When you’re in high school, summer can feel like a break from routines. But it can also be a chance to step beyond familiar surroundings and experience learning in a completely new context. Summer programs in Europe for high school students offer the opportunity to combine academic exploration with cultural immersion across some of the world’s most historic and dynamic cities.

Imagine attending classes in centuries-old university buildings, discussing ideas with students from across the globe, and spending your afternoons wandering cobblestone streets, museums, and public squares. From major academic hubs to vibrant cultural centers, Europe offers a unique setting where education and everyday life intersect in meaningful ways.

Even if you’ve traveled before, participating in a structured summer program allows you to experience Europe differently. You’re not just visiting; you’re living, learning, and engaging with local culture while building independence and confidence in an international environment.

What are summer programs in Europe for high school students?

Some programs focus more on sightseeing than substance, while others may lack academic depth or structure. That’s why careful research is essential, so you can pick summer programs that are best for you.

Across Europe, universities and educational organizations offer summer programs in fields like STEM, business, humanities, medicine, arts, and social sciences. Whether you’re exploring a new subject or deepening an existing interest, these programs help you develop global awareness while gaining insight into university-level study.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, take part in discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities, and collaborate with motivated peers. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your academic and communication skills, gain cross-cultural perspectives, and develop a clearer sense of what studying at the university level in an international setting is really like.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Summer Programs in Europe for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic quality, cultural immersion, and ability to turn your summer into a truly transformative experience.

15 Summer Programs in Europe for High School Students

1. Imperial Global Summer School

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29th – July 10th or August 3-14
Application Deadline: Applications open in January 
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 16-17 with strong academic ability and English proficiency

The Imperial Global Summer School is a two-week academic experience for high school students at Imperial College London’s South Kensington campus. In the first week, you choose a subject area such as chemistry, engineering, physics, medicine and life sciences, or data science and AI.

You’ll take part in lectures, lab sessions, and practical workshops led by Imperial faculty. In the second week, you’ll join students from other disciplines for an Innovation Challenge run by the Imperial Enterprise Lab, where you’ll work in teams to address a real-world problem. 

Why it stands out: The program is globally oriented, and it combines STEM learning with entrepreneurship activities to make a highly prestigious summer program.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fairly selective; An average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions 
Eligibility: Students around the globe 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. 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.

Students 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, they 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. London School of Economics and Political Science Summer School

Location: London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, UK
Cost: Fees vary by course and sessions; accommodation is extra. Check here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment
Dates: June 22nd – July 10th; July 13th – 31st;  August 3rd – August 21st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended until classes fill
Eligibility: Advanced high school students (16+) globally with strong academic performance; English language proficiency required

The London School of Economics and Political Science Summer School hosts several credit-bearing courses, positioning it among one of the most rigorous summer programs in Europe for high school students interested in data science, finance, law, politics, economics, and business. You’ll be taught by LSE faculty through a structured combination of lectures and seminars.

The program is built to model the undergraduate educational experience at LSE. You will engage in case studies, work with real data, and develop analytical and quantitative skills. The program also features SPARK, a professional skills series designed to build career readiness.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn in an international setting at one of the world’s leading academic institutions, with peers and professionals from over 100 countries.

4. King’s College London: Pre-University Summer School

Location: King’s College London, Strand Campus, London, UK
Cost: £3,195 for one week; £6,180 for two weeks; £9,375 for three weeks; £1,200–£2,400 for English Language & Culture courses; Application fee: £65(non refundable)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrolment
Dates: July 6-10;  July 13-17; July  20-24; July 27-31
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-17 in their final three years of high school; must meet English proficiency requirements

King’s College London’s Pre-University Summer School offers university-style courses across subjects like science, technology, medicine, psychology, neuroscience, and computer science. You can choose one-week courses and combine multiple subjects over two or three weeks, depending on your interests. You will be taught by faculty from the university, supplemented by lectures, seminars, and discussions.

You’ll complete assignments and get written feedback from tutors. The program is structured and attendance-based, giving you a realistic sense of academic expectations at a UK university. All participants receive a King’s Certificate of Completion upon completing the program.

Why it stands out: King’s College is a highly renowned institution, and you might have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and sessions with experts from the NHS, the British Parliament, and the Royal Courts of Justice.

5. The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Vocational Scholarship  

Location: Multiple locations in Germany
Cost: Free; small stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective; 25 students selected
Dates: August – June the following year
Application Deadline: December 15th
Eligibility: Current high school seniors; Minimum GPA of 2.5; Must be a U.S. citizen; Some knowledge of German is preferred but not required

The Congress–Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Vocational Scholarship is a fully funded, year-long program for high school seniors interested in vocational training and applied learning in Germany. Some options include Veterinary Science, Information Technology, and Engineering. You live with a host family, enroll in a vocational school, and complete one or more internships in your chosen field.

