Study holidays in England 2026: INPSieme updates, destinations and advice

The 15 January marked the official publication of the Estate INPSieme 2026 call for applications.

Are you considering a study holiday in England in 2026? On this page you will find practical answers about recommended destinations, the differences between college accommodation and host families, what the INPSieme programme includes, transparent costs and key deadlines. At the end you will also find frequently asked questions and the option to speak directly with one of our consultants. Contact us on WhatsApp or via the /contacts/ page to receive a personalised quote.

Here you can discover all the latest updates and regulations that allow students to access the grant for their study trip. This year the Estate INPSieme 2026 programme will award more than 25,000 scholarships to students from all five years of Italian secondary school for international study holidays. The maximum individual contribution available through the programme is up to €2,100 per student.

As in previous years, the programme is aimed at children or dependants of public administration employees or pensioners, as well as students whose parents are enrolled in the IPOST fund.

Why choose England in 2026 (language, safety and college life)

England continues to be one of the most effective destinations for a study holiday because students practise English every single day in real situations, guided by native-speaking teachers who focus on communication, pronunciation and confidence when using the language.

Our programmes prioritise carefully selected colleges. These campuses offer organised study environments, modern sports facilities and comfortable student residences. The structured daily routine encourages independence while also helping students build strong relationships with classmates from other countries.

Safety is also a priority. We provide accompaniment from Italy, local assistance in the UK and clear procedures in case of emergencies, allowing both families and teachers to travel with peace of mind.

From the historic atmosphere of London and Egham, to coastal locations such as Eastbourne, and university cities like Nottingham or Cirencester, you can choose the destination that best matches the age and objectives of your group. The result is a well organised and memorable educational experience, supported by transparent costs and Astrolabio assistance before, during and after departure.

Recommended cities and partner colleges

Each year we select accredited colleges and teaching centres that maintain high standards in teaching quality, student safety and campus life. Below you will find an overview of the most requested UK destinations among our groups, including their main strengths, the type of student they suit best and examples of typical activities.

Please note that locations and partners may vary depending on availability and programme dates. Our consultant will help you identify the most suitable option based on age group, calendar and budget.

London and Egham (Greater London area)

Why choose it: This option combines the energy of London with the peaceful setting of a green campus in nearby Egham. Students can experience the capital while still enjoying a calm and organised study environment.

Recommended for: Students aged 14 to 17, school groups and those travelling abroad for the first time.

Partner college: Royal Holloway, University of London (Egham)

Highlights: Guided walking tours through iconic areas such as Westminster and the South Bank, visits to world-famous museums and the possibility of attending a West End musical as an optional activity.

Advantages: A wide cultural offer, well tested logistics and a secure campus environment with controlled access.

Eastbourne (South Coast, East Sussex)

Why choose it: Eastbourne is a seaside town that offers a safe and welcoming environment for students. The relaxed pace of life and mild climate make it particularly suitable for younger participants.

Recommended for: Students aged 12 to 16, especially those who already have one previous study trip or who prefer a compact and easy-to-manage location.

Partner college: Eastbourne College

Highlights: Excursions to the famous Beachy Head cliffs and the Seven Sisters, along with outdoor sports and coastal activities.

Advantages: Short travel distances, excellent sports facilities and a balanced combination of study time and outdoor life.

Nottingham (East Midlands)

Why choose it: Nottingham is a large university city with a strong academic tradition and a lively cultural scene.

Recommended for: Students aged 14 to 17 who are comfortable with a slightly more independent experience and who want a balance between city life and campus activities.

Partner college: University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus

Highlights: Exploring the historic city centre, visiting creative neighbourhoods and taking day trips to historic locations across the Midlands.

Advantages: Efficient transport connections and a wide choice of themed workshops, evening events and campus activities.

Cirencester (Cotswolds, Gloucestershire)

Why choose it: Cirencester offers a historic setting surrounded by classic English countryside, creating a calm and immersive learning environment.

Recommended for: Students aged 10 to 14, particularly those travelling abroad for the first time or school groups looking for a small and secure campus environment.

Partner college: Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester

Highlights: Excursions to Bath and Oxford, alongside cultural workshops and sports activities on campus.

Advantages: A strong community atmosphere, constant supervision and a philosophy centred on a balance between study and relaxation.

Other options on request

Additional locations include Bath, Winchester, Cambridge, Oxford and several other destinations across South East England, the South West and the Midlands.

Tell us your preferred dates, the age of the students and the educational objectives of the group. We will quickly provide alternative options with detailed programme sheets, photo galleries and a personalised quotation.

