"The student ambassadors made me feel really comfortable and at home. I also learnt about subjects I've never heard of."
UniFest
2026
UniFest
Following the success of UniFest, we’re excited to introduce UniFest Next Steps, a brand-new Year 11 follow-up experience! Students who took part in UniFest in the summer are invited back to the University of Birmingham for a full day of campus tours, workshops, fun activities, and guidance on pathways after school. This event gives students the chance to reconnect with friends, explore university life, and start thinking about their future plans – all in one inspiring and interactive day.
If you wish to stay updated, email aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk
UniFest is our Year 10 summer school which offers you the chance to explore university life, meet current university students and staff and make new friends. With five summer school events to choose from at different universities across the West Midlands, you will have an action-packed, fun experience.
UniFest is for learners in Year 10 at non-selective, state-funded secondary schools in the West Midlands who are from backgrounds and communities that are less likely to consider university as an option. To apply for a place, you will need the support of your school and the consent of your parents or carers, and you should be able to answer “Yes” to at least one of the following:
That depends on which UniFest event you choose! Some events explore university life and study in general, and others focus on specific careers or study options. All UniFest events include lots of hands-on sessions and a fun programme of social activities.
Yes! UniFest is funded by universities and schools and is totally free of charge. For residential UniFest events, meals, accommodation and activities are all paid for (although you may want to bring a little pocket money with you). The universities will help you plan how to get to and from events. If travel costs will make it difficult for you to attend, please get in touch by emailing aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
"The student ambassadors made me feel really comfortable and at home. I also learnt about subjects I've never heard of."
"I had a really good time and made lots of friends."
"I enjoyed everything and the whole experience has boosted my confidence."
"This has been an amazing experience, I've made so many friends. This experience has changed my mind about university."
Applications will be opening soon. You will need to complete the online application form at the bottom of this page telling us about you and your career interests. Your parents or carers will need to complete parts of the form, and your school will need to approve your application.
UniFest is very popular and there are often more applicants than places. We ask for information about your family background and advise you to choose several events so that we can offer places as fairly as possible. If you have any questions about eligibility, please email us: aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
UniFest is a targeted programme. Universities ensure places are offered to young people who meet certain criteria. We use a weighted system to identify and prioritise applicants based on information about their backgrounds gathered as part of the application process. For applicants who meet the criteria, we aim to offer a maximum of five places to each school, however this is flexible.
UniFest gives you the opportunity to find out what university is all about so you can make informed decisions about your future. The experience is exciting, fun and boosts your motivation to do your best at school.
UniFest 2023 gave 224 students the opportunity to explore the world of higher education and make informed decisions about their future.
95% of learners were satisfied or very satisfied with the event.
Students who have taken part in UniFest become more motivated and confident in their learning, are known to have better grades at school and are more likely to go to university.
Read the UniFest 2023 Summary Report
UniFest events take place during term-time therefore you will be expected to take time out of your typical school timetable to take part. If UniFest clashes with any significant school activities, please speak to a teacher before applying.
To take part in UniFest, we need to share information about you and your child with Aimhigher universities so they can run the programme. The forms you will be sent if your child is offered a place are important, and we will not be able to accommodate anyone who does not complete them in full and return them on time. The application form also asks your permission to use data to help us see if young people attending UniFest go on to apply for university. Any information we publish will not refer to you or your child individually. Full details are included in the application form.
We want to hear about you and your interests, the subjects and qualifications you are studying, your career ambitions, any work experience you have completed and why you’re applying.
For every UniFest programme, universities take full responsibility for safeguarding, and will liaise directly with parents and carers to agree transport/hand-over arrangements etc. Teachers do not need to supervise young people attending UniFest. Aimhigher universities operate comprehensive safeguarding, child protection and health and safety policies and procedures. They will undertake risk assessments for all events and activities which will be published on our website in May/June 2025 ahead of the events.
Learners will need to make their own way to and from UniFest. Universities will liaise directly with young people and their parents and carers to share details travel arrangements. If travel costs will make it difficult for you to attend, please get in touch as soon as possible by emailing aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk and we will do our best to support you.
Yes, all students must sign a Code of Conduct which makes it clear that they may be sent home if they do not behave as expected. Universities expect everyone to behave responsibly and follow instructions. If there are problems, parents/carers will be kept informed throughout.
