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Summer Program for Students from Ukraine

For the second year in a row, we are offering our summer research program in computer science for students from Ukraine. The program will run from May to August 2023 and will accept senior undergraduate students (year 3 or higher) and graduate students (MSc or PhD) from Ukrainian universities whose studies were affected by the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine. The program will take place at the University of Toronto and is supported by the Department of Computer Science, the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Robotics Institute, and the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The program is intended for students who are enrolled in the current academic year (Fall 2022/Spring 2023) in computer science or a similar degree program at their home university in Ukraine. The summer program will cover all costs related to travel expenses, on-campus housing accommodation, and provide a research stipend. Citizens of all countries are eligible.

For more information, contact our program manager, Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski.

About the program: You will have an opportunity to work and study with top research faculty engaged in cutting-edge research.

Duration: Four months (May 7 – August 25, 2023)

Funding: Provided by the program

Application Process: After your application is received, it will be reviewed by a departmental committee. You may be contacted during the review process for more information or to conduct an interview. Once the decision is made, successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter and instructions on next steps.

Application Form Instructions:

The application form consists of two parts: 

  • Personal Information

  • Academic Information

Personal Information 

Having a Google account is required to apply. You can use either an existing Google account or create a new one for this application. Once you click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below, you will be directed to the Google sign-in. Once you sign in/choose your Google account, you will be directed to the Personal Information part of the application form. 

Academic Information

You will also be asked to upload the following supporting documents (in English): 

  • Resume/CV

  • Transcripts 

  • Personal Statement (up to 300 words explaining your academic and research experience, as well as your interests and career plans)

  • Letter of Reference

The documents can be uploaded in PDF, docx, xlsx, and jpeg formats. Although we recommend submitting all supporting documents to improve your chances of acceptance, we understand that under the circumstances, providing all requested documentation might be challenging. Therefore, incomplete applications will still be considered.

You will be asked to provide your Grade Point Average (GPA) based on ALL your grades in your current degree program (e.g., bachelors, masters, etc.). The GPA can be calculated using the following tool: https://www.scholaro.com/gpa-calculator/

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The final application submission deadline is February 28, 2023. Applicants will be notified of decisions by April 7, 2023.

The application portal is now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program dates and duration? 

Our four-month program will run from May 7 to August 25, 2023. 

When are the applications due? 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The final application submission deadline is February 28, 2023. However, we recommend you apply as early as possible.

When will notification of decisions be made? 

Successful applicants will be notified of decisions as soon as they are made and before April 7, 2023.

Who is eligible to apply? 

  • Senior undergraduate students (year 3 and higher) who are enrolled in computer science or a similar degree program during the current academic year (Fall 2022/Spring 2023).

  • Graduate students (MSc and PhD) doing research in computer science or a similar degree program during the current academic year (Fall 2022/Spring 2023). 

Is this program only for students? 

Yes, our summer program is only for students.

Is this program only for students from Ukrainian universities?

Yes. While we are understanding that there are many students displaced by other conflicts around the world, this program is specifically for affected students fleeing the Russian invasion and war in Ukraine.

Can I participate in this program remotely? 

No, our summer program is intended for students who physically come to Canada. 

Is this program only for students with a background in computer science?

The program is for students in computer science or similar degree programs (for example, artificial intelligence, mathematics, software engineering and cybernetics). 

What grades do I need to be accepted?

Grades are not the only deciding factor. Other strengths such as research experience or excellent quantitative skills are equally important.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Citizens of many countries (including Ukraine) require a visa to travel to Canada. Apply for CUAET (see below) as soon as possible – ideally at the same time as your application to our summer program. You do not need to wait for our admissions decision to apply. CUAET is scheduled to end on July 15, 2023.

The Government of Canada created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate families who have been affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

What are the next steps after acceptance? 

Once you receive an acceptance letter: 

  1. Confirm your participation in our summer program by replying to our email containing your acceptance letter and providing any additional requested information.  

  2. If you have not already done so, apply for permission to travel to Canada. 

  3. If you have received a Canadian visa, inform us of your eligibility to enter Canada.  

  4. Coordinate with us on dates for purchasing your flight ticket. 

When should I apply for a visa? 

As soon as possible. If you are a Ukrainian citizen, you can immediately apply for a visa and work authorization through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) since it is a separate process from your application to the University of Toronto. You should apply as early as possible, as you will be unable to travel to Canada and participate in our summer program without a Canadian visa. 

If you are not a Ukrainian citizen, you do not qualify for CUAET. In this case, your ability to participate in our program will depend on how quickly your visa application is processed. The University of Toronto is unable to ensure that you will receive your visa before the start of the summer program.

Please refer to the CUAET website for information on how to apply for a Canadian visa and on relevant vaccination requirements. In addition to these requirements, you must be vaccinated in order to live in the University of Toronto dormitories.

Who can I ask for help with my visa application? 

Questions can be sent to our immigration advisors at the Centre for International Experience at the University of Toronto. Please email isa.cie@utoronto.ca.

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19? 

Although persons not vaccinated for COVID-19 are still able to enter Canada under CUAET, provided that you follow public health guidelines, you must be vaccinated to live in the University of Toronto residences. You will need to get vaccinated either before or shortly after arriving in Canada. 

Can I receive financial support to purchase a plane ticket? 

Yes. If you are accepted into our summer program, and have received a Canadian visa, we will reimburse you for a two-way ticket to Toronto from your current location. 

I have a child, family member, or another situation that would make it difficult for me to live in university dormitories. Can I still participate? 

If you are accepted into the summer program, we will help in identifying appropriate housing for your specific needs. 

I submitted my application. Should I purchase a flight ticket? 

No. Please wait for an acceptance letter before buying a flight ticket. Submitting your application does not guarantee you will be accepted into our summer program. Only successful applicants’ travel expenses will be eligible for reimbursement. 

What happens once the program ends in August? 

We are hopeful that the situation in Ukraine will improve soon and that you will be able to return home to continue studies at your university. However, if you are admitted into an academic program in Canada, you can apply for an expedited and fee-exempt study permit (if you qualified for the CUAET) or a study permit extension (if you did not qualify) to allow you to continue your education in Canada. Also, those that qualified for CUAET can receive a work permit allowing them to remain in Canada and work. Please contact our immigration advisors at isa.cie@utoronto.ca for more information. Note that admission to our summer program is NOT a guarantee of admission into a regular University of Toronto undergraduate or graduate degree program. Admission to these programs will be handled separately.

Who can I contact for more information?

Inquiries can be sent to our program manager, Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski.

Can you tell me about other similar opportunities?

Remote research internships may be available through the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence throughout the year. Postdoctoral fellows and research scientists interested in learning about similar opportunities from the Department of Computer Science can complete this form to receive information when it becomes available. The Vector Institute also accepts postdoctoral fellow applications throughout the year.