15 Summer Camps in Europe for 16-18 Year Olds

Imagine spending your summer attending lectures at Oxford, building an AI model in Germany, launching a sounding rocket in Norway, rehearsing an original musical in York, or conducting experiments alongside scientists in a university laboratory. Across Europe, summer camps for 16- to 18-year-olds go far beyond sightseeing or classroom learning. They immerse you in university campuses, research facilities, innovation hubs, and creative studios where you’ll explore subjects in the same environments used by undergraduate students.

Depending on the programme you choose, you could write Python code, analyse scientific data, design engineering prototypes, conduct laboratory experiments, develop business strategies, create theatre productions, study economics, or collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects.

Along the way, you’ll strengthen practical skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, public speaking, research, problem solving, and independent learning while receiving guidance from university faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. Living on campus and learning alongside students from around the world also gives you first-hand experience of the pace, expectations, and collaborative culture of higher education.

Why Europe for 16–18-year-olds?

Europe is home to many of the world’s oldest and most respected universities, internationally recognised research centres, and globally influential industries, making it an exceptional destination for ambitious high school students. From Oxford, Imperial College London, Warwick, and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom to leading research institutions in Germany, Switzerland, and Norway, students gain access to world-class laboratories, innovation centres, business schools, and creative academies.

Beyond academics, Europe offers an unmatched combination of cultural diversity and international collaboration. You might spend one day presenting research with students from dozens of countries, another exploring museums or historic cities, and the next working on engineering challenges, theatre productions, entrepreneurship projects, or outdoor expeditions. This blend of rigorous academics, cultural immersion, and international networking creates an experience that develops not only subject knowledge but also the independence, adaptability, and global perspective that universities increasingly value.

To make your search easier, below are 15 summer camps in Europe for 16-18-year-olds.

For related options, consider the online research program.

Key Takeaways

• Costs range from free at Newcastle University’s Bitesize Uni summer school to €6,000 plus fees for Sciences Po’s on-campus Pre-College Programme.
• Newcastle University’s Bitesize Uni is restricted to UK-based students and covers all travel and accommodation costs, while most other programs are open internationally.
• STEM-focused options include Trinity College Dublin’s Launch Camp, the University of Göttingen’s XLAB International Science Camp, and Imperial College London’s Global Summer School.
• Business and economics programs include the Pre-Uni Camp at Dauphine-PSL London, Bocconi’s Summer School in Milan, and IE University’s program in Segovia and Madrid.
• Program lengths vary from three days at Dauphine-PSL London and Trinity College Dublin to three weeks at the University of the Arts London’s Acting and Performance Summer School and XLAB’s science camp.
• Several UK university programs, including Imperial College London, Edinburgh, and Warwick, require students to be aged 16 to 17 or 16 to 18 with strong academic records.
• Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme spans eight global locations, including Cambridge, Oxford, and London, for students aged 13 to 18 studying in classes of 7 to 10.
• Application deadlines range from rolling admissions at several programs to fixed dates, such as March 15 for Newcastle University’s Bitesize Uni.

15 Summer Camps in Europe for 16-18 Year Olds

1. Pre-Uni Camps at Dauphine-PSL London

Location: Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, London, England
Cost: £220; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 40 students
Dates: July 7–9
Application Deadline: Closes when spots fill
Eligibility: Year 11, 12, and 13 students aged 16–19; entering the last two years of International Baccalaureate (IB) or finishing any other high school diploma; gap year students; open to international students

The Pre-Uni Camp at Université Paris Dauphine – PSL London introduces you to the foundations of economics and management through an intensive three-day academic experience. You will attend lectures and interactive workshops covering topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, accounting, and the evolution of management theory.

Alongside academic learning, you’ll also engage in debates, public speaking exercises, teamwork activities, and computer-based sessions. Faculty members are also available to answer questions about university pathways and future careers, giving you valuable insight into higher education before graduation.

