Dunlap Institute Summer School

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Dunlap Institute Summer School – Introduction to Optical Astronomy
The 2026 Dunlap Institute Summer School will have a focus on Optical Astronomy and take place July 20th-24th, 2026.  Applications will open on December 12th, 2025.
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  • Gain foundational knowledge of optical astronomy and instrumentation
  • Design and construct your own spectrograph
  • Explore the optical sky through hands-on observations
  • Engage in both lecture-based and laboratory learning environments
  • Collaborate with renowned international experts
  • Discover career pathways in the field of instrumentation
  • Work alongside peers from diverse international backgrounds

Registration Fee: $600
Accommodations, breakfasts and lunches included.
Travel grants and tuition wavier available.
APPLICATION AND TRAVEL SUBSIDY DEADLINE: JANUARY 30th, 2026
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Program description: 
The dates for the 2026 Dunlap Institute Summer School are July 20th to 24th, inclusive. The focus of this year’s Dunlap Institute’s summer school provides a unique introduction to optical astronomy.
The school is designed around both lecture and hands-on laboratory activities led by astronomers from around the world who specialize in the development of astronomical instruments. The program will introduce a foundational knowledge of optical astronomy and instrumentation.  Students also participate in a career development session.
The summer school is aimed toward students who have finished at least the third year of an undergraduate program, or are in the early years of a graduate program, and have a background in astronomy, physics, engineering or a related field.
Registration fee and travel funding:
The registration fee is $600. Travel subsidies and registration-fee waivers available. Students requesting a travel subsidy are asked to submit actual costs and not estimates; costs should be in Canadian dollars.
While the Dunlap Institute is able to provide travel support to some students, we strongly encourage all students to explore sources of funding from their home institutes or countries. Many universities offer poorly advertised student travel support in the form of bursaries, grants or scholarships. This support is often available through a local Dean’s office, Faculty office, graduate student union or school of graduate studies.
Entrance Requirements:
The summer school is aimed toward students who have finished at least the third year of an undergraduate program, or are in the early years of a graduate program, and have a background in astronomy, physics or engineering.
Potential students will be asked to provide a short 500 word paragraph expressing their interest in the summer school, a current academic transcript (an unofficial transcript will suffice), an up-to-date CV, as well as a reference letter from one of their professors.
Instructors:
Every year, instructors include leading instrumentation and observational astronomers from the Dunlap Institute, U of T’s David A. Dunlap Department for Astronomy & Astrophysics as well as Canadian, US and International institutions. 
Opens in a third party websitDepartment of Astronomy & Astrophysics
Opens in a third party website (DADDAA), and from Canadian, U.S. and international institutions. A list of instructors will be provided closer to the date as they are confirmed.
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Or visit our FAQ page for a list of commonly asked questions.
 

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