Q: What is the NATO Summer School?

A: The NATO Summer School is a prestigious one-week intensive course designed for university students and young professionals interested in advancing their understanding of geopolitics, national and international security, the threat environment for NATO member states, and the policy options available. It features expert lectures and practical workshops from top-tier professionals as well as a week-long international crisis and negotiation simulation.

 

Program

Q: Who are the speakers at the NATO Summer School?
A: The lectures are led by senior policy decision-makers, government and military officials, and experts from academia or the private sector from the Czech Republic and other NATO countries.

You can see the program of the 2025 NATO Summer School here.

Q: What topics will be covered at the 2026 NATO Summer School?
A: The topics encompass strategic communication and deterrence, strategies for leveraging economic and financial tools for national security, security implications and strategic interests in space, cybersecurity, challenges posed by China, and Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.

 

Eligibility, Application and Selection Process 

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the NATO Summer School?
A: University students in political science, international relations, security studies, and other relevant fields, as well as young professionals at the early stages of their careers. Only nationals of NATO member/partner states are eligible to participate. Proficiency in English is required.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us directly at susienka@pssi.cz

Q: How can I apply?
A: To apply, fill out the application form. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline (May 3, 2026).

Q: What are the criteria in the selection process?
A: The selection process is competitive and based primarily on the relevance of your academic background or professional experience to the program’s themes, but also your motivation. We aim to ensure a diverse and highly motivated group of participants to enrich discussions and learning outcomes.

Fees, Venue and Accommodation

Q: How much does it cost to attend the NATO Summer School?
A: The fee is €550 for early bird applications (deadline March 31, 2026) and €680 for regular applications (deadline May 3, 2026).

Q: What does the fee include?
A: The fee is pretty much all-inclusive, except for individual travel to and from Prague. It covers participation in all lectures and the simulation exercise, study materials, a goodie bag, accommodation in shared rooms from Sunday to Friday, three meals per day, coffee breaks, a closing BBQ party, access to the hotel’s wellness center, and transportation by bus from Prague to the venue and back.

Q: Where is the NATO Summer School held?
A: The event takes place at Hotel Orlík, located in Kozárovice, some 80 km from Prague.

Q: Is transportation provided to the venue?
A: Yes, transportation from Prague to the venue and back is included in the participation fee.

Q: Will I ever go hungry at the NATO Summer School?
A: Impossible! The fee covers 3 meals a day, together with coffee breaks between lectures and a closing BBQ party. Additionally, there is a possibility to purchase snacks and drinks at the hotel bar.

 

Additional information

Q: Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for participants?
A: While we strive to keep the program accessible, our funding options for scholarships or financial aid are limited. However, we encourage participants to seek sponsorship or support from their academic institutions or employers. Please contact us for a letter of support or any additional documentation you might need for such requests.

Q: What do I receive upon completing the NATO Summer School?
A: All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is a testament to your commitment and will be a valuable addition to your professional and academic portfolio.

Also, by completing the NATO Summer School, you will automatically become a member of PSSI Alumni, a club encompassing previous participants of all our educational programs that currently counts more than a thousand members.

For any further questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching and insightful experience at the 2026 NATO Summer School.