Summer School•UK · Norwich

International Undergraduate Summer School

Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

Jun 29, 2026 – Aug 22, 2026

The International Undergraduate Summer School is an eight-week research immersion run by the John Innes Centre together with The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Earlham Institute on the Norwich Research Park. Selected students join an active research group to work on their own plant- or microbial-science project, supported by weekly professional-development training and a mentor. The programme culminates in a two-day student research conference on the Norfolk coast. It is highly competitive — around 15 places are offered each year from more than 500 applicants.

Benefits & funding

  • Bursary of £250 per week for the full eight weeks.
  • Free accommodation within walking distance of the John Innes Centre.
  • For students travelling from non-EU countries, up to 50% of return travel costs to and from the UK (maximum £500).
  • Support with the UK visa application once accepted.
  • Hands-on research in an active laboratory, weekly professional-development training, mentorship, and a place at the closing two-day research conference.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduates in the middle years of their degree — between the second and third year (or the third and fourth year of a four-year degree). First-year, final-year, and postgraduate students are not eligible.
  • Open to undergraduates worldwide; not restricted by nationality.
  • Registered at a higher-education institution for the majority of the degree.
  • A good command of spoken and written English (essential for laboratory health and safety).
  • Medical students are not eligible.

Application process

  1. 1
    Complete the online application form in person, including a personal statement, CV, and research-topic preference.
  2. 2
    Ask your academic tutor to submit a supporting reference (the system contacts them once you apply).
  3. 3
    Wait for the selection decision; accepted students then receive visa-application support.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline (2026 cycle)

    Jan 16, 2026

  2. Reference deadline

    Jan 26, 2026

  3. Selection decisions announced

    Feb 27, 2026

  4. Programme starts

    Jun 29, 2026

  5. Programme ends

    Aug 22, 2026