15 Economics Summer Schools in Cambridge for High School Students

If you’re a high school student drawn to economics, you may already enjoy analysing graphs, debating policy decisions, or following global market trends. An economics summer school in Cambridge can turn that curiosity into a real feel for university-level study, from theory to practical analysis.

Imagine spending your summer immersed in an academic setting shaped by centuries of scholarship. Picture discussing fiscal policy with instructors, analysing real-world datasets, or debating economic inequality with ambitious peers from around the globe. These programmes combine intellectual rigour with collaborative exploration, offering a glimpse into university-style learning at a high level.

How do you choose the right economics summer schools in Cambridge for high school students?

With so many programs available, it’s important to identify those that provide genuine academic depth. Some programs emphasize lectures, while others incorporate seminars, case studies, data workshops, and guided research projects. That’s why thoughtful selection matters, because the strongest experiences combine structured learning, expert mentorship, and meaningful discussion.

Across Cambridge, summer schools in economics may cover topics such as game theory, international trade, public policy, econometrics, and financial systems. You might participate in small-group seminars, collaborative projects, or debates that mirror university expectations. Programs range from accessible introductions to more intensive experiences designed for students seeking academic challenge.

You’ll learn from experienced instructors, engage in discussions with motivated peers, and refine both your quantitative and critical reasoning skills. 

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Economics Summer Schools in Cambridge for High School Students, selected for their academic rigor, immersive environments, and ability to provide meaningful exposure to the study of economics in a vibrant scholarly setting.

For more options, you can also look at online economics programs for high school students.

15 Economics Summer Schools in Cambridge for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s Cambridge Economics Summer School

Location: Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school, international students are welcome.

The Academic Insights Programme is one of the most academically rigorous economics summer schools in Cambridge, giving you a real taste of university life in small groups of 7–10 students led by tutors from leading institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. You will explore core topics like supply and demand, market structures, globalisation, and behavioural economics through discussions, case studies, and applied exercises.

Since the course places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, you might be asked to debate economic trade-offs, analyze policy decisions, or work through actual business scenarios. You will finish a personal project that promotes independent study and methodical thinking in addition to academic sessions. Living on campus allows you to interact with classmates from around the globe and better grasp the routine and demands of university education. 

You will graduate from the program with a certificate of completion that may be used to support future academic applications as well as a thorough tutor evaluation. This program offers a realistic preview of studying economics at the university level while helping you evaluate whether the discipline aligns with your long-term academic goals. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You study in small, discussion-driven classes while living on campus, gaining an experience that closely reflects undergraduate academic life.

2. Sutton Trust Summer School – University of Cambridge

Location: University of Cambridge, UK 
Cost: Free (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and activities) 
Dates: Typically one week in summer
Application Deadline: Midday on 12th February
Eligibility: Restricted to Year 12 students attending UK state-funded, non-fee-paying schools; not open to international students.

The Sutton Trust Summer School at Cambridge gives you the opportunity to experience university-style academics through subject-specific teaching delivered by Cambridge faculty and researchers. Depending on the subject you select, you will participate in lectures, seminars, and small-group sessions that emphasize independent thinking, analytical discussion, and academic curiosity. The program is designed to mirror elements of the Cambridge supervision system, helping you understand how teaching and learning operate at highly selective universities.

Alongside academic sessions, you will attend application workshops covering personal statements, course selection, and student life, giving you practical insight into the admissions process. Living in a Cambridge college allows you to experience the structure, expectations, and independence associated with undergraduate study while building connections with peers who share similar academic goals.

Why it stands out: Provides an authentic taste of Cambridge’s academic environment at no cost, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to envision and pursue higher education aspirations.

