Political Science Stream
    In-person Program

    Political Science Stream

    by McGill Summer Academy

    Political Science Stream explores global politics and citizenship through academic discussion and campus learning at McGill Summer Academy.

    Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Political Science Stream at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 10-11; Quebec Sec IV-V

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-17

    Location / Region

    McGill Downtown Campus, Montreal, Canada

    Cost

    $5,500 CAD

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PoliticsInternational RelationsSocial Sciences
    Language: English
    Accommodation: Double rooms; private bathrooms
    Meals: Breakfast and lunch daily
    Campus experience: Downtown Campus; Montreal activities
    Stream size: Approximately 50 students per session
    Academic credit: No college course credit
    Supervision: 24/7 adult supervision

    Political Science Stream summary

    Political Science Stream combines subject exploration with McGill Summer Academy's workshops, experiential learning, and university community.

    The application-listed focus is migration, global citizenship, and diasporic resistance. The earlier international-order course illustrates a discussion-based approach, but its syllabus should be treated as historical.

    It suits students who enjoy examining global questions from different perspectives and want an academic experience alongside campus and city life.

    What is Political Science Stream?

    Political Science Stream is an academic option within McGill University's Summer Academy. It combines subject-focused coursework with workshops, experiential learning, and opportunities to connect with current McGill students and faculty.

    The application instructions name Understanding Migration, Global Citizenship and Diasporic Resistance as the relevant academic path. The earlier Understanding International Order course examined international institutions, law, and global cooperation through discussion, case studies, and a simulation. That earlier syllabus illustrates the stream's academic approach rather than guaranteeing the content of a later cycle.

    Why Succeed highlights Political Science Stream

    • The named academic focus connects political study to migration, citizenship, and questions of belonging.

    • The earlier curriculum linked political ideas to real international institutions and competing perspectives.

    • McGill combines academic exploration with direct experience of its university community.

    • Residence arrangements and round-the-clock supervision provide concrete support for students away from home.

    • Eligible Canadian participants can receive substantial support through full MSA Awards.

    Who is Political Science Stream for?

    Best for

    Students curious about global politics, migration, and citizenship who want to explore academic interests within a university community.

    Not ideal if

    You need college credit or a commuter option, since Summer Academy provides neither.

    Is Political Science Stream worth it?

    This is a useful option for testing an interest in political study while experiencing university life. Its value lies in academic exploration, learning strategies, and conversations with peers and the McGill community.

    Families should weigh that experience against the residential fee and additional travel, insurance, and evening-meal expenses. The program does not award college credit, and the historical simulation should not be assumed to appear in a later syllabus. Choose it for the learning experience rather than an expected admissions advantage.

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    Cost and what is included

    $5,500 CAD; includes Housing, Courses and workshops on the Downtown Campus, All extracurricular activities, Breakfast and lunch daily, Transportation in Montreal, 24/7 adult supervision, T-shirt, tote bag, and lanyard, Confirmation deposit included in the program fee.

    Accommodation

    Double rooms; private bathrooms

    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch daily

    Provider details

    Review the McGill Summer Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; McGill Downtown Campus, Montreal, Canada.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Political Science Stream need?

    Effort level

    Moderate preparation, followed by an immersive residential experience.

    Best started

    Allow several weeks before your intended application round, then additional time after admission for travel and any visitor-visa processing.

    Main challenge

    Coordinating documents and travel while choosing the academic focus that fits your interests.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather readable transcripts and arrange English or French translations when needed.

    • Draft clear reflections about your academic interests and extracurricular activities.

    • Discuss residence life, evening-meal spending, and travel arrangements with your parent or guardian.

    • If applying for an MSA Award, identify an eligible school-staff referee who has known you for at least one year.

    Useful if

    You want to test political study and prepare for university learning.

    What do students do on Political Science Stream?

    You take academic classes and workshops, then join activities and experience campus life with other Summer Academy participants. The historical Political Science course also involved critical discussions, case studies, and a collaborative international organization simulation.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend morning classes from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including a break.

    2. 2

      Explore the academic questions associated with your selected stream.

    3. 3

      Join afternoon and evening events, Montreal activities, and free time.

    4. 4

      Connect with fellow participants and current McGill students during the residential experience.

    Political Science Stream dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    22 March 2026

    Reference date

    Session 1

    5-18 July 2026

    Arrival 12-6 p.m.; departure 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Montreal local time.

    Reference date

    Session 2

    19 July-1 August 2026

    Arrival 12-6 p.m.; departure 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Montreal local time.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Currently in Grades 10 or 11.

    • Quebec applicants: Sec IV or Sec V.

    • Outside Quebec: one or two high-school years remaining.

    • Signed parental or legal-guardian consent is required.

    • All participants must stay on campus.

    • Approved health insurance is required.

    • Classes and activities are conducted in English.

    How much does Political Science Stream cost?

    Program fee

    $5,500 CAD — 2026 residential program fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • MSA Award: Full scholarships — Eligible Canadian participants receive program, travel, meal, and activity support.