The program emphasizes real-world skills, workplace culture, and technical training rather than classroom-only study. You’ll participate in seminars on German history, politics, and society, including time in Weimar and a closing program in Berlin. You also meet U.S. and German government officials, offering insight into international cooperation and policy. 

Why it stands out: Only a small cohort is selected each year, making this a competitive option for students considering technical or career-focused pathways after high school.

6. Oxford University AI and Machine Learning Pioneers

Location: Oxford University Saïd Business School, Oxford, UK
Cost: £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided 
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-18 | Students must obtain a proper visa

The AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School is an intensive academic program by Oxford Saïd in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics. You’ll study how artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning are shaping business, economics, and society through a structured, university-level curriculum.

You will attend coding sessions that introduce core skills used in AI development, by Oxford academics and industry practitioners. You will have the opportunity to experience Oxford’s academic traditions, formal college dinners, and collaborative group challenges. 

Why it stands out: You will learn from experts actively researching agentic AI and its real-world applications.

7. London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) STEM Summer Camp

Location: Imperial College London, London, England (Virtual option available as well)
Cost: £3,295 (on-campus) | £395 (virtual)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 500 students from 90 countries
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: May 30th
Eligibility: Students from all countries aged 16-21 who are fluent in English and passionate about STEM

The STEM Summer Camp, hosted by the London International Youth Science Forum, is a two-week summer program in London for high school students interested in STEM fields. During the program, you will attend lectures by leading scientists and Nobel Prize winners. You’ll join active research projects at laboratories, and may have the chance to present your results to peers and faculty.

The camp also includes quizzes, treasure hunts, debates, sports sessions, theatre performances, and traditional evenings. Additionally, you can expect visits to top UK university departments at Oxford and Cambridge.

Why it stands out: You will learn with 500 students from 90 countries worldwide, ensuring a truly global experience.

8. Oxford Saïd Teen Technology and Innovation Summer Academy

Location: Oxford
Cost/Stipend: £8,995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Two-week programme from July 18th
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Domestic and international teens aged 15 to 18

The Oxford Saïd Teen Technology and Innovation Summer Academy is a two-week program for high school students who want to explore how emerging technologies are shaping the world. You’ll study areas like artificial intelligence, biotech, fintech, sustainability tech, and space innovation through project-based learning rather than lectures alone. For much of the program duration, you will build and refine your own tech or innovation project.

Sessions are led by Oxford tutors, alumni, and industry experts, with an emphasis on problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and clear communication. You’ll participate in cultural activities like punting, college tours, and day trips. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony and a University of Oxford certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: You will gain direct insight into life at Oxford while developing essential problem-solving skills.

9. Pre-University Summer School at the University of Warwick 

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: July 14-24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions ending May 31st
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 16-17 planning to apply or currently applying to college | Students must obtain a proper visa or electronic travel authorization

The Warwick Pre-University Summer School is designed for high school students aged 16–17 who want a realistic preview of university-level study in the UK. You will choose one course area, ranging from Science and Engineering to Health and Life Sciences, and learn directly from Warwick faculty through structured academic sessions.

You’ll live on Warwick’s campus with student ambassadors, which gives you a clearer sense of day-to-day university life. The programme also includes visits to Oxford and Warwick Castle. You will participate in social and skills-based sessions throughout the programme, helping you build independence and confidence in a new academic setting.

Why it stands out: It combines serious academic learning with a residential campus experience that closely mirrors first-year university life.

10. Bocconi University — Summer School for High School Students

Location: Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
Cost/Stipend: € 2,700 fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students from all around the globe aged 15+

The Bocconi Summer School gives you a two-week introduction to how technology, data, and economics are taught, making it a distinctive choice among the various summer programs in Europe for high school students. You choose two labs from a wide menu and spend one week in each, allowing you to explore different interests without committing to just one academic track.

STEM-focused labs include Python programming, data science, and artificial intelligence, where you learn how coding, machine learning, and predictive models are applied to real-world problems like data visualization, network analysis, and decision-making. You will also experience Bocconi’s classroom culture and spend your summer living and learning in Milan. The program is best suited for students curious about how STEM skills intersect with business, economics, and society.

Why it stands out: You can sample multiple STEM labs in a single program, giving you a clear sense of how coding, data science, and AI are taught in a top European university setting.

