Downing College International Foundation Programme (15-18 years)

Build skills for the future

The Foundation course for the original international summer school at a University of Cambridge College. 

A two-week academic programme in Cambridge, delivered by world-class academics in the iconic Downing College.

Gain confidence in academic English, explore STEM or Humanities pathways, and get a taster of life as a Cambridge student before joining our world class international summer school programme for 15-18 year olds. 

The Downing College International Programme Foundation course offers students aged 15–18 the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambridge’s academic and cultural life. With a balance of subject learning, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and memorable excursions, the programme is designed to build skills and confidence for future university study.

Programme aims

  • Gain insight into Cambridge-style teaching.
  • Boost students’ confidence in academic English.
  • Choose a pathway - STEM or Humanities - with four subject strands each.
  • Develop academic communication through English for Academic Purposes (EAP) sessions.

 

Programme dates and fees

Dates

The two-week residential programme dates for 2026 are:

  • Programme A: 12 July – 25 July*
  • Programme B: 26 July – 8 August
  • Programme C: 9 August – 22 August*

*We are no longer accepting applications for Programme A or Programme C 

Applying to the Downing College International Programme is straightforward. Students begin by completing an online application form, providing details of their academic background and interests. 

Following this, each applicant will take part in a short interview with College staff, designed to assess their English proficiency and motivations for joining the programme.

Students who meet the required standard in the interview will be made an unconditional offer to join the Downing College International Programme for 2026. 

This offer will be sent in the form of an email and will contain a payment link for the programme fees. Payment of all fees must be made within 4 weeks of receiving the offer email, or the offer will be considered to have lapsed. 

Once payment is made, students will receive regular updates from the College team including reminders of key dates, group travel offers, online course details, and other important information. 

Programme fees

This is an all-inclusive programme, keeping the process simple, cost-effective, and safe for students.

The cost for attending the two-week programme is £6,500 GBP

What's included in the fee

 

  • Two weeks of in-person subject teaching at Downing College
  • Continuous academic and pastoral support
  • Cambridge University formal hall dinner following Programme graduation
  • College accommodation with bed linen, towels, and cleaning services
  • Full board catering (three meals per day)
  • Evening social activities (BBQ, bowling, trivia, sports, and more)
  • Accompanied day trips to London (Buckingham Palace, National Gallery, British Museum)
  • Cambridge excursions (guided punting, Fitzwilliam Museum, King’s College)
  • Full access to Downing College facilities
What's not included in the fee

 

  • Flights and travel to Cambridge
  • Visa applications
  • Airport transfers (options available separately)
  • Travel insurance
Travel and additional information

For guidance, please see our Visa Information page.

Terms and Conditions 

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

 

International Programme student.
International Programme student at work.
International Programme class.
International Programme student at work.
International Programme student on an excursion.
International Programme graduation ceremony.
International Programme students.