Applying
How to apply
We welcome applications from adults aged 18-80+, including university students, professionals, retirees and those with other experience, regardless of educational background.
Key information
- the application deadline is 28 June 2026
- before applying ensure you have read the programme requirements (who can apply, language requirements, visa guidance)
- read our booking terms and conditions (scroll to find the ISP booking terms and conditions)
Balance of payment deadline
- the balance of payment deadline is 1 May 2026
You will need to pay the fees in full if you apply after the balance of payment deadline. If the full fees are not paid by this date, the University reserves the right to cancel your application.
How to apply and what you’ll need
The ‘Apply now’ button will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can:
- set up an account
- start, save, and submit your application
- upload your supporting information
- pay your registration fee
- add yourself to a waiting list if your preferred course choices are full
Supporting information
When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide:
- a recent colour photograph of yourself (head and shoulders only looking straight into the camera)
- language proficiency information (if English is not your first language). Returning students do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency.
What happens after you apply?
Once you’ve applied you’ll receive:
- an email acknowledging that your application has been submitted (this is not confirmation of acceptance onto the International Summer Programme)
- a payment receipt email to confirm your 15% registration fee has been received
When will I be accepted onto the programme?
- if you meet the requirements and have provided the relevant supporting information, your application will be processed and accepted
- if your application is incomplete (for example, missing language proficiency information) you’ll be asked to send this information and your application will be held as 'submitted'
- if you are applying via your university or institution, liaise with your group contact
Once your application has been accepted, you’ll receive:
- an email to confirm your place on the International Summer Programme
- an email containing a PDF of your acceptance letter confirming your selected courses and accommodation. This letter can be used as supporting documentation for visa applications
You’ll also be sent login details to the Virtual Learning Environment (from February onwards), where you can access:
- student handbook
- course materials and resources
- College accommodation notes
- information about Cambridge
What happens if I haven't received the above emails?
Check your junk folders and contact us if you have any queries.
Guidance on requirements
We welcome applications from all adults aged 18-80+, including university students, professionals, retirees and those with other experience, regardless of educational background. Courses are taught at approximately first-year undergraduate level.
Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from anyone under the age of 18. If you submit your application before you turn 18, we will not be able to accept you on to the programme until you turn 18. If you do not turn 18 before the start of the International Summer Programme, you will be unable to attend this year but we would welcome your application for the following year.
To ensure that all learners can enjoy studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following discussions presented in written and spoken English at University level. You will also need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency.
If English is not your first (native) language, you will need to meet our English language requirements, by providing evidence of one of the following tests. These results should have been achieved in the same sitting, and no more than 4 years before the date of your application.
If you have already attended the University of Cambridge International Summer Programme(s) you are deemed to have already met this requirement and will not need to provide further proof of English language proficiency.
| Qualification | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS Indicator | Minimum overall band score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in a maximum of one of the four components |
C1 Advanced CAE (Cambridge English Advanced) | Overall score of 180, with no element lower than 176 Grade A or B or 176 points overall on the Cambridge English Scale
|
C2 Proficiency CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency) | Overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185 Grade C or above or 200 points overall on the Cambridge English Scale |
| TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition | Overall score of 92 (with no individual element below 22) |
If you have 'narrowly missed' the minimum required levels in one of the accepted English Language tests you will be offered a video call with one of our team to determine whether your language level is sufficient.
If you have undertaken all or part of your education in English and/or have extensive experience using English on a regular basis in your professional life you might be eligible to apply for the programme without the above tests. Please provide evidence to support this: an employer recommendation or reference, your CV, a link to your LinkedIn page, an article or website that shows your work.
It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions.
In line with Home Office policy, the University will be required to confirm you have the correct immigration permission to study in the UK at the start of the International Summer Programme.
To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.
If you already have immigration permission in the UK, please inform us so we are able to confirm whether this allows you to study on the International Summer Programme.
Further guidance
Queries should be directed to us in the first instance via our Contact us form, but we may refer your query to the International Student Office if specific advice is required.
We welcome learners of all backgrounds and abilities and are committed to providing learners with disabilities and/or medical conditions equal opportunities and access to their chosen course of study.
We are committed to developing an inclusive learning and teaching environment and will seek to make reasonable adjustments where possible to enable learners to reach their full potential whilst studying with us.
Please let us know about any support requirements when booking so that we can work to support you.