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.
Learn how to apply, access financial support, and join a community of Canada’s most curious and ambitious students.
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 your community, you already have what it takes to become a Shad.
Application process
With a limited number of spots available every year, Shad uses a selection process to determine participants. Our selection process examines more than academics. We look for potential: the spark of leadership, a willingness to collaborate, and the courage to think differently.
Sign-up for updates
Create your application
Submit your application
Rolling evaluation
Offers made
Campus allocatoin
At Shad Canada, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to potential. Each year, with the support of our generous donors and partners, we provide up to $5 million in scholarships and fee assistance, ensuring that talented students from every background can access this life-changing experience.
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.
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.
Calculating Your Fees
Your Fees Include
The program fee covers a comprehensive 27-day live-in experience designed to maximize learning, personal growth, and connection. It includes the academic program, accommodations, meals, mentorship, and a wide range of enriching activities and experiences listed below.
The virtual campus covers a comprehensive 20-day digital experience to maximize learning, personal growth, and connection and includes a program kit of approximately 35 items, including hands-on activities, delivered to your home.
Lectures by post-secondary professors
Seminars led by researchers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs
Hands-on workshops led by industry experts like Texas Instruments
STEAM-based labs in post-secondary facilities
Social, cultural and sporting events or festivals
Mentoring and coaching from Program Director and near-peer tutors
Indigenous Knowledge Learning Opportunities
Enrichment field trips & corporate visits
A minimum of 1 to 8 mentor to student ratio
Leadership and community building initiatives
Design & Entrepreneurship Team Project
Social, cultural and sporting events or festivals
Recreational field trips like camping and hiking
On-campus living for 27 days
Meals and snacks for 27 days
Extensive program kit & gear mailed to your home
Enriching virtual field trips
*Fees do not include travel to and from campus or personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and other incidentals.
By the numbers
in fee assistance annually
provide funding support
students receive financial support
Shad entrance scholarships
partner-based scholarships
Science Fair grants
At Shad, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to potential. Each year, with the support of our generous donors and partners, we provide up to $5 million in scholarships and fee assistance, ensuring that talented students from every background can access this life-changing experience. Explore more about our scholarship options and find the one you are eligible for.
A Shad experience is often supported by a community that believes in a student’s potential. In addition to scholarships and financial assistance, many students secure funding through schools, local organizations, employers, and community sponsors. Our fundraising resources can help you get started.
Your Shad experience doesn’t end after the summer. From academic credits to exclusive post-secondary scholarships and future-ready skills, discover how Shad can continue to support your journey long after July.
Post-secondary scholarships and application fee waivers at some partner institutions.
Earn credits in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, Saskatchewan and more.
Post-secondary pathways, mentorship and leadership development.
Join 25,000+ alumni leading change across Canada and the world
Parents consistently describe Shad as a turning point in their child’s growth. From increased confidence and independence to clearer academic and career aspirations, many see the impact long after the summer ends.
of Shad parents said
Shad increased their child’s confidence
of Shad parents said
Shad influenced their child’s post-secondary pathway
of Shad parents said
Shad helped their child communicate more effectively
Kids don’t park their brains over the summer. So, it’s just a great opportunity to allow them to continue to expose themselves to different perspectives, knowledge areas and content experts that are going to be able to stimulate them.
Shad Parent
It’s a soft launch to university life…it’s like a testing ground for them to be able to navigate things on their own.
Shad Parent
Here are various common questions that come up about the Fees & Applications:
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 and 11 (Secondaire IV and 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.