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For International Students

Travelling to the UK to study is a big and exciting step, and we want every student to feel at home from the moment they arrive. At Oxbridge Summer Scholars (OSS), international students join a warm, diverse community of over 40 nationalities, supported by 24/7 pastoral care as they learn, make friends and grow in confidence at Oxford and Cambridge.

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40+
Nationalities
24/7
Pastoral Care
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Tutorial Groups
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Programmes
for 14-19 years old​

Welcome to Oxbridge Summer Scholars!

We are excited to welcome international students who are eager to further their academic and cultural development. Our programmes are based in the historic cities of Oxford and Cambridge, which are world-renowned centres of education and heritage. Here, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge while immersing yourself in British culture and experiencing the distinctive atmosphere of these renowned university towns.

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Hear from our students around the world

Since launching the Oxbridge Summer Scholars programmes, we have welcomed students from 49 different countries. Explore the map to see where they come from and watch their stories.

Student Stories

Select a country from the map or dropdown to hear directly from our students.
All Student Stories

Who can join Oxbridge Summer Scholars?

Oxbridge Summer Scholars welcomes students aged 14 to 19 for an enriching summer programme. Participants explore various academic fields, including science, technology, medicine, business, law, and global affairs. A good command of English, sufficient for understanding and conversation, is required. Beyond academics, students enjoy cultural excursions, interactive workshops, and extracurricular activities, providing a well-rounded experience in the UK’s prestigious academic environment.

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For 14-15 Years old

Junior Programmes

A carefully supported introduction to university life, combining inspiring academics with daily activities, cultural experiences and close pastoral care.

Programme Highlights

Oxbridge-style teaching.
Interactive seminars and tutorials.
Daily extracurricular activities.
More structured cultural excursions.
Greater pastoral guidance.
Confidence, curiosity and independence.

A Day at OSS

A typical Junior day involves a balance of academic work, meals, activities and supervised evening programmes.
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:15-10:30
Session  1
10:30 - 10:45
Break  
10:45 - 12:00
Session 2
11:45 - 12:00
Break  
12:00 - 12:45
Tutorial 1
12:45 - 14:00
Lunch
13:30 - 16:00
Field trip
16:00 - 17:00
Keynote Lecture/
Masterclass
17:00 - 18:00
Free Time
18:00 - 19:00
Dinner
19:30 - 21:00
Evening Activities
21:00 - 22:00
Pre-readings
22:00
Curfew

Explore Our Academic Streams

Four specialist academic streams, each of which is delivered through the authentic Oxbridge-style teaching model of lectures, seminars, and small-group tutorials.
Stream A: Science, Innovation and Technology

Science, Innovation and Technology

December 6-19, 2026
July 4-17, 2027
July 18-31, 2027
August 1-14, 2027
Stream B: Medical and Biological Sciences

Medical and Biological Sciences

December 6-19, 2026
July 4-17, 2027
July 18-31, 2027
August 1-14, 2027
Stream C: Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship

Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship

December 6-19, 2026
July 4-17, 2027
July 18-31, 2027
August 1-14, 2027
Stream D: Law, Politics, and International Relations

Law, Politics, and International Relations

December 6-19, 2026
July 4-17, 2027
July 18-31, 2027
August 1-14, 2027
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For 16-19 Years old

Senior Programmes

An academically rigorous, university-style experience designed for ambitious students preparing for higher education. The programmes combine challenging lectures, seminars and tutorials with greater independence and intellectual exploration, offering an authentic college experience.

Programme Highlights

Authentic Oxbridge-style lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Greater academic independence and responsibility.
Deeper subject specialisation.
Critical thinking and intellectual discussion.
A balanced programme of academic study and cultural experiences.

A Day at OSS

A typical Junior day involves a balance of academic work, meals, activities and supervised evening programmes.
8:00 - 9:00
Breakfast
9:15 - 10:30
Session  1
10:30 - 10:45
Break  
10:45 - 12:00
Session 2
11:45 - 12:00
Break  
12:00 - 12:45
Tutorial 1
12:45 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:15
Session 3
15:15 - 16:00
Tutorial 2
16:00 - 17:00
Keynote Lecture/
Masterclass
17:00 - 18:00
Free Time
18:00 - 19:00
Dinner
19:30 - 21:00
Evening Activities
21:00 - 22:00
Pre-readings
22:00
Curfew

Explore Our Academic Streams

Four specialist academic streams, each of which is delivered through the authentic Oxbridge-style teaching model of lectures, seminars, and small-group tutorials.
Stream A
Science, Innovation, and Technology
Stream B
Medical and Biological Sciences
Stream C
Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship
Stream D
Law, Politics, and International Relations

What you need to arrange before you travel

At Oxbridge Summer Scholars (OSS), we are proud to welcome students from all over the world — 93% of our participants are international students. Our program provides an enriching academic and cultural experience in the heart of the UK, and we are here to support our students throughout their journey.

