International Summer and Winter Universities
Many universities around the world offer summer and winter schools during their semester breaks. These stays usually last one to six weeks and, in addition to subject and/or language courses, usually also include a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. Subject courses that you complete as part of international summer and winter schools may be credited at Leuphana. Participation in summer and winter schools must be borne by your own funds.
Below you will find a list of summer school offers from Leuphana's partner universities, which is regularly updated. Further offers and information can also be found below.
DENMARK: Aarhus University: Summer University 2026
Aarhus University offers AU Summer University 2026, featuring 90+ research-based courses taught in English at Bachelor’s and Master’s level across most academic areas. All courses take place on campus.
Programme details:
- Term 1: 6–24 July 2026
- Term 2: 27 July – 14 August 2026
- Tuition fees only (exchange places at AU are reserved exclusively for semester-long stays.)
Fees & Costs:
- Course fees vary by course and ECTS (see course pages)
- Estimated cost of living (1 month): approx. EUR 1,100 (excluding course fee)
Important Dates:
- Applications open: 15 January 2026
- Application deadline: 17 March 2026
- Admission results: April 2026
Further Information & Courses:
- See AU Summer University website for course list and application details
Contact:
- summeruniversity@au.dk
FRANCE: Bordeaux Montaigne University: International Winter School
Bordeaux Montaigne University invites international students to its first International Winter School from 16–27 February 2026 in Bordeaux. The two-week program combines English-taught courses on French culture and history with French language classes and cultural activities such as museum visits, a wine workshop, and a trip to Saint-Émilion.
- Program dates: 16 – 27 February 2026
- Location: Bordeaux Montaigne University, Bordeaux
- Languages: English (academic courses) & French (language courses, all levels)
- Certificate: Certificate of participation + 3 ECTS
- Accommodation: included (13 nights)
- Fee for partner universities: 1,400 EUR
(instead of 1,900 EUR for non-partner universities)
The fee covers tuition, course materials, accommodation, museum visits and activities, the day trip to Saint-Émilion, welcome and farewell events, and a 2-week public transport ticket in Bordeaux.
Application deadlines:
- Nominations & applications: by 7 December 2025
- Registration & payment: by 15 December 2025
Apply now: Click here
More Information here
Contact: intl-events@u-bordeaux-montaigne.fr
HONG KONG: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): International Summer Exchange Program (ISP)
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) cordially invites international students to attend its 2026 Summer School.
The summer program offers an excellent opportunity to take academic courses in various disciplines, gain intercultural experience, and establish an international network of students and professionals.
- Program dates (4 weeks each – both possible):
1st session: June 15 - July 10, 2026 (arrival on June 11, 2026)
2nd session: July 13 - August 7, 2026 (arrival on July 9, 2026) - Subject areas: Engineering, economics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, among others
- Language: English
- Credits: 1-3 credits per course, 1-2 courses per session
- Accommodation: shared rooms in student halls of residence
More information & application
Promotional video of the HKUST Summer Campus
Application deadline for the exchange: February 15, 2026, and for fee-paying students: March 10, 2026
HONG KONG: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST): Summer UG Research Program 2026
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) warmly invites international undergraduate students to apply for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in summer 2026.
This nine-week program offers hands-on research opportunities under the guidance of HKUST faculty, while also allowing students to explore the vibrant city of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
- Program Dates: 11 June – 6 August 2026 (9 weeks)
- Fields of Study: e.g. Engineering, AI, Sustainability, Ocean Science, Business, Social Sciences & Humanities
- Language: English
- Credits: 3-credit HKUST research course, transcript and certificate upon program completion
- Cost: approx. 1,670–2,140 €
- Housing: On-campus shared student housing
Exchange Partners nomination deadline: 05.02.26
Student application deadline: 15.02.26
HONG KONG & MACAO, CHINA: Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) – Summer Programme 2026
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) cordially invites international students to participate in the HKBU Summer Programme 2026. The four-week summer programme offers a unique combination of credit-bearing courses and a varied cultural programme in Hong Kong and Macao.
