The Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 is a prestigious one-week academic programme taking place in Gdańsk, Poland, from 6–11 July 2026. Organised by the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics, the University of Gdańsk, the Lech Wałęsa Institute, and RODM Gdańsk, the Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 examines how “resilience” shapes security, history, borders, and geopolitics across the Baltic region.
This is the 5th edition of the programme, following four highly rated previous summer schools.
Students can expect a blend of lectures, field visits, local cuisine, cultural experiences, and peer networking with Polish students.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|
| Programme | Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 |
| Theme | Resilience – borders, hybrid threats, regional solidarity, migration, environment |
| Dates | 6–11 July 2026 |
| Arrival | Sunday, 5 July 2026 |
| Location | Gdańsk, Poland |
| Participants | 20 undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students |
| Eligibility | Cambridge University students from all disciplines |
| Cost | £300 contribution + self-funded travel |
| Organisers | University of Cambridge, University of Gdańsk, Lech Wałęsa Institute, RODM Gdańsk |
| Registration | Open — early interest form available |
| Application Period | Formal application begins early 2026 |
The Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 does not require prior knowledge of Baltic geopolitics, but applicants must show intellectual curiosity.
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn
During the Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026, students will explore:
- The evolving geopolitics of the Baltic Sea region
- Resilience against hybrid threats and disinformation
- Historical legacies shaping borders and alliances
- Environmental challenges and regional cooperation
- Migration dynamics and policy responses
- Baltic identities, culture, and political transitions
- The role of Poland in European and Baltic security
This interdisciplinary approach makes the Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 valuable for students in history, politics, IR, sociology, security studies, development, and more.
Who Should Apply
The Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 welcomes:
- Undergraduates
- Master’s students
- PhD researchers
- Students from ANY academic discipline at Cambridge
Selection is based on:
- Intellectual curiosity
- Motivation statement
- Interest in geopolitics, history, or Baltic regional affairs
No prior subject expertise is required.
Programme Highlights
Students participating in the Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026 will benefit from:
✔ Expert lectures by Cambridge and Gdańsk faculty
✔ Visits to historic and political sites in Gdańsk
✔ Meetings with Polish students and guest speakers
✔ Immersive cultural experiences
✔ Discussions on security, resilience, and regional cooperation
✔ Exposure to policy-making and diplomacy in the Baltic region
The preliminary programme can be downloaded below.
Costs & Funding
Participants must:
- Pay £300 towards programme costs
- Fund their own travel to/from Gdańsk
- Cover any personal expenses
Accommodation, programme activities, and most meals are typically organised by hosts (details to be confirmed in early 2026).
How to Register
Students may register interest now — this does not commit you but ensures you receive updates.
👉 Registration of Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFUMLoDbvzf7rJ3EfrMjmaTH96UXcvi8lRgDs7a5Lse6Qmxw/viewform
Formal applications will open in early 2026 on the programme page.
Downloads & Official Links
- Official Website:
https://www.cfg.cam.ac.uk/events/baltic-geopolitics-summer-school-2026-resilience/ - Draft Summer School Programme (19.3 KB):
https://www.cfg.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Anna-edits-draft-version-for-students-Nov25.docx - Registration of Interest Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFUMLoDbvzf7rJ3EfrMjmaTH96UXcvi8lRgDs7a5Lse6Qmxw/viewform
Other Opportunities
Explore more fully funded summer schools, fellowships, and academic programmes at:
👉 https://oppotify.com
1. Who can apply to the Baltic Geopolitics Summer School 2026?
The programme is open to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students at the University of Cambridge, regardless of academic discipline. You do not need prior knowledge of Baltic geopolitics.
2. Do I need academic experience related to geopolitics or the Baltic region?
No. The selection process looks for curiosity, motivation, and ability to engage critically, not prior expertise.
3. How long is the programme?
The summer school runs for 6 days, from Monday 6 July to Saturday 11 July 2026.
Participants must arrive on Sunday, 5 July 2026.
4. Where will the summer school take place?
The programme is hosted in Gdańsk, Poland, at partner institutions including the University of Gdańsk and the Lech Wałęsa Institute.
5. How many participants will be selected?
A total of 20 students from the University of Cambridge will be selected.
6. What does the cost include?
Students must cover:
£300 participation fee
Round-trip travel to/from Gdańsk
Any personal expenses
Programme activities and some meals typically are organised locally.
7. Will accommodation be provided?
Accommodation is normally organised through programme partners in Gdańsk. Final details will be confirmed during the formal application phase in early 2026.
8. What will the programme cover?
Themes for 2026 include:
Resilience and hybrid threats
Disinformation
Borders and history in the Baltic region
Environmental and migration challenges
Regional solidarity and geopolitical change
Lectures, cultural visits, academic workshops, and interaction with Polish students are included.
9. Is this programme fully academic?
It is interdisciplinary — combining academic seminars, historical site visits, networking, and international dialogue.
10. Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
UK nationals do not require a visa for short stays in Poland.
Non-UK nationals studying at Cambridge should check Polish entry requirements based on their citizenship.
11. How do I express interest or apply?
Step 1 — Register interest (optional):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFUMLoDbvzf7rJ3EfrMjmaTH96UXcvi8lRgDs7a5Lse6Qmxw/viewform
Step 2 — Formal application (opens early 2026):
Posted on the official page:
https://www.cfg.cam.ac.uk/events/baltic-geopolitics-summer-school-2026-resilience/
12. Is registering interest the same as applying?
No. Registering interest only ensures you receive direct updates.
You will still need to submit a formal application in 2026.
13. Is the preliminary programme final?
No. A draft version is available here:
https://www.cfg.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Anna-edits-draft-version-for-students-Nov25.docx
The final schedule will be published in early 2026.
14. What are the selection criteria?
Candidates are evaluated on:
Motivation & intellectual curiosity
Engagement with geopolitical issues
Ability to benefit from and contribute to the programme
Diversity of backgrounds and academic fields
15. Who organises the programme?
The summer school is jointly organised by:
University of Cambridge – Centre for Geopolitics
University of Gdańsk – Faculty of History
Lech Wałęsa Institute
RODM Gdańsk (Poland)
16. Can students from outside Cambridge apply?
No. This programme is exclusively for Cambridge University students.
17. Who can I contact for more information?
17. Who can I contact for more information?
All updates and future instructions will be posted on the official programme page:
https://www.cfg.cam.ac.uk/events/baltic-geopolitics-summer-school-2026-resilience/
Explore more global opportunities: https://oppotify.com