Visa & ETA

Depending on your nationality, you will need either a UK Standard Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check which applies to you on the official UK Government website before booking your travel. OSS provides guidance only and isn't responsible for visa or ETA applications, processing times or outcomes. Visas should be applied for around 3 months before travelling. ETAs are quicker, but you should apply for them two to four weeks ahead of time.
Learn more

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a mandatory part of preparing for your Oxbridge Summer Scholars experience. All students must have valid medical insurance that covers their entire stay in the UK. OSS is unable to cover any medical or travel costs. While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as it covers lost belongings, flight delays and trip interruptions, which medical insurance cover alone does not include.
Learn more

Arrival & Departure

Support only covers travel within the official programme dates. OSS cannot be held responsible for flight delays, cancellations, or travel disruptions. You should arrive on the start date and depart on the end date. Arriving one day early is possible for an additional fee, subject to availability. However, accommodation cannot be extended beyond the end date. If you are travelling independently, please carry a signed parental consent letter. If your airline requires a mandatory unaccompanied minor (UM) service, please inform OSS.
Learn more

Transfer from/to the airports

Most students fly into London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW), before travelling to Oxford or Cambridge by coach, train or private transfer. OSS also offers an optional private transfer service. Students under 18 travelling alone must arrange a private transfer, either through OSS or independently, as the UK Border Force may ask to see proof of your travel plans. If your airline requires you to use their Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, please inform OSS in advance.
Learn more

All-Inclusive Programme Cost

Everything your child needs for an unforgettable Oxbridge experience

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DECEMBER PROGRAMMES

£6550

JULY-AUGUST PROGRAMMES

£6950

The total programme cost includes a £500 non-refundable registration fee.

What's included?*

College accommodation

Full board (3 meals)

All tutoring

Trips/extracurricular activities

24/7 supervision by trained staff

* Optional airport transfers are available for an additional fee.

Not included: International travel to and from the UK, visa costs, or health insurance

Apply now

Talk to Our Admissions Team

Not quite ready to commit? No problem! Arrange a free consultation with our admissions team to discuss your goals, ask any questions you have, and find out if this programme is right for you.

This call is perfect for:

  1. - Students who are curious about Oxbridge Summer Scholars and want to find out more.
  2. - Parents who want to explore educational options for their high-achieving child.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for OSS?

Applicants should:

- be within the programme’s age ranges (14-15 for the Junior Programme, 16-19 for the Senior Programme)

- be current school students or on a gap year (university or college students are not eligible)

- have a good command of English (sufficient for academic study and discussion),

- and be academically motivated.

These requirements ensure that all participants enjoy an enriching, engaging, and comfortable academic experience, fully able to interact and collaborate with tutors and peers.

What level of English do I need?

Students should have a good working knowledge of English and feel comfortable communicating in academic and social settings. Since the programme is delivered entirely in English, participants must be able to follow lessons, contribute to discussions, and communicate confidently with tutors and fellow students.

Will you help with a visa to attend the OSS Programme?

Oxbridge Summer Scholars does not provide visa assistance. All students are responsible for obtaining the necessary passport and visa for their chosen destination. However, once you have paid the fee in full we can provide a letter confirming your participation at OSS and your residence address during the programme.

We strongly recommend that you start the visa application process at least three months before your program start date. Please consult the official government website of your destination country for specific visa requirements and procedures.

Failure to comply with visa regulations and maintain required attendance can result in reporting to relevant authorities.

What makes OSS different from other summer programmes?

Oxbridge Summer Scholars stands out for its academic intensity, intellectual breadth, and immersive learning environment. The two-week programme for students aged 14-19 is divided into specialised Streams, allowing each student to explore their academic interests in depth while experiencing life at one of the world’s most prestigious university settings.

Each day combines a diverse range of subjects and teaching styles, led by expert tutors and academics from top UK universities. Through Oxbridge-style small-group tutorials, seminars, and interactive sessions lasting up to eight hours a day, students expand their knowledge, sharpen their analytical and independent learning skills, and build a strong foundation for future university success.

Can students travel independently?

Students aged 14–19 are generally allowed to travel to the UK independently. However, parents should make sure that all UK immigration requirements and airline policies are followed before departure.

1. Parental Consent Letter

For students travelling without a parent or legal guardian, we strongly recommend carrying a signed parental consent letter. The letter should include parental contact details and confirm that the student has permission to travel independently.

While requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances, having this document available can help make the arrival process smoother if requested by UK Border Force officers.

2. Airline Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Requirements

Airline policies regarding Unaccompanied Minor (UM) services vary significantly. For students aged 14 and above, a mandatory UM service is relatively rare, but we strongly recommend checking the requirements directly with your airline before booking flights. In most cases, a parental consent letter is sufficient for teenagers travelling independently.

If your airline requires a mandatory UM service, please inform OSS in advance. In this case, the airline may require the student to be handed over to an authorised adult at the airport. If you need a member of the OSS team to meet your child at the airport for this handover, this can be arranged as an additional service at an extra cost.

Please note that the airline’s UM service and OSS airport assistance are separate services and neither can replace the other.

3. Airport Transfer Requirements

OSS offers an optional private airport transfer service for all students who would like additional support, regardless of age.

However, for students under 18 travelling to the UK alone, a private airport transfer must be arranged either through OSS or independently by the family. This is because UK Border Force officers have become increasingly strict when assessing young travellers arriving alone. Students may be asked to provide details of who is meeting them at the airport, and in some cases, entry may be delayed or refused if appropriate arrangements are not in place.

If you arrange your own transfer, please make sure that the driver or transfer provider is available to meet the student at the airport arrivals area and take them directly to the college.

What does the programme fee include?

The fee covers:

- college accommodation

- full board on weekdays; half-board on weekends

- 24/7 supervision by trained staff

- all academic tuition & course materials

- scheduled cultural activities and excursions.

It does NOT include travel to and from the UK, visa costs, personal expenses, optional airport transfers, or insurance.

What extracurricular opportunities are included?

Students can enjoy cultural excursions and social activities that complement their academic studies and deepen their understanding of British heritage. The programme includes a variety of extracurricular activities. Highlights include visits to iconic locations such as the Bodleian Library, Blenheim Palace and Christ Church. Additional activities may be available for an extra fee.

Are there special prices for international students?

No, the programme fee is the same for all participants, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. Oxbridge Summer Scholars does not offer special pricing or fee reductions for international students.

Download our programme brochure

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Three students sitting outdoors in front of a university building, interacting and smiling.