For students curious about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, summer offers a rare chance to explore these subjects beyond the limits of school lessons. STEM summer programs in the United Kingdom for high school students allow you to experience how STEM is studied in real academic settings, combining theory with hands-on investigation, experimentation, and problem-solving. It is an opportunity to see what studying STEM truly looks like before making future academic decisions.

Imagine conducting experiments in historic laboratories, tackling engineering challenges in university classrooms, or learning from researchers at some of the world’s most respected academic institutions. These experiences combine rigorous learning with exposure to a globally renowned education system, offering a firsthand look at how STEM is taught and applied at the university level.

Even if you already live in the UK, participating in a summer program can completely shift your perspective. You experience familiar cities through the lens of an independent student, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence navigating academic environments.

How to choose the right STEM summer programs in the United Kingdom for high school students?

Some programs can feel overly introductory or lack meaningful hands-on experience. That’s why careful research is essential. Not all STEM summer programs offer the same level of challenge, mentorship, or academic value.

Across the UK, leading universities and educational organisations offer STEM programs in fields such as computer science, engineering, biology, physics, mathematics, and data science. Whether you’re exploring STEM for the first time or deepening an existing interest, these programs help you build technical skills while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in experiments, workshops, and collaborative projects, and work alongside motivated peers from around the world. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your analytical skills and gain a clearer sense of what studying STEM at the university level in the UK is really like.

To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 STEM Summer Programs in the United Kingdom for High School Students. They’ve been picked for their academic rigour, hands-on learning, and exposure to authentic university experiences.

15 STEM Summer Programs in the United Kingdom for High School Students

1. Sutton Trust Summer Schools

Location: 12 UK partner universities (e.g., Sheffield, Cambridge, UCL).
Cost: Completely free (includes meals, accommodation, travel). 
Dates: 20-23 July
Eligibility: Year 12 (England/Wales), S5 (Scotland), or Year 13 (Northern Ireland) students from state-funded UK schools, typically from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Deadline: 5th March (midday)

Sutton Summer Schools give you the chance to experience life at a UK university and explore subjects you might want to study in the future. You’ll take part in lectures and workshops that reflect undergraduate-style learning, attend skills sessions to understand higher education, and join social activities that introduce you to campus life.

The fully funded, residential programs are designed to remove financial barriers, letting you focus on learning and participation. You’ll also receive practical guidance on applications and student finance. Places are competitive, and the experience provides a realistic insight into university life while supporting your academic growth and confidence.

Why it stands out: It removes financial barriers while giving students from underrepresented backgrounds a fully funded, residential introduction to university-level study across leading UK institutions.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions

The Academic Insights Program provides school students with an opportunity to take undergraduate-level classes at universities around the world. Widely regarded as one of the most academically immersive STEM summer programs in the United Kingdom for high school students, participants work with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4–10 students. They attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with their 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 several STEM subjects, including artificial intelligence, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, 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 more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an early start at university life and academics because the program includes an independent project, discussion-based classes, and living at a college campus. 

3. University of Oxford – UNIQ Summer School

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost: Completely free
Dates: June 29th – July 31st
Eligibility: UK state school/college students in the first year of further education (Yr 12 England/Wales, Yr 13 Northern Ireland, S5 Scotland), under 18 at residential, high academic potential, UK resident for home fees (3+ years).
Application Deadline: 13th January

The UNIQ Summer School at the University of Oxford gives you the chance to experience life at one of the UK’s top universities while exploring a subject that interests you. During the program, you’ll take part in lectures, seminars, and independent study that reflect Oxford’s tutorial-style learning. Staying in college accommodation allows you to get a real sense of student life, academic expectations, and campus culture.

You’ll also have access to skills workshops, mentoring, and admissions guidance to help with future university applications. As a fully funded program, it removes financial barriers, letting you focus on learning and participation while gaining insight into competitive higher education pathways.

Why it stands out: It offers a rare chance to experience Oxford’s tutorial-style learning while providing targeted admissions guidance for highly selective universities.

