11 Summer Courses for High School Students in Europe
- Stephen Turban
- 50 minutes ago
- 7 min read
As a high school student, participating in a summer course is an effective way to explore your academic interests. Whether you’re exploring new subjects, preparing for future university majors, or developing research and communication skills, these programs offer a valuable mix of academic challenge and personal growth. They help you experience college-style learning and develop your profile, which better prepares you for future opportunities.
Why should you attend a course in Europe?
Europe is home to prestigious universities and cultural centers, making it an ideal destination for high school students seeking global exposure. From Oxford and Cambridge in the UK to design institutes in Italy and research programs in the Netherlands, summer courses in Europe combine rigorous academics with immersive experiences across the arts, sciences, humanities, and technology. You can also experience diverse cultures, languages, and histories while studying subjects that inspire them.
Our list highlights 11 summer courses for high school students in Europe, featuring pre-college and enrichment programs hosted by leading universities and institutions.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program enables high school students to enroll in undergraduate-level courses at universities around the world. The program pairs you with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. You'll attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as performing dissections in medicine, building robotic arms in engineering, or participating in 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, as well as a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Dauntsey’s School, Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
Cost: £1,160 per week
Dates: July 5–August 9
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 8–17
Based at Dauntsey’s School in the scenic Wiltshire countryside, the XUK English Summer School combines high-quality English language lessons with a full program of social, cultural, and recreational activities. You’ll have 15 hours of English lessons per week, taught by experienced and qualified teachers, with interactive methods aligned to the Common European Framework. Outside the classroom, you’ll take part in “Active English” and “Social English” programmes, which include games, team challenges, and excursions. These range from London and Stonehenge visits to theme park and aqua park trips designed to help you practice English in real-life settings.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Cost: €3,000 until January 15 (early bird fee) | €3,500 (regular fee)
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Students aged 16–19
The SUPERNOVA Summer School offers two weeks of immersive, hands-on learning for students eager to explore their academic and career interests. You’ll work alongside university professors and professionals in interactive workshops, lab sessions, and real-world projects, gaining valuable skills and insights that bridge the gap between high school and university. Accommodation and meals are provided at Livensa Living Lisbon. Beyond academics, the program includes cultural excursions, surf lessons, and social activities, helping you experience the best of Lisbon while forming a global network of peers.
Location: Como, Italy
Cost: €1,800
Dates: June (2-week session)
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Open to recent high school graduates, postgraduate and academy students, and art enthusiasts interested in drawing and painting
This hands-on workshop at the Accademia di Belle Arti Aldo Galli in Como introduces you to the fundamentals of drawing and painting through structured sessions, group discussions, and creative projects. You’ll explore both classical and modern techniques while learning how to express your personal artistic vision. The course includes live drawing sessions in local museums to study artistic masterpieces up close, as well as en plein air exercises during boat trips on Lake Como, allowing you to capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape. By the end, you’ll complete a final project that showcases your progress and creativity.
Location: Florence, Italy
Cost: €2,600
Dates: June (3-week session)
Application Deadline: There is no information available
Eligibility: Students with prior experience or background in design who wish to develop their professional design skills
Offered by the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Florence, this three-week full-time program helps you strengthen your skills in visual communication and professional graphic design. You’ll learn to create cohesive print and digital projects while exploring typography, branding, logo and image creation, and web design. You’ll also visit Florence’s renowned museums to analyze artistic identity and then develop a rebranding project for a local museum, applying real-world design principles. Guided by art directors and professional designers, you’ll gain a solid understanding of composition, visual storytelling, and brand consistency through hands-on learning.
