Undergraduate Summer Programme 

The Downing College Summer Experience

The Undergraduate Summer Programme offers undergraduate students from around the world the unique opportunity to enrol at Downing College Cambridge and extend their knowledge in a range of academic subjects and experience Cambridge student life.

The programme offers students the opportunity to attend a 4-week academic course, extending and developing their knowledge while experiencing academic and cultural life at this globally renowned institution.

Applications for the Undergraduate Summer Programme are now open. 

What to expect

The first week of the Programme will cover English for academic purposes. Weeks Two and Three will cover subject-specific strands. The final week will focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) workshop.

During the residential, students attend four 90-minute classes per day, taught by different Academic Tutors. This makes up around 60 hours of teaching across the two-week in-person programme. Each day blends lectures, discussions, and workshops with opportunities for independent study.

Broaden your context on global challenges, modern culture, and philosophy…

As part of the experience, students will attend lectures and workshops with students from around the globe in a class size of 20 students. The programme aims to provide students with a one-to-one learning experience based on the acclaimed Cambridge structure and to examine ideas in a lively academic environment.

The social and cultural indulgence in Cambridge at the Downing College Summer Experience is one not to be missed as you join our team of Teaching Assistants on a series of excursions, from visiting museums and cultural sites steeped in history to enjoying the lively social scene.

Programme dates and fees 

Dates

8 August - 5 September 2026

Programme fees

Our programme fees are designed to keep things simple and cost-effective. The programme fees are £6,500.

What's included in the fees?

Our programme fees are designed to keep things simple and cost-effective. The programme fees are £6,500 and include costs for the following:

  • Tuition fees
  • Academic and pastoral support
  • Final grade and academic transcript
  • Academic feedback
  • Accommodation with bed linen, towels, and cleaning services
  • Catering three meals per day (Monday to Friday)
  • Social events such as a BBQ and Formal Hall
  • Access to College facilities
What's not included in the fees? 

 

  • Flights and travel to Cambridge
  • Visa applications
  • Airport transfers (options available separately)
  • Travel insurance
  • £100 application fee (this will be removed from the total fee)
Terms and conditions

Before you apply, please ensure you have read and understood our Terms and Conditions.

Travel additional information

For guidance, please see our Visa Information page.