Aimhigher will do all we can to minimise drop out before events, but it is inevitable in a small number of cases. We strongly advise parents/carers to:
Check you meet at least one of the criteria and read about each UniFest event to decide which you would like to go to.
Talk with your parents/carers and complete the online application form with them. Let a teacher know you’re applying too.
Remember to choose more than one event (as you will need a back-up choice).
Details for UniFest 2026 at University College Birmingham are currently being finalised.
Please check back soon for confirmed dates, event information, and how to apply.
Last year, UCB hosted “Step into Health Careers”, a popular three-day experience that gave students the chance to explore healthcare professions through interactive workshops in areas such as Physiotherapy, Nursing, Psychology, and Dietetics. Participants got hands-on experience in UCB’s excellent training facilities, met current students and academics, and discovered the different routes into healthcare degrees and apprenticeships.
Stay tuned to find out what exciting opportunities will be available as part of UniFest 2026!
Details for UniFest 2026 at the University of Worcester are currently being finalised.
Please check back soon for confirmed dates, event information, and how to apply.
Last year, Worcester hosted “The Mind of a Criminal”, a fascinating three-day experience exploring subjects such as Law, Forensic Biology, Criminology and Policing. Participants worked in the university’s custom-built courtroom on a mock trial, investigated evidence from simulated crime scenes, and learned from academic experts about the psychology behind criminal behaviour. Students also spent time with current undergraduates, gaining insight into university life and careers in the criminal justice sector.
Keep an eye out for updates on what exciting experiences UniFest 2026 will bring to Worcester!
Details for UniFest 2026 at Birmingham City University are currently being finalised.
Please check back soon for confirmed dates, event information, and how to apply.
Last year, BCU hosted “Future Media Makers”, a creative and immersive three-day residential event for students interested in media and storytelling. Participants produced their own shows in professional TV and radio studios, explored photography and visual storytelling, and developed valuable skills in creativity, collaboration, and communication. Evenings were filled with fun social activities and a true taste of university life, with students staying in halls of residence at the City Centre Campus.
Keep an eye out for updates — we can’t wait to share what’s coming for UniFest 2026 at BCU!
Details for UniFest 2026 at Aston University are currently being finalised.
Please check back soon for confirmed dates, event information, and how to apply.
Last year, Aston hosted a dynamic STEM residential experience, giving students the chance to explore the exciting worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Over three days, participants took part in hands-on subject tasters, met current students and academics, and learned about the wide range of university courses and careers available in STEM. Students stayed in campus accommodation and enjoyed evening social activities designed to help them make friends and experience university life first-hand.
Stay tuned for updates on what UniFest 2026 at Aston University will have in store!
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Sunday 13th – Tuesday 15th July 2025
Are you interested in going to university, but not sure what it’s like or what you would study? Explore your options at the University of Birmingham summer school, Your Future, Your Choice, to find out what possibilities await you!
From staying in student halls of residence to attending university workshops, you will experience life as a university student. During the day, our academic staff will deliver fun, engaging and eye-opening sessions across a wide range of subject areas. And of course, university isn’t just about studying – it’s about having lots of fun too. There will be fun-filled activities with your new friends in the evenings too.
Whilst you’re with us, you will be looked after by our amazing student ambassadors who are all current students at the university. They will be on hand to guide you around campus, make sure you settle in and, most importantly, answer any questions you may have about life at university.
Details for UniFest 2026 at the University of Birmingham are currently being finalised.
Please check back soon for confirmed dates, event information, and how to apply.
Last year, the University of Birmingham hosted “Your Future, Your Choice”, a three-day residential experience designed to help students explore what university life is really like. Participants stayed in student halls, attended engaging workshops across a wide range of subject areas, and took part in fun evening activities alongside new friends. Guided by current university students, participants gained valuable insights into higher education, independent learning, and the skills needed for future careers.
Keep an eye out for updates — UniFest 2026 at the University of Birmingham promises another inspiring experience!
Submit your application online! Applications open soon!
If you are offered a place, you will be contacted in April 2026 by your host university who will provide more information.
UniFest begins! Events take place throughout July.
Got a question? Email us aimhigher@contacts.bham.ac.uk