    What's included

    Housing, Courses and workshops on the Downtown Campus, All extracurricular activities, Breakfast and lunch daily, Transportation in Montreal, 24/7 adult supervision, T-shirt, tote bag, and lanyard, Confirmation deposit included in the program fee

    How to apply to Political Science Stream

    1. 1

      Choose your preferred academic stream and session dates, ranking alternatives in the application.

    2. 2

      Gather the requested current and previous-year transcripts in English or French.

    3. 3

      Have your parent or legal guardian complete and sign the consent form.

    4. 4

      Prepare responses about your academic interests and extracurricular activities.

    5. 5

      Upload separate, readable PDFs for each required checklist item and submit a complete application.

    6. 6

      For an MSA Award, nominate a school-staff referee who has known you for at least one year.

    7. 7

      View your admission decision in the applicant portal when notified by email.

    8. 8

      If admitted, confirm participation with the required non-refundable deposit.

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    What does Political Science Stream cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    International institutions and law

    The 2025 course examined international organizations, state sovereignty, international law, and the formation of international order.

    Human rights and cooperation

    The 2025 course explored human rights, conflict and cooperation, peacekeeping, and international development.

    Alternative global perspectives

    The 2025 course considered climate change and indigenous and non-state approaches to international order.

    International organization simulation

    A two-day simulation in the 2025 course developed collaboration, critical reading, presentation confidence, and applied critical thinking.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Political Science Stream?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic classes

    Classes run from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including a break.

    Events and free time

    Afternoons include events, activities around Montreal, and free time.

    City activities

    Evenings include Montreal activities and free time, with examples such as boat cruises and fireworks.

    Who teaches on Political Science Stream?

    The Summer Academy support team includes Enrolment Services staff and trained current McGill students serving as Team Leaders and Crew Members. Participants also have opportunities to connect with McGill faculty and students during the program.

    McGill admits approximately 50 students per stream in each session, depending on demand.

    Where do students stay on Political Science Stream?

    Residential plan

    • Campus residence: All participants stay in modern residences near the Downtown Campus and Plateau neighborhood.
    • Room facilities: Double-occupancy rooms have double beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
    • Meals and dietary needs: Breakfast and lunch are included; dietary needs are accommodated, and students fund evening meals.
    • Student welfare: Program staff provide 24/7 supervision and support for student well-being and security.

    Roommate requests are not considered; essential single-room requests are reviewed case by case.

    What happens after Political Science Stream?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Explore whether political study matches your academic interests.

    Strengthen learning strategies for the transition to university.

    Gain firsthand experience of McGill's student community.

    The 2025 course developed critical reading and applied critical thinking.

    The 2025 simulation supported presentation confidence and collaboration.

    Summer Academy does not provide college course credit.

    Where does Political Science Stream take place?

    Summer Academy takes place on McGill's Downtown Campus in Montreal, with an opportunity to explore the Macdonald Campus during the stay. City activities introduce neighborhoods such as the Old Port, Plateau, and Quartier des spectacles.

    International participants may need a visitor visa or eTA and must meet the program's health-insurance requirements.

    Political Science Stream FAQs

    The application instructions name Understanding Migration, Global Citizenship and Diasporic Resistance. The earlier Understanding International Order course covered global institutions, international law, human rights, and cooperation; that historical syllabus should not be treated as a guarantee for later cycles.

    McGill recommends a B average of 78-80%, but has no formal academic or language requirements beyond the eligible school stages. Classes and activities are in English, and applicants may be contacted to assess proficiency.

    No. All participants must stay on campus. Standard rooms are double occupancy with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.

    Breakfast and lunch are included daily. Students need funds for evening meals, and meal plans can accommodate declared allergies and dietary restrictions.

    The program manager, Team Leaders, and Crew Members are present 24/7. The team includes Enrolment Services staff and trained current McGill students.

    No. McGill Summer Academy is an academic summer camp and is not eligible for course credit.

    Full scholarships support eligible Canadian participants, including specified Indigenous communities, Black students, and those facing financial barriers. Residence, schooling, citizenship, and school-reference conditions apply; awards cover the program, travel from home in Canada, all meals, and activities.

    Participants must meet Canada's border-entry requirements and have approved health insurance. Those needing a visa should apply for a visitor visa, rather than a student visa; minors may also need guardianship documentation.

    Alternatives to Political Science Stream

    Compare these options if you want broader political study, a dedicated international-relations focus, or online learning.

    Alternatives to Political Science Stream

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Application Management
    • Proof of Vaccination | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Activities & Supervision | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • General Information | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • International Students | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Awards | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Cancellation Policy | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Frequently Asked Questions | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Housing & Food | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Fees | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Apply | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Academic and Language Recommendations | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University
    • Academic Content | McGill Summer Academy - McGill University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)

    • Official academic pages reviewed

    • Session dates checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Fee inclusions checked

    • Housing and supervision reviewed

    • Award eligibility reviewed

    • International travel guidance reviewed

    • Historical curriculum distinguished

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.