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30,000
Happy Alumni
175+
Nations Represented
20 YEARS
Of Excellence
99%
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Get ready for an unforgettable summer experience at our California summer school held on the vibrant campus of the University of California, Berkeley. Open to students aged 15 to 18, this is your chance to immerse yourself in life at the best public university in the world, located in the stunning San Francisco Bay Area. From outstanding scholars to creative thinkers, UC Berkeley has been home to some of the greatest minds for over 150 years.
| Location | California |
| For Ages | 15-18 |
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Start Dates | 30 Jun, 14 Jul |
Students at our San Francisco Summer School will enjoy an unparalleled learning experience, designed to equip them with the skills needed for the world of university and to shape future careers. Our two-week academic timetables consist of 35 hours of lessons in career-focused subjects, combining engaging workshops, seminars and group projects. All of this will take place on campus at UC Berkeley, an inspirational academic institution on the doorstep of Silicon Valley, a centre of innovation.
Our San Francisco programmes are designed by experts in their respective fields to give students the ultimate educational experience. We carefully build timetables, making sure that every element is working to support our students’ future in their chosen subject.
Our teachers are often lecturers and graduates from top academic institutions and inspire our students to excel. Teachers cater to the individual needs of each student, and adapt their teaching style appropriately. Ambitious learners aged 15 to 18 will gain in depth understanding in their subject and be prepared for university applications and career aspirations by learning about different specialisms within their field.
Students will not just be taught in a traditional classroom setting, but will learn in a myriad of dynamic ways. This includes independent research, group projects with their international classmates, academic and practical workshops with experts in their field, and an all-day immersive Challenge Day – a unique opportunity to apply their skills to a real-world scenario.
Over the programme, we host many educational events and extracurriculars, including the Public Speaking and Debate Society where students can develop confidence and communications skills, all culminating in a grand final. The Shaping Your Future Seminar Series provides students with dedicated time to learn more about career and university applications and advice, and the Headline Address is an incredible opportunity to hear an expert speak on a topic of global importance.
All students’ accommodation, lessons, meals, lectures, and events will take place on campus at UC Berkeley. Programmes utilise the world-class surroundings of this institution to ensure our students get the most from their studies. Last summer, students got to experience tours of Stanford University and exhibits on Robert J Oppenheimer in the building where he once worked!
We ensure that students who attend our San Francisco Summer School not only develop crucial academic skills, but also have a summer to remember. Our programmes include exclusive cultural activities including events, exciting excursions, and social and sporting activities to ensure our students get the most out of their stay in California.
Students at our San Francisco Summer School will explore San Francisco, one of California’s most exciting and vibrant cities. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39, the Painted Ladies Houses and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco is a city filled with potential to make lasting memories.
Not only will students have the chance to live and study on campus at UC Berkeley, they will also get to explore the campus itself, and the exciting area around their campus. This includes cultural experiences like the Pacific Film Archives, hikes through historic redwoods or visits to baseball games, a classic American pastime.
After busy weeks of learning, we make sure students can celebrate with fun parties in amazing campus venues. Our students will be able to relax with their new friends and make lasting memories at their Friday Night Party, complete with dancing, a DJ, or a silent disco.
As well as our educational timetable and exclusive events and excursions, there is plenty of time for students to unwind and connect with their peers during events on campus, from the Talent Show and sustainable fashion show, to sports including volleyball and Olympics in the Park.
As the programmes draw to a close, students are invited to attend an illustrious graduation ceremony to receive their graduation certificates and celebrate their achievements.
Student welfare is our number-one priority. We do everything within our power to make sure that their summer is a safe and happy one, and the Oxford Royale teams have been recognised nationally for this commitment.
We pride ourselves on the exceptional level of pastoral care we provide to our students, made possible by the expertise and experience of our staff. They are supported by our robust system of welfare policies and procedures that has been developed over two decades of providing successful summer programmes.
Oxford Royale has been twice awarded the prestigious RoSPA Bronze Award for our health and safety practices. RoSPA has been running for almost 100 years, making vital changes in legislation surrounding accident prevention. We are delighted by the continuing recognition of the extensive lengths we go to in ensuring all our students, teachers, and staff enjoy a safe time while they are with us.
The summer courses are run by an exceptional and experienced staff, led by our Programme Director. The Director is supported by a team of Counsellors who ensure that students are looked after culturally, and socially during their programme, as well as meeting any pastoral needs. Each campus has dedicated members of staff who are residential throughout the programme and are able to assist students at any time, day or night.
