6 summer schools and academies to apply for in 2026
If you are looking for a student opportunity that builds your skills and expands your network, these six summer schools and online courses are a strong place to start. They cover leadership, astronomy, AI, space, machine learning and global dialogue.
Some are fully funded, some are fee-based, and others are free online. What they all share is real value for motivated students who want to learn from experts, meet peers and explore new ideas across different fields.
1. International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT) 2027
ISFiT 2027 is a rare chance to join a fully funded, ten-day festival built for active students from any discipline and any country. With only 350 participants, it offers a strong mix of dialogue, workshops, debates, art and cultural exchange around the theme Changing Winds, making it ideal for students who want global exposure and meaningful discussion.
2. One Young World Academy Leadership Course 2026
This free online course is a smart option if you want flexible learning with a global focus. Open worldwide and self-paced, it introduces planetary leadership and gives you a verified digital certificate after completion. You also get access to the Planetary Leadership MOOC, so it is useful for students who want practical leadership ideas without travel costs.
3. Winter School on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics and Human Rights
This winter school stands out for students interested in how AI affects society, rights and justice. In Rome, you will explore algorithmic bias, explainability, accountability and international human rights law through lectures, case studies and debates. It is a strong pick if you want a focused academic programme on one of the most important topics in technology today.
4. Machine Learning Summer School 2026
If you want to build practical machine learning skills, this online summer school offers focused training in a specialised field. It covers basic and advanced methods with applications in chemometrics and chemical data science, including calibration, regression and classification. The live webinar format makes it useful for students who want technical learning from anywhere.
5. Coimbra Space Summer School
Coimbra Space Summer School is a good choice for students curious about space economy, technology and entrepreneurship. This three-day in-person programme in Portugal combines talks, team challenges, mentoring and networking, so you can learn and connect at the same time. It is especially attractive if you want a short, active programme with real-world focus.
6. STFC Introduction to Astronomy Summer School 2026
This summer school is especially valuable for new postgraduate students in astrophysics, but it is open to others too. It covers major topics like Solar Physics, Planetary, Stellar and Galactic Evolution, and Gravitational Waves, plus programming, public engagement, careers and wellness. The partially funded support makes it even more appealing for early researchers.
These opportunities cover different interests, budgets and study styles, so take time to choose the one that matches your goals best. Whether you prefer an in-person summer school or a free online course, each one can add something valuable to your academic path. Make sure you check the deadlines carefully and apply as early as you can.