ISSOS International 2026: What You Need to Know

ISSOS International offers students aged 13–18 the chance to combine academic enrichment with creative and cultural experiences on prestigious university campuses.

Founded with the mission of providing a safe, international summer school, ISSOS runs three-week fully residential programmes that blend academic courses in the mornings with elective activities in the afternoons. 

With a strong focus on diversity (max. 10% of any single nationality per campus), ISSOS attracts students from 80 countries around the globe to create a balanced and multicultural community.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to ISSOS International’s 2026 offering.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

Why Choose ISSOS International?

ISSOS International offers students aged 13–18 a three-week residential experience that blends academics, creative electives, and cultural immersion at the University of St Andrews and the University of Cambridge. 

Each session includes 45 hours of academic tuition and 36 hours of elective instruction, taught in small classes by qualified professionals. Students choose one academic subject, such as Debate, Business & Entrepreneurship, or Creative Writing, and one elective, like Theatre, Tennis, or Film, developing both intellectual and creative skills.

Outside the classroom, participants live in university residences with 24/7 pastoral care, enjoy full-board meals, and follow a structured daily routine enriched with excursions, evening socials, and highlights like the Highland Games. 

With around 150 students per campus and a 10% nationality cap, ISSOS ensures diversity and community, while its all-inclusive fee covers tuition, accommodation, meals, trips, insurance (UK), activities, and airport transfers.

ISSOS offers a well-rounded residential package, but for families seeking more academic depth, Immerse’s Cambridge Summer School is a stronger choice. 

Students live in historic Cambridge colleges and learn in Oxbridge-style tutorials with small class sizes for personalised attention. Immerse also provides scholarships and bursaries through its global Essay Competition, making programmes more accessible. 

Beyond the classroom, participants enjoy exclusive Cambridge experiences such as punting on the River Cam, college formals, and museum visits, combining rigorous academics with authentic cultural immersion.

Key Features of ISSOS

ISSOS runs three-week programmes at St Andrews and Cambridge, limited to about 150 students per campus for a close international community. 

Each student takes one academic subject and one elective, combining 45 hours of academic teaching with 36 hours of elective sessions, taught in small groups by qualified professionals.

Afternoons focus on creative and practical electives, while evenings and weekends include cultural excursions, workshops, and events such as the Highland Games. 

Students live in university residences, usually in shared twin rooms with peers of the same age and gender but from different nationalities, with all meals, course materials, insurance for UK campuses, merchandise, and airport transfers included.

Round-the-clock support is provided by resident Counsellors who enforce routines and curfews, ensuring safety and structure. 

Each session concludes with a closing event where students receive a certificate and academic report recognising their progress.

Advantages

• Prestigious university campuses: Students live and study at the University of St Andrews (Scotland’s oldest university and alma mater of Prince William) and the University of Cambridge (one of the world’s top academic institutions).
• Three-week duration: Longer than many competitors, giving students more time to form friendships, explore subjects in depth, and immerse themselves in campus life.
• International diversity: A strict 10% nationality cap ensures genuine cultural exchange within a balanced global community.
• All-inclusive package: Fees cover tuition, accommodation, meals, excursions, airport transfers, insurance (UK campuses), course materials, and activities—minimising hidden costs.
• Professional teaching: Courses are led by qualified teachers and working professionals who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.

Disadvantages

• Premium cost: At £7,900 per three-week session with no publicly listed scholarships or financial aid, ISSOS is one of the more expensive summer schools.
• Limited flexibility: Only three-week residential programmes are offered; there are no shorter, online, or day-course options.
• Restricted locations: For 2026, ISSOS operates only in Cambridge and St Andrews, with Yale paused, reducing choice for families seeking US options.
• Less subject depth: With just three hours of academics each weekday morning, paired with one elective for the full programme, students seeking intensive subject specialisation may find it limited compared to tutorial-based alternatives.

ISSOS vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education offers three core pathways: Academic Insights, Career Insights, and the Online Research Programme (ORP), combining university-style learning, real-world experience, and one-to-one research mentorship across global locations.

Is ISSOS Worth It?

ISSOS International is a solid choice for students seeking a balanced three-week residential programme on prestigious UK campuses. Its longer duration allows more time for friendships and cultural immersion, while the 10% nationality cap creates a genuinely international community. 

The all-inclusive fee covers tuition, accommodation, meals, excursions, insurance (UK campuses), transfers, and activities, making it convenient for families. With students from over 80 countries and strong pastoral care, ISSOS offers a safe, structured, and well-rounded experience.

However, the academic schedule of just three hours each morning plus one elective may feel less intensive for students seeking a deeper subject focus. 

The £7,900 cost is also a bit high with no scholarships available, and in 2026, the programme runs only in Cambridge and St Andrews. Its highly structured format suits those who thrive in organised settings, but may feel restrictive for students wanting more academic autonomy.

For students seeking smaller classes, Oxbridge-style tutorials, or deeper academic focus, Immerse Education offers an alternative with flexible two-week residential programmes in Cambridge, plus selective 1:1 and group online research programmes mentored by PhD tutors.

Alternatives to ISSOS International

• Immerse Education – Academic Summer School: Oxbridge-style depth in Oxford, Cambridge, and Sydney; small tutorial groups.
• Immerse Education – Career Insights: Project-based, industry-linked learning in London, Singapore, and Boston.
• Immerse Education – Online Research Programme: 1:1 PhD mentorship with original research outputs.
• Reach Cambridge (ages 14–18): Academic-focused, two-week courses in Cambridge with excursions.
• Yale Young Global Scholars (ages 15–18): Selective, interdisciplinary two-week residential at Yale.

How to Apply for ISSOS

1. Choose Your Campus & Session – For 2026, ISSOS runs at St Andrews (28 Jun–19 Jul; 22 Jul–12 Aug) and Cambridge (8 Jul–29 Jul). Pick the campus and dates that work best.
2. Select Academic & Elective Subjects – Choose one academic class (e.g. Debate, Business, Creative Writing) and one elective (e.g. Theatre, Tennis, Film) to study throughout the three weeks.
3. Apply Online – Complete the secure ISSOS application form with student details and course choices. Spaces are limited and can fill quickly, so early application is recommended.
4. Confirm & Pay Fees – The £500 registration fee is refundable only if ISSOS cannot confirm your place within 14 days; once confirmed, it is non-refundable.
5. Prepare for Arrival – Submit medical/dietary forms, arrange travel, and confirm arrival at a designated airport. UK airport transfers are included in the package, and students receive full pre-arrival information before the session.
   

Final Thoughts

ISSOS International offers an all-inclusive residential experience on prestigious UK campuses, blending academics, electives, excursions, and a diverse international community. 

With strong pastoral care and decades of experience, it provides a safe and enriching summer for students seeking balance and structure.

For those wanting deeper academic preparation and personalised mentorship, however, Immerse Education is the stronger choice. 

With small tutorial groups, Oxbridge-style teaching, and programmes ranging from Academic Insights to career-focused projects and 1:1 research mentorship, Immerse combines academic rigour with world-class settings to prepare ambitious students for university and beyond.