Join us for VSP 2026! July 17 - August 17, 2026
Experience an unforgettable academic and cultural adventure in beautiful Vancouver this Summer. Applications are now open - don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting program!
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
Secure your spot today and make this summer one to remember!
The Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) is a four-week academic program offered by various Faculties at the University of British Columbia, Canada for students from participating universities. The program provides the opportunity to take two academic courses while learning about Canadian practices and culture.
Why VSP?
The Vancouver Summer Program is designed to provide an enriching academic and cultural experience. Participants will:
- Take Specialized Courses taught by world-class faculty at a leading Canadian university. Courses are exclusively designed for VSP.
- Engage in Cultural Activities that showcase Vancouver’s vibrant community and stunning natural surroundings.
- Build Global Connections with students from around the world through collaborative learning and social events.
- Explore Vancouver from scenic beaches and mountains to diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
This program is perfect for students looking to expand their Chemistry knowledge, experience Canadian culture, and create lasting memories.
Explore Chemistry Beyond the Classroom
As a VSP Chemistry student, you’ll dive into hands-on learning and exciting experiences that connect science with the world around you. Your activities may include:
- UBC Botanical Garden Tree Walk - Learn about plant biodiversity and its chemical interactions in nature.
- UBC Farm - Explore sustainable agriculture and the chemistry behind soil and food systems.
- TRIUMF Tour - Get an exclusive and behind the scenes look at Canada’s particle accelerator centre.
These activities are designed to complement your academic experience, deepen your understanding of chemistry in real-world contexts, and make your summer unforgettable!
Social Activities
As part of our social activities, VSP Chemistry students will enjoy a variety of fun and engaging experiences included in your program package:
- City Exploration Tour
- Canadians Baseball Game
- Sports Day
- Ice Cream Day
- Movie Nights
Please note activities are subject to change.
Course Package - The Chemistry that Shapes Our World
Organic Chemistry in Your Everyday
Have you ever wondered what gives autumn leaves their brilliant colours? Or how painkillers and antibiotics were discovered? What about the history behind the dyes that brighten your clothes, or the molecules and chemistry that make your food taste sweet?
In this course you will learn about the fascinating ways organic chemistry shapes your everyday life. From foods to pigments, and drugs to natural products, we explore the organic molecules around us through a combination of dynamic lectures, engaging group work, and hands-on activities.
The course has a laboratory component where you’ll learn by doing! Practice organic chemistry techniques while you synthesize new molecules that flavour common foods. The UBC Vancouver campus will be our playground as we venture outdoors to hunt for interesting bioactive molecules produced by Nature.
The Chemistry of Applied Materials
From the tiny components inside your computer to nanomaterials used in medicine, materials science plays a central role in our modern way of living. This introductory course will examine the chemistry behind the molecules that sustain our life on this planet and support innovation.
Students will learn how chemistry is being used to tackle global challenges such as clean water, pollution, human health, and food security. They will investigate the most widely used chemicals on Earth, study materials such as polymers, bioplastics, semiconductors, and nanomaterials, and explore sustainable energy.
This course includes hands-on projects where you create novel materials like bioplastics and nanoparticles, as well as field trips where you will experience cutting-edge chemistry research in Vancouver.