Safety, happiness and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our summer programmes. One of the most important and enriching aspects of a summer with Oxford Royale is the opportunity for bright young people to interact, network and build new lifelong friendships with students from across the globe and from different cultures. There will always be counsellors on campus to reassure or advise, and our team has decades of experience in the international school sector.
Oxford Royale is the UK's leading international summer school and for nearly two decades, we’ve given students around the globe access to world-leading academic programmes and an unrivalled cultural experience. We’ve helped set 30,000 students on the path to success, provided the market’s widest range of programmes, and created an authentic taste of university life.
Oxford Royale has welcomed more students than any other academic summer school provider. 99% of our alumni recommend us and we have more five-star reviews than the other providers combined. More parents trust Oxford Royale to help their children than any other provider, and have done for the last 20 years.
Unlike other summer programmes, our curriculum is developed by academic experts who draw from their wealth of teaching experience and subject expertise, crafting programmes that allow students to grasp the core concepts of their field of study, and enlighten them to the current issues and innovations shaping the future of their subject. Our students receive comprehensive educational materials designed by us, containing the key concepts they are learning in class, alongside useful resources to help them grow as an ambitious learner and reach their full potential.
On the ground, programmes are led by highly qualified campus teams, with courses headed by an expert Programme Director, selected for their vast experience in educational leadership roles. They ensure a consistent and exceptional educational experience, as well as protecting students’ welfare. Unlike other summer programmes, we have a dedicated student welfare team operating across our colleges with many years of experience in safeguarding.
Experience student life on campus at the best public university in the USA, inspired by an institution with an historic reputation. Soak up the atmosphere of academic excellence on campus, while also being inspired by California itself, home to Silicon Valley and known globally as a trailblazing centre of technological innovation.
Our exemplary standards of education, service and safety have been recognised by numerous accreditation bodies, and we are honoured to have received some of the most prestigious awards in the education sector:
Over our 20-year history, Oxford Royale has hosted 30,000 alumni from over 175 different countries. Students on our San Francisco Summer School will be exposed to an international perspective on the subject they study, and will make friends with a global network of future leaders in their field.
Select Your Age Group
Mathematics
15-18 years
30 Jun, 14 Jul
English as a Foreign Language
15-18 years
30 Jun, 14 Jul
Law & Trial Advocacy Academy
15-18 years
30 Jun, 14 Jul
Designing Tomorrow: Engineering & Technology
15-18 years
30 Jun, 14 Jul
Inventing the Future: Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley
15-18 years
30 Jun, 14 Jul
Watch our video to hear some of our students share their experience with Oxford Royale in California
Our teaching faculty is made up of experts in their field, from Ivy League lecturers to industry professionals. Hear from our diverse teachers about the immersive learning environment we provide.
Curious about what life may be like at one of the top universities in the United States? With Oxford Royale, students can get a fully immersive experience on one of UC Berkeley’s magnificent campuses: Clark Kerr. You’ll live, study, and dine just like an undergraduate student, giving you an authentic taste of university life. And, with its location in the Bay Area, UC Berkeley is in close proximity to San Francisco – a city brimming with entertainment and culture. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this vibrant area like a real undergraduate.
Students on our UC Berkeley Summer School will live on campus to get an authentic taste of life as an undergraduate student a one of the world’s best universities.
UC Berkeley is a renowned public research university in Berkeley, California with a rich history dating back to 1868. It offers a diverse range of academic programs and facilities, including a vibrant and dynamic campus in the Bay Area and cutting-edge research centers.
Our students will live on campus at Clark Kerr, a beautiful Spanish style campus where actual undergraduates of the university live during their semesters. This is the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in an intellectually stimulating environment, surrounded by scenic vistas of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Visit San Francisco and enjoy the sun and excitement that this city has to offer. Ride the iconic cable cars, wander through Golden Gate Park and soak up the sunshine, view the spectacular skyline from Coit Tower, or have a relaxed visit to the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts.
Sather Tower is a well recognised symbol of the University of California, Berkeley, known as The Campanile for its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. Ride to the top and take in spectacular views of the campus and the entire Bay Area.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous image of San Francisco, so have the chance to see this architectural masterpiece for yourself. A marvel of modern engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and connects San Francisco to Marin County.
Experience an exhilarating baseball game, one of the favourite sports in the USA. There is no better way to unwind after a busy week than with an exciting sporting event, joined by your new friends from across the globe.
Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and take in this iconic neighbourhood, filled with arcades, street performances and views of sea lions from the marina. From Pier 39 you can see some of the most spectacular views of the Bay Area, including Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Take in the spectacular views of San Francisco, including the Painted Ladies, a row of brightly painted houses in the heart of the city. Unwind with new friends, and take in the unforgettable views!
“I’ve been exposed to such a rich tapestry of cultures and I have formed extremely close bonds after only a few days. You’ve got blue skies, and to actually do my learning here and live here with people I have made friends with so quickly has been really amazing.”Sam, United Kingdom
“I am making friends for life from all around the world, and I have had so much fun with them!”Katherine, Colombia
“San Francisco itself is so magical, I had only ever seen it in films before. The city is very colourful. I think the teachers are all incredible and I have enjoyed having conversations with them, and the guest speakers were also incredible.”Tommy, United Kingdom
Hannah
I had an absolutely incredible time doing Summer school with Oxford Royale Academy! I learnt new things about myself and the world around me, and would definitely recommend to others!
Clara
I loved the Oxford Royal program, I met many people with bright personalities and unique minds, and I also learned a lot from the teachers, campus staff etc. You will enjoy it!
Francesca
Oxford Royals Academy made my summer amazing! I learned many new things and I met people from all over the world that I know I can call true friends. I definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to make unforgettable memories!
Minquan
The twelve days I spent in Oxford Summer School were very happy, the teachers were very kind and professional, and the curriculum was very reasonable, which expanded my knowledge. All the courses mean a lot to me and I hope I can come back next summer.
Jade
The oxford royale academy was definitely the highlight of my summer. I have not only learnt more about the course I have chosen, but I've also met a lot of new friends, friendly staff and helpful teachers from different cultures all in the same campus and had a lot of unforgettable memories.
Katherine
Oxford Royale was a great expreince. It was amazing to get to know people all over the globe and form life long relationships.
Once you have decided which programme you would like to attend, and where you would like to study, you can book online using our secure booking system. You will need the details of the student and of the person paying the bill, the name of the programme or programmes you would like to study, and a credit or debit card to pay the enrolment fee.
We are happy to accept enrolment fees via a number of other, non-card payment methods (including domestic and international bank transfer), thanks to our partnership with education payment specialists, Flywire. If you would prefer to pay your enrolment fee by bank transfer or another method, please contact our Admissions team who will be able to assist you.
Once your application has been submitted, your enrolment fee has been received by us and your booking processed by our system or our team, you will be sent an email confirming your place. You will also receive a login to the Oxford Royale Portal, which you will use to provide us with important additional information about you as your time with us approaches.
A Welcome Pack is available to download from the Oxford Royale Portal.
If at any time you would like to discuss your booking with a member of our award-winning Customer Service team, please feel free to contact us.
Please see our Prices and Dates site for details.
All programme fees include the following:
If you wish to change your programme or study options (including dates), please do not hesitate to contact us. However, changes to programmes are always subject to availability. For this reason, it may be more difficult for us to accommodate any changes requested less than 60 days before the programme start date.
Oxford Royale’s terms and conditions for refunds are as follows:
Any cancellation must be received in writing and can only be made on the following terms:
| Period Before Start Date | Total Refunded (excluding enrolment fee) |
|---|---|
| 120+ days | 100% |
| 90-119 days | 50% |
| 45-89 days | 10% |
| 0-44 days | 0% |
Cancellations made after the commencement date of the programme will not receive any refund.
For full information regarding cancellation and refund terms, please see our full terms and conditions, and please contact us if you have any questions.
Our English language requirements are as follows:
Students who have studied at an English speaking school for two or more years are exempt from English requirements.
It is certainly possible to take more than one programme and combine a variety of subjects. This can be done by enrolling on two different programmes. For example, you may wish to have two weeks on the Film Academy and then two more weeks on Creative Writing.
Students staying for two consecutive sessions will be provided with accommodation for the Saturday night, and their campus will provide supervised activities between their first session ending and second session starting. Should you have any queries about how to take more than one programme please do not hesitate to contact us.
All our programmes take place in a secure environment. Our students are supervised 24 hours a day by campus staff. All students must check-in regularly during the day: at breakfast roll-call; at their morning classes; in the afternoon for lessons, workshops or activities; at dinner and in the evening before curfew. All campuses have a curfew.
Each campus office has its own safe where students may deposit items of value such as passports, travel documents, bank cards etc.
All campuses have residential staff who can be contacted 24 hours a day.
