Best Science Summer Schools

Best Science Summer Schools

Discover fascinating science summer courses in world-class locations including Oxford, Cambridge and London.

Discover, Experiment, Understand.

Welcome to our guide to some of the very best science summer schools in Oxford, Cambridge and other top study destinations. Science summer schools invite curious students to explore the wonders of biology, chemistry, physics, and beyond. With expert-led classes, hands-on experiments, and access to inspiring academic settings, all programmes featured on our site offer an exciting glimpse into real scientific thinking — and a head start for future study.

Explore Featured Programmes

Browse a curated selection of standout science summer schools across Oxford, Cambridge and other top institutions. Each programme listed meets our high standards for academic quality, student experience, and trusted delivery—making it easy to find the right fit for your goals.

World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens summer school World Leading Oxford Summer Schools for Teens logo Cambridge • London • New York • Oxford • Yale
From £6,995 Ages 12-18 Summer 2026

Experience Oxford Royale's summer programmes on campus at world leading universities, offering students a chance to dive into prestigious academic and cultural enrichment.

The Oxford Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 summer school The Oxford Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 logo Oxford
From 7,395 - 12,595 USD Ages 16-18 Summer 2026

The Oxford Tradition Summer School, for grades 10-12, offers rigorous academic courses and cultural immersion at Oxford.

Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge summer school Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge logo Cambridge • Oxford
From £5,995 - £7,495 Ages 13-18 July and August 2026

University-style summer programmes in Cambridge and Oxford for ages 13–18, combining academic rigour, world-class teaching, and an authentic taste of student life.

Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students summer school Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for High School Students logo Cambridge • Oxford
From £6,495 - £8,595 Ages 13-24 Summer 2026

Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience by Oxford Summer Courses immerses high school students in diverse academic studies and cultural explorations at these historic universities.

Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 summer school Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 logo Cambridge
From £7,900 Ages 13-18 Summer 2026

ISSOS at Cambridge is based in the extensive and beautiful grounds of The University of Cambridge, one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

Find the Best Experience for You

Whether it’s the historic charm of Oxford or the academic prestige of Cambridge, each city offers a unique and inspiring summer experience. Explore what makes each location special—and find the perfect setting for your summer school journey.

The Radcliffe Camera in Spring with pink blossoms on a tree, part of Oxford University, a host venue of Oxford Summer Schools
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Science Summer School in Oxford

Ranked as being in the top 5 globally for science and medicine, the University of Oxford is the heart and soul of Oxford (and many summer schools are based on-campus), with Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking among its most remarkable scientist alumni.
Browse Oxford

View of a University of Cambridge College from the front quad, a Cambridge summer school host venue
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Science Summer School in Cambridge

Cambridge has given the world some truly amazing scientific discoveries: evolution (Charles Darwin studied here), IVF, the UK’s first successful heart transplant, and more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution in the world. Study science here and join them!
Browse Cambridge

A University College London (UCL) campus building - also a London summer schools host venue
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Science Summer School in London

London is a science powerhouse, with more universities ranked in the world’s top 25 than any other city, and plenty of science career opportunities. It’s also home to a dazzling selection of (usually free) museums, including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Royal Observatory.
Browse London

A female student departing for a Summer School
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Browse All Destinations

Interested in studying Science in other wonderful study destinations in Europe, the USA and worldwide?
Browse All

Find A Course

ISSFT
Medicine

The Medicine course at ISSFT introduces students to the fundamentals of healthcare and medical science, exploring anatomy, physiology, pathology, and…

ISSFT
Study Skills

This course helps students prepare for the IB, GCSE, or SAT by developing essential academic techniques such as time management,…

ISSFT
Global Leadership (Politics, Philosophy & Economics)

Explore how the world works through the lens of politics, philosophy, and economics. This thought-provoking course helps students develop critical…

ISSFT
Academic English with Study Skills

Designed for high-school students who want to enhance their English proficiency at C1-C2 level while also mastering essential academic study…

ISSFT
Intensive English Language

This immersive course at International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) offers full English-language immersion for teens at levels A1-B2. It…