Programme details:
- Period: 2–31 July 2026
- Location: Hong Kong & Macao (China)
- Language: English
- Credits: credit-bearing courses in various disciplines
- Accommodation: on-campus accommodation in a student residence hall
Cost:
- US$ 1,520 (no tuition fees)
- Included: Accommodation, Macao trip, theme park admission, all activities, administrative and visa fees
- Early bird offer: Apply by 16 February 2026 & free admission ticket to Hong Kong Ocean Park
Application deadline: 10 April 2026
Contact & further information:
Email: summerprog@hkbu.edu.hk
More information here
HONG KONG: Lingnan University: 2026 Global Summer School
Lingnan University, Hong Kong, invites international students to its Global Summer School 2026, offering the opportunity to study in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities while engaging in a dynamic academic and cultural program.
Programme Details:
- 28 June – 5 July 2026: Physical Activity & Sports Management
- 5 – 12 July 2026: AI and Humanities
- Language: English
- Accommodation: On-campus housing included
- Fee: USD 1,500 per week / USD 2,500 for both weeks - Early bird discount available until 26 January 2026
Highlights:
Interactive courses, daily cultural excursions, meals and accommodation included, international student community.
ITALY: Ca' Foscari University of Venice: Winter School 2026
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice warmly invites international students to take part in the Winter School 2026. This two-week program offers a combination of beginner-level Italian language courses and cultural activities in the historic heart of Venice.
Program Dates: 26 January – 6 February 2026
Location: School for International Education, Palazzina Briati, Venice
Program Highlights:
- 30 hours of Italian language classes (mornings)
- 5 hours of cultural activities (afternoons): walking tours, museum visits, and more
Language of Instruction: Italian (suitable for complete beginners)
Certificate: Certificate of attendance issued by Ca’ Foscari University
Accommodation: Not included – a list of recommended options and contacts will be provided
Application Period: 6 October – 21 November 2025
Apply now:Click here
More information:here & here
ITALIEN: Ca’ Foscari Universität Venedig & CNR: Winter School in Interdisciplinary Biodiversity 2026
Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the National Research Council (CNR) warmly invite international students to join the Winter School in Interdisciplinary Biodiversity 2026.
This intensive winter programme provides essential concepts and tools to understand and manage the many dimensions of biodiversity — from the perspectives of biology, climate science, social sciences, economics, and other related fields. Participants will gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary insight into one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Programme Dates:
- 02.–07. February 2026 (on-site in Venice)
- Application Deadline: 9 December 2025
- Fields of Study: Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences, Climate Science, Social Sciences, Economics
- Language: English
- Location: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice & CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), Italy
Fees & Funding:
- No tuition fees
- Free accommodation for the 24 highest-ranked applicants
- Partial travel reimbursement for top-ranked participants (see the Call for Applications)
More Information & Application
Contact:
summerschool.international@unive.it
KOREA: Sungkyunkwan University: International Winter School
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in Seoul, Korea, invites international students to apply for the Winter International Student Experience (WISE) 2025–2026.
This short-term winter program combines academic study, Korean cultural immersion, and global networking — all in the heart of Seoul.
- Program Dates: December 22, 2025 – January 9, 2026
- Fields of Study: Business, Social Sciences, Computer/Data Science, Korean Language & Culture, and more
- Language: English
- Credits: 3 credits per course
- Scholarships: Early bird, group discounts, alumni benefits
(Application period: October 1 – November 30, 2025)
SWITZERLAND: University of Zurich: UZH International Summer Schools 2026
The University of Zurich (UZH) invites international Bachelor's and Master's students to attend the International Summer Schools 2026. The programmes take place on campus in the centre of Zurich and combine interactive teaching formats with an accompanying social and cultural programme.