11. CERN-Solvay Student Camp

Location: CERN campus, Geneva, Switzerland
Cost/Stipend: Free participation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~30 students per camp, selected from all over the world
Dates: April 19-25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students from around the world aged 16+

The CERN–Solvay Student Camps are week-long residential programs for high school students who want firsthand exposure to experimental science. You’ll spend the week on CERN’s campus, exploring how particle physics research is conducted at the world’s largest laboratory. The program includes hands-on experiments at the Science Gateway, guided visits to active research facilities, and small-group lab explorations across the campus.

You’ll attend lectures and Q&A sessions with CERN and Solvay scientists, focusing on both current research and scientific career paths. With a cohort of just 30 students per camp, the experience is discussion-driven and highly interactive, allowing you to engage closely with scientists and peers from around the world.

Why it stands out: You live and learn inside CERN itself, working in small groups and engaging directly with researchers shaping modern physics.

12. Franklin University Switzerland – Sustainability, Eco-Resilience, and Climate Justice

Location: Franklin University Switzerland, Lugano
Cost/Stipend: 4,000 CHF
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 13-24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15–18 with at least 10 years of schooling; English proficiency required if applicable

The Franklin University Switzerland Pre-College Summer Program is a two-week academic experience for high school students interested in sustainability, climate science, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. You choose one course and study it at a university level while living and learning on Franklin’s international campus in Lugano. In the Sustainability, Eco-Resilience, and Climate Justice course, you examine climate change through science, policy, and human behavior, with a focus on how communities respond to environmental challenges.

Along with classroom instruction, you will learn through field-based exploration, including studying local ecosystems and sustainability initiatives in Switzerland. You will receive three university credits and gain experience working in small, discussion-driven classes with students from around the world. 

Why it stands out: You earn university credit while studying climate science in an interdisciplinary, field-based setting that connects environmental data, policy, and human impact.

13. ESCP Business School: International Summer School 

Location: ESCP Turin Campus, Turin, Italy
Cost/Stipend: €2,000/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Varies by program, check individual course listing
Eligibility: High school students from all countries aged 16-18 with a B1 Level in English

The ESCP International Summer School in Turin is a one or two-week program for high school students interested in exploring the field of business through a global lens. You’ll engage in case studies and work on team projects to learn core areas like Marketing, Finance, Strategy, and People Management.

You will also learn through company visits and collaborative challenges. You will experience ESCP student life and work closely with peers from different countries in a multicultural classroom setting. All students receive a certificate of completion upon completion of the program.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore real business cases as you engage in a course specializing in finance, along with direct exposure to European companies.

14. Brown Experiential Education: Oxford 

Location: Oxford University, Oxford, UK, and other UK cities
Cost/Stipend: $8,270
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students around the globe completing grades 10-12, aged 16-18 (by June 14th)

The Brown Experiential Education: Oxford is a biotechnology program for high school students interested in how biology, technology, and medicine intersect. You’ll study the fundamentals of modern biotech through a single focused course, Basics in Biotech: From Genes to Innovation, covering topics like DNA, proteins, CRISPR gene editing, cancer immunotherapy, and the role of AI and machine learning in drug discovery.

Learning is discussion-based and paired with site visits to research institutes, biotech parks, and hospitals, so you see how ideas move from the lab to real-world medical applications. The program emphasizes scientific literacy and critical thinking, without formal grades, and concludes with a course performance report and digital certificate. You’ll live and learn in Oxford while engaging closely with peers who are equally serious about science.

Why it stands out: It directly links classroom learning with real biotech and clinical settings, showing how research becomes innovation rather than stopping at theory.

15. Imperial College Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: Year 12 students attending state schools in the UK, meeting academic and inclusive participation criteria

The Work Experience Programme at Imperial College is designed for high school students looking to get an insight into life as a researcher and other careers in higher education. Some research stream options include Bioengineering, Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Materials, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Research. You will experience a working life schedule and have direct access to the research and teaching laboratories in your department.

Beyond academics, you’ll attend talks on applying to university, supported by a student ambassador. You will present a poster and an oral presentation at an academic-style conference before your peers, leaders, and guests upon completion of the program. 

Why it stands out: You will be placed in functioning labs, divided into research groups, and you will learn to present research work at a formal academic conference.

Your Next Step Towards Studying Abroad

Choosing how to spend your summer can shape how you see learning, the world, and yourself. Studying abroad introduces new routines, expectations, and ways of thinking that go far beyond a typical classroom experience.

Summer programs in Europe for high school students allow you to test university-style study while living in culturally rich cities. You learn to adapt, communicate across cultures, and take responsibility for your own academic journey.

These experiences help you recognise your interests, build confidence, and understand what studying internationally truly involves before making long-term decisions.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible next, visit our Study Abroad blogs for expert advice on destinations, subjects, and application strategies.