Admissions Criteria
Please note that the application period for the 2022-23 Discover Year has now ended.
Our application period for the 2023-24 year will open in November 2023.
There’s a place for you at Discover Year
At Discover Year, we embrace diversity in all its forms and therefore seek to recruit participants of varied ages, perspectives, backgrounds and nationalities.
While we take an inclusive approach to admissions, we look for five key characteristics in all of our applicants:
Team Player
Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect toward others
Curiosity
Intrinsically motivated to learn new things and expand their skillset
Open-Minded
Open to new ideas and experiences and willing to try new things
Integrity
Demonstrates honesty and authenticity and upholds ethical standards
Positive Attitude
Expresses optimism, gratitude and determination to achieve their goals
Admission Criteria
We are looking for young adults who are motivated to uncover their greater purpose in life and explore how they can make the most of their unique potential.
Our basic criteria for admission are:
1) High school graduate (as of July 2024)
2) Between 17-21 years old (as of December 31, 2024)
3) Motivated to discover your true interests, values and talents and use them to create a meaningful life
Application Process
Interested in applying for Discover Year? Great! Here are the steps all applicants will need to take to apply:
1) Complete the Discover Year Application Form (found online here)
2) Submit a personal statement (800-1,000 words) explaining your motivation for enrolling in Discover Year
3) Submit two letters of reference (one academic and one personal)
4) If selected by our Admissions Committee, you will be invited to participate in a brief interview to get to know you better and understand your motivation for applying for Discover Year
Once you complete the steps above, our Admissions Committee will assess your full application. If you receive a Letter of Offer and you choose to accept your offer, you will be asked to submit a $1,100 deposit to reserve your spot in the program.
Application Deadlines
First Round Applications
- Application Deadline: February 11, 2024
- Interviews: February 2024
- Offers of Admission: beginning in March 2024
Second Round Applications*
- Application Deadline: June 2, 2024
- Interviews: Conducted on an ongoing basis as required
- Offers of Admission: Ongoing
*Please note that there are a limited number of spaces available in the program, and there is no guarantee that spaces will be available in the second round. Once an offer of admission has been received, a non-refundable deposit of $1,100 is required to hold your place in the program.
International Student Admissions
Are you living outside of Canada and interested in pursuing a Discover Year? Whether you want to move to Canada for the year or join us completely remotely, we have options for you!
Our admissions criteria and application process are identical for all students, including those living outside of Canada. Financial aid is prioritized for Canadian citizens, but internships are available to international students, on a case-by-case basis.
Program Fees
For a breakdown of Discover Year tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, please visit our Program Fees page.
Still have questions?
Do you have questions about whether Discover Year is right for you? Our Program Manager, Julia, would be happy to meet with you!