Global Summer Schools

Join us on our beautiful campus and experience a summer school at a global university.

Students in a field overlooking Lancaster and the Lake District

Get ready to spend time connecting with students from around the world, developing global competencies and experiencing a varied programme of lectures, seminars, field trips, and social activities.

Explore Lancaster, explore the UK

Every summer we welcome students from around the world to our UK campus. Here they can live, learn, and explore our beautiful region and the wider country.

Our summer schools

All our summer schools are credit-bearing, and students can choose to add an academic option to the International Cultural Experience programme.

International Cultural Experience

The International Cultural Experience summer school offered at Lancaster University is a great way to experience and learn about British culture and society. The school runs twice a year, and the August programme is an excellent opportunity to extend and enhance your one term or full year study abroad plans, leaving a few weeks free to exploring the UK or settle in.

International Cultural Experience
Students by the castle with the Ashton Memorial in background.

Subject-specific options

  • Film

    Develop an understanding of the formal and technical composition of films and the wider conventions of cinema.

  • International Commercial Law

    Experience legal studies with both a basis in English law and legal methods and a focus on international perspectives and issues.

A group of students stand in the Library

Social Programme

As well as the academic content, the Global Summer Schools offer a lively social programme with a wide range of opportunities to make friends, try new skills, and travel the UK.

Social Programme

How to apply

You will need to complete this online application form with your personal details and the programme you are interested in.

Applications for 2024 have now closed.

If you would like to receive detailed information about our future Global Summer Schools, please sign up to our newsletter in the 'Keep in Touch' section below.

Please note that:

  • Once you begin your application, we may contact you regarding your application for reasons such as reminding you of the deadline or offering help to complete the form.
  • If your home university nominates you directly to us, we will send you detailed information on how to apply by email. Please check with your home university whether they are nominating you.
  • Incoming study abroad / exchange students coming to Lancaster University for Michaelmas term or Full Academic Year and attending the August International Cultural Experience (ICE) programme will not need to complete this application. They will apply for ICE directly on their study abroad application.

Please read the Global Summer Schools - Terms and Conditions 2025 before you apply.

Application deadline: Monday 15 April 2024

To complete your application, please bear in mind that:

  • You will need to register to save your application and return to it later.
  • We recommend that you register using your university email address. Your password will need to contain at least one number and one special symbol, such as '!' or '#', etc.
  • Each time you log in after registering, you must click the email or password box to ensure the 'CAPTCHA' picture appears.
  • This form is best completed on Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari web browsers.

Applications must include the following:

  • A copy of your official university transcript.
  • Proof of your English Language level if your first language is not English.
  • A copy of your passport. You can send it later if you do not have a passport yet. We need a copy of your passport information page to ensure we provide you with the appropriate visa and immigration information.

To participate in one of our summer schools, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old at the start of the programme.
  • Where applicable, meet pre-requisites for the chosen programme. See the programme package for more details.
  • Be in good academic standing and on track to pass year 1 of studies.
  • If you come from a country where English is not an official language, you will need to provide proof of your language ability.

English Language requirements

  • Students studying for a Lancaster University degree with one of our partners are automatically eligible for enrolment based on English requirements and do not need to provide language qualifications to apply.
  • Language requirements for students from non-English speaking countries. All students on summer schools must have a good level of English to ensure they can participate fully and have a quality experience. We, therefore, require students who come from a country where English is not an official language to submit evidence of suitable English Language qualifications. Proof of any of the following will be accepted*:
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
    • College English Test (CET) Level 4: 530+ College English Test (CET) Level 6: 493
    • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels B2-C1
    • Lancaster English Proficiency form completed by staff at your home university. Please email globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk to ask for this form.

*We will accept any language qualification that is internationally recognised and at a level equivalent to the above standards.

Once you submit your application form, we aim to assess the form within two weeks. You will receive an offer letter with a link to pay the programme fee. Once we have received payment, we will issue you a visa letter and information on applying for a visa.

You do not need to apply for accommodation; this is included in the summer school package.

Approximately one month before you arrive, we will email you further information about the programme and arrivals details. If you have any questions, please check the Frequently Asked Questions page or email us at globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Summer school fees consist of tuition and accommodation costs. Students are expected to pay the overall fee in one lump sum before arriving in the UK.

Summer school Programme duration Credits Tuition fee Catered accommodation fee Overall fee (2024)
International Cultural Experience 3 weeks 10 LU TBC TBC TBC
All other Summer Schools 3 weeks 15 LU TBC TBC TBC

The overall fee includes:

  • Tuition
  • Catered ensuite single room on campus, or an approved off campus room

Scholarships

You may be eligible for a scholarship if you study at one of our partner institutions. If you are unsure if this applies to you, contact us at globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk.

More information

  • Information sessions

    Want to know more about Lancaster's Global Summer Schools? Join us in our upcoming information sessions.

  • Keep in touch

    By signing up for our emails, you can discover more about Lancaster's Global Summer Schools.

  • Frequently asked questions

    Find out further details about our summer schools. You will receive information about payment, visas and arrivals through the application process.

Linked icons