When you’re in high school, summer can feel like a pause from classes, exams, and routines. But university summer programs in the UK for high school students offer more than a break. They give you the chance to step into a new environment that challenges you, broadens your perspective, and helps you imagine what university life is really like.

Imagine attending lectures in historic university halls, discussing ideas with classmates from around the world, and spending afternoons exploring college towns rich with tradition and intellectual energy. These programs aren’t just academic courses. They offer a first look at studying at top global universities, combining rigorous learning with cultural immersion.

Even if you already live in the UK, taking part in a university summer program allows you to experience familiar cities through a different lens. You begin to navigate independence, academic expectations, and campus life like a university student.

What kinds of university summer programs in the UK for high school students are available?

We know that some programs can feel superficial or overly expensive, offering little insight into real university study. That’s why careful research matters, because not all summer programs deliver the same level of challenge, mentorship, or value.

Across the UK, leading universities offer a wide range of summer opportunities in fields such as STEM, business, medicine, law, humanities, and the arts. Whether you’re exploring a new academic interest or strengthening an existing one, these programs provide a realistic preview of university-level learning.

You’ll learn from experienced faculty, take part in seminars or projects, collaborate with motivated peers, and gain confidence navigating an academic environment built for independent thinking.

You’ll need to put in the work once the program begins, but to get you started, we’ve done the research for you. We’ve created a list of 15 University Summer Programs in the UK for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their academic rigour, strong mentorship, and authentic university experience.

15 University Summer Programs in the UK for High School Students

1. Imperial College London Global Summer School

Location: London 
Cost/Stipend: £7,695
Dates: June 29th – July 10th; August 3rd – August 14th
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 16-17 with strong STEM interest, excellent academics, and proficient English language skills

Known as one of the most intensive university summer programs in the UK for high school students, this residential experience is held at Imperial College London over two weeks. You choose a focused pathway in areas such as Engineering, Medicine, or Physics, with rigorous lab sessions and academic talks led by Imperial professors.

Rather than passive learning, you’ll work on real tasks similar to undergrad studies. Alongside academics, there are social events to take part in, giving you a full experience of London. In the end, you gain clear insight into what it’s really like to study STEM at a top-tier school.

Why it stands out: You are provided straight access into Imperial’s advanced labs and live in the South Kensington Campus, while concentrating solely on top-tier science plus engineering learning.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, and London 
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students all over the world 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 and Cambridge 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 over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, 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 be taught by top faculty, work on an independent project, and live on campus, giving you a complete experience of future university life.

3. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School

Location: London 
Cost/Stipend: £3,195 (1 week) – £9,375 (3 weeks, Residential) 
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions in July
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-17

Situated in the centre of London, this program offers a variety of modules ranging from business and law to psychology and medicine. Through lectures, seminars, and site visits that use the city as a classroom, you will get a taste of university life.

You’ll find that the emphasis is on critical thinking and independent study, two skills essential for success in UK higher education. Written assignments and group presentations are among the assessment approaches here that give you a genuine sense of university grading expectations.

Why it stands out: Its customizable, modular structure allows you to mix and match subjects while studying in the heart of London.

4. University of Bristol Summer School (Insight into Bristol)

Location: Bristol 
Cost/Stipend: Free (Fully funded for eligible students) 
Dates: Latter half of July 
Application Deadline: January/February 
Eligibility: UK state-school Year 12 students of colour interested in experiencing academic life at the University of Bristol through a free, residential summer school

The goal of this competitive program is to provide exceptional students from a variety of backgrounds with a genuine experience of life at a Russell Group university.While living in campus accommodation, you’ll take part in subject-specific classes and get to know the lively urban environment of Bristol.

Instead of generic activities, there are practical sessions focused on entrance exams and admission interviews, which strengthen your higher education application.

Why it stands out: It is fully funded, and depending on the course you apply for, you may receive a guaranteed contextual offer or interview to study at Bristol.

5. University of Warwick Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Warwick, Coventry 
Cost/Stipend: £50 application fee, £5,250 program fee (inclusive of a £1000 deposit, required to secure place)
Dates: July 14-24
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 16-17

Warwick’s summer school is a ten-night residential program that gives you a glimpse of student life on campus. You will choose one among four subject-related courses from Humanities, Economics, Social Sciences, or Science plus Engineering, which will be led by university faculty. In addition to academics, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on the development of transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and independent learning.

