Study in Scotland
RGU Global Future Hack: Summer 2026
10 Days. One Challenge. Endless Possibilities.
Experience university life in Scotland while working alongside our experienced academics, innovators, and students from around the globe. Our ICRGU Summer School is a 10-day summer school experience like no other — a multidisciplinary hackathon designed to futureproof your skills and ignite your creativity.
Hosted on the Robert Gordon University campus in Aberdeen, this programme brings together students from across the world to collaborate on real-world challenges that shape the future — from AI-powered healthcare and sustainable architecture to creative design, entrepreneurship, and engineering innovation.
Our summer experience on campus is a 10-day immersive programme designed for high school students to experience university life in the UK. If you would like to explore a wide range of subjects, then travel to Aberdeen in Scotland in summer 2026 and take part in a variety of lectures and workshops. You will be fully supported by academic staff in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Programme highlights
Intake dates
– Option 1: July 2026 (dates tbc)
Duration
10 days commencing from Sunday arrival
Location
ICRGU and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
Explore your interests
- Interactive workshops: Hands-on sessions in RGU’s cutting-edge facilities, including the Clinical Skills Centre, Electrical Power Lab, Art Studio, Moot Court, and Radiography Suite.
- Taster lectures: Insights into numerous subjects, such as health sciences, IT, engineering, art, and law. The ideal way to discover your passion.
- Future pathways guidance: Learn about degree options and career possibilities across multiple disciplines, with practical advice to help you plan your next steps.
Classroom and academic experience
- Attend engaging lectures and participate in interactive classroom sessions.
- Gain access to specialist studios, labs, and creative spaces.
- Take part in practical projects and group challenges designed to give you a real taste of university-level learning.
Meet professors and lecturers
- Join bespoke sessions with academic staff to discuss courses, curriculum, and study options.
- Hear first-hand from the university community about what life here is really like.
- Receive tailored advice from experienced faculty members to help you make informed decisions about your academic journey.
Student interaction
- Connect with current students to hear about their experiences.
- Meet alumni to learn how their time at university shaped their careers.
- Enjoy a lively social calendar with RGU Union events, cultural activities, and student-led sessions.
- Experience first-hand the welcoming and social aspects of university living.
Explore and discover Aberdeen
- Stay in university-style residence halls to experience the unique community found in student accommodations.
- Encounter the vibrant atmosphere of Aberdeen and explore the city’s cultural offerings, local attractions, and lifestyle with our team.
- Immerse yourself into the life of an international student in Scotland.
Example timetable
| Day | Overview | AM Session | PM Session | Evening / Social |
| Sunday | Arrive in Aberdeen – Welcome to Scotland! | Arrivals at Aberdeen International Airport; airport pickup & check-in to accommodation | Pizza Party @ Caledon | |
| Monday | Registration & Orientation / Project Launch | Welcome session & introductions; meet the mentors and your hackathon team; project launch: ‘Futureproof Your Career’ challenge revealed | Workshop: RGU – Your Life as a Student (student-led campus tour & experience) | Bowling / Codonas |
| Tuesday | Faculty Focus: School of Architecture, Computing & Engineering | Workshop: Designing the City of Tomorrow – sustainable urban design & innovation | Practical: Engineering the Future – robotics and AI for health & wellbeing (hands-on activities) | Free Night – Table Football Tournament @ Caledon |
| Wednesday | Faculty Focus: Art & Design / Business & Innovation | Lecture: From Idea to Brand – turning creativity into business innovation | Workshop: Design Sprint – create your product of the future in RGU’s studios | RGU Union Hosted Event |
| Thursday | Faculty Focus: Health Sciences / Applied Sciences | Lecture: AI Meets Healthcare – how data and tech are transforming global health | Practical: Clinical Skills & Lab Work – Nursing, Pharmacy Simulation Centre, and Diagnostic Radiography taster sessions | Optional Movie Night @ Caledon |
| Friday | Forensic Friday & Midpoint Showcase | Workshop: Forensic Science in Action – uncover the science behind investigation | Team Challenge: Hackathon Midpoint Presentations + mentor feedback | Escape Room Aberdeen |
| Saturday | Student Outing – Discover Scotland | Excursion to Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven | Coastal walk, photography challenge, ice cream & fish and chips by the sea | Free evening at Caledon |
| Sunday | Rest & Recharge | Free morning / optional RGU Sport & Wellbeing sessions | Optional Aberdeen beach walk, city tour, or museum visit; project preparation time | Free Night – Table Football Tournament @ Caledon |
| Monday | Hackathon Build & Industry Insight | Workshop: Entrepreneurship & the Innovation Hub – shaping your pitch | Teamwork: prototype finalisation, storytelling & presentation prep | Evening Reception & Awards @ RGU |
| Tuesday | Pitch Day & Celebration | Final Presentations: Teams pitch to judges (faculty & industry experts) | Awards Ceremony & Reflection: Global Future Hack 2025 Winners Announced | Evening Reception, Awards & Close |
| Wednesday | Departure Day | Farewell breakfast, feedback & group photo | Check-out & transfers to Aberdeen Airport | Departures |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Summer Experience for?
Our taster programme is designed for students who are deciding on their future university plans and are interested in experiencing UK university life. With a focus on practical industry relevant courses and careers, this is the perfect start to exploring a future in a variety of interesting and evolving courses.
Students within the group should be in their penultimate or final year of high school – groups with students under the age of 17 will require a chaperone.
Are there any language requirements?
Applicants should be able to speak and understand English Language in order to fully benefit from the programme. Students should consider a level of B2 as suitable as a guide.
What is included?
The course fee covers:
- tuition and instruction
- access to lab equipment and sports equipment
- accommodation
- breakfast and dinner daily
- extracurricular programme including guest speakers and workshop
- field trips
- all planned cultural and social activities organised
- access to all RGU facilities during stay
Applicants will be provided group breakfast options (continental) and an evening meal throughout their programme.
The cost of the programme does not include airfare or personal expenditure such as snacks etc.
Staff will provide sign-posting to on-campus lunch options available for purchase.
Chaperones travelling with groups will be required to cover their own expenses for travel to Aberdeen.
When can I arrive in Aberdeen?
We advise groups not to make any travel arrangements until a programme confirmation is provided (expected in April).
Once confirmation of the booking is shared the group can proceed to booking – ICRGU will also advise you of the date of arrival and departure and when accommodation is available for your dates.
How do I apply for a visa to come to the programme?
ICRGU are unable to provide information or advice about visas, all students are responsible for ensuring they obtain a valid visa to undertake the programme.
We advise students to make arrangements well in advance of the start date of the programme.
If you require further information on this, please visit: UKVI Standard Visitor
Will I receive a certificate or qualification after the programme?
Students on the ICRGU Global Hack Summer School will receive a participation certificate – however the programme is not credit bearing.
All students who elect to continue their future studies in ICRGU and Robert Gordon University will benefit from a tuition fee financial award towards their studies equivalent to 10% of the ICRGU pathway course fees.