Both spellings are correct. Program is American English for everything, while programme is British English for everything except computers, which are always programs.

Programme vs Program at a Glance

What Is the Real Difference?

There is no difference in meaning. Both words are pronounced the same and refer to the same things: a plan, a schedule, a show, a course of action, or a set of instructions.

The difference is geography and audience, not grammar. Pick the spelling your reader expects, the same way you choose between favorite and favourite. Get this one choice right and the rest of the article takes care of itself.

When to Use “Program”

American English always uses “program.” Software, TV shows, events, degrees, printed schedules: every context gets the same spelling. Americans never write “programme.”

British English also uses “program” in one specific context: computers. A London developer writes a computer program, never a computer programme. This rule holds across the UK, Australia, and everywhere British spellings are standard.

When to Use “Programme”

British English uses “programme” for everything that is not computer-related. A BBC television programme, a concert programme, a training programme, a government programme.

The pattern mirrors other British spellings: centre, theatre, colour, favourite. It is the French-influenced spelling Britain adopted in the nineteenth century.

The Computer Exception

This is the one firm rule both dialects share. When referring to computer software, the spelling is always “program,” regardless of dialect.

So a British newspaper writes about the BBC’s spring “programme,” but the same writer’s laptop runs a “program.” Software program, app program, Python program: always program, everywhere.

Programme vs Program Around the World

Canada sits in the middle. Official Canadian style often prefers “program” for government initiatives, following American influence, but “programme” still appears in cultural contexts like arts festivals.

Australia and New Zealand follow British conventions: “programme” for events and broadcasts, “program” for computers. India, with its British-rooted English, largely uses “programme” the same way.

International organizations like the UN typically use British spelling, so you will read about UN “programmes” in official documents. Tech companies, even British ones, write “program” for software.

Common Phrases Compared

TV programme (UK) vs TV program (US): the show you watch at night.

Training programme (UK) vs training program (US): a course of professional development.

Degree programme (UK) vs degree program (US): a university course of study.

Computer program (both): software, always spelled without the “me.”

To program (both): the verb, as in “program the thermostat.”

What Style Guides Say

The Oxford English Dictionary lists “programme” as the standard British noun form, while recommending “programmed” and “programming” with the double m for the verb.

American style guides like Chicago and AP use “program” exclusively. If you write for a US publication, there is no decision to make at all.

House style wins. Many global companies pick one spelling for all content. If your employer has a style guide, follow it over any general rule. A consistent “wrong-for-the-region” choice still looks more professional than random mixing.

A Bit of History

The word was spelled “program” in Britain too, until the nineteenth century. Then British writers began favoring the French spelling “programme,” and it stuck.

American English kept the simpler form during the spelling reforms of the 1700s and 1800s, which aimed to trim unnecessary letters. Same story as color versus colour.

What About the Verb?

As a verb, only “program” exists. You program a computer, program an alarm, program a thermostat. Both American and British writers use to program, programmed, programming.

“Programme” is noun-only. You can never “programme” something. If the sentence needs a verb, program is your only option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing “programme” for software: even in British English, a computer programme is wrong. Software is always a program.

Mixing spellings in one document: pick one dialect and stay consistent. Switching mid-article looks sloppy.

Using “programme” as a verb: “I will programme the robot” is incorrect in every dialect. Use program.

Assuming one is a typo: neither spelling is wrong. “Programme” in a British article is correct, not a mistake.

Quick Decision Guide

Writing for Americans? Always “program.” Done.

Writing for Brits, and it is software? Still “program.”

Writing for Brits, and it is anything else? Use “programme.”

It is a verb? Always “program.”

Not sure who reads it? Default to “program,” the globally understood form.

People Also Ask

Is it program or programme in the UK?

Both, depending on context. The UK uses “programme” for TV shows, events, and plans, but “program” for computer software. The verb is always “program.”

Is it program or programme in the US?

Always “program.” American English uses program in every context and never uses the spelling programme.

Why do British people spell it programme?

French influence. In the nineteenth century, British writers adopted the French spelling “programme.” American English kept the simpler original form.

Is programme American or British?

British. Programme is the standard British English spelling for non-computing uses. Americans do not use it.

Can programme be used as a verb?

No. Programme is noun-only. The verb in all dialects is “to program,” with forms programmed and programming.

Do Australians use program or programme?

Both. Australian English generally follows British conventions, using “programme” for events and shows and “program” for computers, though “program” is increasingly common overall.

What is the plural of programme?

Programmes. Just add an s, the same as any regular noun. “The festival announced its summer programmes.”

Is it spelled programed or programmed?

Both appear, but “programmed” with the double m is far more widespread and recommended by major dictionaries. When in doubt, use programmed.

Does spellcheck flag programme as wrong?

Only if set to US English. A spellchecker on American settings will flag “programme.” Switch it to UK English and it passes fine. Match the setting to your audience.

Which spelling should I use on my resume?

Match the employer. Applying to a US company, write “program.” Applying in the UK, write “programme” for non-tech roles, but “program” for software roles. Consistency signals attention to detail.

Is “program” ever wrong in British English?

Only for non-computing uses. Writing “TV program” in a British publication looks American. But “computer program” is correct everywhere, including Britain.

What about “program” in academic writing?

Follow your institution’s dialect. A UK university thesis on education policy discusses a “programme,” while the same thesis discussing software uses “program.” Many students mix this up, so check your style guide.

Are there other words like this?

Yes, several. “Disk” versus “disc” follows a similar pattern: computing uses “disk” in both dialects, while “disc” covers music and general uses in British English. “Analog” versus “analogue” behaves the same way.

Does Google prefer one spelling?

Google understands both. Search engines treat “program” and “programme” as the same word for ranking purposes. But matching your audience’s spelling can improve click-through rates, since readers trust familiar forms.

How do you pronounce programme?

Exactly like “program.” The extra “me” is silent. The spelling difference shows up only in writing, which is why it confuses readers more than listeners.

Conclusion

Programme vs program is not a battle with a winner. It is a dialect choice: program for America and for computers everywhere, programme for Britain’s everything else.

Pick the spelling your reader expects, stay consistent, and you will never go wrong. And remember the two iron rules: software is always “program,” and the verb is always “program” too. Everything else is geography.

For the full dictionary take, see the Cambridge entry on programme and its usage notes.