Cornell University
Economics & Business

Summer Programme

A 13‑day pre‑university economics and business experience at Cornell University for motivated students in Years 10–13.

About Programme

The Cornell University Economics & Business Summer Programme is a 13-day academic experience designed for high school students seeking early exposure to university-level study. Hosted on campus in the United States, the programme provides a rigorous and immersive introduction to disciplines such as economics, business, finance, management, and data analysis.

Through a combination of lectures, applied workshops, business simulation, and presentation-based projects, students engage with both theoretical concepts and practical methodologies, gaining insight into how academic knowledge is applied in real-world business and economic contexts.

Programme Overview

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
Dates: 13 July – 25 July 2026
Duration: 13 days
Eligibility: Students in Years 10–13
Format: University-style lectures, seminars, elective modules, and practical sessions
Outcome: Certificate of completion and academic transcript; top-performing students may also have the opportunity to receive a recommendation letter

Academic Experience

The programme is structured to reflect university-level study, combining academic instruction with hands-on learning.

Students will:

Attend daily academic sessions led by university-level instructors
Study core topics in economics and global business
Participate in elective-based skills modules
Engage in business simulation and team presentation challenges
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical business and strategic scenarios

The academic structure is designed to help students build both subject understanding and transferable skills in analysis, teamwork, communication, and decision-making.

Areas of Study

Students take part in a curriculum built around three main components.

Core Academic Modules

The core curriculum introduces students to major topics such as:

Behavioural and Environmental Economics
Global Economic Strategy and Sustainable Business

These subjects help students understand how individuals, firms, and institutions make economic decisions, and how these decisions influence markets, sustainability, and international business strategy.

Skills Elective Modules

Students may also take part in one elective module, depending on final course arrangements:

Big Data and Business Analytics
Engineering Economics and Systems Thinking

These modules provide a more applied perspective, helping students strengthen analytical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills in business-related settings.

Business Challenge

ProjectsIn addition to academic coursework, students take part in two practical team challenges:

Business Analysis Simulation Challenge
Business Pitching Challenge

These projects are designed to help students develop commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and confidence in presenting ideas in a structured academic environment.

Learning Approach

The programme emphasises an interdisciplinary and applied approach to learning. In addition to lectures, students may participate in:

Business simulation exercises
Data analysis and decision-making activities
Market research and strategic planning
Team-based project work
Presentation and pitch development

In the Business Analysis Simulation Challenge, students work in teams to operate a virtual company and make decisions related to product development, pricing, and marketing.

In the Business Pitching Challenge, students take on the role of a consulting team to design an innovative product or service, supported by market research and strategy analysis.

This structure enables students to gain practical insight into how economics and business disciplines operate beyond the classroom.

Student Experience

Participants live and study on campus, experiencing aspects of university life in a structured and supervised environment. Students stay in Cornell accommodation and take part in a residential programme with organised support and daily campus life. The materials also describe a pastoral ratio of approximately 1:15.

The programme also includes:

On-campus accommodation
Daily meals
Organised extracurricular activities
University application talks and academic consultation opportunities
Cultural and social activities
Opportunities to interact with an international cohort of students

Students may also participate in a range of organised visits and activities, including:

Cornell campus tour
Library
Johnson Museum of Art
Botanic Garden
Summer lawn concerts
Team-building activities
Niagara Falls excursion or other cultural visits

This environment supports both academic development and personal growth, helping students build independence, confidence, and cross-cultural awareness.

Academic Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the programme will receive:

An official certificate of completion•An academic transcript
For top-performing students, possible consideration for a recommendation letter opportunity based on final performance requirements

The programme supports students in developing academic readiness and gaining greater clarity on future study pathways in economics, business, finance, management, and related subjects.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to engage with academic content delivered in English at a pre-university level.

1

Typical requirements include:

Strong recent academic performance
Sufficient English proficiency for lectures, discussion, and written work
Interest in economics, business, finance, management, or related fields

2

Indicative English requirements include:

IELTS 6.0
TOEFL 80
Duolingo 105
or equivalent level

Students who do not hold one of the above qualifications may be assessed through an English interview. Students who meet the entry requirements must also complete follow-up submission steps, including an English personal statement and a recent school transcript, subject to the official review process.

3

Support from PEC

PEC provides local guidance and support throughout the application and preparation process, including:

Programme selection and academic advice
Application support and documentation guidance
Pre-departure preparation
Ongoing communication with students and families
Guidance on visa-related preparation

PEC’s role is to support students and families through the process clearly and efficiently, while helping them understand the academic value, requirements, and preparation involved.

Programme Fees & Payment

Programme Fee

The total programme fee is:

NZD equivalent of USD 8,980

(Final amount may vary slightly depending on exchange rates at the time of payment.)

Administrative Fee (non-refundable)

An administrative fee of NZD 300 applies to cover application processing and programme coordination.

What is Included

The programme fee includes:

Full tuition for the academic programme
On-campus accommodation
Daily meals during the programme
Academic materials and laboratory resources
Programme activities and excursions
On-site supervision and support

What is Not Included

The following costs are not included:

International flights
Visa application fees and related costs
SEVIS fee (USD 350) required for the U.S. student visa application (non-refundable)
Personal expenses
Airport transfers
Travel and medical insurance

Optional Services

Visa guidance and preparation support (students are responsible for submitting their own visa application)

Payment Details

Payments can be made via bank transfer using the details below:

Bank: ANZ Bank

Account Name: Pinnacle Education Group Limited

Account Number: 06-0241-0684634-00

Reference:

Please include the student’s full name and programme name when making payment.

Payment Process

A deposit may be required upon acceptance to secure a place
The remaining balance must be paid prior to the programme start date
Detailed payment instructions will be provided upon offer confirmation

General Notes

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
Early application and payment are recommended to secure preferred courses
PEC provides programme-related services only

2026 PEC Summer School Academic Programs Registration Form

Cornell University