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International Exploratory Programmme
Downing College International Exploratory Programme (15-17 years)
Applications for the 2026 Exploratory Programme are now closed.
Explore your subject. Build skills for the future.
The Exploratory course for the original international summer school at a University of Cambridge College.
A two-week academic programme in Cambridge, delivered by world-class academics and researchers, hosted by the iconic Downing College across both Downing and Jesus College faclities.
Gain confidence in academic English, explore STEM or Humanities pathways, and get a taster of life as a Cambridge student before joining our world-class international summer school programme for 15-17-year-olds.
The Downing College International Programme Exploratory course offers students aged 15–17 the opportunity to immerse themselves in Cambridge’s academic and cultural life. With a balance of broadening your subject knowledge, developing your Academic Skills and visualising your subject through field trips, the programme is designed to build skills and confidence for future university study.
Please note: the Exploratory Programmes in 2027, although hosted by Downing College, will have their classes and accommodation at Jesus College Cambridge. This is to give students the opportunity to experience more than one iconic University of Cambridge College, allowing them the opportunity to gain a well-rounded Cambridge student experience.
Programme aims
- Experience Cambridge-style teaching.
- Develop students’ independent study skills.
- Explore your pathway - STEM or Humanities - with four subject strands each.
- Discover your voice - Communicate your ideas and research.
Programme dates and fees
- Dates
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The two-week residential programme dates for 2027 are:
- Programme B: 11 July - 24 July
- Programme C: 25 July - 7 August
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 2026.
This offer will be sent in the form of an email and will contain a payment link for the programme fees. Payment of all fees must be made within 4 weeks of receiving the offer email, or the offer will be considered to have lapsed.
Once payment is made, students will receive regular updates from the College team including reminders of key dates, group travel offers, online course details, and other important information.
- Programme fees
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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
- What's included in the fee
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- Two weeks of in-person subject teaching at Jesus College, led by Downing College
- Continuous academic and pastoral support
- Cambridge University formal hall dinner following Programme graduation
- College accommodation with bed linen, towels, and cleaning services
- Full board catering (three meals per day)
- Evening social activities (BBQ, bowling, trivia, sports, and more)
- Accompanied day trips to London (Covent Garden, National Gallery, British Museum, Trafalgar Square)
- Cambridge excursions (guided punting, Fitzwilliam Museum, Rowing Tank, Cambridge Tour)
- Access to Downing College facilities
- What's not included in the fee
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- Flights and travel to Cambridge
- Visa applications
- Airport transfers (options available separately)
- Travel insurance
- Travel and additional information
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For guidance, please see our Visa Information page.
- Terms and Conditions
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Before you apply, please ensure you have read and understood our Terms and Conditions.
“EAP helped me gain confidence in my academic writing and presentation skills — I feel prepared for university now.”
International Programme student
"The Downing College International Programme is intended to be challenging, pushing students to learn about a broad range of subjects and think differently about subjects they might have studied before.”
Master of Downing College, Professor Graham Virgo