Stanford Pre-College Program 2026
Are you in high school or in the first year of a Bachelor’s degree, and would you like to explore the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: selective academic programs in science, mathematics, the humanities, computer science and entrepreneurship at a leading university this summer? These enrichment programs in Stanford, California offer an immersive 3- to 9-week experience in which you study a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application for an international Bachelor’s degree.
Stanford Pre-Collegiate Program: Official Booking
Registration, on-campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues.
The program at a glance
The Stanford Pre-Collegiate programs in Stanford, California, are run by Stanford University (Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, Stanford Summer Session). Typical format: residential, on campus, with student accommodation and meals included, and teaching and supervision by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is selective and based on an application (transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).
Who is this program for?
Students in the last two years of high school and first-year undergraduates planning to apply to universities abroad.
- English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, assessed in an interview)
- Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, and a strong record
- Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject
Curriculum and skills you will develop
Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field trips.
Key skills you will develop:
- University-level academic research
- The Stanford approach to learning
- Final project
- Presentation to a panel of faculty
- Full immersion in Stanford campus life
At the end of the program, you leave with a completed project, an official certificate from the university and, often, a letter of recommendation from your supervising instructor.
A typical day
The exact schedule depends on the program you choose. Excursions and visits take place on weekends.
Cost and accommodation
2026 budget: $7,500 to $16,000, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights, travel health insurance and spending money are extra.
Booking through La Route des Langues, a YDS partner
You register through our partner La Route des Langues, which coordinates program selection, the application, on-campus student accommodation, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site assistance. YDS complements this with admissions coaching to help you make the most of the program in your Bachelor’s application.
On the same topic, read our article: Dartmouth College Admissions 2026: Costs and Application.
See prices & book →Frequently asked questions
How long does the program usually last?
3 to 9 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter programs offer an introduction to a subject; longer ones let you study it in depth.
What level of English do I need?
TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2–C1).
How do I register?
Through our partner La Route des Langues. See the booking page →
How can YDS help me make the most of this program in my application?
Program selection + personal statement coaching + interview preparation + help planning your timeline. See our coaching service.
🎓 Ready to sign up?
Get 2026 prices, dates and availability directly from our partner La Route des Langues.
Book the program →