3. Immerse Education – Economics Online Summer School

Location: Online
Cost: Classic: £2,895 (10 hours); UK/US Accredited: £3,995 (15 hours); Publication Track: £4,995
Dates: Flexible start dates; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13-18 worldwide; international students are eligible

Immerse Education’s Economics Online Research Programme pairs you with a dedicated academic mentor from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge for personalized, one-on-one instruction. You will investigate advanced economic topics, ranging from market behavior to global policy, while learning how to structure arguments, evaluate data, and engage with scholarly literature. The program centers on producing an independent research paper, helping you build skills in academic writing, critical analysis, and evidence-based reasoning.

Depending on your selected track, you may earn UK UCAS points, receive US college credit recommendations, or work toward publication in a high school academic journal. The flexible format allows you to pursue rigorous academic work while managing other commitments, closely reflecting the independence expected in university study. 

Why it stands out: You receive individualized mentorship and complete a substantive research project, creating a strong academic artifact that can support future college applications.

4. Wharton Global Youth Program – Strategy and International Management (Cambridge, UK)

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost: $9,599; $100 non-refundable application fee; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Session 1: July 4-17; Session 2: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28th; final deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Open to high school students globally; international applicants are welcome.

This two-week residential program immerses you in university-level business education, with a focus on strategy, international management, and ESG principles. You’ll participate in lectures, case studies, and group projects supervised by Wharton faculty to learn how organizations navigate global marketplaces and organizational issues.

The program stresses critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills, preparing you for future academic endeavors in business or economics. Living in Cambridge will expose you to the academic milieu of a historic university city, helping you better grasp international business environments.

Why it stands out: Offers a rigorous exploration of global business strategies within a historic academic setting, providing insights into international management practices.

5. Wharton Global Youth – Cambridge, UK: Public Finance and Society

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost: $9,599 (includes tuition, housing, two meals per weekday, excursions, and activities)
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 28th; final deadline: March 18th
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, international students are welcome.

This intensive two-week program immerses you in the study of public finance and its role in shaping societies. You’ll engage in small group discussions, analyze policy solutions from various countries, and develop your own proposals reflecting your values and ideals. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application, culminating in a final presentation where you’ll pitch your policy system for a vote.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience Cambridge’s rich academic environment and connect with peers from around the world. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion, enhancing your academic profile.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic exploration with practical policy analysis, offering a unique opportunity to study economics within a global context at one of the world’s leading universities.

6. IGNITE Young Minds Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK
Cost: £4,500 (includes tuition, accommodation at Clare College, meals, and activities)
Dates: July 19-25
Application Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18, international students are eligible

The Cambridge Judge Business School offers a week-long program called IGNITE Young Minds Summer Camp that aims to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. To support the development of skills like effective communication, financial literacy, business model development, and innovative problem-solving, lectures, seminars, and group projects will be used.

Along with mentorship from Cambridge teachers and businesspeople, the program includes cultural activities like punting and trips to historic sites.  By the conclusion of the week, you will have formulated and presented a business plan, thereby acquiring practical experience in cooperation and innovation. The Entrepreneurship Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School will issue you a Certificate of Attendance upon your completion.

Why it stands out: Combines academic instruction with hands-on entrepreneurial experience, providing insights into business creation and leadership within a prestigious university environment.

7. Cambridge Scholars’ Programme – Economics & Finance Track

Location: Girton College, University of Cambridge, UK
Cost: $3,500 (1 week); $6,995 (2 weeks); includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, courses, trips, and most activities
Dates: One Week: July 12-19; Two Weeks: July 19th – August 2nd
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 14-18 from all countries; international students are eligible

The Cambridge Scholars’ Programme is a full summer program that includes both academic study and cultural immersion. In the Economics & Finance program, you’ll learn about important economic concepts, financial systems, and how markets work in engaging classes taught by professional teachers.

The program focuses on critical thinking and applying what you learn to real life. It gets you ready for future studies in economics or a similar profession. You’ll go on trips to historic locations all around the UK, do fun activities, and live in a college atmosphere in Cambridge, which will give you a taste of what college is like.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic study with cultural experiences, offering a holistic approach to understanding economics within the context of British history and society.

