Join Oxford Horizon Academy Summer 2026

Applications are now open for our August 2026 cohort

The Summer I Went to Oxford

Oxford Horizon Academy offers a transformative two-week residential summer programme for intellectually curious students aged 14-18 from around the world. Our programme combines rigorous university-style teaching, cultural enrichment, and personal development in the heart of Oxford.

Programme Dates: 
August 16 – 30, 2026

Who Should Apply?

Oxford Horizon Academy welcomes students aged 14-18 who are:

• Intellectually curious and passionate about learning beyond the classroom

• Academically ambitious and considering top universities worldwide

• Globally minded and eager to learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds

• Ready for challenge and university-style academic engagement

• Driven by purpose with clear interests and aspirations for the future

How to Apply?

Before applying, familiarize yourself with our courses, accommodation, activities, fees, and policies. Visit our Courses, Student Life, Accommodation & Meals, and Fees & Scholarships pages to ensure Oxford Horizon Academy is the right fit for you.

Submit your application through our online portal. You'll need to provide:

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number (if available), contact information (email and phone), current address

• Parent/Guardian Information: Names, contact details, emergency contact numbers

• Educational Background: Current school name and location, year/grade level, subjects currently studying

• Course Selection: Choose your major course and minor course from our summer programme offerings

• Personal Statement: A 250-word statement addressing: a) Your academic interests and what subjects excite you, b) Why you wish to attend Oxford Horizon Academy, c) What you hope to gain from the experience, and d) Your university aspirations

• Travel Information: Your current location and whether you'll need visa support 

Note: If you wish to be considered for scholarship, you will also need to indicate so in your summer school application. For details, please see the Scholarships page.

Our Academic Board team reviews all applications carefully and holistically. We read every personal statement thoughtfully.

Review typically takes 2-3 weeks from submission, though we aim to respond as quickly as possible. We may contact you for additional information or a brief conversation or interview if we'd like to learn more about your interests and goals.

You'll receive your admissions decision by email. If you're admitted, your offer letter will include:

• Confirmation of your place in the August 2026 cohort

• Your assigned courses (major and minor)

• Scholarship decision (if you applied for the scholarship programme)

• Detailed payment information and timeline

• Visa support letter (if you indicated you need one for UK visa application)

• Information about next steps, pre-arrival preparation, and what to expect

Our application process is simple, yet effective in attracting the most promising young students. Follow the steps below for a seamless application process. 

If you're offered admission and wish to accept your place, you'll need to formally accept your offer and pay a deposit of 25% of the programme fee within two weeks of receiving your offer. This deposit secures your place in the cohort and allows us to begin preparations for your arrival, including accommodation assignment, course materials, and visa documentation. Your deposit is non-refundable if you cancel within 60 days of the programme start date, but is refundable (minus an administrative fee) if you cancel more than 60 days before the programme begins.

Once you have accepted your place on the programme, our team will be with you every step of the way to Oxford. You will pay the remaining 75% of your programme fee as per the payment timeline indicated in your offer letter. You will then receive:

• Pre-arrival information pack with everything you need to know

• Detailed packing list and travel guidance

• Accommodation assignment and roommate information (if applicable)

• Programme schedule and course materials

• Emergency contact information and arrival logistics

• Final forms and documentation for enrollment

Deadlines and Important Dates

Early Bird Deadline: March 31, 2026
Apply by March 31, 2026 and receive £500 off your programme fee. Early applicants have first choice of courses if certain modules reach capacity, and they have maximum time to prepare visa applications if needed.

Priority Deadline: April 15, 2026
Applications submitted by April 15, 2026 receive priority consideration and ensure adequate time for visa processing for international students. If you're applying from outside the UK and need a visa, we strongly recommend applying by this date to allow sufficient time for visa application and processing.

Final Deadline: June 1, 2026
We accept applications on a rolling basis until June 1, 2026 or until the programme reaches capacity, whichever comes first. However, late applications may find that certain courses are full or that visa processing times are tight.

Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2026
If you're applying for our scholarships, submit your application by March 31, 2026 for priority consideration. Scholarship applications are reviewed separately from the standard admission applications. See our Scholarships page for full details.

Ready to Apply?

Say hello to the summer of your dreams in Oxford!