You live on the Warwick campus, adhere to a daily routine under supervision, and interact with student ambassadors who provide insight into the realities of undergraduate life. A well-planned social and cultural program, which includes a group excursion to London, completes the experience.

Why it stands out: It provides a full campus experience with a focus on developing soft skills and getting ready for college applications.

6. Durham University Pre-University Summer School

Location: Durham University, Durham
Cost/Stipend: £5,000 + £50 application fee
Dates: July
Application Deadline: Yet to be announced
Eligibility: Students all around the world aged 16-18

Situated in a historic UNESCO World Heritage site, this program forms an immersive educational experience. You will choose a main academic program from Law, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology and Education and take part in seminars that promote discussion and critical thinking.

You live on campus, get pastoral assistance, and participate in social and cultural events that represent the wider experience of student life. You get firsthand knowledge of academic research, independent study techniques, and university expectations through both formal and informal learning.

Why it stands out: Combining immersive academic preparation with residential life in a UNESCO World Heritage city, this program not only gives you intellectual exposure but also a lived sense of what undergraduate study and campus culture feel like.

7. University of St Andrews Summer Academic Experience

Location: St Andrews, Scotland 
Cost/Stipend: £6,850
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Yet to be announced
Eligibility: International and local students aged 16-18

This program offers a unique chance to study at one of Scotland’s oldest universities.You will choose an academic course from the catalogue featuring courses like Creative Writing, Medicine, or Psychology. You will be attending lectures and tutorials delivered by St Andrews faculty.

The experience is heavily focused on the traditional Scottish university lifestyle, including social events and field trips to Edinburgh. You will live in university halls, gaining independence and a feel for the close-knit town and gown community.

Why it stands out: It provides an authentic taste of the Scottish university experience in a historic coastal setting.

8. University of Edinburgh Pre-University Summer School

Location: University of Edinburgh, Scotland 
Cost/Stipend: £5,250 (Residential) 
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: May 19th
Eligibility: UK and international students aged 16-18 in their final two years of high school

This intense two-week program allows you to study at a top Scotland university. You can choose from specialist subject streams such as Design, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Life Sciences, and participate in lectures and seminars taught by university academics.

The program is totally residential and includes social events as well as excursions to Scotland’s historic capital. You will acquire critical academic abilities and a practical grasp of degree-level coursework right from applying to colleges.

Why it stands out: It provides a dedicated pre-university curriculum at a world-renowned institution, blending academic rigour with the cultural experience of living in Edinburgh.

9. Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: £8,995
Dates: July 18-31
Application Deadline: Early spring (tentatively)
Eligibility: Globally ambitious teens aged 15 to 18

This Oxford University summer school for teens offers students the chance to experience academic life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. You can pick courses like business, computing, or storytelling, each taught through classes and discussions run by Oxford tutors.

The program includes hands-on projects, peer collaboration, and excursions around Oxford. Living at Oxford colleges helps you develop your academic and communication skills while giving you a taste of college life.

Why it stands out: You’ll get early exposure to Oxford’s tutorial-style teaching, university-level business studies, and student life at Oxford.

10. St Clare’s, Oxford 

Location: St Clare’s, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course
Dates: July – August (multiple 2-week intakes)
Application Deadline: Rolling; closes when full
Eligibility: High school students all over the world aged 15-17

St Clare’s runs academic and English-plus summer courses specifically for 15–17-year-olds in Oxford. You could pick fromAcademic English, Business, Science, and Art & Digital Design tracks. Several leadership and study-skills options are also available.

The package includes tuition, residence, meals, activities, insurance, and excursions, with a report/certificate on completion. Small classes emphasise communication, project work, and confidence-building in an international cohort.

Why it stands out: You’ll be attending classes with peers from 45+ countries, getting an idea of what diverse university cohorts look like.

11. Oxford Saïd Future Climate Innovators Summer School (University of Oxford)

Location: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: From £8,995
Dates: July 19th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Early spring (tentatively)
Eligibility: Motivated students from all nationalities aged 16-18 (must be at least 16 and under 19 on the program start date)

Designed for students enthusiastic about understanding and tackling climate change issues, this intensive academic course focuses on practical world impact and innovation. You will integrate your understanding of business and policy to examine complicated climate concerns and sustainability solutions.