8. FitzEd Summer School – Business Economics & Elements of Mathematical Economics

Location: Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, UK
Cost: £7,450 (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, excursions, and cultural activities)
Dates: Programme 1: July 12-25; Programme 2: July 26th – August 8th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: International students aged 16-18; strong academic performance and English proficiency required. UK-based students are not eligible

FitzEd Summer School provides two specialized courses: Business Economics and Elements of Mathematical Economics. These courses, taught by current University of Cambridge academics, offer 40 hours of tuition, which includes lectures and small-group supervisions that reflect the university’s teaching style.

You’ll work on an individual research project that culminates in an academic essay and presentation, with the best writings published in the FitzEd Summer School Journal. Aside from academics, the program includes cultural activities such as trips to London, visits to Cambridge sites, and social events, providing a comprehensive view of university life.

Why it stands out: Offers an authentic Cambridge academic experience through rigorous coursework and personalized supervision, combined with cultural immersion in a historic university setting.

9. Downing College International Programme – Economics Track

Location: Downing College, University of Cambridge, UK
Cost: £6,995 (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and excursions)
Dates: July 14th – August 3rd
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 with strong academic motivation and English proficiency. Open to international students, students currently studying in the UK are not eligible.

The Downing College International Programme is one of the most structured economics summer schools in Cambridge, exploring the subject through lectures, seminars, and supervised research projects. You’ll engage with topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international trade, guided by experienced academic tutors.

The program focuses on critical thinking and analytical skills, culminating in a research project that allows you to delve further into a topic of interest. Living at Downing College gives a real Cambridge experience, including cultural excursions and social events. Upon completion, you will get a certificate that recognizes your academic achievements during the program.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic study with cultural immersion, offering a holistic introduction to university life and economics at Cambridge.

10. Wharton Global Youth Program – Future of the Business World (Virtual)

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 plus a $100 non-refundable application fee; need-based financial aid available
Dates: June 15-26; July 6-17
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 28th; rolling admissions afterward
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12, Open to high school students worldwide; international students are eligible

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers the Future of the Business World program, a two-week virtual experience that introduces you to new business trends and economic frameworks. Wharton academics will lead live seminars, and you will complete independent work to improve your research and analytical skills. The curriculum includes simulations and organized activities that will help you assess market fluctuations, leadership techniques, and long-term economic development.

You will also learn about methods like design thinking, competition analysis, and scenario planning to better understand how firms deal with uncertainty. Working in groups, you will create a final project centered on anticipating future business issues and opportunities, including principles acquired throughout the course.

Why it stands out: You learn directly from Wharton faculty while developing forward-looking business strategies in a collaborative, project-based environment.

11. Economics for Leaders Virtual (EFL)

Location: Virtual or residential at various U.S. locations
Cost: $900 (virtual); $2,800 (residential); scholarships available
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors; international students are eligible for the virtual sessions.

Economics for Leaders introduces you to the “economic way of thinking,” helping you evaluate how individuals, firms, and governments make choices under conditions of scarcity. Incentives, opportunity cost, inflation, labor markets, and international trade will all be covered in lectures, organized debates, and collaborative activities. The curriculum integrates academic learning with leadership development, encouraging you to use economic thinking to address real-world policy issues and organizational obstacles.

You will interact with economics professors and leadership instructors while working on group projects that require analytical problem-solving. The short, intensive structure allows you to gain fundamental economic knowledge while also improving communication and teamwork skills. 

Why it stands out: Its integrated focus on economics and leadership helps you connect theoretical concepts with real-world decision-making early in your academic journey.

12. Columbia University Pre-College Explore Courses (Economics, & Business Tracks)

Location: Both online and in-person in NYC, NY
Cost: Tuition varies by course and session
Dates: Multiple summer terms (1-week, 2-week, and multi-week sessions are typically offered)
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students all over the world, including international students, are eligible.

