For ages 16 -17 years old
Programme dates: Monday 13 July - Friday 24 July 2026
Our two-week Pre-University Global Summer School programme offers international students aged between 16 - 17 years old, the opportunity to explore future degree interests through a variety of academic subject tasters, develop global skills by meeting new friends from around the world, and experience what student life is like at Lancaster.
Programme informationOur summer programme is built around a variety of academic subject taster sessions. These engaging sessions, taught by university lecturers and PhD students, are a great way for students to explore different subject areas before they apply to university. Subjects areas may include, but are not limited to: Architecture, Computing, Design, Engineering, Film and Media, History, Languages, Law, Philosophy, and Psychology.
In addition to the academic programme, we offer a lively social and cultural programme with a wide range of opportunities to make friends, try new skills, and travel the UK. Activities may include, but are not limited to: a tour of Lancaster (Lancaster Castle, Williamson Park and local museums), a day trip to the Lake District and Liverpool and a range of evening social activities that may include sports, movie night, crafts, and much more!
The historic city of Lancaster, just 3 miles away from our campus, is located in the north-west of England. This means we’re right in the middle of the UK, and we have great transport links to other cities and places of interest.
In Lancaster city centre, you’ll find a rich and fascinating history, a vibrant cafe culture, and plenty of opportunities to explore.
The city and beyond
Lancaster University is a highly ranked global university and is among the best in the UK. We have been named the 'University of the Year in the north-west [of England]' in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. We're also in the top 10 in UK (The Complete University Guide 2026) and consistently placed in the top 15 in major UK league tables.
We have a global community of over 180,000 graduates from more than 190 countries.
Rankings and reputation
Here at Lancaster, our unique campus university creates a safe, connected community of students, where you’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep. Our high-quality on-campus facilities include an array of modern study spaces, a well-equipped sports centre, and plenty of places to eat and drink. We also have 24/7 security on campus, a multi-faith chaplaincy open to students of all faiths and none, a dedicated prayer room, and much more!
Our campus
Our modern accommodation is comfortable, well-equipped, and designed around an excellent student experience.
Pre-University Global Summer School students are guaranteed a catered, en-suite room on campus. Your bedroom will be fully furnished with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, and bookshelves as well as your own private bathroom. Linen (towels and bedding) are provided. You will have some shared facilities such as the kitchen and dining area.
Please note: the images and videos on this page may not correspond exactly to the en-suite room you will be staying in.
Room tourIf you're interested in attending our Pre-University Global Summer School please contact us: preuniversityglobalschools@lancaster.ac.uk
Application deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026
Fees: £4,650 per person
Fee inclusions:Academic subject tasters’, catered en-suite single room on campus, a wide range of social and cultural activities, airport pick up and drop off (Manchester Airport only) and £465 non-refundable deposit to be paid on successful application.
Students will receive a certificate of participation upon successful completion of the programme.
Programme fee and deposit: Students are expected to pay the overall fee sum before arriving in the UK and a non-refundable deposit of £465 is expected to be paid on successful application.
To participate in the Pre-university Global Summer School programme, you must meet the following entry criteria:
English language All students on the Pre-university Global Summer School must have a good level of English to ensure they can fully participate in all aspects of the programme, including academic subject tasters. Therefore, we require students who come from a country where English is not an official language to submit evidence of English language proficiency.
For the launch of our Pre-University Global Summer School programme in July 2026, we will be working directly with international schools to identify small groups of students to attend the programme.
Please note: We are not open for direct, individual applications. Please contact your child’s school to see if they are participating in our Pre-University Global Summer School programme.
For more information, please contact the Global Experiences team via email: preuniversityglobalschools@lancaster.ac.uk
Application Deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026
Once you've been accepted, paid the deposit and tuition fees, approximately one month before you arrive, we will email you further information about the programme and arrival details.
You will be given your timetable one week before the first day of the programme. A detailed timetable is not available prior this point.
Application withdrawal:
You will be able to withdraw your application and may be eligible to receive a refund under certain circumstances. Please see the 'cancellation policy' section in the Terms and Conditions.
Visa and insurance:
It is important that students obtain the correct visa or entry clearance to study in the UK. You will be sent detailed information about visas and immigration when you have accepted your offer and paid the fee.
Most students will need to get a Standard Visitor Visa to attend a summer school without further study.
The University does not provide insurance, you may want to explore insurance options to cover travel, loss or damage to personal possessions and medical costs.
Programme completion:
After the programme has ended students will receive an official certificate of completion. This will help them to stand out against the competition and enhance their future academic and career prospects.
We strongly advise that all students download and save or print any materials during the programme that you would like to keep. Your Lancaster University IT account will be closed shortly after the completion of the programme.
If you still haven’t found the answer to your query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is on hand to help, just send us an email via the link below.
