International Summer Programme (with English language)

We are happy to announce that our International Summer Programme will take place again in 2023 on the main SOAS campus in central London, giving students the opportunity to experience campus life in Bloomsbury while making the most of everything that a major capital city like London has to offer.
If you are an international student and want to study academic English or have the chance to study a range of subjects, then come to SOAS, University of London in the centre of London. The IFCELS department offers a range of 3 and 6-week summer courses for English language development and introductions to academic subjects too. These courses combine academic study and English development in an interactive way and provide a great introduction to studying at an English speaking university.
Teaching
All courses consist of 18-20 hours of lesson time each week at SOAS University of London's Russell Square campus*. The English language courses cover development of all four language skills with a focus on reading and writing in the mornings and listening and speaking in the afternoons. The academic subject courses include lectures, seminar discussions and case studies, and support classes from a subject specialist English teacher. Students also carry out their own independent research and present their work at the end of the course.
Students on the International Summer Programme have access to campus facilities including the university's world-famous library, and accommodation is available in nearby halls of residence. Students also use London as a context for further exploration by going on study trips to interesting and relevant places in this historic capital city.
*note that this does not apply to online courses taught off-Campus. Online courses consist of a combination of synchronous (live online) hours and asynchronous (over an extended period of time outside of scheduled classroom time) hours.
Student perspective
Read a blogpost by Linsong Gao, a 2019 summer student.
Summer calendar
View our Summer programme dates, courses and fees.
Important information
You will need to be at least 17 years of age to apply. Normally, you will need to have graduated from high school, but in exceptional circumstances we can consider 17 year olds with one year of high school remaining.
Academic subject courses with English language support
- Art of the World in London
- Environment, Development and Changing World Views
- Global Business Strategy
- Global Development Studies
- International Relations
- Introduction to the Media
- World Literature in London
English language requirements for students choosing subject courses
Students are recommended to have at least an intermediate level of English (IELTS 5.5) in order to understand the lectures, which are delivered at undergraduate level, and to engage in lively discussion in the seminars and tutorials.
Academic English Summer Courses
The Summer Programme is intended for students with at least a pre-intermediate level of English (IELTS 4.5) and is not suitable for beginners or students with elementary level English. The English courses are offered at different levels, from pre-intermediate to advanced.
Tuition fees 2023
- 3 weeks (1 block) £1,900
- 6 weeks (2 blocks) £3,500 (save £300*)
- 9 weeks (3 blocks) £5,100 (save £600*)
*Compared to the cost of multiple individual blocks. The reduced fees for multiple blocks above are available for 2 or 3 blocks booked at the same time. The fee for any additional blocks after the initial application will be £1,900 for one extra block and £3,500 for two.
Please note that refunds of course fees are made only at the discretion of SOAS. More information can be found on our terms and conditions.
Tuition fees 2023
- 3 weeks (1 block) £1,900
- 6 weeks (2 blocks) £3,500 (save £300*)
- 9 weeks (3 blocks) £5,100 (save £600*)
*Compared to the cost of multiple individual blocks. The reduced fees for multiple blocks above are available for 2 or 3 blocks booked at the same time. The fee for any additional blocks after the initial application will be £1,900 for one extra block and £3,500 for two.
Please note that refunds of course fees are made only at the discretion of SOAS. More information can be found on our terms and conditions.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be available in halls of residence near the Russell Square campus. For more detailed information about accommodation location and fees, see Summer programme dates, courses and fees.
Contact us
If you need any more information please see the frequently asked questions. If you still have a query, you can contact us on summer@soas.ac.uk.
Application
Apply through our online International Summer School application form.
Please ensure you include a copy of any current or past student visa and a copy of a valid passport with your application so we can check that you are eligible to study. Make sure you fill out all the parts of the application form so we can process your application as quickly as possible.