15 Summer Courses for High School Students in Oxford, England
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you want to spend your summer learning in one of the most respected academic cities in the world, Oxford is a good place to start. The city’s long history of learning and research makes it a center for high school students who want to study new subjects, understand how university education works, and build useful academic experience.
What are summer courses? Why should I apply for a summer course in Oxford?
Summer courses in Oxford are short, structured programs that cover many areas such as business, medicine, law, computer science, and the arts. These courses often combine classroom learning with practical work, giving you a clear idea of how each subject connects to real-world challenges. You study on active university campuses, attend workshops or lectures by experienced tutors, and often take part in group projects or final presentations.
Joining one of these programs also gives you a strong point to include in your college applications. Completing a course at Oxford shows that you took the initiative to learn in a serious academic environment, managed college-level material, and explored subjects independently. It also helps you understand what studying at a global university feels like, which can guide your academic decisions later.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve listed 15 summer courses in Oxford, England!
15 Summer Courses for High School Students in Oxford, England
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions throughout the year
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle/high school
The Academic Insights Program allows high school students to take undergraduate-level classes 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 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 program’s end, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location:Â Oxford, Cambridge, and Harrow College, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend:Â Tuition varies by age group and subject (no stipend; paid program)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; small group format with approximately 6 students per class
Program Dates:Â Multiple 2-week sessions offered during the summer months
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students ages 9–24; courses grouped by age and subject area
Oxford Summer Courses offers academic programs for students aged 9 to 24 in historic university settings like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harrow, with small-group teaching modeled on the Oxford tutorial system. You choose from over 40 subjects across humanities, sciences, and business, and study in small classes that encourage discussion and independent thinking. Tutors are affiliated with top universities and guide you through university-style learning. Before your course begins, you gain access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations, an online preparation program that helps you get ready for in-person study. You also participate in a full social calendar that includes local activities, formal dinners, and a graduation ceremony.Â
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend:Â Paid program (tuition varies by year; no stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Highly selective; small precept-style groups
Program Dates:Â One-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline:Â Typically early spring; rolling until full
Eligibility:Â Students ages 15 and younger with a strong interest in philosophy, politics, and critical reasoning
The John Locke Junior Summer School is a weeklong academic program in Oxford for students aged 12 to 15 who want to study philosophy, politics, economics, and history through discussion and critical thinking. The program helps you explore complex ideas and develop your own reasoning. You attend lectures, seminars, and small-group sessions modeled on the Socratic method, where you discuss and debate different viewpoints with mentors and other students. The teaching team includes academics, authors, and former public figures. Through these sessions, you practice forming clear arguments, listening carefully, and thinking independently.
Location:Â Radley College, Oxfordshire, England
Cost/Stipend:Â Paid program (tuition required; no stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; small precept groups for individualized attention
Program Dates:Â Two-week session in the summer
Application Deadline:Â Typically early spring; rolling until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students ages 15–17, especially first-time John Locke participants
The Foundation Certificate at the John Locke Institute is designed for motivated students aiming to strengthen their intellectual and academic foundations before advancing to higher-level study. You’ll study topics such as political philosophy, ethics, logic, game theory, and political economy under the guidance of leading academics and scholars. The program focuses on cultivating reasoning, argumentation, and communication skills through interactive discussions in philosophy, politics, and economics. Students live at Radley College near Oxford, enjoying historic surroundings while developing the analytical sophistication and confidence needed for future university and professional success.
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: From £8,995 (paid program; no stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; small international cohort
Program Dates: July 19 – August 1 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions until full
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 with an interest in climate science, sustainability, or environmental studies
The Future Climate Innovators Summer School is a two-week program in Oxford that brings together students from different countries to study climate change through science, policy, and economics. You learn from academics and sustainability experts while working on practical ways to address environmental issues. The program also includes cultural and social activities, such as formal dinners and visits to Oxford’s historic sites. These experiences help you connect with students from around the world.
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: From £8,995 (paid program; no stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; small international cohort
Program Dates: August 2 – 15 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions until filled
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 with an interest in entrepreneurship, business innovation, or social impact
The Future Entrepreneurs Summer School in Oxford is a two-week program that helps you understand how startups work and how new ideas turn into actual projects. Through workshops, mentoring, and team projects, you move from developing a business idea to presenting it to a panel of judges. The program focuses on entrepreneurship as a way to address global issues such as inequality and climate change. You build practical skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving while learning from business mentors, startup founders, and faculty from Oxford’s Saïd Business School. By the end of the program, you will receive a University of Oxford certification.
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: From £8,995 (includes accommodation, meals, teaching, excursions, and transfers; no stipend)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Selective; small international cohort
Program Dates: July 19 – August 1 (2 weeks)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 interested in computer science, AI, or data science (no prior coding experience required)
The AI and Machine Learning Pioneers Summer School is a two-week program in Oxford for students who want to learn how artificial intelligence and data science influence daily life. The program is run with Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Department of Economics. You study coding, analytics, and the social impact of technology through hands-on lessons and projects. You also gain experience with Python and other tools while working on real-world problems that connect technology with economics and society. Classes are taught by Oxford faculty and industry professionals who help you understand how AI drives change across different fields. At the end of the program, you receive an official University of Oxford certificate.
