Downing College International Winter Programme

Discover your subject and enhance your skills for the future 

The Winter Programme for the original international summer school at a University of Cambridge College. 

A two-week academic programme in Cambridge, delivered by world-class academics. Teaching sessions will be held across the University, providing an authentic Cambridge experience.

Develop your academic skills, explore STEM or Humanities pathways, and get a taster of life as a Cambridge student.

The Downing College International Winter Programme course offers students aged 15–18 the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambridge’s academic and cultural life. With a balance of subject learning, academic skills development, and memorable excursions, the programme is designed to build skills and confidence for future University study.

Programme aims

  • Experience Cambridge-style teaching.
  • Develop academic skills and critical thinking.
  • Discover advanced topics in STEM or Humanities from a range of subject specialists. 
  • Build transferable skills in academic writing, debating and presenting.

 

Programme dates and fees

Dates and application process 

The two-week residential programme dates for 2027 are:

10 January – 23 January

Applying to the Downing College International Programme is straightforward. Students begin by completing an online application form, providing details of their academic background and interests.

Following this, each applicant will take part in a short interview with College staff, designed to assess their English proficiency and motivations for joining the programme.

Students who meet the required standard in the interview will be made an unconditional offer to join the Downing College International Programme for 2027.

This offer will be sent in the form of an email and will contain a payment link for the enrolment fee (£1,500) due within 10 days. The remaining balance will be due 90 days before the start of the programme. Failure to adhere to the payment schedule will result in the offer being considered lapsed.

Once the enrolment fee is paid, students will receive regular updates from the College team including reminders of key dates, group travel offers and other important information.

Programme fees

This is an all-inclusive programme, keeping the process simple, cost-effective, and safe for students.

The cost for attending the two-week programme is £7,000 GBP. 

The initial enrolment fee will be deducted from the final balance.

What's included in the fee
  • Two weeks of in-person subject teaching
  • Continuous academic and pastoral support
  • A unique Cambridge University student experience with the opportunity to attend formal hall dinner.
  • Formal Programme Graduation Ceremony
  • College accommodation with bed linen, towels, and cleaning services
  • Full board catering (three meals per day)
  • Evening social activities (trivia, sports, and more)
  • Accompanied day trips to London (visiting places like Buckingham Palace, National Gallery, British Museum)
  • Cambridge excursions and field trips (guided punting, Fitzwilliam Museum, King’s College)
  • Access to College facilities
What's not included in the fee
  • Flights and travel to Cambridge
  • Visa applications
  • Airport transfers (options available separately)
  • Travel insurance
Travel and additional information

For guidance, please see our Visa Information page.

If you have any questions, please email winter@dow.cam.ac.uk. 

Terms and Conditions

Before you apply, please ensure you have read and understood our Terms and Conditions. 

 

A Downing College Winter Programme class.
A Downing College Winter Programme student.
A Downing College Winter Programme student giving a presentation.
A Downing College Winter Programme lecturer teaching a class.