Deadline:
February 01, 2026
Program Starts: August 15, 2026
Program Ends: June 15, 2027
Location(s)
Canada
Waterloo, ON
Overview
Perimeter Scholars International welcomes applications from exceptional, enthusiastic, interactive students who have obtained an undergraduate degree in physics and/or math with a minimum of three undergraduate or graduate courses in physics beyond Introductory Physics.
PSI is a master's program focused on theoretical physics, designed to bring exceptionally motivated and highly qualified graduate students to the foreground of cutting-edge physics while offering an intensive and interactive training environment. PSI is a condensed one-year program offered in collaboration with the University of Waterloo.
Details
Perimeter Scholars International is a one-year master's-level course in theoretical physics designed to bring highly qualified and exceptionally motivated graduate students to the cutting edge of the field in an intense, interactive training environment.
Taught by some of the world's most brilliant physicists, students at PSI are fully integrated into the unique international culture and dynamic research atmosphere of a leading centre, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, while earning a Master of Science from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
COURSEWORK
Two phases of coursework and a short research project make up PSI, advancing:
- Core topics – foundational graduate-level subjects including classical physics, quantum theory, general relativity, quantum field theory, statistical physics, mathematical physics, and numerical methods.
- Elective courses – modern topics from fields such as cosmology, particle physics, gravitational physics, string theory, quantum information, quantum matter, and cutting-edge research topics from various specialized fields.
Students advance their research skills through:
- Winter school – a week-long, hands-on group research project in collaboration with selected researchers.
- Essay – a research project supervised by a faculty member, producing an essay that is publicly presented and defended at the end of the PSI program.
WHY PSI?
PSI is a different kind of physics master's training program aimed at ambitious and driven young minds who want to be at the cutting edge of science and discovery.
PSI could be the perfect fit for you if:
- You know you want to pursue theoretical physics, but have not yet committed to a sub-field such as cosmology, particle physics, or quantum information. The PSI program will expose you to the full breadth of theoretical physics in courses allowing you to discover your area of interest.
- You want to continue your studies with a PhD, working under the guidance of a Perimeter Faculty member.
- You value collaboration over competition, and are interested in conducting research-driven coursework alongside some of the world's leading theoretical physicists.
- You want to immerse yourself in theoretical physics, push your limits, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime physics "boot camp" among like-minded peers from around the globe.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
- Students will be selected on the basis of their potential as researchers in theoretical physics and on academic achievement. PSI intends to recruit a diverse group of students, both in background and nationality, and without regard for financial means.
- We especially encourage applications from women and other groups traditionally under-represented in physics.
- Students being considered for admission into Perimeter Scholars International will be contacted for a short oral interview.
- Each year approximately 30 students from countries around the world will be admitted into the unique PSI program. Admission is highly competitive; those students accepted will be in a fully-funded program that also provides for accommodation and meals.
WHAT COURSES SHOULD I HAVE FOR PSI?
Students should have taken the following courses:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Statistical Physics
Through these courses students should have a good understanding of Special Relativity.
Dates
Deadline: February 01, 2026
Program starts:
August 15, 2026
Program ends:
June 15, 2027
Program Starts: August 15, 2026
Program Ends: June 15, 2027
Cost/funding for participants
Full scholarships are available to cover:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Necessary IT equipment and learning materials
- Travel supplement
The above provisions have no cash value and are provided as-is.
Consideration for a full scholarship is part of the admissions process.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
