Should You Apply to Oxford Summer Courses? (2026 Review)

At Oxford Summer Courses (OSC), students aged 9–24 can explore their passions through small-group learning inspired by Oxford and Cambridge’s tutorial model. From studying in centuries-old colleges to joining cultural excursions, participants gain both academic insight and a taste of life at top UK institutions.

Founded in 2010, OSC has welcomed thousands of students worldwide to two-week residential programmes tailored to each age group. With 50+ subjects including Medicine, Law, Business, Creative Writing, and more, students learn through seminars, tutorials, and projects. 

Beyond academics, OSC features cultural trips, formal dinners, and pastoral care, culminating in graduation with a certificate.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Oxford Summer Courses 2026.

Course Breakdown

Note: Check their official website for their current pricing.

Why Choose Oxford Summer Courses?

Oxford Summer Courses offers an authentic Oxbridge-style experience through small-group teaching, cultural immersion, and residential life in historic Oxford and Cambridge colleges, as well as leading schools like Harrow and Eton.

Furthermore, inspired by Oxford and Cambridge methodologies, classes are capped at around eight students for older cohorts, encouraging discussion, critical thinking, and personalised tutor feedback.

Additionally, programmes include accommodation, meals (which vary by age), excursions, activities, insurance, and 24/7 supervision, with tiered packages (Plus, Superior, Premier) offering different levels of inclusions.

Each two-week session provides over 20 hours of seminars, tutorials, and project work, culminating in a graduation ceremony and certificate.

While Oxford Summer Courses excels in Oxbridge-style pedagogy and prestigious venues, Immerse Education builds on this by also offering career-focused pathways in London, Boston, and Singapore, and one-to-one online research with PhD mentors. 

Its Online Research Programme pairs students with Oxbridge and Ivy League supervisors in both 1:1 and group formats, with accredited options awarding 8 UCAS points (UK) or 3 US college credits. 

Group tracks foster peer collaboration, debate, and presentation skills, while all participants produce an independent research project that results in university-ready outputs supported by tailored references.

Key Features of Oxford Summer Courses

Oxford Summer Courses run in two-week blocks from late June to mid-August, with the flexibility to book multiple sessions. 

Programmes are age-banded from 9–24, with teaching tailored to maturity, ranging from structured support for younger cohorts to independent, discussion-driven formats for older students.

Students can explore over 50 subjects across STEM, humanities, and the arts, taught through 20–25 hours of seminars, tutorials, and directed study each week. 

Tutors, many with ties to Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading universities, provide personalised feedback, while an online “Foundations” module helps students prepare before arrival.

Residential packages are offered in three tiers. Plus covers accommodation, meals (all meals for ages 9–15; breakfast and dinner for 16+), excursions, basic insurance, airport transfers, and a certificate. 

Superior adds ensuite rooms, enhanced insurance, and a premium welcome pack. Premier offers concierge-selected rooms, platinum insurance, framed certificates, and coaching consultations.

All programmes include excursions, cultural activities, and formal dinners, supported by 24/7 supervision and safeguarding. Each concludes with a graduation ceremony where students receive a certificate recognising their academic progress and personal development.

Advantages

• Prestigious venues: Students live and study in Oxford and Cambridge colleges (Lady Margaret Hall, Somerville, Worcester, Sidney Sussex, Corpus Christi) or iconic schools like Harrow and Eton, enjoying authentic residential settings.
• Small class sizes: Courses for ages 13–24 are capped at around eight students, ensuring personalised attention, active participation, and close mentorship.
• Expert tutors: Teaching is led by academics and professionals with ties to top universities, providing authentic insights into higher-level study.
• Flexible tiers: Families can choose Plus, Superior, or Premier packages, varying in accommodation, insurance, and perks.
• International community: Students join peers from over 120 countries, gaining cross-cultural friendships and perspectives.
• Pastoral care: 24/7 supervision, safeguarding protocols, and staff-led excursions ensure safety and well-being throughout.

Disadvantages

• Premium pricing: At £6,995–£9,995 for a two-week session, Oxford Summer Courses is one of the most expensive UK summer school options.
• No scholarships: With no bursaries or financial aid available, access is limited for talented students unable to afford full fees.
• No formal affiliation: While hosted in Oxford, Cambridge, Harrow, and Eton venues, the programme is run by a private company with no official university ties.
• Extra costs: Lunch is not included for students aged 16+, and families must also budget for travel, visas, and personal expenses.

Oxford Summer Courses vs Immerse Education

Immerse Education offers three core pathways: Academic Insights, Career Insights, and the Online Research Programme (ORP), combining university-style learning, real-world experience, and one-to-one research mentorship across global locations.

Is Oxford Summer Courses Worth It?

Oxford Summer Courses is a strong choice for families seeking Oxbridge-style teaching in prestigious venues such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harrow, and Eton. 

Small-group seminars, typically capped at eight students, give participants an authentic taste of university-level study, with discussion-driven learning, expert tutors, and structured pastoral care. 

The international cohort drawn from over 120 countries adds cultural diversity and global perspectives, helping students build friendships and confidence in an academically stimulating setting.

That said, the premium cost (£6,995–£8,595), and lack of scholarships may not suit all families. The tiered pricing system (Plus, Superior, Premier) can feel overly commercialised, and additional expenses for travel, visas, and meals (for older cohorts) add to the total. 

While OSC delivers prestige, historic immersion, and intellectual rigour, students seeking closer mentorship, extended academic depth, or career-linked outcomes may find Immerse Education better suited. 

Immerse combines Oxbridge-style tutorials with career-focused pathways and one-to-one research programmes, ensuring participants leave with both academic enrichment and practical outputs that strengthen university preparation.

Alternatives to Oxford Summer Courses

• Immerse Education – Academic Insights (13–18): Oxbridge-style tutorials in Oxford, Cambridge, and Sydney with very small groups.
• Immerse Career Insights (15–18): Project-based programmes with industry links in London, Singapore, and Boston.
• Immerse Online Research Programme (13–18): 1:1 research mentorship with PhD tutors; strong for UCAS/college preparation.
• Reach Cambridge (14–18): Two-week residential in Cambridge, with subjects across STEM, humanities, and arts.
• Yale Young Global Scholars (15–18): Two-week interdisciplinary residential at Yale with an international cohort.

How to Apply for Oxford Summer Courses

1. Choose your programme – Select subject, location (Oxford, Cambridge, Eton, Harrow, or Spain), dates, and tier (Plus, Superior, or Premier).
2. Apply online – Complete the application form with personal details and a short statement explaining your interest.
3. Receive an offer – Admissions usually respond within 1–3 days. If accepted, you’ll receive a booking link.
4. Secure your place – Confirm within 12 days by paying a deposit (£1,295–£1,495). The remaining balance is due 90 days before your course.
5. Prepare & attend – Access the Student Portal, complete pre-arrival forms, and review your Welcome Pack. On arrival, check in, join induction, and begin your residential experience, concluding with a graduation ceremony and certificate.

Final Thoughts

Oxford Summer Courses offers prestigious Oxbridge-style teaching, historic venues, and a diverse international cohort, making it a strong choice for families prioritising tradition and cultural immersion. 

Its small seminars, expert tutors, and cultural excursions provide an inspiring introduction to university-style learning. 

Yet the high cost, absence of scholarships, and short two-week format may not suit all students. 

For those seeking closer mentorship, extended academic depth, career-focused pathways, or one-to-one research producing university-ready outputs, Immerse Education provides a more personalised, flexible, and outcome-driven alternative, designed to support both academic growth and future university applications.