Global Summer Schools

Expand your global competencies, meet a network of students from across the world, and immerse yourself in a unique learning experience at a research-led university that’s ranked in the top 150 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

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Students in a field overlooking Lancaster and the Lake District

Why choose Lancaster University Global Summer School?

This fulfilling global experience will boost your academic and career prospects, while you gain a diverse network of students from around the world. You’ll be awarded an official transcript and earn Lancaster University academic credit upon successful completion of your summer school programme. What’s more, you’ll be taught by distinguished academics at a research-led university and learn at a beautiful parkland campus in the north-west of England.

Expectations exceeded

“I loved the programme, and it exceeded my expectations in every way” – Sunway University Student, International Cultural Experience programme 2024.

Our summer school programmes

In 2024, we welcomed over 200 students from around the world onto our three-week summer schools. For 2025, we will be offering the following programmes:

  • International Cultural Experience (ICE)

    Gain an excellent understanding of British life and immerse yourself in the unique culture and explore contemporary topics.

  • 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.

Global Summer School students dancing on stage

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 with our organised group coach trips (a small fee will apply to cover the cost of travel).

Our host of activities will help you make the most of your time here at Lancaster, and you’ll be accompanied by our friendly Student Ambassadors who will be there to help you throughout the three weeks. Plus, you’ll have free time to use as you wish.

Social programme

Lancaster's location

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.

  • The Lake District – 30 minutes away
  • Manchester – 1 hour away
  • Liverpool – 1.5 hours away
  • Edinburgh – 2.5 hours away
  • London - 2.5 hours away

In Lancaster city centre, you’ll find a rich and fascinating history, a vibrant café culture, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

The city and beyond
Global Summer School students cheering
Lancaster University campus overview

Our campus, our community

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

Support and wellbeing

Should you need any support during your time here at Lancaster, we’re here for you. We offer a range of support services including:

  • Academic skills support such as essay writing
  • Disability support including adapted accommodation
  • Wellbeing and counselling services for mental health
  • Advice on visas and immigration

Plus, when you arrive at Lancaster, we’ll give you a warm welcome to the community with fun-filled orientation events.

Group of students sitting together at Barker House Farm college café
Global Summer School students cheering

Accommodation

Our modern accommodation is comfortable, well-equipped, and designed around excellent student experience. Your accommodation will be located within one of the colleges on campus. This friendly community of fellow students is where you’ll call ‘home’ for the summer.

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. Bedding may be provided but please bring a light travel towel. You will have some shared facilities such as the kitchen and dining area. Please also be aware that the images and videos on this page may not correspond exactly to the en-suite room you will be staying in.

If you’re seeking accommodation in the city centre, our team will be able to help. Contact us for more information globalschools@lancaster.ac.uk.

Room tour

How to apply

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

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 14th April 2025

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 arrival 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. All Global Summer School Programmes at Lancaster University have a three week duration.

Summer School

Credits

Overall fee (2025)

International Cultural Experience (ICE)

10 LU

£2,988

Film

15 LU

£3,639

International Commercial Law

15 LU

£3,639

The overall fee includes:

  • Tuition
  • Catered en-suite single room on campus, or an approved off-campus room
  • Wide range of evening activities

Please note that coach travel to locations around the UK will be at a small additional cost. You can also arrange your own trips during your free time.

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.

Enhanced experience

“The experience enhanced my English ability and let me make many friends, both from China and other countries. I also went to many places, like Manchester, Edinburgh and London, which was very exciting.” – BJTU student, ICE Programme 2024.

Students standing on a bridge in Lancaster city centre.

  • 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 to our emails, you’ll receive the most up-to-date information 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.

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