ChemX is an opportunity for high school students interested in learning more about chemistry at the university level. Attendees will stay together on campus for a week engaging with faculty members and students currently studying in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo.
What will you do?
Attendees will spend a four-day week on campus and in the labs exploring what it’s like to be a Chemistry student at Waterloo. Stay on campus with your peers and take a deep dive into this foundational science. If you’re curious about chemistry, this camp will give you a taste of the many disciplines within this exciting field.
Experiment
It's all about the labs! You'll get plenty of time in our teaching labs, getting hands-on experience and developing your skills at the lab bench.
Expand
Did you know that chemistry is a foundational science because it's used in many different areas? You'll see first-hand how chemistry comes up in a variety of disciplines.
Examine
We will look at current and future research at Waterloo and follow the connections between seemingly different areas and ideas.
Experience
Gather and test samples, practice chem lab techniques, explore the pharmaceutical teaching lab, and work with the lab technology our students and industry professionals use daily.
Who can attend?
High school students entering Grades 11 or 12 in September 2026 can apply. We will be accepting 28 students for this experience.
When does it take place?
Students will check in on campus early evening on Monday, August 3, 2026. The camp concludes on the morning of Saturday, August 8, 2026, after breakfast. Participants are expected to attend each day of camp, and all participants stay at United College residences overnight.
Program costs
The cost for the program in 2026 is $700 plus HST.
This includes four full days of programming and residence fees for five nights. Attendees stay in the United College residences with a full meal plan from Tuesday morning through Saturday morning. Evening programming and a residence chaperone are also included in the fee.
Students who attend this camp and subsequently accept an offer of admission from a program in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo will receive a guaranteed $1000 scholarship as part of the Faculty of Science Contest Award. Admitted students will be provided with details on how to claim this award when they receive an offer of admission.
If you require a bursary to attend ChemX, please check the box in the application form and we will send further information should you be a successful applicant.
Application
The application form will open in January 2026. Indicate your interest here to receive a reminder email.
Questions?
Questions about the camp or the application process can be directed to Heather Neufeld.