Choosing the right Sydney summer school experience is an exciting step in your academic journey.

Whether you’re curious about exploring new subjects or preparing for university, our Sydney programmes bring together world-class tutors, diverse peers, and inspiring surroundings.

Each age group benefits from tailored academic content and enrichment activities designed to match your stage of learning.

In this guide, we’ll break down the age groups, subjects available, and unique features of each programme to help you find the right Sydney summer school experience for you.

Age Groups at Sydney Summer School

Immerse Education’s summer school in Sydney offers carefully designed programmes for a wide range of participants. Each experience combines academic challenge with cultural discovery, ensuring every learner grows in confidence and curiosity.

Our Academic Insights and Career Insights programmes are tailored to specific age ranges, giving participants the chance to study alongside peers at a similar academic stage.

  • Academic Insights (January): Ages 13–15 and 16–18
  • Career Insights (July): Ages 15–18

Each programme offers a unique focus, from academic exploration to career inspiration, and all are set against Sydney’s vibrant backdrop of innovation, creativity, and world-class education.

The 13–15 Age Group

Participants aged 13 to 15 join the Academic Insights programme in January, designed to ignite curiosity and build early academic confidence.

At this stage, learning is about discovery rather than specialisation. You’ll explore a range of subjects through engaging, university-style sessions that help you understand which areas you might pursue at a higher level.

Subjects include:

  • Business Management
  • Creative Writing
  • Engineering
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Software Development & AI
  • Veterinary Studies

Lunch is provided daily in a supportive college setting for this age group. It’s a chance to relax, reflect on the day’s lessons, and connect with new friends from around the world.

The 15–18 Age Group (Career Insights)

The Career Insights programme in Sydney, held in July, is designed for participants aged 15 to 18 who want to explore how academic learning connects to real-world industries.

You’ll go beyond the classroom to experience career pathways first-hand through interactive workshops, site visits, and mentorship from industry professionals. These programmes are ideal if you’re preparing for university applications or beginning to think about future careers.

Subjects available:

  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Business Management
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Creative Industries

Unlike the 13-15 age group, lunch is not included for this age group. Instead, you’ll have the freedom to explore Sydney’s vibrant food scene. 

From bustling markets in The Rocks to cafés near Darling Harbour and the creative energy of Newtown’s eateries. This independence helps you experience city life while developing confidence and responsibility.

The 16–18 Age Group

Participants aged 16 to 18 join the Academic Insights programme in January, designed to prepare you for university-level study while deepening your academic interests.

At this stage, you’ll engage with tutors who are experts in their fields, gaining an authentic insight into university learning. Sessions challenge your thinking, strengthen your analytical skills, and help you explore future study paths with clarity and confidence.

Subjects include:

  • Business Management
  • Creative Writing
  • Engineering
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Software Development & AI
  • Veterinary Studies

While the academic sessions are rigorous, you’ll also have opportunities to explore Sydney’s dynamic surroundings. From harbour walks to café meetups, independence and discovery go hand in hand.

Overlapping Subjects Between Age Groups

A key strength of our Sydney summer school is how certain subjects are available across multiple age brackets. 

This allows you to return each year to build on your knowledge, moving from introductory exploration to advanced, pre-university study.

13–15 and 16–18 Overlap

There are several subjects offered across both Academic Insights age groups, including:

  • Business Management
  • Creative Writing
  • Veterinary Studies

For instance, in Veterinary Studies, 13–15-year-olds begin by exploring the basics of animal care and veterinary medicine, learning about welfare and everyday practices. 

When you return at 16–18, the experience deepens, and you’ll study animal anatomy, diagnostics, and treatment techniques under expert guidance. 

Both age groups share hands-on learning, but the advanced programme builds on your foundation to prepare you for future study in animal science or veterinary careers.

15–18 and 16–18 Overlap

These two age groups also share 5 subjects, bridging career exploration and academic preparation.

Shared subjects include:

  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Business Management
  • Artificial Intelligence

For Engineering, the 15–18 Career Insights programme introduces you to the real-world impact of the field through industry visits, design challenges, and sustainability projects. You’ll see how engineers plan, innovate, and problem-solve in a city celebrated for its architecture and infrastructure.

At 16–18, the Academic Insights programme takes a more theory-based approach. You’ll dive into advanced areas such as mechanics, civil and electrical engineering, and design innovation. 

Guided by university-level tutors, you’ll complete research projects and explore how engineering theory applies to global challenges.

Together, these pathways offer a seamless progression. From hands-on industry exposure to university-level understanding, helping you develop both practical insight and academic depth in preparation for your future in engineering.

Veterinary Studies

In-person

Advance your animal care skills in Sydney, home...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Vet practice treating a brown puppy
Ages: 13-15

Creative Industries

In-person

Explore future careers within Creative Industries in Sydney

Career Insights
Provides a comprehensive introduction to various professions. Suitable for students starting to consider their future careers and wishing to explore different professions.
Ages: 15-18

Beyond the Classroom

At Immerse Education, the Sydney summer school experience extends beyond academic sessions. Each programme combines study with cultural exploration and personal growth.

Participants live at St Paul’s College, part of the University of Sydney, where historic surroundings meet modern comfort. The accommodation is secure and supported, helping you feel confident and focused throughout your stay.

Outside the classroom, activities range from guided visits to the Opera House and Darling Harbour to relaxed afternoons at Bondi Beach. Younger groups follow structured schedules with close supervision, while older participants enjoy more independence.

This balance of support, exploration, and community spirit makes every summer in Sydney a memorable journey of learning and self-discovery.

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FAQs

How long is each Sydney summer school programme?

Programmes run for two weeks, offering an immersive mix of academic sessions, cultural activities, and social events designed to inspire learning and connection.

Do participants receive certificates at the end?

Yes. Every participant receives a certificate of achievement, recognising academic participation and helping strengthen future university or scholarship applications.

Are the costs the same for the 13–15 and 16–18 age groups?

Yes. Both age groups pay the same tuition fee of £5,995, which covers accommodation, meals, tuition, materials, and scheduled excursions.

Are weekend excursions included in the programme?

Yes. Participants enjoy weekend excursions to popular Sydney attractions, offering opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment outside the classroom.

Conclusion

Our summer school in Australia offers an inspiring way to explore subjects, meet new friends, and prepare for the next stage of your academic journey.

With programmes designed for ages 13 to 18, you can develop confidence, independence, and practical insight that extend beyond the classroom.

Whether you are beginning your exploration at 13 or preparing for university at 17, each programme provides the right level of challenge and support.

Discover how the Sydney summer school can shape your path forward and explore our Cambridge summer school to continue your global learning journey.