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Home » CVR – VISTA Vision Science Summer School

CVR – VISTA Vision Science Summer School

June 3 – 7, 2024

This program will be held in-person

This program is presented in English

Application deadline is extended to March 1st, 2024 at 11:59pm

The summer school features talks by our faculty, who are world leaders in vision science research. The curriculum reflects the wide range of research areas at CVR, and includes research on human visual perception, computer vision, machine learning, visual neuroscience, 3D film, immersive environments, disorders of vision, and more.

The summer school features an interactive program, with hands-on research experiences, opportunities to speak with our graduate students and faculty, and social events with your fellow students.

This program is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies and research in vision science

For questions, please contact cvrss@yorku.ca.


Thank you for your interest. Application deadline is Friday, March 1st, 2024, at 11:59pm.

Instructions for Applicants

  • Your statement of interest is the most important part of your application. We want to know why you want to attend the program, how this program fits into your academic plans, why we should pick you for the program, whether you have had the opportunity to engage in research, and anything else you think is important for us to know.
  • Please make sure you have your transcripts in unsecured PDF form before you begin to fill out the application form. We cannot put your application folder together if your transcripts are locked.
  • If you are applying from outside Canada or the USA, please calculate your GPA using this tool.
  • You will also need an academic reference letter from one of your professors.
    • The reference letter is the second most important piece of your application. It should include how long the professor has known you, your relationship (is/was the referee your teacher? someone you did research with/for?), and the professor’s view of your academic ability and research potential.
    • Please do not send an employment reference letter.
    • Ask your referee to send the reference letter directly to cvrss@yorku.ca.
    • The email subject line should be “reference letter – <your name>”.
    • The deadline for the reference letter is Friday, March 1st, 2024. It is your responsibility to make sure we get it on time.
  • Apply here starting January 19, 2024. (If the button doesn’t work for you, please copy and paste this link instead: http://cvr-forms.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=15884)

Is this program only for undergraduate students?
Priority is given to undergraduate applicants, but anyone who is considering applying to a vision-related master’s or doctoral program is welcome to apply.

Is this program only for Canadian students?
We accept applicants from all around the world.

Is this program only for students with a background in biology, computer science, kinesiology, or psychology?
Vision science is a highly interdisciplinary field, and anyone with a strong interest in pursuing graduate studies in a vision-related research program is encouraged to apply. We especially want to encourage students with a background in philosophy or fine arts to apply.

What grades do I need to be accepted?
Admission is highly competitive, and most of our attendees have GPA’s in the 4.0 range. However, other strengths such as laboratory experience, excellent quantitative skills, or an outstanding statement of interest can make up for average grades. To calculate your GPA, please use this tool.

I’m planning to go to medical school.  Is this program suitable for me?
The program is for students who plan to engage in a vision-related research program. If you plan to do vision-related research in medical school then you are welcome to apply.

I’m a professor, graduate student, etc.  Can I audit the program?
We are sorry, but in order to keep the group small and personal, we only allow admitted students and CVR members to attend the program.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Most people need either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada (the only exception is for those traveling from the USA). Please go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to find out which travel document you need to get. If you are accepted into the program and need a visa, we will provide you with a letter to support your visa application.

Do I have to stay on campus?
Yes. An important goal of the program is to create a community of scholars and in order to do that we want our students to live together and spend time together outside of the school activities. We cover the cost of your accommodations at an on-campus residence.