Oxford is an inspiring place to study, and an Oxford University summer school offers a real taste of university life at one of the world’s leading academic institutions, but for parents and participants alike, the key question is how much it costs and what that fee truly includes.

At Immerse, the Oxford 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 Oxford summer school, explain what’s included in the participation fee, and help you evaluate the real value of attending.

Whether you’re a parent weighing options or a participant picturing life in Oxford, this guide gives you clear answers to help you decide with confidence.

How Much Does Oxford University Summer School Cost?

For 2026, the Oxford Academic Insights summer programmes run for two weeks across July and August.

  • Residential fee: £7,495
  • Non-residential fee: £5,995

The residential fee includes accommodation in one of Oxford’s historic colleges, along with daily breakfast and dinner, tuition, excursions, and full pastoral support. The non-residential option is priced lower because accommodation is not included, and participants also do not have access to daily breakfast and dinner, returning home or to private accommodation each evening.

Beyond the experience itself, the programme offers meaningful academic value. Participants develop subject knowledge, independent thinking, and confidence, all of which can strengthen future university applications and personal statements while offering clear insight into what studying at a leading university is really like.

What’s Included in the Participation Fee

The participation fee includes everything from accommodation and meals to academic teaching, mentorship, excursions, and graduation. 

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at what’s included and how each element supports a fully immersive Oxford experience.

1. Accommodation in an Oxford College

Residential participants stay for 13 nights in a central Oxford college, allowing them to live and study in the same surroundings as university undergraduates. This on-site experience helps participants settle into the rhythm of university life while being fully supported throughout their stay.

College accommodation includes Wi-Fi and access to laundry facilities, ensuring participants are comfortable and well supported for the duration of the programme.

2. Meals in College Dining Halls

  • Breakfast and dinner are included daily for all residential participants and are served in Oxford college dining halls.
  • For participants on the 13–15 programme, lunch is also included.

Dining in college halls is not only convenient but also an essential part of the Oxford experience, offering a shared space where participants come together and feel part of college life.

3. Academic Sessions with Expert Tutors

Each participant benefits from a carefully structured academic programme designed to challenge, support, and inspire.

  • Around 40 hours of academic teaching, led by expert tutors from Oxford University, Cambridge University, and other leading institutions.
  • Two hours of one-to-one tuition, allowing for personalised guidance and focused academic feedback.
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials, created to support progress and independent thinking throughout the programme.

This approach ensures participants gain subject depth while developing the confidence and academic skills needed for future university study.

4. Personal Project and Assessment

Participants work on a personal project within their chosen subject, supported throughout by tutors and academic resources. This project encourages independent thinking and allows participants to explore an area of interest in greater depth.

The programme concludes with a tutor-written assessment, providing detailed academic feedback. This can be valuable for personal reflection and may also support future university applications by demonstrating subject engagement and academic development.

5. Mentor Programme and Pastoral Support

Participants are supported throughout the programme by experienced mentors who help them settle into life in Oxford and make the most of their academic experience. Mentors provide both practical guidance and encouragement, ensuring participants feel supported from arrival to graduation.

This pastoral framework helps participants manage their time, build confidence, and access additional learning materials, creating a safe and supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.

6. Excursions and Cultural Activities

Our Oxford summer school experience goes beyond academic study, giving participants the chance to explore the city and immerse themselves in its culture.

  • Punting on the River Cherwell, offering a relaxed way to see Oxford from a new perspective while learning about its history.
  • Guided walking tours of Oxford, exploring famous colleges, historic streets, and the stories behind one of the world’s most renowned universities.
  • Visits to iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, bringing centuries of scholarship and discovery to life.
  • Time to explore Oxford’s cultural scene, including local museums and markets, helping participants feel part of everyday student life.
  • A coach excursion, such as a full-day trip to London, adding broader cultural context to the academic experience.

These activities encourage connection, curiosity, and balance, helping participants unwind while making their Oxford experience both memorable and meaningful.

7. Graduation Ceremony and Certificate

Our Oxford summer programme concludes with a formal graduation ceremony, where participants celebrate their achievements with peers, tutors, and mentors. Each participant receives a certificate recognising the successful completion of the programme.

