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Summer school registration

Apply to our programme

Summer School 2026 has finished. Keep an eye out for Summer School 2027 — applications will open here.

Summer school registration

Keep an eye out for Summer School 2027

Applications for Summer School 2026 have closed and the programme has now finished. Thank you to everyone who applied.

Summer School 2027

Applications open soon

Dates, the deadline and both application forms will be published on this page. Email us and we will let you know as soon as applications open.

Email us
Starting October 2026

Online mentoring

While you wait, our free Online Mentoring Programme offers weekly one-to-one STEM, IT and English support from October to March.

About online mentoring

The essentials

Everything you need to know

  • Dates

    • Summer School 2027 dates will be announced here.
    • The school usually runs over two weeks in August.
  • Venue

    • Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London (UCL)
    • Daily timing: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Cost

    • The summer school is free.
    • Any transport, food, and learning material costs are covered by BTF.
  • Topic

    • Our summer school is structured for young students who have the ambition to study science, engineering, technology or mathematics (STEM) at the top universities in the United Kingdom.

Our partnership with UCL

University College London

Founded 1826 · London’s global university

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities, known for its academic excellence, global outlook, and commitment to social impact. Founded in 1826 as the first university in England to welcome students regardless of race, class, or religion, UCL remains a progressive and inclusive institution.

As our long-standing partner, UCL provides a vibrant learning environment where our summer school students gain hands-on experience in real university settings, supported by staff, researchers, and student volunteers from across the UCL community.

Its main campus is situated in the historic Bloomsbury district, just a short walk from major cultural landmarks such as the British Museum and the West End theatres. With excellent transport links — via nearby Underground stations like Euston, Russell Square, and Goodge Street — UCL is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

University College London campusBridging the Future participants and volunteers at UCL

UCL departments involved

  • Department of Physics & Astronomy

    A world-class centre for research and teaching across fundamental and applied physics, from quantum materials to astrophysics.

  • Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE)

    One of the UK’s oldest EEE departments, advancing innovation in electronics, communications, and nanotechnology through cutting-edge research and education.

  • London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN)

    An interdisciplinary hub combining physics, engineering, biology, and medicine to solve global challenges using nanoscale science and technology.

  • UCL Institute of Education (IoE)

    A global leader in education and social research, dedicated to transforming lives through teaching, policy, and practice in education and beyond.

Rundown

What the two weeks look like

Every day runs 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Week 1

Monday – Thursday

Week 1 daily schedule
DayTimeFocus
Day 1 · Monday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMWelcome & orientation session. Introduction to course objectives and ice-breaking activities.
Day 2 · Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMThematic lectures and workshops begin. Interactive discussions and hands-on tasks.
Day 3 · Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMCase studies and small group problem-solving. Applied project work begins.
Day 4 · Thursday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMProject continuation, group presentations, and peer & instructor feedback session.

Week 2

Monday – Thursday

Week 2 daily schedule
DayTimeFocus
Day 1 · Monday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMRecap of Week 1, new concepts introduced, and project updates.
Day 2 · Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMAdvanced workshops and group exercises on the course topics.
Day 3 · Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMGuest lecture and project evaluation.
Day 4 · Thursday10:00 AM – 4:30 PMFinal presentations, feedback session, and course wrap-up.

Before you apply

Application questions

Still unsure? Email us at contact@bridgingthefuture.org and we will help.

Who can apply to the summer school?

Young people aged 16–22 from refugee, asylum-seeking and forced-migrant backgrounds who have the ambition to study science, engineering, technology or mathematics at a UK university.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. The summer school is free, and BTF covers transport within TfL Zones 1–6, food, and all learning materials.

Which forms will I need to submit?

Two: a student application form and a parent/guardian consent form. An application is only complete once both have been submitted. The forms are published here when applications open.

How many places are available?

30 places. In 2025 we received 315 applications for those 30 places, so please apply early and complete both forms carefully.

When do applications open?

Applications for Summer School 2026 have closed. Dates and the deadline for Summer School 2027 will be announced on this page — email contact@bridgingthefuture.org if you would like us to let you know.

Summer School 2027

Keep an eye out for Summer School 2027

Applications for next summer will open on this page. In the meantime, find out about online mentoring and work experience.

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