Make a donation: support students from around the world
In 2023 the University of Cambridge International Summer Programmes celebrated a big anniversary. At over 100, we are one of the oldest Summer Programmes in the world. Our courses last between just one and four weeks, but can have a lasting impact on anyone who attends.
Our Summer Programme provides an opportunity for intensive study of new or favourite subjects as part of a truly international group. Classroom diversity, with mixed-age, mixed-nationality and mixed-ability groups all add to an enriching experience.
Make a donation
Whilst we firmly believe that the International Summer Programme offers good value for money, we appreciate that not everyone can afford to come. In 2024 - with support from the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)'s James Stuart Fund and from external donations - we assisted students from Ukraine, Peru, Brazil and Palestine, offering fully-funded stays of between two and four weeks. But there are many more people around the world who would benefit from bursary help to support their application.
We’ve evidence of what receiving a full- or part-funded place has meant to students in the past. Recipients of bursaries in previous years have found it easier to go on to further study, had better options for career moves, and have joined with many regular fee-paying students in declaring that the Summer Programmes have been truly life-changing.
100 Patrons+ Campaign
To celebrate our centenary, in 2023 we launched a long-term '100 Patrons+' campaign and we are seeking 100+ people to help us to fund full tuition and accommodation places for students on the International Summer Programme. The aim will be to match funds raised with donations from the James Stuart Fund. Each one-week stay – tuition and accommodation – is around £1,750, a two-week stay costs around £3,450. Whilst we would hope for many donations in excess of £1,000, we would set the minimum gift level in the ‘Centenary Patron’ category’ at £500. We’re also aware that we may receive many lower-value donations: hence the reference to 100 Patrons+.
Our 100 Patrons+ Campaign strives to create an endowment of at least £50,000, with funds going to support places for current and future years. The Centenary Patrons will be added to a new donors board at our Headquarters, with named lists posted each year in the International Summer Programme office.
For those in the UK in the Summertime, there will be an annual Patrons’ Reception (with the opportunity to meet Bursary Recipients), and Patrons would receive updates on the Campaign and Bursary Recipients each year.
We hope you may be able to join the list of Patrons. But donations of all amounts are welcome.
Thank you for your support.