USEQIP frequently asked questions

Whether you're curious about application details, program structure, or research opportunities, we’ve got you covered. 

Here, you'll find answers to common questions about the Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP).

If you have further questions, please email iqc-useq@uwaterloo.ca.

What do all these acronyms stand for?

When and where does the next USEQIP take place?

  • See the main USEQIP page for up-to-date details on USEQIP dates. The two-week program traditionally takes place in late May and early June each year at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Is USEQIP in-person or is remote attendance possible?

  • USEQIP is only available to attendees able to be present in-person.

When are applications due?

  • See the main USEQIP page for accurate deadlines. Applications are due in the first week of January, and referees will have up to a week after the applicant deadline to submit their reference material. Late applications will not be considered.

I learned about USEQIP after the deadline. Can I still apply?

  • Unfortunately no. We need the applications in by the specified date because of our selection process.

When will I hear if I have been accepted or not?

  • We will email the results by January 31. We will contact all applicants to let them know if their application was successful or not.

Are there any prerequisite courses for USEQIP?

  • No, there are no prerequisites required to attend USEQIP. However, you may find it helpful if you’ve taken previous courses in linear algebra and quantum mechanics.

Can I log in and change information on my application?

  • No. Once your application is submitted you cannot change it. Be sure to review your application before you submit.

What is required for the application?

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial transcript
  • One reference

Who should I address my cover letter to?

  • Address your cover letter to the USEQIP Committee.

I am applying to USEQIP and for a summer research position (URA); do I submit two separate applications and/or cover letters?

  • No, to apply for USEQIP and a URA only use the USEQIP application and submit one cover letter that addresses your interest in USEQIP and obtaining a URA.

Can I apply for USEQIP without a URA?

  • Students applying from Canadian universities may apply to USEQIP without applying for a summer research URA. International students will only be considered for USEQIP if they are also applying for a summer research URA.

If I am accepted, can I accept a USEQIP position while declining the URA?

  • If you cannot accept the URA position but would like to attend USEQIP, you will be placed on a waitlist. If space remains available after all URAs have been assigned, you may be offered a space in the USEQIP summer school by the end of February.

It is going to take a while for my school to get me my transcript. What should I do?

  • You are only required to submit your unofficial transcript, which you should have access to. Be sure to upload your most recent unofficial transcript, you will not be able to change it after you submit your application.

My unofficial transcript does not have my grades from last term. Is that a problem?

  • We understand that some institutes take longer to submit grades. We will accept unofficial transcripts that are missing grades from the last term. Once you have submitted your application you cannot upload a different transcript, so be sure that you are attaching the most complete transcript you have access to.

When will you contact my references?

  • Your references are automatically contacted once you have submitted your application. You cannot change your references once you have submitted your application, so choose your references wisely.

Can international students attend USEQIP?

  • Yes. USEQIP is open to international students.

Are travel bursaries available to USEQIP participants?

  • Yes, you can indicate on your USEQIP application if you would like to apply for a travel bursary. Travel bursaries are for participants to travel from their home institute to Waterloo. Bursaries are awarded up to a maximum of $1,500 CAD.

I am in graduate school. Can I still apply to USEQIP?

  • Unfortunately no. USEQIP is aimed at undergraduate students. If you are a student in an integrated undergraduate and master’s degree program you are eligible to apply. Students who will finish their undergraduate studies immediately before USEQIP (e.g., their last term is in April) are eligible to apply as long as they have not yet started in a graduate program.

Who can I reach out to if I have more questions?