Deadline:
As soon as possible
Program Starts: August 17, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Location(s)
United Kingdom
Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge
Overview
Freedom Week is an annual, one-week seminar which teaches students about classical liberal, free market, neoliberal and liberal perspectives on economics, politics, history and society. It is open to over-18s who are currently attending or about to start university. The week is entirely free to attend: there is no charge whatsoever for accommodation, food, tuition or materials.
Details
- CAMBRIDGE: Spend a week in one of Britain's most beautiful towns, go punting, see the architecture and the mechanical clock, eat at the market, and visit its traditional pubs.
- BEST AND BRIGHTEST: Meet dozens of like-minded students also interested in liberal perspectives on economics, political science, history and society.
- TOP THINKERS: Receive lectures and instruction from the crème de la crème of classical liberal academia as well as staff of the two leading free market think tanks in Westminster.
About Freedom Week
Freedom Week is aimed at students who have an interest in—yet are relatively new to—classical liberal ideas.
Successful applicants will spend the week immersed in talks from some of Britain's leading thinkers. Seminars will cover the foundations, history and underlying economic principles of classical liberalism, as well as discuss cutting-edge research and contemporary debate from within the movement.
Freedom Week offers a unique chance to network with like-minded peers, academics and think tank representatives — all in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of free time and nightly social acitivities.
By the end of the week attendees will have the knowledge, confidence and network to go out and make the case for freedom.
This year’s Freedom Week will run from Monday 17th August—Friday 21st August 2026.
Who organises Freedom Week?
Freedom Week is a joint project of the Institute of Economic Affairs and the Adam Smith Institute. It aims to promote liberal thinking amongst young people who show great potential as future influencers and opinion formers.
The IEA was founded in 1945 by Sir Anthony Fisher, after a discussion with the legendary economist Friedrich Hayek. The IEA is, in the words of Andrew Marr, "undoubtedly the most influential think tank in modern British history".
The ASI is Britain's leading neoliberal think tank. It was founded by Madsen Pirie and Eamonn Butler in 1977. It is one of the world's leading think tanks, ranked 2nd in the world among Domestic Economic Policy think tanks by the University of Pennsylvania.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who attends Freedom Week?
Freedom Week is attended by ~30 students every year, most of whom are undergraduates. Several lecturers will also stay the entire week, making it easy to have discussions or ask questions in a social context. Attendees must be over 18 by the time Freedom Week begins. Those starting university this autumn and those graduating this year are also eligible.
Do I need to have studied economics or politics?
No. There are no particular academic requirements for Freedom Week participants. We only ask that people be enthusiastic to learn about classical liberalism and free market economics.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Program starts:
August 17, 2026
Program ends:
August 21, 2026
Program Starts: August 17, 2026
Program Ends: August 21, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
How much does Freedom Week cost?
Freedom Week is entirely free for the students. Lunch, dinner, and single-occupancy accommodation in the College are provided free of charge to all participants.
Are travel/visa grants available?
No. Students are responsible for making their own way to and from Cambridge. You must have the legal right to be in the UK and arrange this yourself.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