Why it stands out: The programme combines introductory university-level economics with communication and leadership training in a compact three-day format.

2. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme

Source: Immerse Education

Location: London, Oxford, Cambridge
Cost: Varies; scholarships available through the bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 7–10 students per class
Dates: Two-week sessions throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 enrolled in middle or high school; open to international students

The Academic Insights Programme allows you to experience university life while studying alongside a small group of students under tutors from leading institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. You can choose from more than 20 academic subjects, including Artificial Intelligence, Architecture, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Law, Medicine, Philosophy, and Engineering.

Learning is built around practical application, allowing you to participate in activities such as medical dissections, engineering design projects, business case studies, creative writing workshops, or mock court proceedings depending on your chosen subject. Throughout the programme, you’ll complete an independent project, receive personalised academic feedback, and earn a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: Small-group teaching, project-based learning, and residential college life closely mirror the experience of studying at a leading university.

3. University of Bocconi Summer School

Location: Milan, Italy
Cost: €2,700; optional on-campus housing is an additional €1,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~400–500 high school students
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: April 9
Eligibility: Students in their third-to-last or second-to-last year of high school; at least 15 years old by the start date of the program; open to international students

The Bocconi University Summer School offers you a two-week academic experience in Milan designed to explore leading-edge subjects like economics, management, finance, computer coding, and data science. During the program, you will participate in hands-on labs, attend interactive faculty lectures, take part in a local cooking class to make pasta, and join sports activities or tournaments at the campus center.

Its unique features include learning directly from university professors, choosing specialized elective labs, and collaborating with an international cohort of peers. Through these activities, you will develop critical thinking, public presentation, foundational programming, and strategic problem-solving skills.

Why it stands out: It combines undergraduate-level academics taught by elite European faculty with immersive, multicultural networking in the heart of Milan’s business district.

4. IE University Pre-University Summer Program

Location: Segovia and Madrid, Spain
Cost: €5,900; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~1,000+ total students
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions between June 14 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–17 with a high level of English proficiency; open to international students

The IE University Pre-University Summer Program is designed for 16-to-18-year-old high school students to explore academic pathways like business, law, design, STEM, and global affairs. During the course, you will tackle topics spanning business management, innovation, and critical thinking while experiencing university life.

You will participate in hands-on projects, solve real-world challenges, and collaborate on team activities. These experiences help you cultivate essential power skills such as leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving. Ultimately, the program gives you a clear preview of higher education under the guidance of expert faculty members in Spain.

Why it stands out: It combines university-level coursework taught by real faculty with an immersive cultural and collaborative environment across vibrant campuses in Madrid and Segovia.

5. University of Göttingen – XLAB International Science Camp

Location: University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
Cost: €3,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~18 to 30 students annually
Dates: August 1–23
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until all spots are fully booked
Eligibility: Students aged 17+ with at least B2 English proficiency; open to international students

The XLAB International Science Camp offers an intensive research experience where you’ll spend three weeks conducting experiments inside university laboratories under the guidance of professional scientists. You can customise your academic schedule by selecting three weekly modules covering subjects such as quantum physics, molecular medicine, neuroscience, or chemistry.

Working in small research groups, you’ll carry out daily experiments using advanced laboratory equipment before analysing your findings and presenting your results at the end of each module. Beyond the laboratory, the programme includes cultural activities and excursions that allow you to experience the city of Göttingen alongside fellow young researchers.

Why it stands out: Few STEM programmes give high school students direct access to university laboratories and researcher mentorship for nearly an entire month.

