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    In-person Programme

    The Cambridge Experience

    by Oxbridge Academic Programs

    A residential academic summer programme where students choose one subject per session and learn through classes, projects and Cambridge-based activities.

    Last verified: 21 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    The Cambridge Experience

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      We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

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    Cambridge Experience programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Grades 8-9

    Age range / Year group

    13-15 / Grades 8-9

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, United Kingdom

    Cost

    $7,850; $12,995

    Duration

    13 or 27 days

    Format

    In-person residential

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save programme
    Business & EconomicsCreative WritingEngineeringLaw & justiceMedicinePsychology

    Accommodation: Peterhouse college rooms

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner included

    Latest verified cycle: 2026

    Sessions / cadence: 6 mornings, 3 afternoons weekly

    Assessment style: Final project, no exams

    Tutors / faculty: Academics and creative professionals

    Cambridge Experience programme summary

    Students choose one subject for each session and explore it through university-style classes, practical work and experiences around Cambridge.

    Residential life at Peterhouse combines academic study with organised cultural, sporting and social activities.

    It suits curious students who want an early taste of independent campus life and focused subject exploration.

    What is The Cambridge Experience?

    The Cambridge Experience is an academic summer programme run by Oxbridge Academic Programs at Peterhouse, the University of Cambridge's oldest college. Students select one course per session from subjects spanning medicine, engineering, business, law, psychology and the humanities.

    Teaching combines classroom study with discussion, projects, workshops and visits that use Cambridge as a living classroom. Outside lessons, students join a residential community with organised activities, excursions, sports and cultural experiences.

    Why Succeed highlights Cambridge Experience programme

    • Students focus on one chosen subject rather than following a broad general curriculum.

    • Courses use Cambridge's museums, courts, laboratories and public spaces as teaching resources.

    • The faculty model combines university academics with experienced creative and professional practitioners.

    • Residential meals, activities and excursions create a fuller campus experience beyond lessons.

    • Students finish with course-specific work and receive a detailed grade report after the programme.

    Who is Cambridge Experience programme for?

    Best for

    Academically curious students who want focused subject study alongside a supervised first experience of residential university life.

    Not ideal if

    You want formal academic credit, exam preparation or a programme with every daily meal included.

    Is Cambridge Experience programme worth it?

    The programme can be worthwhile for a student who will engage deeply with their chosen subject and benefit from learning through discussion, projects and the city itself. Its supervised residential structure also offers a meaningful introduction to greater independence.

    The price is substantial, lunch and some materials fees are additional, and participation does not itself guarantee an admissions advantage. Its value depends on choosing the right course and later reflecting clearly on the knowledge, work and confidence gained.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $7,850; $12,995; includes Classroom instruction and workshops, College accommodation, Daily breakfast and dinner, Airport arrival and departure transfers, Books, course supplies and organised activities, Field trips and admission tickets, Group medical and emergency health insurance.

    Accommodation

    Peterhouse college rooms

    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner included

    Provider details

    Review the Oxbridge Academic Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    13 or 27 days; Cambridge, United Kingdom.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Cambridge Experience programme need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before applying so there is time to research courses, draft the personal statement and collect the school report and teacher details.

    Main challenge

    Choosing the course that best matches the student's genuine academic interests.

    Typical preparation

    • Compare the course descriptions before naming a preference.

    • Draft the personal statement around genuine interests and likely contributions to the programme.

    • Ask a teacher or counselor for permission before supplying their contact details.

    Useful if

    The student is ready for supervised residential life and active participation in discussion and projects.

    What do students do on Cambridge Experience programme?

    Students study one selected subject through classes, practical work and Cambridge-based experiences while taking part in a structured residential programme.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Choose one course for each session attended.

    2. 2

      Study during six mornings and three afternoons each week.

    3. 3

      Take part in discussions, workshops, research or practical projects.

    4. 4

      Use relevant Cambridge locations and institutions as learning resources.

    5. 5

      Complete a final project, presentation, portfolio or performance.

    6. 6

      Join optional cultural, sporting and social activities outside class.

    Cambridge Experience programme dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Applications are reviewed after all required materials arrive.

    Reference date

    Session one

    11-24 July 2026

    Thirteen-day academic session.

    Reference date

    Session two

    26 July-8 August 2026

    Thirteen-day academic session.

    Reference date

    Combined session

    11 July-8 August 2026

    Twenty-seven-day option covering both sessions.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students currently in Grades 8-9

    • Strong interest in academic subject exploration

    • Fluency in English

    • Complete application approved before enrollment

    How much does Cambridge Experience programme cost?

    One session

    $7,850 — Comprehensive tuition for a 13-day session.

    Funding or discounts

    • Combined session: $12,995 — Comprehensive tuition for the 27-day option.
    • Scholarships: Partial; limited full tuition — Selective awards consider financial need and academic merit.
    • Payment plans: Monthly options — A $500 deposit applies to the monthly plan.