4. University of Cambridge – STEM SMART Programme

Location: Online, with a 4-day residential in Cambridge
Cost: Free for eligible students
Dates: Phase 1 (12th January to 19th July), Phase 2 (7th September to 13th December), and Phase 3 (11th January to 3rd May)
Eligibility: UK students aged 16-17 for the full program duration, strong academic grades, English proficiency, and international school qualifications meeting entry requirements.
Application Deadline: 31st October

STEM SMART at the University of Cambridge gives you the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a university setting. You’ll take part in lectures, seminars, and problem-solving sessions led by Cambridge academics that reflect the pace and depth of undergraduate study.

The program also helps you develop important academic skills, like critical thinking, independent research, and clear communication. Staying on campus allows you to experience student life and work alongside peers in a collaborative environment. Fully focused on learning and personal growth, STEM SMART is a practical way to deepen your STEM interests and get a feel for studying at a top university.

Why it stands out: Its long-term academic structure mirrors undergraduate STEM rigour, helping you build independent thinking and sustained subject mastery over time.

5. Imperial College London

Location: South Kensington Campus, London, UK
Cost: £7,695
Dates: June 29th – July 10th; August 3-14
Eligibility: Aimed at students worldwide aged 16-17 with strong academic grades in STEM subjects and English proficiency; requires online application, references, personal statement, and transcripts.
Application Deadline: January

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School gives you the chance to experience life at a world-leading university while exploring STEM subjects that interest you. During the program, you take part in lectures, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities that reflect undergraduate-style learning in areas such as engineering, computing, and life sciences.

You’ll also develop problem-solving, teamwork, and research skills, while staying on Imperial’s London campus and meeting students from around the world. The program is designed to give you a realistic sense of studying in the UK and help you explore your academic interests in a supportive, immersive environment.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in project-based STEM learning at a world-leading science university, helping you understand the pace and expectations of top-tier technical degrees.

6. University of Edinburgh – Pre-University Summer School

Location: Holyrood Campus, University of Edinburgh, UK
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 (no stipend mentioned)
Dates: 29th June – 10th July
Application Deadline: 19th May
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 16-18 in their final or penultimate year of high school (science prerequisites expected

The Pre-University Life Sciences programme at the University of Edinburgh is a two-week summer course designed for students aged 16–18 who are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences. You’ll explore core areas such as biology, chemistry, genetics and immunology while developing essential scientific skills and gaining insight into real-world research.

Under the guidance of experienced science specialists, you can engage in practical investigations, discussions and visits to science organisations, and learn about diverse careers in the life sciences. With a focus on both academic enrichment and personal growth, this immersive programme offers a valuable taste of university-level study.

Why it stands out: It blends multidisciplinary life science exploration with real research-style investigations and expert interaction, helping you build foundational scientific skills and insight into life science careers while experiencing a world-class university environment.

7. University of Leeds – Biological Sciences Summer School

Location: Leeds campus in Leeds, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free, including all meals and one night in university accommodation
Dates: 26-27 June
Application Deadline: 1st January
Eligibility: Year 12 UK students (UK post-16) interested in biological sciences; targeted at widening participation, with potential travel bursaries up to £100 for eligible students

The Biological Sciences Summer School at the University of Leeds gives you the chance to explore the subject in depth over a two-day programme designed for Year 12 students. You’ll work on a project of your choice, gaining hands-on experience in scientific research and seeing how ideas develop from start to finish.

You’ll also meet staff and current undergraduates, giving you a clearer sense of studying biological sciences at university. The programme includes opportunities to discuss UCAS personal statements and future career paths. Taking place on campus, it combines academic insight with a taste of university life. It’s fully funded, so you can focus on learning without worrying about costs.

Why it stands out: Its project-based format introduces you to real scientific inquiry, helping you understand how research develops from question to conclusion.

8. Year 11 Online STEM Challenge – Imperial College London

Location: Hybrid (online with final day at Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (free) – course, materials, and lunch included; potential travel support case-by-case
Dates: 23-26 June
Application Deadline: 11th March
Eligibility: Must be in Year 11, live and study in the UK, and be able to travel to campus for the final day

The Imperial College London STEM Challenge offers secondary school students an opportunity to engage with real-world STEM problems in a collaborative and academically rigorous environment. Designed by one of the world’s leading STEM-focused universities, the programme encourages you to think critically, work in teams, and apply scientific and engineering concepts to practical challenges.

