Summer schools and winter schools to apply for now
If you are searching for summer schools to apply for now, this list brings together short academic programmes open across July and August 2026. It includes fully funded, partially funded and fee-based options in Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, Portugal, New Zealand and online.
These opportunities cover language study, leadership, research, astronomy, artificial intelligence, space entrepreneurship and data analytics. Some are for specific student groups, while others welcome applicants worldwide, so check the eligibility and deadline for each one before you apply.
1. Winterkurs
Winterkurs from DAAD is a strong option if you want to improve your German while living in Germany for four weeks. It is fully funded and combines language classes, afternoon seminars and cultural activities. The programme is aimed at students linked to a Brazilian university, from undergraduate to doctoral level, which makes it especially valuable for academic and cultural exchange.
2. International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT) 2027
ISFiT 2027 is a rare chance to join a major student festival in Trondheim, Norway, with 350 participants from around the world. It is fully funded, open to active students from any discipline and nationality, and built around dialogue, workshops, debates, art and cultural exchange. The theme, Changing Winds, also gives applicants a clear global focus.
3. One Young World Academy Leadership Course 2026
This online leadership course is an easy way to build skills without travel or fees. It is open worldwide, self-paced, and fully funded, with a verified digital certificate after completion. If you want an accessible opportunity that fits around classes or work, this is a practical choice, especially because it also gives access to the Planetary Leadership MOOC.
4. Riddet Institute Summer Scholarship 2026 at Massey University
The Riddet Institute Summer Scholarship offers a serious research experience for undergraduate students in food science, food technology, nutrition or related fields. It is fully funded, runs for 12 weeks in New Zealand, and includes a $7,500 stipend. With supervision on live research projects and up to five awards available, it is especially attractive for students thinking about research careers.
5. Winter School on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics and Human Rights
This winter school is a focused way to study one of the most important topics in technology today. Hosted by UNICRI and LUMSA Human Academy in Rome, it looks at AI, ethics and human rights through lectures, case studies and expert debate. If you are interested in responsible technology and policy, the subject mix is timely and highly relevant.
6. Coimbra Space Summer School
Coimbra Space Summer School is a good fit if you want practical exposure to the space economy and entrepreneurship. The three-day programme includes thematic talks, challenges, mentoring and networking, and participants work in teams. It is a useful option for students who want a short in-person experience in Portugal with both learning and collaboration.
7. Fribourg Winter School in Data Analytics and Machine Learning
8. STFC Introduction to Astronomy Summer School 2026
The STFC Introduction to Astronomy Summer School is especially useful for new postgraduate students in astrophysics, but it is open to others too. It covers a wide range of topics, from Solar Physics to Gravitational Waves, and also includes programming, public engagement, careers and wellness. The partially funded support makes it worth checking if you need a residential academic boost.
If one of these short programmes matches your goals, apply early and prepare your documents in advance. Deadlines are coming up quickly, with several closing in August and some much later, so always check the official dates, eligibility rules and funding details before you submit.