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If you are keen to enhance your studies at University of Aberdeen with some time abroad, but a full semester or year-long exchange or traineeship doesn't suit your circumstances, then you may wish to consider a summer school. Many universities worldwide offer short summer programmes, allowing you to gain an international experience and enrich your CV.
Who would this option suit?
All students are eligible to take part in a summer school but these opportunities may be of particular relevance to students on degree programmes without the flexibility to allow a longer period studying abroad e.g. Medicine, one-year Master programmes.
Students facing external constraints, be those financial or practical, for whom a longer period abroad is not possible e.g. those reliant on part-time employment, those with caring duties.
Eligibility criteria
Undergraduate/Graduate opportunities available – check details for your summer school of choice.
Some summer schools will be subject-specific, others are based around a topic, research question or current issue and others will have an interdisciplinary offering – check details for your summer school of choice.
Important points to note
Most summer schools will charge a tuition or participation fee, but if the programme is offered at one of our partner universities the fee may be discounted, waived or additional benefits like free accommodation offered.
Partner university, tuition fee waiver may be available
Short international programmes in various academic disciplines, providing an opportunity to be taught by high-level academics and recognized experts in their field.
Level - undergraduate and graduate courses
Subject area - courses in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, or language schools
Duration - depends on course (throughout June to September 2020)
Tuition fee - tuition fee may be waived for students from partner universities, contact the Erasmus Team to enquire
Partner university, tuition fee waiver may be available
Short international programmes in various academic disciplines, providing an opportunity to be taught by high-level academics and recognized experts in their field.
Level - undergraduate and graduate courses
Subject area - Stability, Security and Happiness: State - Society - Religion
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
A unique summer school with an exciting range of subject options, offered jointly by KU Leuven's Faculties of Arts, Economics & Business and Social Sciences. Visits to Brussels, Antwerp and Flanders Fields are also included.
Level - final year undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - combine two majors chosen from a list of four from Doing Business with Europe(ans); Policies & Politics in the EU; Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Europe and Social and Cultural Interactions.
Duration - 2 weeks (June 29 - July 10, 2020)
Tuition fee - €600 for University of Aberdeen students (early bird price before February 1: €550)
Accommodation - not included in the tuition fee, recommended options here
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Various other summer schools across Humanities and Social Science; Science, Engineering and Technology; Biomedical Sciences are also available. See website for more details and application deadlines.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Courses are given by a team of experienced, qualified, dynamic teachers, using stimulating and efficient methods. Info below is for 2019 – check website for updates.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - French language, two streams: for students or future French teachers
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
This July, we will be offering three updated versions of our most popular GO programs that focus on environmental, economic, and social cooperation and its regional and global impact on our world, including our newest program Global Challenges which also highlights the historic social movement occurring in Chile and its link with these key aspects of international cooperation.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - Environment & Sustainable Development Challenges, International Economic Cooperation between Latin America and the Asia Pacific, Global Challenges Program
Duration - 1st July - 17th July 2020
Tuition fee - $600-2,100 USD
Accommodation - not provided, participants are responsible for making their own arrangements, estimated $830 USD
We are pleased to announce that the HKUST International Summer Exchange Program (ISP) is scheduled to be held from 21 June to 14 August 2021. ISP 2021 will continue to offer a wide range of credit-bearing courses, activities and excursions for students to gain insight into the Asian culture.
Level - undergraduate
Subject area - Sciences, excluding Computing Science, Engineering and Psychology
Duration - 8 weeks (21 June - 14 August 2021)
Programme fee - HK$9,000
Accommodation - provided and included in Programme Fee
Application deadline - Contact the Study Abroad team before 18 February 2021 if you intend to apply and we will nominate you. Your application must then be submitted by 7 March 2021.
Partner university, tuition fee waiver may be available
The International Summer University Programme is one of Europe’s largest and oldest summer programmes with exciting courses taught by brilliant faculty as well as the amazing spirit of wonderful Copenhagen. Be inspired by the international environment with participants from over 50 countries.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Tallinn Summer School, organised since 2006, is combining a wide range of courses with a rich, diverse cultural programme and attracting participants from all over the world.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - interdisciplinary, course list available here
Duration - 3 weeks (July 13 - 31 2020)
Tuition fee - €250-615, depending on the course
Accommodation - not included in the tuition fee, beds in shared rooms available at €10/night
Application deadline - Registration opens February 1 – check website for deadline
Partner university, discounted tuition fee may be available
Turku Summer School offers students an excellent opportunity to combine studying with an active social programme and enjoying the best of the Nordic summer.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - interdisciplinary, see course list here
Duration - 2 weeks (7-21 August 2020)
Tuition fee - € 750-920, the course fees are course-specific
Accommodation - Turku Summer School does not arrange housing for summer school students; students have to apply for it themselves, more informationhere
Partner university, discounted tuition fee may be available
An international summer school offering courses that cover a wide range of academic fields and multidisciplinary topics, giving students a taste of studying at University of Helsinki, one of the world's top 1% research universities.