You are guided through problem-solving tasks that mirror how researchers and engineers approach complex issues. Beyond technical skills, the challenge builds communication, creativity, and confidence in academic thinking. It also provides early exposure to Imperial College London’s research-led approach and university-level expectations.

Why it stands out: It blends real-world problem solving, team collaboration and contact with STEM professionals, culminating in an on-campus pitch experience that mirrors university innovation challenges.

9. University of Warwick – Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 (plus £50 non-refundable application fee; no stipend
Dates: 14-24 July
Application Deadline: 31st May
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-17 interested in university-style learning

The University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School in Science and Engineering offers high school students a structured introduction to university-level STEM study in a world-class academic setting. Through subject-focused modules, you’ll explore core scientific and engineering concepts while developing analytical and problem-solving skills essential for higher education.

The programme balances academic rigour with hands-on learning, allowing you to engage with practical challenges and real-world applications. Alongside classroom learning, you’ll experience campus life at Warwick, gaining insight into lectures, facilities, and student culture. This immersive format makes the programme a strong foundation for students considering STEM degrees in the UK.

Why it stands out: It offers a focused Science & Engineering track taught by Warwick faculty, helping you experience undergraduate-level STEM learning and build confidence in a residential university setting.

10. University of St. Andrews – Physical Science, Mathematics, & Computer Science

Location: St Andrews, Scotland, UK (University of St Andrews campus)
Cost/Stipend: £6,850 all-inclusive course fee
Dates: 11th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students around the world aged 16-18 at arrival, with strong academic transcripts, an academic reference, and a personal statement; good English level required.

The University of St Andrews’ Academic Experience in Physical Sciences offers high school students an opportunity to explore university-level science in a research-driven environment. Designed for students interested in physics, chemistry, and related fields, the programme combines academic teaching with hands-on learning and problem-solving.

You’ll attend lectures led by experienced faculty and gain insight into how physical sciences are studied at one of the UK’s oldest universities. Beyond academics, you’ll get to experience life in St Andrews, engaging with peers from around the world. This programme is well-suited for students seeking intellectual challenge and early exposure to rigorous scientific study.

Why it stands out: It offers hands-on subject exploration with full financial support, helping you experience Russell Group academics without cost barriers.

11. Durham University – Supported Progression Summer School (STEM)

Location: Durham University campus, Durham, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free program with financial support for access and events
Dates: Dates announced in January
Application Deadline: March 20th
Eligibility: Year 12 students from North East England, low participation areas, first-generation, or disadvantaged backgrounds; welcomes disabled students with adjustments

Supported Progression is an access programme that supports you through Year 12 and Year 13 if you are underrepresented in higher education, particularly at Durham University. Through a series of academic activities and events, you gain a clearer understanding of university study and what academic life involves. The programme helps you build key skills and offers guidance on the UCAS application process, including preparing a strong application.

Taking part can also help you develop confidence as you plan your next steps after school. If you complete the programme successfully, you may be eligible for a guaranteed, alternative offer from Durham University, giving you additional support as you transition to higher education.

Why it stands out: It offers a multi-year support pathway with the potential for a guaranteed alternative offer, helping you transition smoothly into competitive university study.

12. University of Glasgow – Top-Up Programme (STEM Focus)

Location: University of Glasgow campus
Cost/Stipend: Free programme
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: Attending one of about 100 partner secondary schools in the West of Scotland. Applicants must meet criteria such as living in SIMD deciles 1-4, being care experienced, estranged, an unpaid carer, seeking asylum, or holding refugee status. Extenuating circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis through the school teacher

The University of Glasgow’s Top-Up Programme gives you structured preparation if you’re applying to, or thinking about, higher education. Over several weeks, you take part in a mix of school-based or online sessions and on-campus activities, including lectures, seminars, and workshops led by postgraduate tutors. You’ll complete written work set to university standards and receive feedback based on participation, preparation, and a final assignment.