    What's included

    Classroom instruction and workshops, College accommodation, Daily breakfast and dinner, Airport arrival and departure transfers, Books, course supplies and organised activities, Field trips and admission tickets, Group medical and emergency health insurance

    How to apply to Cambridge Experience programme

    1. 1

      Open the application portal and create or access a student profile.

    2. 2

      Select Oxbridge Academic Programs from the available programmes.

    3. 3

      Choose the preferred course for each intended session.

    4. 4

      Provide a teacher or counselor's contact details.

    5. 5

      Submit an approximately 500-word personal statement and recent grade report.

    6. 6

      Pay in full or select an available deposit and payment option.

    7. 7

      Wait for the admissions review and course-placement confirmation.

    What does Cambridge Experience programme cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Medicine and psychology

    Explore medical science, human behaviour and research methods.

    Engineering and science

    Apply scientific principles through design and problem-solving projects.

    Business and markets

    Investigate enterprise, finance, branding and global commerce.

    Law, politics and society

    Debate legal systems, political power, crime and intelligence.

    Writing and humanities

    Develop critical reading, research and creative writing.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Cambridge Experience programme?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Mornings

    Students eat breakfast together before their main subject class.

    Afternoons

    Students attend class or join organised activities and local visits.

    Evenings

    Dinner is followed by activities, events, shows or time with friends.

    Independent work

    Coursework is usually project work or research rather than conventional homework.

    Who teaches on Cambridge Experience programme?

    Courses are taught by academics from leading universities and by experienced creative professionals. Teaching takes place in small groups and may be supplemented by guest speakers, workshops and demonstrations.

    The provider advises contacting its team for the confirmed faculty for a specific cycle.

    Where do students stay on Cambridge Experience programme?

    Residential plan

    • College rooms: Students stay in single or double undergraduate rooms at Peterhouse.
    • Meals: Breakfast and dinner are served in the residence dining hall.
    • Supervision: Resident staff, nightly check-ins and security provide round-the-clock oversight.
    • Campus facilities: Common areas and sporting and educational facilities are available.
    • Activities: Students can join organised sports, performances, tours and excursions.

    Private bathrooms can be requested for an additional fee on a first-come, first-served basis.

    What happens after Cambridge Experience programme?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Complete a subject-specific final project or presentation.

    Receive a grade report documenting contributions and achievements.

    Use the course syllabus to explain academic learning later.

    Test interest in a subject before making future study choices.

    Build confidence in discussion, research and independent residential life.

    The programme does not claim formal university credit or guaranteed admissions benefits.

    Where does Cambridge Experience programme take place?

    The programme is based at Peterhouse, the University of Cambridge's oldest college, close to the city's academic and cultural sites. Classes and activities use museums, university spaces, the River Cam and other Cambridge locations as part of the experience.

    Cambridge Experience programme FAQs

    Options include medicine, psychology, engineering, aerospace engineering, business, law, politics, criminology, creative writing and English literature. Students select one course for each session attended.

    No. Many courses cover subjects rarely taught at school, and the curriculum is designed to welcome students without extensive prior background.

    Students live at Peterhouse in single or double rooms normally used by university undergraduates. Private bathrooms may be requested for an extra fee, subject to allocation.

    Breakfast and dinner are provided in the residence dining hall. Students buy their own lunch from nearby cafés, college snack bars or restaurants.

    Students should expect no more than about one hour per night, often less. Work is more likely to involve projects or research than conventional school homework.

    Professional educators oversee residential life, supported by security, resident staff and a staffed programme office. Experience students check in during dinner and again between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., with lights-out at 11 p.m.

    Students and parents receive a comprehensive grade report containing the course syllabus and details of the student's contributions and achievements.

    Vegetarian dinner choices are available, and the provider states that Kosher, Halal and other dietary requirements can be accommodated when discussed with admissions.

    Alternatives to Cambridge Experience programme

    Compare these related academic programmes if you want a different age range, subject focus or Cambridge learning experience.

    Alternatives to Cambridge Experience programme

    Academic Insights – Engineering

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    Deadline: Not announced
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    13-18
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    Best for

    Students committed to engineering and biomedical engineering.

    View details
    Faculty of Psychology

    Study the mind, behaviour and mental health

    Psychology
    Deadline: Not announced
    Cost not listed
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    Best for

    Students mainly interested in psychology.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • Group Medical Insurance | Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • The Paris Connection | Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • Frequently Asked Questions | Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • Application and Admissions | Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • Program Costs, Tuition & Payments | Oxbridge Academic Programs
    • 2026 Oxbridge Academic Programs Brochure
    • Cambridge Experience Summer Program | Oxbridge Academic Programs

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 21 Aug 2026)

    • Programme identity checked

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Tuition reviewed

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Safeguarding information checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.