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Applications for the 2027 program are open until December 11, 2026. Apply now →

2027 Program Application

Let’s get you to campus.

Applications open October 27, 2026.

Seven short steps — about 20 minutes, plus time to write your essay. Your answers save in your browser as you go, so you can start now and come back on the same device.

This is the apply page — everything you need to put an application together. To read about the week itself, what you’d do and where you could go, see the program page.

Two Kirkness Scholars and their mentor smiling in lab coats in a McGill research lab
This Could Be You.
What You’ll Need

Three things to put together.

For First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, and Inuit students. Grade 11 students are prioritised; Grade 10 and 12 students are welcome to apply and go on a waitlist.

  1. Step 1

    A short essay

    Up to 400 words, answering one of three prompts. Type it into the form or upload it as a file.

  2. Step 2

    A letter of recommendation

    From a teacher or counsellor. Ask early — or they can email it to us directly.

  3. Step 3

    Parent or guardian consent

    Download the form below, have your parent or guardian fill it in and sign it, then upload it with your application.

Download the consent formParent / Guardian Consent · PDF, 345 KB

No printer? Your school counsellor or teacher can print a copy, and a phone photo of the signed page is fine.

How the Year Runs

From application to your week on campus.

  1. October 27, 2026 Applications open
  2. December 11, 2026 Applications close
  3. February Decisions go out — months before the program
  4. May – August Your program week. The more weeks you’re free, the better your chance of a match.
Two Kirkness Scholars using a pipette at a lab bench
What You’re Applying For

One week in a working research lab, with a mentor, at no cost to you or your family.

Ready When You Are

Launch the application.

Look through it before it opens.

Seven steps — about 20 minutes, plus your essay. Your answers save in your browser as you go, so you can stop and pick up where you left off on the same device.

The form is already here. Open it, read the questions, and start drafting your essay — your answers save in your browser as you go, and they’ll still be there when applications open on October 27, 2026.

Launch application →Open the application →

Where would you like to start?

Kirkness Scholars in VJKF shirts working together on a long wooden frame
New to VJKF?

Learn about the week first

What you’d do in the lab, where you’d stay, what a typical day looks like — and what it costs you (nothing).

Explore the Student Experience →
Ready to apply?

Start your application

Seven steps — about 20 minutes, plus your essay. Applications close December 11, 2026.

See what you’ll need → Go straight to the application form
How to applyApply now