The programme helps you build core academic skills such as critical reading, note-taking, discussion, and independent study. Completing the course can strengthen your university profile and may be considered for adjusted entry routes at Glasgow and other institutions. Overall, it offers a practical introduction to the expectations of university-level study.

Why it stands out: It strengthens your academic skills through university-level assignments and feedback, helping you prepare for degree-level expectations early.

13. Imperial College London – Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, on campus, London, UK.
Cost/Stipend: fully funded; course fees, materials & lunch covered
Dates: 29th June – 3rd July
Application Deadline: 6th March
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending a UK state school; must travel daily to Imperial; meet academic criteria

The Year 12 Work Experience Programme offers a one-week placement designed to immerse students in real research environments and academic work, giving them a valuable insight into university life and careers in higher education. You will work alongside leading researchers across a range of STEM departments, such as Bioengineering, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemical Engineering, gaining hands-on experience and professional skills.

Throughout the week, you will manage tasks similar to those encountered in a professional setting, attend specialist talks, and engage in collaborative projects. By the end of the programme, you will have developed confidence, practical knowledge, and a clearer understanding of future academic pathways.

Why it stands out: It gives you authentic research workplace experience within leading STEM departments at a top UK university, helping you understand what it’s like to work alongside real researchers and build professional skills before university.

14. Imperial College London – Year 9 Girls Engineering Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington campus (London, UK)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (free; tuition, materials, and lunch included, no stipend)
Dates: 4-7 August
Application Deadline: 18th March
Eligibility: Year 9 girls (UK) interested in engineering; must be able to travel to campus each day; additional eligibility criteria apply, but are not fully detailed on the page

The Girls’ Engineering Summer School at Imperial College London is a highly regarded initiative designed to encourage young women to explore engineering in a university setting. Over the course of the programme, you’ll engage in hands-on workshops, team-based design challenges, and academic sessions led by Imperial faculty and students. You’ll gain exposure to multiple engineering disciplines while developing problem-solving, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills.

Beyond academics, the programme offers insight into student life at a world-leading STEM university through campus-based activities and mentoring. By combining practical learning with representation and community-building, the summer school empowers students to confidently consider engineering pathways in higher education and beyond.

Why it stands out: It gives Year 9 girls a fully funded, hands-on introduction to multiple engineering disciplines through practical activities and real-world projects, helping build confidence and insight into STEM careers at an early stage.

15. King’s College London – K+ Summer Schools (STEM)

Location: King’s College London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free program. Successful completers receive a £1000 bursary in their first year at King’s
Dates: LateNovember
Application Deadline: 7th January
Eligibility: Year 12 students from non-selective state schools in London/surrounding areas (check interactive map for school eligibility). Must attend all events. Over 500 are selected annually from thousands.

The K+ Program at King’s College London gives high school students a first-hand look at university life and academic study. Through workshops, campus visits, and interactive sessions, you’ll gain insight into higher education and explore subjects in depth. The program also offers guidance on applications, scholarships, and student life, helping you make informed decisions about your future.

By connecting with current students and fellow participants, you can build confidence and experience the social and academic aspects of university. Designed to be accessible and supportive, K+ provides a meaningful introduction to university opportunities without financial barriers. It’s an ideal stepping stone for students considering higher education in the UK.

Why it stands out: It offers sustained academic support along with a £1000 bursary, helping you build university-ready skills and confidence in a prestigious London setting.

Preparing for Elite UK Admissions

Gaining admission to top UK universities requires more than strong grades. It demands academic curiosity, independence, and evidence that you understand how your subject is studied beyond school.

That is where these 15 STEM summer programs in the United Kingdom for high school students play a crucial role. They expose you to university-style teaching, research-led learning, and the expectations of elite academic environments.

Through lectures, projects, and collaboration, you begin developing the confidence and skills admissions tutors look for. You also gain clarity about whether STEM is the right long-term path for you.

If you are aiming for institutions like Oxford or Cambridge, explore our Ultimate Guide to Cambridge and Oxford to understand admissions pathways, college life, and how to prepare strategically.