If you’re comparing Cambridge summer schools, cost is usually the first filter — and the biggest source of confusion.
Some programmes quote “tuition only”. Others show one price, but the real spend rises once you add accommodation, meals, excursions, and supervision. The best way to avoid surprises is to break the budget into two parts:
- Programme fee (what you pay the provider)
- Travel + personal spend (what your family pays separately)
This guide gives you a clear cost framework and a simple checklist for comparing providers fairly.
At a glance: Oxbridge Scholars fees (what the site currently shows)
On the Oxbridge Scholars Dates and Fees page, the programme fee is listed as:
- Tuition + Accommodation: £5,395 per session
- Early Bird Offer: £4,590 (deadline shown on the page)
The same page also lists programme sessions for 5 July – 18 July 2026 and 19 July – 1 August 2026.
Tip for SEO and trust: your Dates & Fees page currently displays an Early Bird deadline year that looks inconsistent with 2026 sessions. For the article text, it’s safer to say “before the deadline shown on the Dates & Fees page” (evergreen), or fix the page first.
What’s included in the Oxbridge Scholars fee (and why that matters)
Many “Cambridge” offers become expensive because they’re not truly all-inclusive. Oxbridge Scholars lists the following as included in the fee:
- Full academic programme in your chosen pathway (Medicine & Health, Business & Finance, AI & Computer Science)
- Accommodation at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge
- Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Career workshops, mentoring, academic guidance
- Cultural excursions and weekend trips
- Course materials, certificate, 24-hour pastoral support
The same page references 2 full-day and 1 half-day excursion per week.
Why this matters: when a competitor’s headline price is lower, it’s often because one of these elements is excluded — usually accommodation/meals/excursions/supervision.
The 2-part budget: how much you’ll actually spend
Part A — Programme fee (paid to the provider)
This is the “big number” families compare. When you look at a fee page, check whether the price is:
- Residential (includes accommodation) or not
- Includes meals (how many per day)
- Includes excursions and transport
- Includes supervision/pastoral care (especially important for under-18s)
If you want a simple rule: for under-18 programmes, the “real” price is the one that includes living + learning + supervision in one package.
Part B — Travel and personal spend (paid separately)
Even with an all-inclusive programme fee, families usually still pay:
- Flights / travel to the UK
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Spending money (pocket money)
- Optional extras (SIM/eSIM, extra luggage, souvenirs, laundry)
These are highly country-specific, so it’s better to plan with ranges.
Extra costs checklist (use this when comparing programmes)
Here’s what you should budget and confirm — in writing — before you pay any deposit:
1) Visa (if required)
If the student is under 18 and travelling to the UK, the official UK guidance highlights the need for suitable arrangements and written parental consent (especially if travelling alone).
Even if your student does not need a visa, it’s still smart to travel with a consent letter and a clear itinerary.
2) Airport transfer
Some providers include transfers; others charge extra. Confirm:
- Which airports are covered
- Whether it’s door-to-door or “meeting point”
- Whether it’s supervised for under-18s
3) Insurance
Most families purchase travel/medical insurance separately. Confirm whether the programme provides any included cover (and what it does not cover).
4) Pocket money (realistic expectations)
Pocket money depends on student habits. For a two-week programme, families typically budget for:
- snacks/drinks outside meals
- small souvenirs
- occasional extra activities
- essentials (toiletries, sunscreen, etc.)
5) Laundry
If the student packs light, laundry becomes a cost (and a logistics point). Ask if laundry is available on site, off site, or via paid service.
6) Optional academic extras
Some providers upsell “1:1 tutoring”, extra certificates, or premium activities. Decide upfront if you want these — and don’t let them appear as “surprise add-ons”.
How to compare Cambridge summer schools fairly (10-point checklist)
When you’re choosing between programmes, use this “apples-to-apples” checklist:
- Age range (is the programme designed for 14–17?)
- Residential (accommodation included?)
- Meals (how many per day?)
- Supervision (24/7 support or limited hours?)
- Academic hours (what’s the weekly structure?)
- Class size (small group teaching vs lecture format)
- Excursions (how many per week, included or paid?)
- Certificate/outcome (project, presentation, feedback?)
- Payment terms (deposit, deadlines, refund policy)
- Transparency (clear inclusions + clear exclusions)
Oxbridge Scholars states that a deposit is required within 7 days to confirm a place, and the remaining balance must be paid before arrival within the timeframe given by admissions.
FAQ (for parents and students)
Is the Oxbridge Scholars fee all-inclusive?
The Dates & Fees page describes the fee as all-inclusive and lists accommodation at Queens’ College, meals, excursions, materials, certificate, and 24-hour pastoral support as included.
How long is one session?
The Dates & Fees page lists sessions that run for about two weeks (example dates shown for July–August 2026).
What are the most common “hidden” costs with other programmes?
Airport transfers, excursions, meal plans, and supervision are the most common exclusions that inflate the real cost.
When do we need to pay a deposit?
Oxbridge Scholars states a deposit is required within 7 days to confirm a place (after acceptance).