6. Sciences Po Summer School – Pre-College Programmes

Location: Reims, France for the on-campus programme, with cultural activities also held in Paris; an online programme is available to participants worldwide
Cost: €6,000 + a €50 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~100 students per session
Dates: On-campus: July 4–21; Online: June 29 – July 9
Application Deadline: On-campus: April 1; Online: May 27

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in secondary school and still enrolled in Fall; on-campus applicants under 18 at the start of the programme; English proficiency verification required for non-native speakers; open to international students

The Sciences Po Pre-College Programme offers a preview of university life in France. You will explore core social science topics, including international relations, political science, economics, history, law, humanities, and sociology. During the session, you will attend thematic master classes, engage in interactive tutorial workshops, participate in social activities, and enjoy cultural excursions.

The experience offers unique features like studying alongside a diverse international cohort and living on the historic Paris and Reims campuses. Through this rigorous coursework, you will develop skills like critical thinking, academic research, and intercultural communication.

Why it stands out: You get to experience a genuine slice of university life at one of France’s most prestigious social science institutions, combining rigorous academics with authentic cultural immersion.

7. University of Amsterdam Pre-University Summer Programme

Location: University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost: Varies by course; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 22 students per subject track
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions across June–August
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program and have a strong academic record; open to international students

This summer camp for 16-18 year olds in Europe offers you a two-week introduction to university-level academics. You will explore specific interdisciplinary tracks covering Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Media, Journalism & Society, International Relations, Politics & Identity, and Sustainable Thinking.

Throughout your chosen course, you will attend expert lectures, pitch original start-up ideas, present journalistic pieces, and embark on relevant excursions around Amsterdam. The on-campus experience features small, interactive cohorts of up to 22 students alongside shared hostel living with global peers. Ultimately, you will master essential critical thinking, communication, and advanced study skills that provide a clear advantage for your future higher education.

Why it stands out: This program gives you an authentic preview of European university life by balancing specialized academic challenges with cultural exploration in a highly international classroom setting.

8. Constructor University – Summer Camp

Location: Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
Cost: €4,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~49 total students per camp
Dates: July 24 – August 4
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18; open to international students

Constructor University’s Summer Camp lets you experience university life while exploring college-level subjects in science, technology, business, and the humanities. You’ll select two academic tracks from options including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Programming, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Human Behaviour.

Through lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, and collaborative projects, you’ll deepen your understanding of your chosen disciplines while living on campus with students representing more than 40 nationalities. Excursions, sports, cultural activities, and mentorship sessions complement the academic programme, providing a balanced introduction to university life in Germany.

Why it stands out: The flexible academic structure lets you combine two university-level subjects while living on an international campus community.

9. University of the Arts London – International Summer School in Acting and Performance

Location: University of the Arts London, London, England
Cost: Starting at £3,670
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not specified
Dates: Multiple 3-week sessions run throughout July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18; open to international students

The Acting and Performance Summer School at the University of the Arts London introduces you to contemporary performance-making through collaborative studio practice. You’ll experiment with movement, creative writing, spatial design, costume, digital media, and theatre-making while developing your own artistic voice.

Throughout the three-week programme, you’ll collaborate with other participants to devise and stage an original performance inside a professional theatre environment. A unique feature of the program is its holistic, cross-cultural approach that pushes you out of your comfort zone to explore the overlapping roles of director, performer, and designer. Throughout this process, you will learn essential acting skills such as voice projection, spatial awareness, and basic improvisation.

Why it stands out: Rather than focusing only on acting, the programme explores every stage of contemporary performance creation, from concept development to live production.

10. Trinity Walton Club, Trinity College Dublin – Launch (Design Challenges): Launch Camp

Location: Dublin, Ireland
Cost: €305 per five-day camp
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Secondary school students; no prior coding experience required; open to international students

In this camp, you explore engineering by designing, building, testing, and improving working systems. You build and program Arduino circuits, design and test catapults, construct motorised buggies, and investigate projectile motion and control systems. The five-day camp culminates in a team launch competition where you put your completed designs to the test.

Throughout the design process, you move from planning and construction to testing and refinement, developing practical problem-solving and engineering skills. You also gain hands-on coding experience without needing prior programming knowledge, while working through challenges that connect electronics, mechanics, physics, and iterative design.