Level - undergraduate/graduate, students must have completed at least 2 yearsof university-level studies to enrol
Subject area - interdisciplinary, see course list here
Duration - 2 weeks (4-20 August 2020)
Tuition fee - € 990-1490, discount may be applied if you are a future exchange student or exchange alumni of University of Helsinki
Accommodation - not provided, more information here
Application deadline - Applications open in December and accepted on a first come, first serve basis until 15 June 2020.
Partner university, discounted tuition fee available
More than just a course, UEF's Summer School is an excellent opportunity to experience an innovative and international learning environment and to enjoy typical Finnish summer activities in beautiful lakeside surroundings. Info below is for 2019, check website for updates for 2020.
Level - mainly aimed at graduate, but undergraduates can also apply
Subject area - courses available from the Faculties of Philosophy, Science and Forestry, Health, Social Sciences and Business and Language
Duration - 2 weeks (12-23 August 2019)
Tuition fee - €250 for 1-week course, €400 for 2-week course (these are the discounted fees)
Accommodation - provided but fees apply, more information here
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
European perspectives in Engineering and Innovation at #1 French School of Engineering for Research and Innovation. Info below is for 2019, check website for updates for 2020.
Level - undergraduate/graduate Science and Engineering students
Subject area - courses cover French Language, Cross Cultural Communication, Industry and Society, Management and Innovation in Europe
Duration - 4 weeks (21 June - 19 July 2019)
Tuition fee - €1,820 for University of Aberdeen students
Accommodation - provided and included in above fee
Partner university, discounted tuition fee available
A unique opportunity for students to develop a more global understanding of either or both subjects: International EU Affairs and French Language and Society.
Tuition fee - €2,200 for two tracks; €1,300 for one track (these are the discounted fees). Students applying before March 16 can benefit from the early bird discount; €1,100 for one track, €2,000 for two tracks.
Accommodation - provided, €650 per student for flat in a residence
Application deadline - contact the Erasmus Team if you intend to apply and we will nominate you before 31 March 2020. Application deadline: 11 May 2020.
Partner university, discounted tuition fee may be available
International Summer Schools at University of Angers offer the opportunity to develop academic skills in a great environment, covering 10 different subject areas. See website for more details and application deadlines.
Partner university, discounted tuition fee available
An cross-disciplinary summer programme exposing students to UGA experts from a wide range of disciplines, case study work and field trips to the Alps.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - interdisciplinary, participants will learn about topics ranging from earth and physical sciences to culture and economic development
Duration - 3 weeks (22 June – 10 July 2020)
Tuition fee - €1550 for three weeks (15% partner university discount may be available and early-birds discount before February 15, 2020)
Accommodation - not included in tuition fee above but accommodation and food are provided during field trips or full cost of €2250 including housing with kitchenette
Application deadline - 31 March 2020
Université Rennes 2 Summer Course: French Language and Culture
The full program, including both class time and cultural activities, will take up 30 hours per week. Students will receive a certificate.Info below is for 2019, check website for updates for 2020.
Partner university, discounted tuition fee may be available
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - French Language and Culture
Duration - 3 weeks (24 June - 12 July 2019)
Tuition fee - €590
Accommodation - not included, available at extra cost
Frankfurt Summer School provides an international learning environment, offering you the experience of studying abroad while getting to know a new culture. Info below is for 2019, check website for updates for 2020.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - seminar tracks in Legal Studies, Psychology, Linguistics, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Natural and Life Sciences, Computer Sciences, Physics & Artificial Intelligence plus optional German language courses offered from levels A1-B1
Duration - 4 weeks (5 - 30 August 2019)
Tuition fee - €2,100
Accommodation - provided and included in the above fee
Application deadline - 30 April 2019
International Summer School, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Partner university, tuition fee discount may be available
University of Potsdam offers various summer school program disciplines for undergraduate and graduate students, along with a cultural program including field trips and leisure activities. See website for more details and application deadlines.
47th International Summer School, University of Trier
Partner university, tuition fee discount may be available
Learn German, undertake a Europe-oriented seminar programme and enjoy excursions to Germany, France and Luxembourg
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - German language courses offered from A1-C2 level, Europe-oriented 12 hour lecture programme and optional courses on pedagogical concepts in the field of German as a foreign language
Duration - 4 weeks (3 - 28 August 2020)
Tuition fee - €600
Accommodation - optionally provided at additional cost (€330 for single dorm room)
Application deadline - Opens in March
Summer School on German Law and German Legal Methods, University of Trier
The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) is offering two scholarships for the University of Aberdeen for their 37th International Summer School in Eichstätt. The program is intended for students in the areas of German Studies and Social Sciences or anyone who wants to learn the German language and culture.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - German and Cultural Studies
Duration - 22 July - 14 August 2020
Tuition fee - the scholarship covers the participation fee and the accommodation
The website has still to be updated for 2020 but you can refer to pdf documents below for information on the course and how to apply.
