Quantum School for Young Students

Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) participants

Discover how mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering and more combine into one of the most exciting topics in modern science – quantum information – at the Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS).

The Quantum School for Young Students (formerly the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students) is a unique enrichment program for high-school students hosted by the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo.

QSYS offers a blend of expert lectures, group discussions, problem-solving, mentoring and networking with world-leading quantum researchers.

Join hundreds of like-minded students to explore the quantum future! At QSYS, you will:

  • Learn how the world works at the quantum level
  • Understand phenomena like quantum superposition and entanglement
  • Discover how quantum technology will transform computing and cryptography
  • Connect with a network of motivated students

→ Hear QSYS alumni share their experience

→ Read recap stories from QSYS 2025 and 2024

QSYS 2026 will take place online from August 4 to 13, 2026, with an optional in-person lab day for students from the Waterloo region on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Topics covered

QSYS will provide you with the necessary mathematical background to tackle some of the largest topics in modern physics. You bring your scientific curiosity and love of learning, and we'll show you how to use mathematical tools to explore. 

Interested in getting a head start? Download the free QSYS quantum primer and begin building your linear algebra and arithmetic skills, as well as your understanding of quantum mechanics.

During the program, you will learn about:

  • complex numbers
  • entanglement
  • experimental physics
  • linear algebra
  • quantum computing and algorithms
  • quantum cryptography
  • quantum mechanics
  • quantum optics

QSYS by the numbers

2026 19th year of QSYS (QCSYS)
1000+ The number of students who have attended QSYS

What's QSYS like? - Hear from alumni 

I think the best thing is the amount of exposure you get to both the theoretical and experimental sides of quantum physics. You really get to work with the mathematics and explore all the technology that's hopefully going to become more commonplace soon. Jaedon Thileepan
My favourite part of QCSYS was attending the ask-a-researcher sessions where we got to learn about what is currently being researched in the field of quantum technology and interact with the people behind it that are revolutionizing our future. Mia Isakovic
I think my favorite part about QCSYS was the problem sets. I got to do math that I wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to do and the lectures were absolutely wonderful, so informational and so much fun. Madi Schuetze
We got the chance to ask researchers about their work to better familiarize ourselves with it, which really brought these topics to life and made me even more interested and inspired by their passion. Mia Isakovic
My favorite part was observing different types of polarizers and lasers. I enjoyed working with other talented individuals from around the world plus being able to understand what quantum cryptography is and how it can be applied in real life situations. Karissa Sonoo
I've been interested in quantum computing and quantum technologies for awhile but I haven't found this resource as good as QCSYS to really teach me all the concepts. The lecturers, organizers, and all the students were all really helpful in my journey. Angeline Lafleur
I was amazed by the awesome community. They were so engaged, smart, funny, and everything in between. I would definitely recommend this program if you want a fun challenge. Adriana Ceric
It was fascinating to explore topics such as quantum key distribution and the quantum eraser, and I was able to ask my questions to lead researchers and experts in the field. This is also an epic way to meet new friends with similar interests. Elena Yang
You will be exposed to a lot of topics that you didn't even know existed.QCSYS gives you enough knowledge on each topic that you can self study in the future. Eric Wang
A male student and two female students exploring quantum mechanics using tweasers, a microchip and petri dish
Students get hands-on experience with a quantum cryptography demo during QCSYS 2011
Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) participants
A group photo of past QSYS students on the IQC floating staircase
A QSYS class working in partners at desks, with an instructor pointing at the screen at the front of the room
A QSYS presenter explaining "Bit Flip Error Correction" with the use of a slide
A QSYS student lining up a laser device for an experiment
Quantum School for Young Students (QSYS) participants in a lab demo
Three female QSYS participants building a tabletop experimental device
Fiona Thompson demonstrating an outreach lab activity to a group of high school students
Amit Anand giving an outreach lecture to high school students
Fiona Thompson leading an experiment for QSYS students
Students posing with hockey sticks
Students at a bowling alley
Quantum School for Young Students
Fiona Thompson demonstrating an outreach lab activity to a group of high school students
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Fiona Thompson demonstrating an outreach lab activity to a group of high school students
Amit Anand giving an outreach lecture to high school students
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Amit Anand giving an outreach lecture to high school students
View "QCSYS alumnus Dinah Shi shares her favourite part about the program" on YouTube
View "The sense of community at the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students" on YouTube

→ Read more about Dinah and Turner's QCSYS experience

QSYS recap stories