ISSFT
Golf and Academic Study Summer Program

The ISSFT Golf Programme gives students the chance to train in the world-famous home of golf under the guidance of…

ISSFT
English for IELTS Success

This course is designed for students at an intermediate level of English aiming to enhance their fluency and exam readiness…

ISSFT
Global Entrepreneurship

This course introduces teenagers to the dynamic world of business, leadership and innovation — enabling them to pitch their own…

ISSFT
Academic English and Creative Writing

This course offers international teenagers the chance to strengthen their academic English while exploring the power of imagination and self-expression.…

ISSOS
Business & Entrepreneurship

The ISSOS Business and Entrepreneurship programme introduces students to a world beyond school and teaches them how they can use…

Oxford Summer Courses
Economics (13-15 years old)

The Economics summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning…

Immerse Education
Physics in Cambridge for Ages 13-15

Begin unlocking the secrets of the universe in Cambridge, a city of pioneering discoveries.

Oxbridge Academic Programs
Engineering: Methods, Models, Applications (The Oxbridge Institute for Advanced Studies)

The course will begin by introducing students to the approaches and techniques required to carry out a successful Engineering research…

Sapphire Education
Psychology, Marketing & Leadership

Explore what drives human behaviour and how it shapes the world around us. This course invites students to delve into…

Oxford Science Studies
GCSE & IGCSE Revision Courses in Oxford

OXSS offers tailored academic support for GCSE and IGCSE students. With small group classes, expert tutors, and flexible scheduling, students…

Summer Boarding Courses
Faculty of Medicine at Oxford College

Studying at the Faculty of Medicine offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the world of healthcare and medical sciences.…

Bucksmore Education
Pre-University Preparation Medicine

This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one…

Oxford Scholastica Academy
Discover Technology Academy

Are you fascinated by rockets and robots? Do you love playing with computers? On this technology summer course, you’ll learn…

Sapphire Education
STEM Pioneers

This course invites younger students to explore the exciting world of STEM through hands-on challenges, creative problem-solving, and teamwork. From…

Summer Boarding Courses
English Pathway in Cambridge

The English Pathways programme at Cambridge is designed for students who want to strengthen their communication skills and confidence in…

FAQs and Contact

Responses to frequently asked questions from parents and students. View more here.

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More Details: Science Summer Schools

A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.

Academic Focus and Teaching

Science summer schools emphasize an inquiry-based teaching approach that actively engages students in the learning process. This method fosters critical thinking and encourages exploration of scientific concepts beyond the confines of a typical school curriculum. By integrating hands-on experiments and collaborative projects, students gain a deeper understanding of theoretical knowledge and its real-world applications. Unlike conventional educational settings that may adhere strictly to standardized curricula, these programs often allow for greater flexibility in topics and themes, addressing students’ interests and fostering a more personalized learning experience.

Programme Structure and Student Experience

The structure of science summer schools is often designed to promote a dynamic and interactive learning environment, balancing lectures, discussions, and practical experiments. Students can expect a rhythm that varies daily, incorporating both guided instruction and independent research. This blend fosters a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity and collaboration among peers. The focus on project-based work enables participants to delve deeply into specific scientific inquiries, enhancing their understanding while cultivating essential skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. Overall, the experience is marked by engagement and a sense of community, enriching students’ academic journeys.

Student Age Groups and Eligibility

Science summer schools cater to a broad range of students, welcoming individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge and interest in the subject. These programs are designed to accommodate learners who are eager to expand their scientific understanding, regardless of their formal education background. Expectations typically include a willingness to participate actively in discussions and experiments, as well as an openness to explore new ideas and concepts.

What Makes Science Summer Schools Unique

What sets science summer schools apart is their distinctive focus on experiential learning and exploration. Unlike traditional classroom settings, which often prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing, these programs encourage a hands-on approach that allows students to engage with scientific principles in a meaningful way. This emphasis on project work and inquiry not only deepens students’ understanding of scientific concepts but also fosters a passion for discovery that can extend well beyond the summer experience.