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: £8,995 (includes accommodation, meals, transfers, and excursions)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Not specified
Program Dates:Â Starts July 18 (14 days)
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
The Oxford Saïd Teen Leadership Summer Academy is a two-week residential program for high school students interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and global issues. It takes place at one of Oxford’s historic colleges. The program focuses on ethical leadership and social responsibility through team projects that address real-world problems. You take part in lectures and workshops led by Oxford tutors, alumni, and professionals. You also build a portfolio that shows your ability to plan, collaborate, and solve challenges effectively. Outside academics, you explore Oxford’s culture and traditions. You stay in college housing, go punting on the Thames, and join guided visits around the city.Â
Location:Â Oxford, England
Cost/Stipend: £8,995 (includes accommodation, meals, transfers, and excursions)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Not specified
Program Dates:Â Starts July 5 (14 days)
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
The Oxford Saïd Teen Technology and Innovation Summer Academy is a two-week residential program for high school students interested in technology, creativity, and problem-solving. It takes place at one of Oxford’s historic colleges. You learn about new technologies and innovation strategy through lectures and workshops led by Oxford tutors, alumni, and professionals. The program centers on team projects where you develop and present solutions to challenges, building a portfolio that highlights your practical and leadership skills. The program ends with a graduation ceremony at the Divinity School, where you receive a University of Oxford certificate recognizing your participation.
Location:Â Oxford and London, England
Cost/Stipend: From £4,940 (includes accommodation, meals, and academic programming)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Varies; programmes host hundreds of students annually
Program Dates:Â Vary by course
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18
Bucksmore Education runs summer programs in Oxford, Cambridge, London, and other UK locations for students aged 10 to 18. The courses combine academic study with cultural experiences in a university-style setting. You can choose from subjects such as English, writing, STEM, business, law, and university preparation, with courses designed for different ages and goals. You stay in university colleges or boarding schools and take part in a full program of activities, including sightseeing, sports, workshops, and formal events. The experience helps you build both academic and social skills.
Location:Â University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost/Stipend:Â $8,890 + airfare
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small seminar groups of 10–12 students
Program Dates: July 3 – July 16; July 17 – July 3; July 31 – August 13Â
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; motivated rising 9th graders may also be considered
Oxford Academia offers a two-week summer program held at University College and Corpus Christi, two of Oxford’s oldest colleges. You take part in small, discussion-based seminars led by Oxford faculty, where you study academic subjects in depth and develop your own ideas. The program includes visits to places like the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, Blenheim Palace, and Stonehenge. You live on campus under full supervision, with staff providing guidance and support throughout your stay. At the end of the program, you receive a Certificate of Completion and detailed feedback from faculty.
Location:Â Oxford, Cambridge, London, Yale, Berkeley, New York
Cost: Starts at £6,995
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Large cohorts; over 2,000 students attend annually
Program Dates:Â Two-week courses starting July 5, July 19, and August 2
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18
Oxford Royale Academy runs summer programs for students aged 12 to 18 that combine academic learning with cultural experiences at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. You can choose from more than 30 subjects, including medicine, law, engineering, business, and creative writing. Classes follow a university-style format and are taught by experienced teachers and guest lecturers, including some from Oxford and Cambridge. You stay in college or boarding school housing and meet students from many countries. Outside the classroom, you join excursions, attend formal events, and finish with a graduation ceremony that marks your progress and participation.
Location:Â Oxford, Cambridge, Rochester, Folkestone, Eton, Wimborne, London, Reading, Berkshire
Cost: Starts at £3,350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Large cohorts; thousands of students attend annually
Program Dates:Â Vary by location and session
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 6–17
Summer Boarding Courses (SBC) runs summer programs at leading UK boarding schools, including Headington School in Oxford and Eton College. The programs combine academic learning with cultural and social activities, offering a balanced and engaging experience. You can study subjects like science, literature, global leadership, or English language skills. You stay on campus in boarding school accommodation, experiencing life in a structured and supportive setting. Each program includes a mix of academic lessons, creative projects, and extracurricular activities suited to your age and interests.Â
Location: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: £5,950–£6,995Â
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; international cohort from over 100 countries
Program Dates: July 5–18, July 19–August 1 (14 days each)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; spaces fill quickly
Eligibility: Students ages 13–18 from international backgrounds
The International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) at Oxford combines morning academics with afternoon electives to give you a balanced, engaging summer. In the mornings, you study subjects like English, Global Leadership, and Study Skills in small classes with experienced educators. In the afternoons, you choose from creative and sporting electives, including photography, tennis, theatre, and rowing, each taught by professional coaches and certified instructors. You stay in accommodation at the University of Oxford, enjoy three daily meals, and take part in regular excursions to places like Cambridge and Stratford-upon-Avon.Â
Location: Oriel College, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
Cost: From £5,580 (£500 non-refundable application fee)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small seminar-style groups
Program Dates: July 20 – August 2 or August 3–16 (2 weeks each; can attend both)
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions; discounts for early applications before March 1
Eligibility: University-level students ages 16+; some flexibility for motivated high school seniors
The Oriel Summer Institute at one of Oxford's most prestigious colleges brings together students from around the world to take in-depth seminars in specialized subjects. You choose courses based on your interests, ranging from sciences to humanities to social sciences, and study in small groups with Oxford academics. Each seminar includes evening lectures, weekend excursions to cultural sites, and activities throughout Oxford and beyond. All meals are provided, including formal dinners in Oriel's historic dining hall, where students have eaten for over 700 years. You stay in single ensuite rooms on the college campus, experiencing authentic Oxford college life.Â
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.
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 Turban 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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