How to choose the right college

Choosing the right location for a study holiday involves several considerations. A quick checklist can help you identify the most suitable option.

Learning goals
Do you want to focus on speaking practice, exam preparation, personal independence or early university orientation?

Student profile
Age group, current language level and any specific needs should always be taken into account.

Setting
Would you prefer a major city with many cultural opportunities or a smaller coastal or countryside town with a calmer atmosphere?

Logistics
Consider airport access, transfer times and whether accommodation is located directly on campus.

Programme content
Check how many excursions are included, the types of evening activities, available sports and any themed workshops.

Transparency
Make sure you clearly understand what is included in the price, what is not included and the policies related to insurance or cancellations.

If you would like to receive detailed information sheets for UK locations with updated availability, contact us on WhatsApp or through our Contacts page. We will send you a personalised shortlist and a comparative quotation within 24 to 48 hours.

How the INPSieme programme works in England

Through the Estate INPSieme Estero 2026 programme, secondary school students can freely choose a study holiday package in England that meets the requirements of the official call for applications.

The programme requires a fixed duration of 15 days and 14 nights and at least 15 hours of language lessons per week at a recognised language school. The maximum contribution available is up to €2,100 per student.

Requirements for INPS study holidays

Key programme conditions include:

• Maximum supervision ratio of 1 operator for every 20 students

• Programme duration of 15 days and 14 nights

• All inclusive study holiday packages

• Accommodation in colleges, campuses or student-only tourist facilities

• Full board for the entire stay

• Language courses in the official language of the destination or another European language

• Cancellation insurance and medical cover

• International return flights

• Language lessons of at least 15 hours per week

• Courses delivered by schools recognised by international accreditation bodies

Tour operator requirements

Tour operators organising study holidays must meet several legal and administrative conditions, including:

• Registration with the national business register and valid operating licence

• A qualified technical director as required by law

• Professional liability insurance

• Insolvency or bankruptcy protection cover

• Certification according to UNI EN 14804

• Compliance with fiscal, legal and labour regulations

• Up to date tax and social security payments (DURC)

• Compliance with anti-mafia legislation

• No seizure or confiscation orders against the company

• No outstanding INPS violations in the previous two years

A typical day in a UK college (INPSieme compliant)

Below is an example of a typical schedule for programmes that comply with INPSieme requirements.

07:30 – 08:30
Breakfast on campus.

08:45 – 12:15
English lessons consisting of three sessions of 55 minutes each, with a focus on speaking practice, pronunciation and project work. Five days of lessons per week ensure the minimum of 15 hours required by the programme.

12:30 – 13:30
Lunch.

14:00 – 17:30
Afternoon activities or excursions.

Campus activities often include sports, themed workshops such as debate or digital media, cooking classes and conversation clubs. Excursions may include guided tours in London, visits to Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion or trips to Canterbury and other historic towns.

18:30 – 19:30
Dinner.

20:00 – 22:00
Evening activities such as quiz nights, film nights, discos, talent shows or cultural outings. Optional theatre performances in London may also be available.

22:30
Quiet hours and return to student residences.

Most all inclusive packages normally include flights, accommodation, meals, language lessons, insurance and excursions, all aligned with INPSieme programme requirements.

Key steps for participation

Submitting the INPS application

Applications must be submitted during the official window. For 2026 the application period runs from 3:00 pm on 20 January to 12:00 pm on 10 February.

Choosing the programme

If the application is successful, families select the tour operator and the study holiday package available on the market. The destination is not assigned directly by INPS.

Uploading documentation

Families must upload all required documents, including the travel contract, invoices and declarations confirming compliance with the programme requirements, within their personal INPS account area.

Timeline — from “scholarship won” to departure

Publication of INPS rankings

As soon as you’re selected, log in to MyINPS and follow the instructions in the notification for further steps. INPS communicates the deadlines and deadlines on INPS Comunica.

T0 + 3–7 days | Package selection & seat block

With our consultant, you will select the city/college and receive the contract with the program (duration 15 days/14 nights, course ≥15 hours/week, services included) in line with the announcement.

T0 + 1–2 weeks | Uploading documents to MyINPS

From your reserved area you can upload:

• Travel contract signed.
• Invoices/payment receipts according to the tender deadlines.
• Declaration of compliance with INPS requirements issued by the tour operator (on letterhead, signed). We’ll provide it; it must be attached with the other documents.

T0 + 2–4 weeks | Checks & any additions

Monitor MyINPS for requests for additions or revisions; official updates are published by INPS.

