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Take College Courses at Rice This Summer
Rice University offers undergraduate and high school students the opportunity to earn Rice credit by enrolling in summer courses across disciplines from general physics to principles of economics. With smaller class sizes, accelerated formats and close engagement with Rice’s world-class faculty, these courses are designed to help you stay on track, get ahead or explore something new. Whether you’re catching up on degree progress, focusing on a subject that inspires you or making room for future opportunities, Rice University supports meaningful academic progress during the summer term.
How do I apply?
Step 1: Find a course you want to take for credit by browsing our Summer Visiting Students course schedule.
Step 2: Complete your online application with all required documents and forms, and submit it with the application fee.
Step 3: Once everything has been received and your visiting student application is complete, you will be contacted regarding your acceptance by the Rice Summer Advisor.
APPLY NOWSummer Application Opens
December 5, 2025
From May to August, Rice University will offer 6 flexible summer blocks to fit your schedule. Classes fill up fast, so we recommend applying early. Admission is rolling.
| Block | Apply By | Dates | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Block A1 | May 4, 2026 | May 11 - May 29, 2026 | 3 weeks |
| Summer Block B1 | May 4, 2026 | May 11 - June 26, 2026 | 7 weeks |
| Summer Block C1 | May 11, 2026 | May 18 - June 26, 2026 | 6 weeks |
| Summer Block D1 | May 26, 2026 | June 1 - August 7, 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Summer Block E1 | June 8, 2026 | June 15 - July 31, 2026 | 7 weeks |
| Summer Block B2 | June 22, 2026 | June 29 - August 14, 2026 | 7 weeks |
| Summer Block C2 | June 29, 2025 | July 6 - August 14, 2026 | 6 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply?
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All visiting undergraduate students are invited to apply, and high school students in the Classes of 2026, or 2027.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from high school students graduating in 2028 or later at this time.
Currently enrolled Rice students should register online via ESTHER as per normal registration processes and procedures for courses they wish to register for.
- How do I apply?
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Step 1: Find a course you want to take for credit by browsing our Summer 2026 Visiting Students course schedule.
Step 2: Complete your online application with all required documents and forms, and submit it with the application fee. Please refer to the application instructions for Visiting High School students and those for Visiting Undergraduate students.
Step 3: Once everything has been received and your Visiting Student application is complete, you will be contacted regarding your acceptance by Rice's Office of the Registrar.
- I'm a Visiting High School student. For which courses am I eligible to apply in Summer 2026?
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Visit the Summer 2026 Visiting Student Course Schedule and look for the "HS Eligible" icon to see which online or face-to-face summer courses will accept current HS seniors (class of '26), HS juniors (class of '27) or sophomores (class of '27).
If you are a Visiting Undergraduate/College Student, HS eligibility rules don't apply.
- I'm a current High School student who has started my Summer Credit Courses application. Now, where do I send my official transcript?
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Typically, students should contact their High School to request an official version of their transcript. If you're not sure where to start, ask your High School Guidance Counselor. The process for each school can be slightly different, but official transcripts are usually sent directly to Rice by you or your HS Counselor, preferably as an email to ricesummeradvisor@rice.edu.
- Where to email official transcripts (preferred method): ricesummeradvisor@rice.edu
- When are the application deadlines?
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The application deadlines are tied to the individual course(s) for which you are applying. If you plan to take courses in multiple sessions, your deadline would be the earliest session’s deadline — you do not need to submit multiple applications.
Block Application Deadline Block Dates Duration Summer Block A1 May 4, 2026 May 11 - May 29, 2026 3 weeks Summer Block B1 May 4, 2026 May 11 - June 26, 2026 7 weeks Summer Block C1 May 11, 2026 May 18 - June 26, 2026 6 weeks Summer Block D1 May 26, 2026 June 1 - August 7, 2026 10 weeks Summer Block E1 June 8, 2026 June 15 - July 31, 2026 7 weeks Summer Block B2 June 22, 2026 June 29 - August 14, 2026 7 weeks Summer Block C2 June 29, 2026 July 6 - August 14, 2026 6 weeks - What is the cost of attending?
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Reduced summer tuition: $1,300 per credit hour. For more information, see the Rice Bursar's Visiting Students information.
- Will this help my chances of being accepted as a Rice undergraduate?
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Admission to Rice Summer Sessions does not in any way influence your admission to Rice as an undergraduate.
- Have more questions?
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Contact us at ricesummeradvisor@rice.edu
