Make the most of your summer at IE University
Make the most of your summer at IE University
Discover what a summer in Spain has to offer
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER
Some people spend their summer wondering what comes next. You could spend yours figuring it out in Spain, surrounded by driven and like-minded peers.
IE University’s summer programs in Spain combine academics with self-discovery and an environment that makes things click. They’re built for high school students, undergraduates, recent grads, entrepreneurs and executives who want more from their break.
You’ll learn from industry experts, connect with international students from around the world, have hands-on experiences in and outside the classroom and leave with a clearer sense of where you’re headed.
What if this summer could change your life?
What if this summer could change your life?
WHAT’S WAITING FOR YOU AT IE SUMMER SCHOOL?
- 01.
Cultural immersion
Deeply engaging with another country, like Spain, has ways of teaching you things about both yourself and the world that don’t show up on a syllabus.
- 02.
Real-world expertise
Our faculty work in the industries they teach about. Since you’ll learn from people who are facing genuine business challenges every day, your coursework is grounded in what’s really happening in these fields.
- 03.
Global connections
With your international cohort, you’ll tackle group projects, debate late into the night and explore a new city together. These are the moments that turn a few weeks into long-term friendships.
- 04.
A change of perspective
Maybe you leave having sharpened a skill you already have, or maybe you pick up something completely new. Either way, two weeks away from your everyday life can clarify what you want next.
- +14TWO-WEEK MODULE OPTIONS
- 100%IE UNIVERSITY FACULTY
- +170NATIONALITIES
Find Your Best-Fit Summer Program
Wherever you are on your academic or professional journey, there’s a summer program at IE University for you. Different life stages bring different questions, and we’ve built our programs around that. Whether you’re in high school, an undergraduate or graduate student or an experienced professional, there’s a summer program to match. Whatever you’re looking to get out of your summer, the right fit is here.
Select your profile:
*If you want to apply to one of these programs but you're unsure about which suits your age and availability, please get in touch with us! summerschool.recruitment@ie.edu
Find the IE Summer program that fits you
WHY SPAIN?
WHY SPAIN?
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular places to spend a summer abroad, and it’s easy to see why. Spain combines a strong academic and business tradition with a culture built around connection. Its delicious food and outdoor lifestyle make it a place that’s easy to settle into, and even easier to want to stay in.
WHERE YOU’LL LEARN
Pre-University and Pre-Track programs run in both Segovia and Madrid. University and executive programs are held exclusively in Madrid.
Madrid offers fast-paced and modern city life, while Segovia offers centuries of history and a slower rhythm. Both make a great backdrop for a summer of studying and connecting.
Madrid
IE Tower, one of Spain’s tallest buildings, sits in the heart of Madrid’s financial district. Inside, you’ll find classrooms, sports facilities and green areas. It’s a setting made for focus and discovery, with collaborative spaces designed for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Segovia
Our Segovia campus is housed in a 13th-century convent, where original stone walls now house high-tech study rooms, media studios and our Creativity Center. The contrast between old and new makes it a place full of inspiration.
MADRID IN SUMMER
MADRID IN SUMMER
A summer in Madrid, Spain runs on its own schedule. Mornings are for exploring the city on foot, afternoons for museums, parks and long lunches, and the weekends open up the whole city. Retiro Park is a few minutes from the center, Malasaña and La Latina are worth getting lost in, and the food scene alone could keep you busy for weeks. Between rooftop pools, summer festivals, flamenco shows and some of Europe's best museums, there's no shortage of things to do when you're not in class.
SEGOVIA IN SUMMER
SEGOVIA IN SUMMER
Segovia is a different kind of summer. Small enough to know well after a few weeks, with a Roman aqueduct running through the city center and a castle perched above the valley that's been there since the 12th century. In the morning you can wander through the old town, and in the afternoon have a picnic in the park or take a walk on a nature trail. The food scene has its own strong identity: roast pig, beans and unique local pastries. Evenings tend to end with an outdoor table in the Plaza Mayor with the cathedral lit up behind it.
Live the experience
Visas & Housing
Visas & Housing
Coming from outside the EU? Learn about visa requirements and timelines. Plus, find out where to stay during your time in Spain, from student residences to apartments and hotels.
A NOTE FOR PARENTS
A NOTE FOR PARENTS
Madrid and Segovia are consistently ranked among the safest cities in Europe. In Madrid, getting around is easy, even for those new to public transit. In Segovia, the historic center, which includes IE University’s campus, is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
Our team is on-site throughout the program, keeping a close eye on students. It’s an environment where they can explore independently while staying supported, giving them room to grow without losing that sense of security.
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more?
Join an online information session to hear directly from our team, or get in touch for personalized guidance on your application.
Read our blog
FAQ's
What are the most popular summer programs?
IE Summer School offers a wide range of academic options to suit diverse interests and goals, making it one of the most sought-after summer schools in Europe for international students.