Programme details:
- Period: 30 June – 24 July 2026 (depending on the course)
- Language: English
- Credits: 6 ECTS per programme
- Target group: Bachelor's and Master's students from all disciplines
Programmes 2026:
- Deep Dive into Blockchain
- Finance for the Future
- The Global Education Landscape (new)
- Healthy Longevity
- International Sports Law
Fee: from CHF 3,500 (including accommodation)
Application:
Directly at UZH | 8 January – 23 April 2026
(rolling admission – early application recommended)
SPAIN: Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid: Global Winter School 2026
Universidad Pontificia Comillas welcomes international students to the Comillas Global Winter School 2026, taking place in the vibrant city of Madrid. This year’s focus is on Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
- Dates: January 8–23, 2026
- Location: Comillas University, Madrid, Spain
- Highlights: Credit-bearing courses, official diploma, cultural and site visits
- Accommodation: Packages available
- Discounts: Early registration and group discounts
Register now: Click here
Contact: comillas.internacional@comillas.edu | Xinyi Ying: yxinyi@comillas.edu
SPAIN: Universidad Pontificia Comillas – Global Summer School 2026
Universidad Pontificia Comillas offers the 26th edition of the Global Summer School 2026 in Madrid, combining academic coursework with cultural and professional experiences.
- Dates: 22 June – 17 July 2026
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Language: English & Spanish
- Credits: Credit-bearing courses, official transcript and diploma
- Accommodation: Available
Fields of Study:
Law & International Relations; Business/Management/Marketing; Engineering & Technology; Humanities & Social Sciences; Nursing & Health Sciences; Language & Culture
Programme Features:
Academic courses plus company, site and cultural visits. Early registration and other discounts available.
Information & Application:
Contact:summer.school@comillas.edu | yxinyi@comillas.edu
More information here & here
SPAIN: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid: Summer School 2026
The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) warmly invites international students to participate in its 10th Summer School of Economics and Business (SSEB) and the 3rd Tourism Summer School.
Both programs offer compact, English-taught courses worth 6 ECTS credits per course, complemented by a rich cultural program in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
SSEB – Summer School of Economics and Business
- Dates: June 29 – July 24, 2026 (4 weeks)
- Courses (choose one or two): Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis, International Finance, Global Marketing, Doing Business in Spain
- Language: English
Tourism Summer School
- Dates: July 13 – 24, 2026 (2 weeks)
- Topics include: e.g. Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Policy, Technological Transformation in the Tourism Sector, HR and Financial Management in Hospitality
- Language: English
Optional Combination
Students may attend the first two weeks of the SSEB (June 29 – July 10) to combine it, for example, with the Tourism Summer School or the Climate Change Summer School program.
More information available here.
Information brochures available here and here.
SPANIEN (GALICIEN): ZHAW – Summer School on Agrobiodiversity 2026
The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Life Sciences and Facility Management) is offering the Summer School on Agrobiodiversity 2026 in collaboration with FiBL and CISPAC.
Programme details:
- Dates: 2–12 September 2026
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Language: English
Target group:
- Master's students in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, food technology/processing, rural development, sustainability or related disciplines
- Bachelor's students are eligible to apply but will be considered on a secondary basis.
Information & Application:
Application deadline: 28 February 2026
Mehr Infos & Bewerbung hier
Contact: international.lsfm@zhaw.ch
VIETNAM: Van Lang University – SDG Summer School 2026
Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City cordially invites international students to attend the SDG Summer School 2026 – Discover Vietnam: Language, Culture & Sustainability. The four-week programme offers a comprehensive introduction to the Vietnamese language and culture as well as a practical examination of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through lectures, workshops and excursions to various regions of Vietnam.
- Programme dates: 1–30 July 2026
- Location: Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, with excursions to other regions of Vietnam
- Credits: 3 Vietnam credits = 5 ECTS / 10 UK credits
- Participation fee: £1,400 (approx. €1,590)
Services (included in the programme price):
- Airport pick-up and return transfer
- Accommodation & local transport
- Breakfast and lunch (except on days off)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Excursions to Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, Da Lat & Nha Trang, among others
- Certificate and transcript upon completion
Further information
Programme leaflet & recap video from last season
Digital flip book
Register here now
Application deadline: 31 March 2026
Contact: issc@vlu.edu.vn