Pre-College Business Program
Aged 14–18
Ambitious Scholars
2-15 August
2027
£6,499
OSP Experience Fee
100
Exceptional Global Scholars
Join OSP's Business Summer School in Oxford
Is the business worth backing? That’s the question behind every model you’ll build here, sizing a market, projecting cash flow, valuing a company, until you can answer it with numbers rather than hunches, and defend that answer to a room of investors.
Key Features
- Built on WEF 2030 Skills
- Project-based learning
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Earn 8 UCAS points
WEF Employment Skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Empathy and Active Listening
- Resilience, Flexibility and Agility
Designed around the core skills identified by the World Economic Forum as essential for 2030.
Theory into practice
Through the OSP Challenge, you’ll dive deep into your subject, tackling real-world problems that showcase what top universities value – curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This hands-on experience, part of the Oxford Pre-college Business Program, builds the confidence and skills to truly stand out within an exclusive Oxford summer school experience.
Investment Portfolio Challenge
Step into the world of finance where you’ll learn how real investors think, analyse, and make decisions in global markets.
- Act as a financial analyst and investor.
- Build and present a portfolio of three companies.
- Use financial ratios, ESG metrics, and growth insights to justify decisions.
- Balance profitability, ethics, and long-term value in every choice.
The Start Up Challenge
Take on the Start-Up Challenge and experience what it’s like to turn an idea into a real business.
Identify a real-world community issue and design a sustainable business solution.
Act as both entrepreneur and investor to develop a viable business model.
Evaluate market potential, legal feasibility, and financial viability.
Present a start-up proposal that highlights creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Peace of mind from other families
Top Up With Career Exploration
Top up your OSP experience with our Business & Finance Career Pathway, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. Step into the shoes of a future entrepreneur or banker as you explore real-world business challenges, develop financial insight, and gain the skills to lead and innovate in a global economy.
- Barclays Investment Bank
- Brand Evolution Workshop at the Museum of Brands
- Moody’s Corporation
- Startup Founders Speaker Sessions
Related Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Pre-College Business Program at OSP?
The Pre-College Business Program at OSP is a two-week immersive programme designed for US high school students aged 14–18 interested in gaining hands-on business experience. Scholars will learn how to create innovative business models, pitch ideas, and explore market dynamics. They’ll engage in leadership training and work on real-world projects, gaining insights into various sectors such as technology, finance, and sustainability. This comprehensive programme provides our Scholars with a practical understanding of business innovation and prepares them for university-level entrepreneurship courses.
2. Who can attend the Pre-College Business Program at OSP?
The Pre-College Business Program is an entrepreneurship course for American high school students aged 14–18 who are interested in business, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re a beginner or have some business knowledge, the programme is designed to cater to all levels. Scholars will build essential skills like financial planning, product development, and entrepreneurship. It is the perfect introduction for those considering a future in business innovation or entrepreneurship.
3. What will I learn during the Pre-College Business Program ?
In this dynamic course, students will dive into essential business fundamentals such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, getting hands-on learning in business summer school. Key topics include:
- Creating business models
- Leading teams and managing projects
- Navigating entrepreneurial challenges
Scholars will also work on real-life business challenges, learning to pitch ideas, raise funding, and bring products to market. The hands-on projects will help our Scholars understand how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.
4. How can the Pre-College Business Program help with university applications?
This Business summer course provides an excellent way to stand out in university applications, especially for business or entrepreneurship-focused degrees. By completing real-world business projects, creating pitches, and developing financial models, our Scholars will gain leadership and critical thinking skills that universities value. Additionally, Scholars can request letters of recommendation from Oxford tutors, which can strengthen their university applications for business, finance, or entrepreneurship courses.
5. Do I need prior knowledge of business to attend the Pre-College Business Program ?
No prior knowledge of business is required to attend the Oxford Business Summer School. The programme is designed for students with varying levels of experience, from beginners to those with some business background. Whether you’re new to business concepts or looking to deepen your skills, the course offers tailored learning experiences for everyone.
6. How can the Program benefit my future career?
The Business Program equips Scholars with crucial skills such as leadership, project management, innovation, and financial planning. These skills are highly sought after in the business world, and the hands-on learning approach ensures that Scholars gain practical experience to help them succeed in entrepreneurial ventures or corporate roles. Additionally, the programme includes a career exploration add on to provide our Scholars with insights into various career paths within business and finance. Through this, Scholars can explore real-world applications through career mentorship, professional networking and industry visits. The programme also prepares students for future university applications and internships in the business and entrepreneurship sectors.
7. Do I need a visa to attend the Oxford Scholars Programme?
Students travelling from the United States do not require a visa to attend the Oxford Scholars Programme for its duration. Most US passport holders can enter the UK as a visitor and will instead need to complete a simple Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel.
8. How do I apply for the Business Course at OSP?
To apply for the Business course, visit official application page and complete the online application form. Be sure to submit academic transcripts, a personal statement, and any other required materials. After reviewing applications, successful candidates will receive further instructions.
9. What is the cost of attending the Pre-College Business Program?
The total cost of the Oxford Business Program includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and all excursions and activities. Financial aid and scholarship options are available to make this experience accessible to a broader range of students. For the most up-to-date pricing and available funding options, please visit this page.