Our most popular summer school programs include our Pre-University Summer Program and IE Pre-Tracks for high school students, as well as our University Summer Program designed for undergraduate students and recent grads looking for academic or career acceleration.
You can choose from a wide range of programs, from business and entrepreneurship to fashion, technology and more.
What summer programs look best for college?
The summer programs that stand out most on a college application are those that show academic curiosity, initiative and a genuine effort to explore future study paths. Programs that mirror university life via lectures, group projects and campus immersion signal readiness for higher education.
Our IE Pre-University Summer Program is particularly valuable, as it exposes you to real, university-style learning while helping you refine your academic interests before applying.
Likewise, well-structured summer programs in Spain for college students add an international dimension, showcasing adaptability, cultural awareness and a global mindset.
At IE University, our summer programs balance academic rigor with hands-on experience, offering you a meaningful way to strengthen your profile while gaining clarity and confidence before college.
What is the most prestigious summer program?
The most prestigious summer programs are those offered by renowned universities that combine academic rigor and real exposure to university life.
IE University Summer School, for example, is widely regarded as prestigious because it reflects strong academic standards, international classrooms and faculty-led courses aligned with in-demand fields. Programs like these show a readiness for higher education and a desire for global outlook.
At institutions such as IE University, summer courses are designed to mirror the intensity and structure of degree programs, making them especially valuable for students aiming to strengthen their academic profile.
What is the most prestigious high school summer program?
To identify the most prestigious high school summer programs, look for those run by well-established institutions that offer an authentically immersive academic experience. For instance, our IE Summer School programs stand out among the best summer programs in Spain for high school students because they mirror the rigor, structure and learning style of undergraduate study, while helping students explore future academic paths.
Such programs are especially valuable, as they combine expert-led sessions, international peer networks and on-campus learning in Europe, placing them among the best summer programs for high school students worldwide.
What is summer school in Europe?
Summer schools in Europe are typically short-term academic programs hosted during the summer months by universities across the continent. They allow students to earn credits, explore specific subjects or experience university life in an international setting.
Summer courses in Europe are popular with both local and global learners because they blend education with cultural immersion. Often taught in English, the options in European summer schools range from programs for international students seeking global exposure, to specialized courses in fields like business, law or design.
At IE Summer School, we combine rigorous academics with real-world perspectives, offering you a hands-on introduction to European higher education.
HOW MUCH DO IE UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS COST?
Total costs for IE University Summer School programs depend on which program you choose.
Pre-University and Pre-Tracks programs cost 5,900€ and come with housing and meals included. University programs cost 3,500€, or 5,900€ if you choose to attend two in one summer. The four-week Entrepreneurship program and Executive programs cost 6,900€.
Keep in mind that you may have to account for additional costs, including travel to and from Spain and visa fees, if applicable.
How prestigious is IE University?
IE University is a highly prestigious, globally respected institution renowned for its top-tier programs, innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial focus.
Our students stand out as incredibly employable professionals, and we work hard to provide game-changing networking opportunities and corporate partnerships. As a result, we attract top-tier students and faculty from over 160 countries worldwide.
WHAT IS A SUMMER SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
A summer school for international students is a short-term academic program offered by universities that brings together students from around the world for study, cultural exchange and personal growth during the summer break.
IE University Summer School courses often include classes, workshops, group projects and social activities that allow you to learn in an international setting while exploring new subjects or deepening your knowledge in a field of interest. These summer classes for international college students are also a chance to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and experience university life abroad.
ARE UNIVERSITY SUMMER PROGRAMS WORTH IT?
Yes, university summer programs are worth it and help you spend your time more strategically. They give you space to explore subjects that interest you, build skills for your academic or career goals and experience university life before committing.
For undergraduate students, university summer schools are often more focused and compact than their normal programs and blend academics with cultural immersion and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Some, like IE University’s University Summer Program, also offer the option to earn up to three ECTS credits, subject to recognition by your home institution.
What age should you start summer programs?
There’s no specific “right” age to begin an enriching program of summer study. It depends on your goals and the type of experience you’re looking for. Many summer programs start for children as young as 13, but IE University offers tailored experiences for a range of ages. For instance, IE Pre-University options target younger learners (age 15–17) while university-level programs help older students (age 18+) explore their academic and career interests during or after college.
These experiences can help teens build confidence, independence and clarity about future academic choices. And as students get older, summer schools for undergraduates expand to more focused, credit-bearing or career-related offerings, deepening subject knowledge or preparing students for specialized professional pathways.
IS IE SUMMER SCHOOL THE SAME AS A SUMMER CAMP?
Not exactly. Plenty of students come for the experience of a summer in Spain, but IE Summer School is an academic program rather than a traditional summer camp. You’ll take university-level classes and learn from IE University faculty, all while exploring Madrid or Segovia.