Engineering: Future Engineers Building the World of Tomorrow

Engineering Summer Schools 2026 — For Kids, Teens and Adults

Engineering comes alive when you get the chance to design, build, and test your own ideas — not just read about them in a textbook. Summer schools throw you straight into the action: small groups, inspiring tutors, and projects that challenge you to think like a real engineer. One day you might be experimenting with structures to see how much weight they can hold, the next you’re coding a robot or testing a prototype you designed with your team. It’s hands-on, fast-moving, and exciting — the kind of experience that shows you how engineering shapes the world, and how you could shape it too.

• Younger students start with fun, practical challenges that show how machines and structures work. From simple robotics to team problem-solving games, it’s all about sparking “wow” moments in a safe, supervised setting where creativity leads the way.
• For early teens and school leavers, the experience ramps up: structured labs, design projects, and case studies sharpen problem-solving, teamwork, and technical thinking. You’ll work with inspiring tutors, test your ideas in simulations, and get clear, practical feedback — the perfect way to explore whether engineering feels like your future.
• For young adults stepping into university or already on their way, engineering summer schools provide a different kind of challenge. These courses go deeper into the maths, physics, and specialist areas that underpin real engineering practice — from thermodynamics and CAD to sustainable design. You’ll engage in tutorials that mirror university teaching, tackle independent projects, and debate solutions with peers who are equally ambitious. It’s about stretching your skills, testing your career direction, and experiencing what advanced study in engineering really feels like.

If engineering is your thing, this is your summer in 2026. Choose from engineering-focused programmes — from first steps like Technology Explorers and Explore Engineering to pre-university tracks in Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, and Sustainable Engineering — delivered by trusted providers such as Immerse Education, Oxford Summer Courses, Oxbridge Academic Programs, Bucksmore, Reach Cambridge, and more.

Pick a focused course in Oxford, Cambridge, or London, or go global to New York, Boston, Toronto, Singapore, Tokyo, or Sydney. Expect small-group teaching, design challenges, hands-on experiments, and supervised time to explore inspiring cities with students who share your ambitions — all aimed at helping you test your fit for engineering and build real confidence for what comes next.

Here is a flavour of these courses set out in age groups for easy reading.

Technology Explorers (Oxford Summer Courses)

At a glance: One-week technology taster for ages 9–10, delivered at prestigious UK boarding schools (June–August 2026). Interactive, task-based learning with experienced primary teachers; tiny tutorials (1–2 students) plus small-group seminars (8 or fewer). Fees: from £2,395 (2026).

• Learn the basics of programming, electronics, design, and modelling
• Explore engineering challenges and discover hands-on problem-solving
• Tutorials with qualified academics; group work, games, projects, and reflection sessions facilitated by staff
• Live in a historic academic setting (e.g., Harrow School); accommodation and breakfast daily; all evening meals; social activities and day trips; graduation ceremony
• Included: all teaching, programmed visits and excursions, airport transfers for UK courses (conditions apply), access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations

Full profile
Technology Explorers (Oxford Summer Courses) is a one-week programme for ages 9–10 (fees from £2,395) designed to introduce younger learners to the world of technology and engineering. Teaching is deliberately interactive and task-based, with individual tutorials (1–2 students per tutor) and small-group seminars (8 or fewer). Students learn the basics of programming, electronics, design, and modelling, while exploring how engineers solve real-world problems. Learning takes place through multimedia presentations, games, group work, project challenges, and daily reflection sessions guided by staff.

The programme is hosted in prestigious UK boarding schools such as Harrow, providing a safe and inspiring academic setting. Accommodation includes breakfast every day, all evening meals (including some at local restaurants), and pastoral care throughout. A graduation ceremony celebrates achievements, while programmed visits and excursions add cultural context to the learning. Airport transfers are available for UK courses (conditions apply).

With its combination of hands-on teaching, a supportive international community, and engaging enrichment activities, Technology Explorers gives younger students a playful but meaningful introduction to engineering and technology — sparking curiosity and building confidence for future study.

Explore Engineering (Oxford Royale)

At a glance: Two-week introduction to engineering for ages 12–15, delivered in Oxford (June–August 2026). Combines theory with hands-on workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects. Fees: from £6,995 (2026).

• Learn the fundamentals of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering
• Apply maths and physics to real-world design challenges
• Participate in engineering workshops: build machines, design prototypes, test solutions
• Tackle real-world case studies to develop critical thinking and teamwork
• Explore careers and innovation across different engineering fields
• Accommodation in Oxford with meals, social activities, and excursions included

Full profile
Explore Engineering introduces younger teens to the world of engineering in a way that is active, engaging, and collaborative. Over two weeks, students gain a strong foundation in physics and mathematics as applied to engineering, while developing problem-solving and design skills through interactive workshops and prototyping sessions. They examine how engineers work across disciplines to solve complex problems, from building sustainable structures to designing innovative machines.

Set in Oxford, this course offers not only academic enrichment but also the chance to live in one of the world’s most historic centres of learning. Excursions and social activities complete the experience, ensuring students return home inspired, confident, and ready to see the world with an engineer’s eye.

Engineering in Tokyo (Immerse Education)

At a glance: Two-week engineering programme for ages 15–18, set in Tokyo (July–August 2026). Explore mechanical, civil, and electronic engineering through project-based learning, career skills workshops, and cultural immersion. Fees: from £7,495 (2026).