Why it stands out: It combines Arduino programming, mechanical construction, physics, and iterative engineering design in a hands-on five-day challenge culminating in a team competition.

11. Newcastle University – Bitesize Uni (BSU): Year 12 Summer School

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; limited places
Dates: Group 1: July 12–14; Group 2: July 15–17
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: UK-based students currently in Year 12 or first-year college, or the equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland; not open to international students

In this program, you spend three days living on Newcastle University’s campus and testing whether higher education is right for you. You name a first and second preference from subject strands spanning medicine, dentistry, psychology, speech and language sciences, modern languages, archaeology, economics, finance, aerospace and chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science and computing.

Interactive taster sessions are led by academics working in those fields, alongside workshops, talks and social activities with current students and Year 12 students from across the UK. Newcastle University covers every cost, including your travel to and from the city and your stay in its Park View student accommodation. Because the timetable is compulsory throughout, you build subject insight, independence and confidence about student life.

Why it stands out: It is a fully funded residential summer school nominated within Newcastle University’s Access and Participation Plan, so travel, accommodation and all activities are paid for by the University rather than by you.

12. University of Oxford – Saïd Business School’s AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School

Location: Oxford University Saïd Business School, Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost: £8,995; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 19 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 15–18; minimum B2 English proficiency; open to international students

Hosted at Oxford University Saïd Business School in partnership with the Department of Economics, this summer programme explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, business, and data science. You’ll examine how AI is transforming industries while studying topics such as business analytics, econometrics, ethical AI, and machine learning applications.

Practical sessions introduce Python programming, AI-driven data analysis, and computational thinking through hands-on projects. Throughout the programme, you’ll learn from Oxford faculty, visiting academics, industry professionals, and AI researchers while gaining insight into university-level research and emerging technologies.

Why it stands out: The programme combines technical AI training with business applications, allowing you to explore artificial intelligence from both scientific and economic perspectives.

13. Imperial College London – Global Summer School

Source: Imperial College London

Location: Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Cost: £7,695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; over 550 students annually
Dates: June 29 – July 10 or August 3–14
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 who demonstrate strong academic ability and meet the published English language requirements; open to international students

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School offers a two-week introduction to university-level STEM through academic study and innovation-based learning. During the first week, you’ll specialise in an area such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Medicine and Life Sciences, or Physics, participating in lectures, laboratory activities, demonstrations, and collaborative research projects.

In the second week, you’ll join the Innovation Challenge, where multidisciplinary teams develop practical solutions to global problems while learning entrepreneurship and business modelling from Imperial Enterprise Lab faculty. The programme also includes cultural activities, museum visits, West End theatre performances, and social events that complement the academic experience.

Why it stands out: It combines rigorous STEM education with entrepreneurship training, allowing you to transform scientific ideas into practical, real-world innovations.

14. University of Edinburgh – Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost: £5,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited capacity
Dates: June 30 – July 11
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in the penultimate or final year of high school; open to international students

The University of Edinburgh’s Pre-University Summer School allows you to explore university-level academics through one of five subject pathways: Social Sciences, Humanities, Design, Using Data in the Sciences, or Insights into the Life Sciences. Depending on your chosen course, you’ll participate in seminars, laboratory sessions, workshops, research projects, and field visits while developing analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills.

Subjects range from economics, public policy, philosophy, and literature to genetics, biochemistry, statistical analysis, and design thinking. Alongside academics, you’ll receive guidance on university applications, career pathways, and studying in the United Kingdom while engaging with Edinburgh’s museums, galleries, research facilities, and cultural institutions.

Why it stands out: The programme combines specialised academic pathways with university admissions guidance, giving you both subject knowledge and practical preparation for higher education.

