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Spend a summer abroad by applying for a tuition fee free opportunity.
Tuition fees are waived or programme fees are significantly reduced for the summer programmes listed below. Students are responsible for other costs like travel, accommodation, visas, excursions etc. Successful applicants can apply for a Global Experience Bursary to help cover these costs. Where tuition is waived, UCL is not paying the host university on students' behalf, the host university is simply waiving the tuition/programme fee. Application fees may still apply.
How to Apply
This opportunity is open to current, non-finalist UCL Undergraduate (UG) students. Only Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students from the Institute of Education (IOE) may also apply, since Zurich University of Teacher Education accepts UCL PGT students through this scheme. Some opportunities are only available to students from certain levels of study and/or particular departments/ faculties, so students must check the eligibility criteria of each institution before applying.
Students apply online to the UCL Study Abroad office first, listing their preferences and answering questions that demonstrate the reflection and research they've considered for their shortlisted universities.
If succesful in securing a place, students complete a second application to their allocated host university (this is a formality).
Students from a Widening Participation (WP) background will be prioritised for this opportunity. A WP student should meet at least one of identifiers below, providing suitable evidence in their application:
- Household income of £42,000 or less
- Receiving income-related benefits
- Care-experienced student
- Student with caring responsibilities
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Received an Access UCL offer
- For UK-domiciled students, Black African, Black Caribbean or mixed Black, African/White or Black Caribbean/White
- Mature (aged 21 or older at the beginning of your current, undergraduate, degree)
- Estranged students
- Part-time students
Deadline to apply: 23:59, Sunday 15 December 2024
Summer Tuition Fee Free Scheme Application
Participating Universities
- City University of Hong Kong - Colleges of Science and Engineering, Hong Kong
The Colleges of Science and Engineering have an overseas internship scheme to provide students with an opportunity to experience scientific research related to their studies. In addition to the research experience, additional cultural workshops and an industrial visit are provided to give participants a brief understanding of industrial establishments in Hong Kong as well as a taste of Chinese culture. The programme aims to provide students with the opportunity to conduct a research project which will expand their horizons and allow them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.
Further information: CityU Summer Exchange website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from Engineering and Physics departments only
Places availble: 2
Dates: 16 June - 8 August 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees and personal expenses etc.
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, International Summer Exchange Program- Engineering, Hong Kong
The HKUST International Summer Exchange Program (ISP) aims to create a rewarding study abroad experience for students from around the world, comprising of high-quality courses taught by HKUST instructors and opportunities to gain insight into the region with engaging cultural immersions and excursions.
Further information: HKUST ISP website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from Engineering departments (not including Computer Science) only
Places availble: 1
Dates: 12 June - 12 July 2025 (Session 1) | 10 July - 9 August 2025 (Session 2)
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, vaccinations, insurance, accommodation, activities, admin fees and personal expenses etc.
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Summer Undergraduate Research Programme - Engineering, Hong Kong
HKUST's Summer Undergraduate Research Programme is a placement for students who are passionate about research and would love the opportunity to work alongside HKUST faculty on a project. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, develop research skills, and contribute to meaningful work in their field of interest. Additionally, it fosters mentorship relationships, helping students navigate their academic paths while enhancing their resumes with valuable research experience.
Further information: HKUST Summer UG Research website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from Engineering departments (not including Computer Science) only
Places availble: 2
Dates: 16 June – 8 August 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, vaccinations, insurance, accommodation, activities, admin fees and personal expenses etc.
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Summer Undergraduate Reserach Programme (SURP), Hong Kong
The Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP) provides an opportunity for undergraduate students from overseas universities to undertake research attachments for eight weeks at CUHK during the summer. Students will conduct research under the supervision of a CUHK faculty member from various academic disciplines, including Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science. Early applications are strongly encouraged to secure places in preferred projects.
Further information: CUHK SURP website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from any department
Places availble: 4
Dates: 22 June - 23 August 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees, personal expenses
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), International Summer School (ISS), Hong Kong
Join in academic courses taught by CUHK and visiting professors from renowned overseas universities, as well as Chinese language courses in Putonghua (Mandarin) and Cantonese. All courses will be taught in English (apart from Chinese language courses) and are accompanied by cultural activities ranging from city tours, cooking classes to heritage walks.
Further information: CUHK Summer School website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from any department
Places availble: 4
Dates: July Session (22 June - 30 July 2025) | August Session (3 - 23 August 2025)
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees and personal expenses etc.
- Stony Brook University, New York, USA
Stony Brook University in New York has a wide variety of courses across multiple academic departments and disciplines. Admission to some courses is subject to department review, in order to ensure that students have satisfied the course entry requirements. UCL students can participate in the Global Academic Program, which is part of the Global Summer Institute.
Further information: Global Academic Program website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from any department
Places availble: 4
Dates: 8 July - 16 August 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, insurance, accommodation (students are not eligible for Stony Brook's accommodation scholarship), activities, admin fees, personal expenses etc. and tuition for any additional credits taken over 6 (only tuition fees for up to 6 credits are waived). Students must ensure they have the financial means to pay for all of these costs and only apply for a place at Stony Brook if its is an afforadble option for them.
- Zurich University of Teacher Education Summer School, Switzerland
The Zurich University of Teacher Education (Padagogische Hochschule Zurich - PHZH) Summer School provides insight into the Swiss education system, its opportunities and challenges. The programme lasts between one and four weeks (depending on courses taken) and is open to students in educational sciences and/or teacher education who have completed at least one year of full-time study. The courses available are listed below.
