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.

We make every effort both to anticipate and to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of those students with additional requirements including those with unseen disabilities, including mental health conditions, and specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. 

It is essential that you let us know about any additional requirements as soon as possible so that we can offer you the support and advice you require before the start of the International Summer Programme, enabling a smooth transition to your studies. Please ensure you complete the relevant step in our booking system, including any additional requirements, when applying for the International Summer Programme. 

If you indicate on your application form that you require additional support, you will be sent a Student Additional Requirements Form (SARF) to complete. The form asks for further details about your requirements and support needs, and requests that you submit supporting evidence. Any information shared will be treated in the strictest of confidence and only shared according to your disclosure. If you have any particular requirements or queries please contact us. 

To ensure that all participants on the International Summer Programme are able to enjoy studying with us, you will need to be confident understanding and following discussions presented in written and spoken English at University level, and will 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.

Please note that if you have previously 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. 

Applicants who have 'narrowly missed' the minimum required levels in one of the accepted English Language tests will be offered a video call with one of our team to determine whether their language level is sufficient. 

We recognise that you may have undertaken all or part of your education in English and/or may have extensive experience using English on a regular basis in your professional life, and as such could reasonably be expected to fully participate in our International Summer Programme without the above tests. If you think you may be eligible to apply on this basis, we ask you to provide evidence to support this: an employer recommendation or reference, a CV / link to your LinkedIn page, an article or website that shows your work.

It’s important you are aware of immigration requirements to study on the International Summer Programme. 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.

Please read this section even if you have attended the International Summer Programmes for a number of years.

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.

Visitor route

If you do not already hold immigration permission in the UK that permits study, you may enter the UK as a visitor in order to attend the International Summer Programme.

As status as a visitor in the UK has the following restrictions:

• You cannot take employment in the UK (including part-time or full-time vacation employment);
• You cannot undertake a work placement/internship (paid/unpaid) as part of the course of study;
• You cannot work on a self-employed basis in the UK or be involved in business activities;
• You cannot extend your stay in the UK;
• You must demonstrate you have the funds to support yourself during your studies in the UK.

Applying for a visitor visa

Whether you need to apply for this visa in advance (prior to travelling to the UK) or whether you can request entry as a visitor at immigration control on arrival in the UK depends on your nationality.

Visa nationals

Students from certain countries, i.e. visa nationals, are required to apply for, and obtain, a visitor visa before travelling to the UK. The list of visa nationals is outlined in the Immigration Rules.

Information on the application, including the required supporting documents, is outlined on the Home Office website.

The visa letter issued by the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) should be submitted as a supporting document with the application.

A standard visitor visa is usually granted for 6 months.

Non-visa nationals

If your country is not included on the list of visa nationals, you are not required to apply for a visa in advance of travelling to the UK but will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travelling to the UK. The government has produced a YouTube video on how to apply for an ETA. The cost is £10.

You may need to explain to a Border Force Officer the reasons for your stay in the UK and provide the acceptance letter issued by us. You will receive an entry stamp in your passport to reflect your visitor permission.

Students from the EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA can use the eGates on arrival in the UK and have automatic entry as a visitor if they do not already hold alternative UK immigration permission.

If you use the eGates you will not need to speak to Border Force or receive a stamp in your passport. You will be required to provide evidence of date of entry to the UK (eg your boarding pass or flight ticket) on the registration day in order to verify your immigration status before commencing your studies.

Further guidance

Further information about using the visitor route for short periods of study is outlined on the International Student Office’s web page here:

https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/immigration/short-period-study 

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.