Shad welcomes high school students in Grades 10 and 11 (Secondary IV and V in Québec) who are curious about the world and eager to take on new challenges. We’re looking for students who are driven, creative, and community-minded. If you ask big questions, embrace diverse perspectives, and want to make a difference in STEAM fields, you already have what it takes to become a Shad.
With a limited number of spots available every year, there is a selection process in place to determine participants. Our selection process examines more than strong academics. We look for potential: the spark of leadership, a willingness to collaborate, and the courage to think differently.
Explore more about Shad:
Fees for 2026
All on-campus programs (Live-In, A-Plus, and Unplugged) are offered at the same rate. The fees listed are already reduced through the support of our generous donors. Additional financial support and scholarships are available to ensure affordability based on individual financial need.
International fees apply to any participant who does not hold Canadian citizenship, Permanent Resident status, or official Refugee status in Canada. International applicants will not be eligible for financial assistance or scholarships provided through Shad.
Financial Support
Shad is committed to making our program financially accessible to students. Fee assistance is based on annual household income and is available to domestic applicants only.
What’s Included
Finance Your Shad
By the Numbers
in fee assistance
provide funding support
students receive financial support
Shad entrance scholarships
Partner-based scholarships
science fair grants
The Shad network includes:
Pathways to post-secondary
Each summer, Shad partners with leading post-secondary institutions across Canada to deliver immersive programs that allow students to experience campus life firsthand. From living in residence and exploring state-of-the-art facilities to engaging with professors and discovering the unique character of different cities, every Shad campus offers a window into the future.
When accepted, students are asked to list their preferred campuses. While these preferences are carefully considered, final placements are made by Shad to ensure a truly pan-Canadian experience. Regardless of placement, every Shad program delivers the same high standard of learning, community, and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are various common questions that come up about Shad and our programs:
Program / General
Live-in / A-Plus / Unplugged: July 5 – July 31 | 24/7
Virtual: July 6 – July 31 | Monday – Friday, 11 am – 5 pm ET
Shad’s Live-in program is hosted at our carefully selected post-secondary campuses and Shad’s Virtual program is powered by Athabasca University.
Learn more about Shad’s Live-in experience and Shad’s Virtual experience and our two program options – Unplugged and A-Plus.
The number and locations of Shad campuses offering A-Plus and Unplugged will be determined by the demand from accepted applicants.
While we take into consideration your preferred campus options, Shad ultimately chooses your campus in order to promote a pan-Canadian experience for all participants.
Well-qualified team members work hard to ensure that all aspects of the experience – academic, logistical and social – meet or exceed expectations.
Many of these dedicated team members are top-rated post-secondary professors. Volunteers from all areas of the university and business community also add to the mix to create a dynamic experience. All team members and volunteers subscribe to the highest code of conduct as defined and maintained by Shad Canada.
No. Shad participants must commit to attending the entire duration of the program.
Students who require accommodations related to disabilities, cultural/religious practices, or any other human rights protected ground should contact Shad Canada as early as possible to discuss their accommodation needs and to ensure Shad Canada can meet their needs. Careful consideration should be made prior to accepting the offer to participate.
Requests can be sent to info@shad.ca
Shad can count towards high school credit for participants from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The Shad experience can also qualify as a Sector-Partnered Experience for SHSM students in Ontario and towards CAS requirements for IB diploma students. Shad’s Virtual campus participants also have the opportunity to complete credentials from Athabasca University.
Fees
Learn more about Shad’s program fee, financial assistance, scholarships and more.
Yes! Shad offers financial support to cover full and partial program fees. Every year we provide over $5 Million in financial assistance for families. Every application includes a parent contact section so they can consider financial assistance opportunities.
Visit our scholarship page for additional opportunities as well.
No. When an offer is made, applicants submit a $750 deposit to secure their spot in the program. The remaining balance is made in two separate instalments.
The Shad program fee is NOT tax deductible.
Applications
High School students currently completing Grade 10, 11 (Secondaire IV, V in Quebec).
We are looking for students who are community-minded, creative, engaged, curious and want to make an impact in Canada and the world.
The deadline is January 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Students complete an online application.
Note: Admission into the Shad program is competitive, therefore applicants need to put their best effort forward when completing the application.
To request application accommodations such as needing application material in an alternate format for students with disabilities or students in remote areas please contact Michelle@shad.ca
Applicants complete a profile, answer questions, upload their most recent report card, and provide a reference contact.
For more application details, click here.
For more reference details, click here.
Applicants are assessed on several factors highlighting their unique talents and contributions. Factors such as overall excellence, extracurricular involvement (i.e. volunteerism, part-time work, family care responsibilities), creativity, reflection and commitment in making the world a better place.
Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence but there is no “cut-off’ average for applying.
No, we do not require a school nomination for a student to be eligible to apply.
All applicants will be informed of their status (accepted, declined) in February 2026. Decisions around financial assistance will be communicated at the same time.
For questions not covered here, please contact info@shad.ca for your request.