Further information: PHZH Summer School website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG and PGT students from the Institute of Education
Places availble: 4
Dates: Special Needs and Inclusive Education in Switzerland and in a Global Context: 16 - 27 June 2025 (two weeks)
In the Story: Teaching and Learning with Drama: 23 - 27 June 2025 (one week)
Gamification in Education: 30 June - 4 July 2025 (one week)
NB: Students can choose to do just one course or combine courses to stay between one - three weeks.
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, vaccinations, insurance, accommodation, activities, admin fees, personal expenses and reduced programme fee that includes public transport in Zurich city during the course, a social and cultural programme, school/institution visits and if staying for two or more weeks, one weekend trip to the Swiss mountains. The reduced programme fees are CHF180 for one week, CHF 390 for two weeks, 510 for three weeks.
- National Taiwan University - International Mentorship Program (IMP)
The IMP is a unique internship programme for international students at NTU. In this program, senior executives and managers of various organisations act as mentors to students, so that they can put their theory into practice. NTU hopes that through this programme they will inspire the students to lean into their newfound perspectives within their life and career.
Further information: National Taiwan University IMP website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from International Social and Political Studies only
Places availble: 1
Dates: June - September 2025 (minimum of 12 weeks, but up to 16. Students will determine specific dates with their mentors)
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees, personal expenses
- Tecnologico de Monterrey - iSummer MX programme
Through the iSummer MX programme, students will live in three - four vibrant cities in Mexico. From the colonial city Queretaro to the modern business and industrial center in Monterrey. Students will exercise their intellectual curiosity and developing entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership skills, in a multicultural setting. Each campus has special activities, with field trips, company visits and networking events.
Further information: iSummer MX website
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from Engineering departments (not including Computer Science) only
Places availble: 6
Dates: 23 June - 18 July 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees, personal expenses and a service fee of USD1,800 that covers accommodation, transport within Mexico, airport pick up on official arrival day, breakfast six days of the week, tickets to all programme visits and events and health insurance
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) - Engineering and Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Singapore
NTU GEM Trailblazer Summer offers up to fice different tracks, from experiencing a full Asian cultural experience to opportunities to enhance your future business career in Asia and staying abreast with the latest technology in 3D Printing.
Further information: NTU GEM Trailblazer Summer website. Information Session on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm SGT. Sign up here.
Eligibility criteria: non-finalist UG students from Engineering and Mathematical & Physical Sciences departments only
Places availble: 6
Dates: 2 or 4 week programmes, 23 June - 19 July 2025
Costs students are responsible for: Travel, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, accommodation, activities, admin fees, personal expenses
TuitionFee Free FAQs
- How are allocations made?
Allocations are made on the strength of students' applications and the number of places available on each of the above programmes. The more detail and research that a student demonstrates in their application, the more likely they will be placed at their first preference institution. Competition and popularity for each programme varies every year, so students should concentrate on submitting their best application possible, and also be open minded to the different opportunities available.
If Study Abroad receives more applications than spaces available, unfortunately not all students can be allocated a place.
- Who can apply?
Most of the options above are open only to non-finalist undergraduate students, with some having further departmental restrictions. This means that final year undergradute students cannot apply. Students on their third year of a four-year MSci or MEng programme can still apply, provided they meet all other criteria of the above programmes they are interested in.
Postgradute (PG) students can only apply for the above programmes that state they accept PG students.
If a student is currently on interruption, but their interruption ends before the start date of the programme (and they're officially re-enrolled at UCL), they can apply. Please get in touch with the Study Abroad team if this applies to you.
- I'm only interested in one summer programme. Do I still have to select three choices on the application?
Students should be open to any of the programmes listed above, but if they can only apply for one opportunity, they can explain why they have only listed one in their application e.g. for financial reasons, academic eligiblity criteria, support services required etc. Students should keep an open open mind and only list choices that they are prepared to accept if offered.
- What happens after applying?
Applications will be reviewed once the deadline passes. Students will be notified on the outcome of their application at least 4-6 weeks after the deadline has passed.
If awarded a place, students must first confirm their acceptance then complete a second application for their host institution by their specified deadline. Both the UCL Study Abroad office and students' host institutions will provide application guidance.
If Study Abroad receives more applications than spaces available, unfortunately not all students can be allocated a place.
- What about COVID-19?
In-person programmes abroad are contingent on health and travel guidance from UK, international governments, UCL and host institutions.There is a chance that an in-person programme may switch to a virtual offering or be cancelled if the situation requires.
If a student's placement is cancelled due to COVID-19 or they cannot attend due to travel restrictions, they can apply again for the following year's summer programmes, provided they are still a non-finalist undergraduate student. The options available and the number of places UCL Study Abroad have at each partner varies each year, deferred places from one year to the next are not possible.
- Are these the only universities possible?
It may be possible that new summer programmes become available at short notice. This is dependent on partner universities opening up places, and only if/when they are able to. Students should regularly check this page for updates. As of 2025, the above list is accurate.
Is students cannot find a suitable programme above, they may wish to explore the fee-paying options for summer schools at UCL's partner universities.
- Is there funding available?
In addition to having tuition/programme fees waived/reduced, students can apply for the Global Experience Bursary. Students may also explore our Funding page for ideas of other funding opportunities they could apply for.
If you are unsuccessful with a tuition fee free place, but still wish to attend one of the universities in the scheme, you can still apply to your intended host university directly, then apply for a Global Experience Bursary. Please get in touch with the Study Abroad team via AskUCL for further guidance.