T‑30/15 | Travel Preparation

Receive flight, transfer, rooming, and pre-departure kits (baggage rules, useful numbers, and meeting times). Verify that your policies and program match what you uploaded to MyINPS (course duration and hours).

T‑1 | Final check

Documents, adapter, power bank, medications, emergency contacts saved on your phone.
Alert airport staff to any allergies/special needs (if any).

T‑0 | Departure

Meet your guide and assist at the airport; arrive in the UK, check in at the college, and receive a welcome briefing from the local staff. (Assistance and supervision report comply with the standards required by the call for applications).

Contribution Payment: The INPS contribution is paid directly to the winners according to the methods and deadlines set forth in the INPS documents; any instalments and timeframes are communicated in the official documents and notices.

Operator requirements and package compliance

To comply with the programme, the travel package must respect all official specifications regarding duration, course hours and included services.

The tour operator must also meet a series of legal requirements such as valid licences, professional liability insurance, insolvency protection and full fiscal and administrative compliance. Astrolabio programmes operate according to recognised standards including UNI EN 14804 certification, ensuring compatibility with INPSieme requirements.

For official details you should always consult the Estate INPSieme Estero 2026 call for applications (PDF) as well as the Astrolabio page dedicated to Estate INPSieme, which includes a practical checklist and step-by-step support.

Please note that dates and procedures may be updated through official INPS communications, so always check the latest information on INPS Comunica.

Main updates in the Estate INPSieme 2026 call

• The maximum grant available remains €2,100 per student.
• The contribution is paid directly to the families in two instalments. The first payment will be issued by INPS to employees and IPOST members by 3 June, or 11 June for students admitted from waiting lists. The remaining 50 percent balance will be paid to winners and waiting list participants by 27 October 2026.
• Another important change concerns tour operators. Travel agencies organising study holidays are no longer required to be accredited directly by INPS, but they must still comply with a set of specific requirements defined by the institution.
• When scholarship winners upload their documentation to the INPS portal, they must also include a formal declaration confirming that the chosen tour operator complies with programme requirements. This document will be provided directly by the Astrolabio consultant on official letterhead and signed accordingly.
• During the application process INPS assigns a unique protocol number that identifies the request throughout its entire evaluation process. It is recommended to keep this number for reference, although it can always be found within the personal INPS account under the section labelled “practice number”.

Astrolabio in brief

Astrolabio is an Italian study travel brand with over 40 years of experience organising educational travel programmes for young people.

More than 200,000 students have travelled with the organisation, supported by experienced teachers, local staff and dedicated programme managers.

Andrea Barbieri is the General Manager of Astrolabio and VIVA, companies specialising in study travel, and for over ten years has led a network of four travel agencies and written about tourism on numerous blogs. A former journalist, since 1994 he has been the founder and CEO of several digital marketing companies, bringing a data-driven approach to growth and communication to the company. At Astrolabio and VIVA, he coordinates strategy, product, and experience quality for families, schools, and teachers, focusing on cost transparency, security, and useful content to help those choosing a study vacation make an informed decision.

FAQ — INPSieme Summer Study Holidays 2026 England

1) How long is the stay and how many hours of English are required?

The INPSieme Estero call for applications includes 15 days/14 nights and a language course of at least 15 hours per week at a recognized school.

2) What does the “all inclusive” package for England include?

In line with the announcement: round-trip travel, college/campus accommodation with full board, compliant language course, insurance (health and cancellation) and activities/excursions included in the program.

3) Is college mandatory or can I choose a host family?

For full INPSieme compliance, the announcement refers to colleges/campuses or other tourist facilities reserved for students. Our UK offering is therefore focused on staffed and organized campuses. [lastrolabio.it], [lastrolabio.it]

4) When should I submit the INPS application for 2026?

For 2026, the official deadline was January 20 (3:00 PM) → February 10 (12:00 PM); always check INPS notices for any updates or extensions.

5) How much does the contribution cover and how is it paid?

The grant can reach up to €2,100 for international applications and is paid directly to the winners according to the procedures and deadlines set out in the call for applications (generally in installments).

6) Which cities do you recommend for a first experience in England?

For groups aged 12–17 or first-time departures: Egham (London) for the leafy campus with access to the capital; Eastbourne for the safe and compact coastal setting; Cirencester for a “study and relax” atmosphere in the Cotswolds.

7) What requirements must the tour operator meet, and how do I demonstrate them to INPS?

The operator must have a license, liability and insolvency insurance, be up to date with tax/contribution payments, and be organizationally compliant. During the documentation phase, upload the declaration of compliance on the operator’s letterhead to MyINPS, along with the contract and invoices.