Choosing the Right Programme or Provider

  1. Curriculum breadth and depth offered by the programme
  2. Teaching methodologies and their alignment with student learning styles
  3. Duration and intensity of the programme
  4. Opportunities for independent research and project work
  5. Feedback and reviews from past participants

Fees and Course Costs

Observed fees for current intakes start from £2,395, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.

When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.

Top Science Summer Schools Compared

Last updated: 13/10/2025

Course Provider Subject Location Duration Fees Short Description Link
Green Futures: Solutions to Environmental Challenges (The Oxbridge Institute for Advanced Studies) Oxbridge Academic Programs Climate & Sustainability, Social Sciences, Sciences Oxford 4 weeks $12,595 The course will begin by introducing students to the approaches and techniques required to carry out a successful research project related to the Environmental crisis. At the same time, the instructor will propose a range of topics students might wish to concentrate on. View
Pre-University Preparation Medicine Bucksmore Education Medicine, Sciences, Psychology, Neuroscience, Exam Preparation, University Preparation Oxford 2 or 4 weeks 3195 This programme prepares students to excel in their chosen subjects within the highly competitive higher education environment. Students choose one university-level subject taught at a first-year undergraduate level. View
Mathematics in Oxford for Ages 16-18 Immerse Education Mathematics, STEM, Sciences, Economics Oxford 2+ weeks 7495 Solve complex equations in Oxford, following in the footsteps of world-renowned mathematicians. View
Computer Science (13-15 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Computer Science, Coding, Tech & Coding, STEM Cambridge 6995 The Computer Science Cambridge summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £6,995. View
Law Explorers (11-12 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Law, Humanities, Social Sciences UK Boarding Schools 2395 The Law Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 11-12 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,395. View
Natural Sciences in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Discover the interconnected world of science in Cambridge, a city that has inspired countless scientific breakthroughs. View
Economics (Oxbridge in New York) Oxbridge Academic Programs Economics, Business, Social Sciences New York 4 weeks $11,495 The city that over the past two centuries has contributed more than any other to making the world rich, while bankrupting it on several occasions, becomes a classroom as students are introduced to the theories that govern economic thought as well as economic modeling. Guided by experts, and making full use of visits to Wall Street and experts drawn from corporate New York, students go on to test their knowledge against contemporary economic problems in order to understand how the world economy might evolve. View
Politics (The Oxford Summer Seminar) Oxbridge Academic Programs Politics, Social Sciences, Humanities Oxford 1 or 2 weeks $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session What goals and methodologies, if any, do politicians around the world share? To what extent are politicians able to change contemporary society? View
Youth Leadership ISSOS Leadership, Business, Social Sciences St Andrews 3 weeks 7900 Develop leadership skills and discover your own potential on this unique leadership programme that will give you a variety of valuable life skills that will be useful in both your academic and your personal life. View
Mathematics Reach Cambridge Mathematics, STEM, Sciences Cambridge 2, 4 or 6 weeks £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 There is no better place to gain an introduction to university-level mathematics than at Cambridge – a home to numerous Fields Medal winners. View
Veterinary Studies in Sydney for Ages 13-15 Immerse Education Veterinary Science, Sciences, Biology Sydney 2 weeks From £3,995 Begin your veterinary journey in Sydney, surrounded by Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. Click to learn more. View
Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy Oxford Scholastica Academy Psychology, Neuroscience, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities Oxford 2 weeks 6995 Fascinated by the human mind, thought and behaviour? If you’re thinking of studying psychology, this course will give you a great head start. View
Business Management in Cambridge for Ages 16-18 Immerse Education Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences Cambridge 2+ weeks 7495 Develop advanced business skills in Cambridge, a global centre for learning and innovation. View
Engineering in New York for Ages 15-18 Immerse Education Engineering, STEM, Sciences New York 2+ weeks 7495 Explore engineering innovation in New York, where infrastructure and technology shape the modern city. View
Enterprise Explorers (13-14 years old) Oxford Summer Courses Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Leadership, Social Sciences UK Boarding Schools 2395 The Enterprise Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-14 years old students, provides interactive learning and is priced from £2,395. View

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