Partner University
The Summer School in Irish Studies, 'A Splendid Vision: Shaping Identity in Irish History and Literature', aims to provide a unique learning experience by combining a rigorous introduction to major academic themes in the development of Irish identity with an opportunity to encounter Ireland's rich cultural landscape through expert tuition, optional courses in Irish language and a lively social programme.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - History and Literature courses
Duration - 4 weeks (29 June - 24 July 2020)
Tuition fee - €2,300 (non-EU) €1,500, scholarships are available to EU citizens
Accommodation - provided and included in above fee
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
The Summer Schools are intensive programmes offering a wide variety of subjects, designed to meet the new needs for cultural and interdisciplinary learning. See website for more details and application deadlines.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Explore this summer, explore your future. Various Summer Schools across Humanities; Societies, Economics and Law; Health Sciences; Engineering; Maths and Sciences. See website for more details and application deadlines.
A non-profit and independent organisation offering summer school activities on an academic level for students and professionals from all over the world.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - Courses available in Military Security, Cyber Security, Energy Security and Countering Organized Crime
Duration - 1 week (11-18 July or 18-25 July 2020)
Tuition fee - €450 (€390 early bird prize before Jan 31)
Accommodation - available at additional cost (€350)
The longest standing anthropology field school in the world, the focus of the programme lies in the socio-cultural spectrum of anthropology and focuses on fieldwork practice. Participants are asked to develop and carry out an individual research project.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Our summer schools are always research-driven and multidisciplinary. A truly international experience; last year over 1500 students from 115 different nationalities joined our courses. See the website for more details and application deadlines.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
Summer University Warsaw offers courses in Economics and Management. All classes are organised as lectures and workshops with numerous case studies, discussions and group projects.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - Financial Management, Startup Entrepreneurship, Human Capital Management, Environment of International Business, Innovation Management in Enterprise, Coaching
Duration - 2 weeks (3-16 July 2020)
Tuition fee - €450 for first course, €310 for second course (check website for updated information)
Accommodation - provided at a cost of €145 for 16 nights, more information here
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
A programme offering 29 courses, taught by the Faculty and international academics, and a valuable opportunity to gain international and intercultural experience and to explore the hidden gems of Slovenia.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - wide range of Business-related courses, listed here.
Duration - 3 weeks (6 - 24 July 2020)
Tuition fee - Early Bird fees: €650 for one course, €900 for two courses. Standard fees: €800 for one course, €1050 for two courses
Accommodation - Optional hospitality package including shared accommodation and two meals per day was available for €380
Application deadline - 8 June 2020 (Early Bird: 6 May 2020)
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
The Summer Courses Foundation of the University of the Basque Country is celebrating its 39th edition in 2020, with a wide range of subject areas covered. See the website for more details and application deadlines.
Intensive Summer Course, University Castilla La Mancha
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
The intensive summer course is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture. Info below is for 2019, check website for updates for 2020.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
The Faculty of Economics and Business Studies at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM) is one of the leading Economics and Business schools in Europe. It is ranked 51-100 in Europe in Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, and Economics & Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019).
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - Economics and Business, course description available here.
Duration - 29 June - 24 July 2020
Tuition fee - €1140
Accommodation - not included, more information here.
Application deadline - 31 May 2020. Students applying before the early bird deadline of 28 February 2020 will receive a tuition fee discount
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
More than 10 Summer School offerings, fostering exchange and collaboration on topics of global significance and connecting people of all backgrounds in an international city at the heart of Europe.
Level - undergraduate/graduate
Subject area - the full list of Summer School streams can be found here
Duration - from 1-2 weeks (various dates in June and July 2020)
Tuition fee - CHF 1000-2000, depending on chosen Summer School
Accommodation - not provided, students need to make independent arrangements, more information here
International Summer Schools, University of Zurich - Please note all the summer programmes for July 2020 are now fully booked. Applications for next year will open in late December 2020.
Partner university, discounted tuition fees may be available
UZH Summer Schools blend local expertise with the latest research, combining teaching, group work and individual study with industry expertise and academic trips.
Tuition fee - in 2019 the fee was CHF 2000, check the website for updates on 2020 fees. Tuition fee may be discounted for students from partner universities, contact the Erasmus Team to enquire
Accommodation - not provided, students must make their own arrangements
Application deadline - Applications open late December 2020 for next year