Columbia academics’ Pre-College Explore Courses provide an opportunity to engage in the study of economics, business, and many social sciences throughout the summer within a distinguished academic setting. You may enroll in courses that encompass fundamental economic principles, investigate financial markets, or further study the domains of business and entrepreneurship. These classes include talks, case studies, and project work to stimulate critical thinking about how economic systems work and how they influence company decisions and public policy.

Throughout the course, you will improve your analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of economic reasoning in ways that go beyond traditional classroom experiences. After completing the program, you will receive a Columbia University participation certificate that recognizes your efforts and dedication throughout the summer.

Why it stands out: It gives you a flexible way to explore economics topics at an Ivy League institution while experiencing college-style learning and community, whether on campus or online.

13. Harvard Secondary School Program – Economics, Finance, and Public Policy

Location: Cambridge, MA (residential, commuter, and online options available)
Cost: Residential tuition approximately $15,735 (8 credits); online courses range from approximately $4,180–$8,160 depending on credits; $75 application fee. Financial aid available for eligible students.
Dates: Typically offered in 4-week and 7-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Early Action in early January; Regular Deadline in mid-February; Late Deadline in early April
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 who have completed at least one year of high school by the start of the program, and international students are eligible.

Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows you to enroll in real college courses online focused on economics, finance, and public policy alongside a diverse cohort of motivated peers. You can enroll in courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, behavioral economics, or financial analysis, based on what options are offered. Faculty associated with Harvard deliver the courses, following a systematic syllabus that encompasses assignments, debates, and examinations similar to those in higher education.

The program improves your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills while encouraging active engagement and commitment to your studies. Upon completion, you will obtain college credit and an official transcript. This program provides an authentic glimpse into university-level economics, assisting you in assessing your preparedness for rigorous academic work.

Why it stands out: You take actual Harvard courses for credit, gaining firsthand exposure to the rigor and expectations of undergraduate economics education.

14. Babson Summer Study for High School Students

Location: Babson College, Wellesley, MA or Online
Cost: $6,295 plus a $95 application fee; limited need-based financial assistance available for the online format
Dates: July 7-28
Application Deadline: March 14th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date, and international students are eligible.

Through the three-week online course “EPS 1110: Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Experience,” you can earn four college credits through Babson College’s Summer Study program. The curriculum emphasizes global issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Under the direction of Babson academics and mentors, you will participate in live virtual classes, group projects, and individual tasks.

The program emphasizes Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® methodology, encouraging you to think innovatively and act decisively. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a comprehensive business plan, enhancing your understanding of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Why it stands out: Combines rigorous academic instruction with practical application, allowing you to tackle real-world problems and develop entrepreneurial solutions in a flexible online format.

15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes – Principles of Macroeconomics

Location: Online (live, instructor-led)
Cost: $3,250; financial aid available
Dates: June 23rd – July 3rd
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the spring; early application is recommended as courses fill quickly
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12, including international students, are eligible.

Stanford’s Principles of Macroeconomics course introduces you to the large-scale forces that shape economic growth, financial stability, and global markets. Through live online classes, you will examine topics such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, and monetary systems while learning how economists interpret economic data. The course places a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and encourages you to use formal models and frameworks to assess actual economic occurrences.

The expectations of basic college economics classes will be reflected in the conversations and supervised coursework you will take part in. Within Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Studies framework, knowledgeable teachers provide instruction that fosters academic discipline and intellectual clarity.

Why it stands out: You engage in a live, discussion-driven macroeconomics course designed to mirror the pace and depth of an introductory Stanford classroom.

Conclusion

Choosing an economics summer school in Cambridge is more than a summer decision. It is a step toward understanding how markets, policies, and people shape the world around you.

In small seminars and data-driven discussions, you begin thinking beyond textbook diagrams. You test ideas, question assumptions, and apply theory to real global challenges.

The right programme will stretch your reasoning and sharpen your confidence. It also helps you see whether economics is simply an interest or a future path.

Ready to go further? Discover the essential titles every aspiring economist should read in our Economics Top Books Guide and start building the insight that sets you apart.