• Modules include Engineering Fundamentals, Sustainable Engineering, and Modern Practices, applied to real-world projects
• Project-based sessions, career skills workshops, 1:1 career coaching, and a personal project with professional evaluation
• Stay in comfortable shared hotel accommodation near campus, with lounge areas for socialising
• Graduation Ceremony in Tokyo with certificates, professional reflections, and a celebratory dinner
• Tailored cultural activities and excursions: Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara, Meiji Shrine, plus tea ceremonies, samurai training, and karaoke nights

Full profile

Engineering in Tokyo (Immerse Education) is a two-week programme for ages 15–18 (fees from £7,495), designed to introduce students to engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, and electronic engineering. With over 40 hours of teaching and small classes (average 7), the programme blends project-based sessions, guest speaker talks, and 1:1 career coaching. Students complete a personal project that showcases their skills, with a personalised evaluation at the end — a valuable step for future studies and career planning.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable shared hotel rooms within walking distance of the campus. Meals (breakfast and dinner) are included, and evenings feature a mix of social events, cultural immersion, and career-focused guest speaker sessions. Tokyo itself becomes part of the classroom: excursions take in iconic landmarks such as the Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing, while hands-on activities like tea ceremonies and samurai training bring Japan’s cultural heritage alive.

The programme culminates in a Graduation Ceremony in Tokyo, where students reflect on their projects, celebrate achievements, and receive a certificate of attendance. With expert teaching, a buzzing international peer group, and one of the world’s most innovative cities as a backdrop, this course offers both academic depth and cultural adventure — an ideal way for teens to explore engineering and test their ambitions.

Engineering (The Cambridge Tradition) — Oxbridge Academic Programs

At a glance: Two- or four-week engineering programme for ages 16–18, based at Jesus College, University of Cambridge (June–August 2026). Students choose one course per session, with options such as Aerospace Engineering, Astronomy, and other STEM subjects. Fees: from $7,125 (2 weeks) / $12,335 (4 weeks).

• Live and study at historic Jesus College, Cambridge, with meals in Hall
• Academic sessions covering topics such as Aerospace Engineering, plus access to a wide variety of elective subjects
• Afternoon classes three times per week; free afternoons for activities, tours, or independent exploration
• Evenings filled with organised events, workshops, and shows
• Included: accommodation, all teaching, extracurriculars, cultural visits, and continuous support from professional on-site staff

Full profile
The Engineering (Cambridge Tradition) course, part of Oxbridge Academic Programs, is a prestigious two- or four-week summer school for students aged 16–18 (fees from $7,125/$12,335). Based at Jesus College, one of Cambridge University’s most historic and beautiful colleges, it offers teens the chance to immerse themselves in both academic learning and Cambridge life.

Students select one subject per session, with popular choices in engineering-related fields including Aerospace Engineering, Astronomy and Astrophysics, and other STEM tracks. Classes take place in Cambridge classrooms, labs, and sometimes outdoors around the city, giving participants the chance to apply theory in different contexts. Afternoon sessions meet three times per week, while other afternoons are open for cultural excursions, sports, and organised activities.

Accommodation is provided within Jesus College, where students dine in the historic Hall — a unique Cambridge tradition. Evenings feature events, workshops, and social activities, ensuring a balance of study and fun. The programme also includes cultural immersion through tours, local events, and access to Cambridge’s many historic and academic sites.

Backed by Oxbridge Academic Programs’ long-standing expertise, The Cambridge Tradition blends rigorous academic focus with cultural discovery and community living. It’s a unique opportunity for motivated teens to explore engineering (and other fields) while experiencing life in one of the world’s most iconic university cities.

Mechanical Engineering (Oxford Summer Courses)

At a glance: Two-week summer programme for ages 18–24, delivered in Oxford University colleges. Explore the mathematics and physics that underpin mechanical design, from aerodynamics and thermodynamics to mechatronics, structures, and Computer-Aided Design. Fees: from £6,995 (2026).

• Learn topics including aero, thermo, and fluid dynamics, mechatronics, materials, and CAD
• Apply knowledge to solve engineering problems, designing innovative solutions for real-world challenges
• Experience Oxford’s renowned tutorial system, with small seminars, 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials, and individualised feedback
• Set ambitious goals with tutor support, gain industry insights from expert discussions, and explore career pathways
• Live in historic Oxford colleges with accommodation, meals, and cultural immersion built in
• Balance academic study with day trips, social activities, and a final graduation ceremony

Full profile
Oxford Summer Courses’ Mechanical Engineering programme equips aspiring engineers aged 18–24 with a strong foundation in the discipline’s core principles. Taught in Oxford’s tutorial style, students are introduced to the maths and physics that drive modern mechanical design, spanning subjects from fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to mechatronics and CAD.

Learning is interactive and rigorous: you’ll complete independent work (essays or problem sheets), then receive personalised evaluation in tutorials where you discuss feedback and learn from peers. Tutors — drawn from Oxford and Cambridge traditions — encourage critical thinking and self-directed learning, preparing you for advanced study and professional paths.

The experience goes beyond academics. Students live in historic Oxford colleges, enjoying formal dinners, excursions to cultural sites, and social events that foster community. Career-focused discussions and mentor support help you link classroom knowledge to industry practice, giving a clear sense of future pathways.

Graduation marks the culmination of the course, with a certificate of completion and a personal letter of recommendation from your tutor — a meaningful addition to any CV or university application.

From first sparks of curiosity to advanced projects in global hubs, engineering summer schools in 2026 offer something for every stage of the journey. These programmes don’t just teach — they let you build, test, and create alongside expert mentors and peers who share your drive. Wherever you choose to study, you’ll come away with new skills, bigger ambitions, and the confidence to start shaping the future.

Explore the full range of Engineering Summer Schools 2026 and find the programme that’s built for you.