15. University of Warwick – Pre-University Summer School

Source: University of Warwick

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
Cost: £5,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 14–24
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Students worldwide ages 16-17; open to international students

The University of Warwick’s Pre-University Summer School introduces you to university-level study through specialised pathways in Economics and Finance, Science and Engineering, Social Sciences, or Arts and Humanities. You’ll attend lectures and seminars led by Warwick academics while exploring advanced topics within your chosen discipline, from game theory and environmental economics to law, politics, literature, engineering, psychology, and performance studies.

The programme encourages discussion, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning through classroom activities and faculty-led sessions. Outside academics, you’ll live on campus and participate in excursions to destinations such as Oxford and Warwick Castle, experiencing student life while building connections with peers from around the world.

Why it stands out: You’ll study multiple university disciplines within your chosen pathway while experiencing residential campus life at one of the UK’s leading research universities.

Frequently asked questions: Summer Camps in Europe for 16-18 Year Olds

What is the best summer camp in Europe for 16-18 year olds interested in STEM?

Imperial College London’s Global Summer School stands out for combining subject-specific study in areas like data science and engineering with a cross-disciplinary Innovation Challenge in its second week. The University of Göttingen’s XLAB International Science Camp is a stronger fit for students wanting direct laboratory research experience over three weeks, working alongside professional scientists. Students should choose based on whether they want breadth and business exposure, as with Imperial, or deep hands-on lab work, as with XLAB.

Are there free summer camps in Europe for 16-18 year olds?

Yes. Newcastle University’s Bitesize Uni Year 12 Summer School is completely free and covers travel and accommodation, though it’s limited to UK-based students in Year 12 or the equivalent. Most other programs on this list, including those at Oxford, Imperial, and Bocconi, carry tuition costs ranging from a few hundred euros to several thousand pounds, though many offer scholarships or financial aid.

Can international students attend European summer camps for 16-18 year olds?

Most programs welcome international students, including Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme, Bocconi’s Summer School, Constructor University’s Summer Camp, and Imperial College London’s Global Summer School. Newcastle University’s Bitesize Uni is a clear exception, restricted to UK-based students only. International applicants should also check English proficiency requirements, since several programs, like the University of Göttingen’s XLAB camp, require a B2 level or higher.

Which European summer camps focus on business or economics for older teens?

The Pre-Uni Camp at Dauphine-PSL London introduces economics and management fundamentals over three days, while Bocconi’s Summer School and IE University’s Pre-University Summer Program offer more extensive business curricula over one to two weeks. The University of Amsterdam’s Pre-University Summer Programme also includes a Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship track alongside other interdisciplinary subjects. Students wanting the most concentrated business focus should consider Bocconi or IE University given their longer program lengths.

How much do European summer camps for 16-18 year olds typically cost?

Costs vary widely by length and prestige. Short programs like the Dauphine-PSL London camp or Trinity College Dublin’s Launch Camp cost around £220 to €305, while two-week university programs at Oxford, Edinburgh, and Warwick run between £5,250 and £8,995. Sciences Po’s Pre-College Programme is among the highest at €6,000, reflecting its highly selective, three-week on-campus format.

What age range do most European summer camps for 16-18 year olds accept?

Most programs on this list set eligibility around ages 16 to 18, though some allow slightly younger or older applicants. Immerse Education’s Academic Insights Programme accepts students aged 13 to 18, the widest range among these options, while the University of Göttingen’s XLAB Science Camp requires students to be at least 17. Students should confirm specific age cutoffs tied to program start dates, since several programs calculate eligibility based on age at the time the program begins.

What comes after your European summer camp?

Choosing among these summer camps in Europe for 16-18 year olds gives you a genuine introduction to university-style teaching and independent campus life across the continent.

Once the program ends, you can turn that early exposure into a clearer sense of your subject choices and university direction.

The confidence, independent thinking, and academic skills you built become a strong foundation for your applications in the years ahead.

Keep building on what you started this summer by exploring our University Preparation blogs for guidance on your next steps.

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