If you’re considering a Cambridge University summer school, one of the first questions you may ask is: How much does it cost, and what do you actually get for the fee? 

At Immerse, the Cambridge University summer school costs £7,495 for residential participants and £5,995 for non-residential participants*.

In this guide, we’ll provide a complete breakdown of costs at Immerse’s Cambridge University summer school, explain what’s included in the participation fee, and help you evaluate the real value of attending. 

Whether you’re a parent helping your child explore their options or a student charting your own academic path, this article gives you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.

How Much Does Cambridge University Summer School Cost?

For 2026, the Cambridge Academic Insights and Career Insights summer programmes both run for two weeks in July and August.

  • Residential Fee: £7,495
  • Non-Residential Fee: £5,995

The residential fee includes everything from accommodation in one of Cambridge’s historic colleges to meals, tuition, excursions, and pastoral support. The non-residential option is slightly lower because it excludes accommodation and daily breakfasts/dinners.

What’s Included in the Participation Fee

The cost of our Cambridge University summer school is designed to be all-inclusive, ensuring participants can focus fully on learning and discovery. Here’s a detailed look at what’s covered:

1. Accommodation in a Cambridge College

Participants enjoy 13 nights in a central Cambridge college, giving them the chance to live and study in the same environment as undergraduates at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. 

Accommodation includes access to laundry facilities and Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the stay.

2. Meals in College Dining Halls

  • Breakfast and dinner are included daily for residential participants.
  • For students on the 13–15 age programme, lunch is also provided.

Dining in college halls is not only convenient but also part of the authentic Cambridge experience.

3. Academic Sessions with Expert Tutors

Each participant benefits from:

  • 40 hours of teaching, led by a tutor pool comprised mostly of Cambridge and Oxford academics.
  • Two hours of one-to-one tuition, ensuring personalised feedback.
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials, created to support progress at every stage.

4. Personal Project and Assessment

Students work on a personal project in their chosen subject, supported by tutors and study resources.

This culminates in a tutor-written assessment, offering detailed academic feedback. The process not only builds subject expertise but also strengthens critical thinking, research, and presentation skills.

5. Mentor Programme and Pastoral Support

Participants are paired with experienced mentors who provide encouragement and guidance throughout the two weeks. They help students settle into life in Cambridge, offering both academic and personal support, along with access to additional learning materials.

6. Excursions and Cultural Activities

Immerse’s Cambridge University summer school is not limited to classroom learning. Participants enjoy a variety of excursions and social events, including:

  • Two coach trips (such as a full-day excursion to London).
  • Punting on the River Cam.
  • Sports, cultural tours, and formal dinners.

These activities ensure that learning extends beyond academic study, fostering cultural awareness, friendship, and personal growth.

7. Graduation Ceremony

At the end of the programme, participants attend a formal graduation ceremony, where they receive a certificate and celebrate their achievements with peers, tutors, and mentors.

History

In-person

Unravel the past in Cambridge, where centuries of...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Pile of old books
Ages: 16-18

Law

In-person

Delve into legal intricacies in Cambridge, where centuries...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Student working during an Immerse summer programme
Ages: 16-18

Why It’s Worth the Cost

With everything included in the fee, participants also gain significant long-term value, such as:

  1. World-Class Academic Environment: Learning from tutors connected to leading universities provides academic rigour and insight not easily found elsewhere.
  2. Holistic Learning: By combining classroom sessions, one-to-one tuition, and project work, the programme fosters intellectual growth and independence.
  3. Global Community: Students join an international cohort, learning from peers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
  4. Unique Cultural Immersion: Living in a Cambridge college offers an authentic pre-university experience, helping students envision their academic futures.
  5. Personal Growth: The challenges of adapting to a new environment, managing time independently, and participating in new activities all foster confidence and resilience.
  6. Academic Credit and Recognition: Immerse’s Cambridge summer school is BAC-accredited, meaning participants can earn up to 16 UCAS points and 3 US college credits. 

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Comparing Residential and Non-Residential Options

When deciding between residential and non-residential enrolment, families should consider the added value of staying on site.

  • Residential: Ideal for international participants or those seeking the full Cambridge college experience.
  • Non-Residential: Suited to students who live nearby or prefer commuting, while still enjoying the academic sessions and excursions.

Both options include the same academic programme, excursions, and mentorship, but the residential fee ensures a more immersive, round-the-clock experience.

Subjects Available at Cambridge

Participants can choose from a wide variety of subjects, tailored to different age groups:

  • For ages 13–15, subjects include Architecture, Medicine, Engineering, International Relations, Psychology, and more.
  • For ages 16–18, the list expands to include Artificial Intelligence, Law, Economics, Biotechnology, Global Leadership, and Philosophy.
  • For ages 18–30, specialist subjects such as Geopolitics, Consciousness and the Mind, and Planet in Crisis are offered.

What Are the Explore and Excel?

During enrolment, students are able to add optional extras to their Cambridge programme. Depending on the student’s desires, they can choose to add practical features like insurance and a letter of recommendation, or products such as Immerse merch to help them remember their experience.

FAQs

Is financial aid or scholarships available?

Immerse Education occasionally offers competitions and scholarships that can reduce the fee. These are competitive and usually require an application process showcasing academic ability or creativity.

What is not included in the fee?

Travel to and from Cambridge, personal spending money, and optional extras (such as souvenirs or independent meals) are not covered.

Do participants need to already be top of their class?

Not at all. Our Cambridge summer programme is designed for curious learners who are motivated to explore their subjects in more depth.

Can international students enrol?

Absolutely. The programme welcomes participants worldwide, creating a diverse, global community.

Conclusion

Attending Cambridge summer schools with Immerse is more than just a two-week programme. It’s an opportunity to explore your chosen subject in depth, experience life in one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and build confidence for future academic and career paths.

The fee of £7,495 for residential participants or £5,995 for non-residential participants includes not only accommodation, meals, and world-class tuition but also unforgettable excursions, mentorship, and a graduation ceremony.

When you consider the lifelong skills, friendships, and academic advantages you’ll gain, the cost represents an investment in both your education and your personal development.

Ready to take the next step? Download our Cambridge University summer school prospectus and begin your journey towards an inspiring future today.

*This fee is accurate as of October 2025 and may be subject to annual changes. Please check our website.