Location: London, UK
Cost/Stipend: £3,195 for one week (tuition only) | £3,965 with residential package | £65 non-refundable application fee
Dates: Session 1: July 6–10 | Session 2: July 13–17 | Session 3: July 20–24 | Session 4: July 27–31
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students aged 16–17 who are in or entering their final three years of high school | English proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher (B1 for English Language & Culture courses)
The King’s College London Pre-University Summer School offers academically motivated high school students the chance to explore university life in the heart of London. You can choose from a wide range of one-week courses across disciplines such as Business, Law, Psychology, Medical Science, Computer Science, and International Relations, and even combine multiple courses over up to four weeks. Classes are taught by King’s faculty and feature lectures, seminars, discussions, and simulations designed to reflect real university learning. You’ll receive detailed feedback on your assignments and earn a King’s Certificate of Completion upon finishing the course.
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Cost/Stipend: £4,995
Dates: June 29–July 10
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in their penultimate or final year of high school | Minimum English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall (5.5 per component)
The Pre-University: Humanities course at the University of Edinburgh introduces you to subjects such as Literature, Philosophy, History, and Art History through an engaging, interdisciplinary approach. Over two weeks, you’ll attend lectures, tutorials, and group discussions that help you develop key academic skills in analysis, comprehension, and critical thinking. You’ll explore major cultural and historical works from Scotland and beyond while reflecting on the role of the Humanities in contemporary society. Outside the classroom, you’ll engage in guided visits to national galleries, museums, and historic sites, along with walking tours of Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, bringing your studies to life.
Location: Medway, Kent, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend: £1,990 (Standard) | £2,290 (Premium)
Dates: July 4–August 9
Application Deadline: Rolling | Early booking recommended
Eligibility: International students aged 12–18 seeking English language and cultural or vocational workshops
Hosted on the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus, this residential summer school offers an immersive English-language and cultural experience. You’ll receive 40 hours of English Language Teaching aligned with CEFR levels, along with a wide range of evening and weekend activities, including discos, cinema nights, talent shows, and sports events. The premium option includes specialized workshops in AI & Digital Marketing, Drama/Theatre, or Football, each featuring an industry or professional visit, such as backstage access at Shakespeare’s Globe or a Premier League stadium tour. Participants enjoy full-day excursions to key destinations across southern England, modern single ensuite accommodation, and access to campus amenities.
Location: Paris, France
Cost/Stipend: $9,699
Dates: June 28 – July 19 (3-week intensive)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18 entering their junior or senior year, or recent graduates
This three-week for-credit program immerses you in studio-based learning, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. You can select one intensive course from options such as Explorations in Drawing, Explorations in Painting, Fashion Design Process, Introduction to Design and Management, Photography in Paris, or Portfolio Development for Art and Design Schools. Each course combines classroom instruction, studio practice, and field excursions across the city, guided by Parsons faculty and industry professionals.
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cost: €1,675 tuition fee | Housing is additional (€800 for shared room + breakfast & dinner)
Dates: Cohort 1: June 17–26 | Cohort 2: July 1–10
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16+ interested in international relations and political science
The Pre-University Honours Programme in International Relations at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) gives motivated high school students the chance to explore global politics from both historical and theoretical perspectives. Over two weeks, you’ll join an international cohort of peers to discuss topics like globalization, international cooperation, and peace and conflict studies. Classes are taught by UvA faculty through interactive lectures and discussions designed to mirror real university learning. You’ll gain insight into how political systems interact on a global scale and how international issues are studied and debated in academia. Students live together at Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Oost, with shared rooms and daily breakfast and dinner provided.
Location: Turin, Italy
Cost/Stipend: One-week: €1,200 | Two-week: €2,000 | €20 application fee (housing not included)
Dates: Specific dates vary
Application Deadline: Exact date might vary
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 with at least B1-level English
The ESCP International Summer School in Turin is a one or two-week academic program that introduces high school students to global business fundamentals through hands-on learning in Marketing, Finance, Strategy, and People Management. You’ll attend workshops, case studies, and company visits while collaborating with peers from around the world in a highly multicultural environment. This program combines academic rigor with practical experience, helping you build skills in communication, teamwork, and business analysis that strengthen university and future career applications. You’ll also explore the city of Turin through cultural and social activities, gaining an international perspective on business and student life.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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