You’ll get practical experience creating effective commercial proposals and creative environmental solutions, putting academic knowledge into practice. You will be guided through the application process to universities. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: You’ll get an extended nine-month access to Oxford’s online Entrepreneurship School, giving you opportunities for future mentoring and skill building.

12. British American Drama Academy (BADA) Midsummer Conservatory Program

Location: St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: $7,100
Dates: July 11th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 6th
Eligibility: High school students around the globe aged 16-18

The Midsummer Conservatory is a three-week intensive training program that includes exploring Shakespeare and his language through acting, voice, and movement. You will learn about Shakespeare, the cultural context surrounding his work, and the period dance of his time. You will attend masterclasses with artists working in British theatre and have one-on-one tutorials with the Course Director.

Additionally, you will go on excursions to the UK’s leading theatres, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. By residing on St Hilda’s campus, you will get a realistic view of what university life at a leading UK university looks like. Through this program, you will develop insight into acting processes, analysis, and critical thinking, which will aid your future drama school applications.

Why it stands out: You’ll get to interact with actors, directors, and faculty who are part of the UK’s professional theatre scene.

13. UAL Pre-College Summer School (University of the Arts London)

Location: London 
Cost/Stipend: From £3670
Dates: July – August (Various sessions) 
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 16-18

This program immerses you in the studio culture of Europe’s largest dedicated art and design university, making it ideal for anyone interested in creative fields. You will work on projects in areas such as fashion, graphic design, and fine art, with guidance from UAL faculty.

The course will focus on building a portfolio, which is a crucial component for art school applications. Additionally, you will work in professional-standard studios and experiment with new materials and techniques.

Why it stands out: It is laser-focused on creative disciplines and portfolio building, hosted by a world-leading art and design institution.

14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Summer Schools

Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course (typically £325 – £640)
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Registration opens early in the year 
Eligibility: High school students across the world (ages 12-18)

You can study performance, production, and creative disciplines in one of the top conservatoires in the UK through the in-person, intense arts programs. In a variety of week-long courses, including drama, dance, musical theatre, music, film, and production, you will participate in hands-on workshops, technique instruction, and group projects.

Youth offerings include courses such as Musical Theatre for ages 12–14, Popular Music for ages 12–18, Filmmaking for 15–17-year-olds, and Introduction to Set & Costume Design, each emphasising a balance of skill development and creative expression. Many courses culminate in presentations or performances that let you demonstrate what you’ve learned while building confidence and artistic insight in a supportive setting.

Why it stands out: It blends professional-level artistic coaching with peer collaboration in Glasgow’s vibrant creative community, giving high school students hands-on experience in performance and production that complements future study or portfolios

15. Imperial College London Year 12 Work Experience Programme

Location: Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: June 29th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: Year 12 (UK high school equivalent) students attending state schools in the UK

Imperial College London’s Year 12 Work Experience Programme provides a week-long, in-person immersion into academic research and professional life at a leading STEM university. You gain firsthand exposure to research environments by working alongside academics in departments such as Bioengineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials, and the National Heart and Lung Institute.

Throughout the programme, you experience typical aspects of work life, from commuting and time management to engaging with specialist facilities such as laboratories and technical suites. You’ll also develop an understanding of research careers and higher education pathways. The schedule also includes career-focused talks, including sessions on writing personal statements and interview preparation to support future university applications.

Why it stands out: It offers direct, hands-on exposure to university research culture and professional scientific work in London’s research hub.

From Campus Experience to University Confidence

University summer experiences give you more than a preview of lectures and campuses. They introduce academic expectations, independence, and the confidence needed to thrive.

By joining any of the university summer programs in the UK for high school students listed here, you experience university teaching, guided mentorship, and structured challenges that reflect undergraduate study.

Living on campus, managing schedules, and contributing to seminars help you clarify interests, strengthen applications, and understand what future academic commitment truly requires from students.

Ready to build on this momentum? Explore our University Preparation blogs for guidance on applications, subject choices, and next steps towards confident university readiness ahead.