July 5 – 19
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising seniors ages 16+ by or on August 1
This humanities-focused summer study program explores London as a center of finance, history, and government. You will engage in daily field trips and cultural excursions to explore the course theme of "Knowledge & Power," visiting historic buildings, museums, and diverse neighborhoods to understand London's imperial history and cultural evolution. Museum and theatre visits across the city make concepts from class more real and engaging. You’ll also attend a performance at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, giving you direct engagement with one of London's most iconic forms of cultural power. Participating in this highly selective program can make your college applications stand out.
13. Oxford Academia History of Art & Architecture
Location: Oxford University, Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: £6,775 ($8,890) + £150 ($200 )application fee + Transportation and Supplemental Seminar fees apply; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10 – 12 students
Dates: July 3 – 16; July 17 – 30; July 31 – August 13
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
The Oxford Academia History of Art & Architecture program is built around an immersive place-based learning model, heavily integrating the city's historical environment. The core of the program involves daily field visits and excursions to architectural landmarks, museums, and galleries, such as the Ashmolean Museum and famous college quadrangles, where students analyze art and architecture firsthand and connect their classroom theory to tangible history. You’ll learn how architecture transformed from the medieval era to the present day. Projects involve curating your own exhibit-style presentation, which helps develop both creative and analytical skills. The small class size allows for personalized academic feedback.
14. Cambridge Medicine Summer School
Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
Cost/Stipend: £6,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; typically, medium group sizes
Dates: July 5 – 18; July 19 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged either 12 – 15 years old, or 16 – 18 years old who have an English level of C1 or above on the CEFR (or equivalent, such as IELTS 6.5 or higher)
This program offers an intensive, two-week residential experience focused on pre-medical studies for high school students, aiming to provide a realistic taster of the academic path to becoming a doctor. The curriculum covers core topics such as human anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, diseases and treatments, and medical specialties like surgery and cardiology, alongside essential University admissions guidance for medical schools. You participate in key activities including practical clinical skills workshops (like suturing), simulation exercises to diagnose patients, and lectures delivered by leading academic staff, all while exploring historic Cambridge colleges. This program's unique feature lies in its experiential learning approach, designed to develop critical skills in communication, teamwork, diagnostic reasoning, and ethical decision-making.
15. Altamont Summer Programs
Location: Altamont School, Birmingham, UK
Cost/Stipend: Program fees vary as per track; £50 registration fee applies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; manageable cohort sizes
Dates: Varies as per program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12
The Altamont Summer Programs provide focused academic courses for high school students looking to gain a competitive edge or fulfill graduation requirements outside of the regular school year. The course offerings cover high school subjects like Honors Geometry (for academic credit) and necessary life skills such as Driver's Education (offered hybrid online/in-person), alongside occasional specialized enrichment classes like AP Computer Science prep. You engage in intensive daily classroom instruction for credit courses, participate in online simulations and driving practice for Driver's Ed, and complete independent study assignments to master the material quickly. By the end, you will have built strong time management skills.
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