How to apply
Please note that Monday 27th May is a Bank Holiday in the UK, we will be back in the office on Tuesday 28th May
Please note that we are experiencing a high number of enquiries at present, please bear with us, we will respond as quickly as possible.
Early application is advisable as places on courses and in colleges are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Online application
Applicants can apply and pay online using our online booking system.
Paper-based application
Applicants can also apply by downloading the application form. Once you have completed the relevant sections send the form with your registration fee (or with the full fee, if you are applying after the balance of payment deadline) by post or fax to the below address or fax number. Please note: we are unable to accept applications by email.
University of Cambridge
International Programmes
Institute of Continuing Education
Madingley Hall
Madingley
Cambridge CB23 8AQ, UK
Fax: +44 (0) 1223 760848
Please note: some emails sent from our office are occasionally redirected to junk or spam folders. Please ensure that you check these folders regularly once you have applied.
Please note: if you are applying as part of an institutional group, you should send your application form to your group contact.
Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions and language requirements before applying.
Course/accommodation selection
Indicate your first, second and third choices in courses and, if required, accommodation. We try to place people in their first choices; however, as places are limited, this is not always possible.
Additional materials
For each programme you are applying for please include:
- Three small, recent colour photographs (maximum size 35mm x 45mm/1.4” x 1.8”) of yourself: these will be used for your ID card during the summer, and for college and office records. Print your full name and the Summer School for which you are applying, clearly on the back of each photograph
- Original or certified copy of language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge CAE) for those whose first language is not English
- The registration fee: as per the terms and conditions, the non-refundable, non-transferable relevant registration fee must be received with your application. The balance of payment is due by the relevant date. Before the balance of payment date you may choose to pay the full fee when you apply. After the balance of payment date fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. If you are paying the full fees, please calculate the full fee according to your first choice of accommodation and complete your payment details on the application form. If you are paying by bank transfer you must include your transfer receipt (applications cannot be processed without this).
Application check list
- Signed application form
- Photographs
- Proof of language proficiency
- The non-refundable registration fee*; please complete your payment details on the application form
- Bank transfer receipt (if necessary)
Applications should reach the Summer Schools office by the deadlines specified below.
Application deadlines
Science Term I, Literature Term I, Ancient Empires, IELTS: Monday 24 June
ISS Term I: Tuesday 25 June
Science Term II, Literature Term II, History, EAP: Monday 8 July
ISS Term II, Shakespeare, Medieval Studies: Monday 22 July
*If applying after the balance of payment date, fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Applications will continue to be accepted, where places are available, up to the start of the programme.
Methods of payment
Payment of fees must be by one of the following methods:
- Sterling banker’s draft drawn on a UK bank (applicants should speak to their own bank to arrange this)
- Cheque drawn on a UK bank
- VISA or Mastercard/Eurocard/JCB card (please note that we do not accept American Express)
- Travellers’ cheques in sterling
- Bank transfer (copy of transfer receipt must be sent with application)
Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to ‘University of Cambridge’. Please do not send cash.
Personal cheques drawn on banks outside the United Kingdom cannot be accepted in any circumstances.
If paying by credit card, please ensure that you have sufficient credit limit, and that your bank or credit card company have been notified of the transaction to avoid delays in payment. The University reserves the right to retrieve from applicants any bank charges or exchange costs which arise from payments, made in other ways (including Eurocheques).
What happens next?
Applications received via fax or post:
Confirmation of receipt of your application will be sent via email.
If all requirements are met/all documents received, your application will be processed and accepted.
If you have paid by bank transfer we will process your application once receipt of your payment has been confirmed. Until this time, your application will be assigned as pending.* This may take two weeks or more.
If your application is incomplete (eg missing language documentation, etc) you will be contacted via email. Your application will be assigned as 'pending'* until the issue is resolved.
Applications received online:
Automatic emails** are sent to all applicants who complete the online process to:
- Confirm online order
- Confirm online booking
- Confirm online payment
Your application is automatically sent to our student database for processing.
If all requirements are met/all documents received your application will be processed and accepted.
If your application is incomplete (eg missing language documentation, etc) you will be contacted via email. Your application will be assigned as 'pending'* until the issue is resolved.
Please note that these emails are not confirmation of acceptance onto the Summer Schools, they are just confirmation of your online booking.
Once accepted:
We will send you, via email, your acceptance letter (including allocated courses and accommodation) and an invoice or receipt showing the fees you have paid and (if applicable) the balance to be paid.***
You will be emailed details for the Online Resource Centre where you should access the student handbook, course materials, information about your College, excursions, etc. You will also be
able to communicate with fellow participants via the student forum prior to your arrival.
If requested, paper copies of your acceptance letter, invoice/receipt, course materials etc, will be sent by standard post, or, for an additional £25, by express courier.
* If applications are assigned as pending, room and course allocations will not be made.
** Please note that these emails are not confirmation of acceptance on to the Summer Schools, they are just confirmation of your online booking.
*** If you have applied through an institutional group, your acceptance letter will be sent directly to the group contact for them to distribute to you, unless we are informed otherwise.