Programme guide · Public speaking · Ages 14–18
TED Summer School
A two-week summer course in communication, storytelling and public speaking, run by Immerse Education in partnership with TED. It is a paid programme rather than a competition, but a free speaking challenge offers scholarships towards it.
- Two-week course
- London, New York, Singapore, Sydney or online
- Free scholarship challenge until 10 January 2027
At a glance
- Public speaking and storytelling
- Two weeks, in person or online
- Ends with a filmed talk
- Free scholarship challenge
About the programme
What students actually do
Students develop a talk of their own and finish by giving and filming it in the style of a TED talk. Residential courses run in London, New York, Singapore and Sydney (ages 15–18), and a virtual course is open to ages 14–18.
The free Learning to Be Heard challenge asks students aged 14–18 for a one-minute video about an idea that matters to them. It offers full and partial scholarships to the 2027 summer school.
Key facts
Summer 2027 at a glance
The Learning to Be Heard challenge is open now and closes on 10 January 2027.
Sources: TED Summer School. Checked 6 November 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.
Preparation with IFA
How we help students get ready
Live coaching built around what makes a talk land: one clear idea, a strong structure and confident delivery.
Finding the idea
Choosing one idea worth sharing and the story that carries it.
Structure
An opening that lands, a clear middle and an ending people remember.
Voice and presence
Pace, pauses and eye contact, practised on camera.
Feedback rounds
Timed run-throughs with honest, specific feedback each time.
Not sure this is the right next step?
In a free 30-minute Readiness Assessment, a founder meets your child and you, and sends a written plan within 24 hours. If a competition, a course or nothing yet is a better fit, we will say so.
Questions
What parents ask
Is TED Summer School a competition?
What does the scholarship challenge involve?
How does it help with business competitions?
Is IFA connected to the organisers?
International Finance Academy is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by TED or Immerse Education. Programme and competition names are used only to describe what we help students prepare for.