Participants also receive a tutor-written academic assessment, providing personalised feedback on their progress and engagement. This offers a meaningful record of academic development and can support future university applications.

Architecture

In-person

Oxford’s scholarly brilliance and breathtaking history will encourage...

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.
Ages: 16-18

Creative Writing

In-person

Reach your full writing potential against the stunning...

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.
Students outside studying
Ages: 13-15

Why It’s Worth the Cost

With everything included in the fee, participants also gain long-term academic and personal value. Such as: 

  1. World-class academic environment: Participants learn in Oxford, supported by tutors connected to leading universities. This provides academic rigour and insight that goes beyond standard classroom learning.
  2. Holistic learning experience: By combining group teaching, one-to-one tuition, and independent project work, the programme encourages deeper thinking, curiosity, and academic independence.
  3. Global participant community: Participants join an international cohort, learning alongside peers from different cultures and perspectives. This shared experience helps build confidence and global awareness.
  4. Authentic Oxford immersion: Living and studying in Oxford offers a genuine pre-university experience. It helps participants understand what university life is really like and imagine their future academic path.
  5. Personal growth and confidence: Adapting to a new environment, managing time independently, and taking on academic challenges all support personal development and resilience.
  6. Academic recognition: Our Oxford summer school is BAC-accredited, and participants can earn up to 16 UCAS points and 3 US college credits, offering tangible academic recognition.

Join the Immerse Education 2025 
Essay Competition

Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition

Comparing Residential and Non-Residential Options

If you live near Oxford, you may find yourself weighing up the £1,500 difference between the residential and non-residential options. 

Below, we take a closer look at what sets them apart, so you can decide which experience best suits your needs and expectations.

  • Residential option: The residential option includes accommodation in an Oxford college, along with daily breakfast and dinner. Participants live on site, take part in evening activities, and experience Oxford life around the clock, making this ideal for international participants or those seeking the full university-style experience.
  • Non-residential option: The non-residential option includes the full academic programme, mentorship, excursions, and social activities, but participants return home or to private accommodation each evening and do not receive daily breakfast or dinner. This option suits local families or participants who prefer to commute while still benefiting from the academic experience.

Both options offer the same teaching, one-to-one tuition, personal project support, excursions, and graduation ceremony. The difference lies in accommodation, meals, and the level of day-to-day immersion in Oxford life.

Subjects Available at Oxford

Our Oxford summer school offers a broad range of subjects, allowing participants to explore their interests at a level suited to their age and academic stage.

Ages 13–15

Participants aged 13–15 can choose from subjects designed to introduce core academic disciplines while encouraging curiosity and confidence:

  • Computer Science
  • Architecture
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
  • Creative Writing
  • Business Management
  • Economics

Ages 16–18

For participants aged 16–18, the subject range expands to support deeper academic exploration and university preparation:

  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Philosophy
  • English Literature
  • Criminology
  • Philosophy, Politics & Economics
  • Economics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Architecture
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Nanotechnology
  • Psychology
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • International Relations
  • Film Studies
  • Engineering
  • Creative Writing
  • Business Management
  • Artificial Intelligence

FAQs

Is financial aid or scholarships available?

Yes. Our Bursary Programme supports participants based on household income and academic potential, and winning our Essay Competition may allow you to be awarded full scholarships.

What is not included in the fee?

Travel to and from Oxford, personal spending money, and any optional extras outside the scheduled programme are not included.

Can international students enrol?

Yes. We welcome participants from over 150+ nationalities, creating a diverse and truly global learning community.

Do participants need prior subject knowledge?

No. The programme is designed for motivated learners, with tutors supporting participants at different academic starting points.

Conclusion

Attending an Oxford University summer school is about more than two weeks of study. It’s your chance to explore a subject in depth while experiencing life in one of the world’s most respected academic settings.

Your residential or non-residential fees cover teaching, mentorship, projects, cultural activities, and academic feedback. Everything is designed to support your growth and curiosity throughout the programme.

You’ll leave with stronger subject confidence, clearer academic direction, and experiences that can support future university applications. Just as importantly, you’ll gain independence and a broader global perspective.

If you’re curious about what studying in Oxford could really feel like, this is your chance to find out. Explore our Oxford summer courses and take a confident step towards an academic experience that can shape your future and open new possibilities.