International Specialist Programme
For students aged 15 to 17 years.
-downing college-
university of Cambridge
International Programme
Express your interest
OUR HISTORY. YOUR FUTURE.
Downing College welcomes ambitious students from around the world to experience Cambridge’s unique scholarly environment and rich history. We run a variety of courses designed to prepare students for their Undergraduate degrees, combining small-group teaching led by University of Cambridge academics and researchers with memorable cultural excursions. Our programmes offer a true taste of university life in the heart of Cambridge through an outstanding summer school experience.
Welcome to Downing
Welcome from the Master, Professor Graham Virgo:
"The Downing College International Programme is intended to be challenging, pushing students to learn about a broad range of subjects and think differently about subjects they might have studied before.”
Choose the right programme for you
The Downing College International Programme - Exploratory (Ages 15–17)
Build academic confidence, strengthen English for Academic Purposes, and explore STEM or Humanities pathways
“The Downing College International Programme gave me the confidence to pursue my subject at university — the classes felt like real Cambridge tutorials.”
International Programme student, 2025
The Downing College International Programme - Specialist (Ages 15–17)
Immerse yourself in university-level subject teaching, complete a supervised research project, and develop the skills needed for future study at world-class institutions.
Explore the Specialist Programme (15-17 years)
Undergraduate Summer Programme (18+)
Take the unique opportunity to enrol at Downing College Cambridge and extend your knowledge in a range of academic subjects and experience life as a Cambridge student for a summer.
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