How to Apply

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from individuals who aspire to build nationally or internationally significant organizations one day, whether for profit or not-for-profit. The program is highly selective and designed primarily for outstanding individuals who:

• are currently enrolled in their final 2 years of undergraduate study or,
• will graduate in 2013 (winter/spring term)

The program is only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. We accept students from any university, enrolled in any discipline. No discipline or university will receive special favour from the selection committee and students will be judged on the basis of merit, aptitude and potential as demonstrated through their application, transcript and references. Finalists will be interviewed at the National Selection Weekend in Toronto (2013 dates TBD).

What marks do I need to get into the program?

Applicants must have a B average or better.

Who should I use as a reference?

A reference will be required once an applicant has been invited to National Selection Weekend.  Please provide a reference who can attest to your performance and character. This should be either an academic or a professional reference. They should be able to discuss your entrepreneurial initiative.

What is the deadline to apply?

2013 dates TBD - check back for detailed info in June/July

I am a co-op student.  Can I still participate in The Next 36?

Yes.  Candidates who are on co-op term during the remote period can be part of The Next 36 and complete their co-op at the same time.  During the summer Entrepreneurship Institute, candidates must be focused exclusively on The Next 36.  However, candidates from the first two cohorts of The Next 36 have been able to work directly with the co-op office at their home university to have their 9 month experience count for co-op credit.  This is at the discretion of your university, but The Next 36 is happy to provide additional information about the program to support you with this request.

I am an international student - can I still apply to the program?

The program is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Although, if you are an international student looking to apply for Permanent Residence after university, we will accept a notarized statement to this effect. If you intend to provide a notarized statement, please email Gillian Nation at gillian@thenext36.ca in advance of completeing the first stage of the application.

I am a Canadian student enrolled in an undergraduate program outside Canada. May I apply?

Yes. Canadian citizens who are enrolled at international institutions are welcome to apply as long as they are able to commit to attending the full summer program from early May to mid-August 2013

How do I create a stronger application?

1. Apply early.  Starting the application process early will allow you enough time to complete the full application.  It shows us you are enthusiastic about the program and gives you early consideration for an invitation to National Selection Weekend.

2. Broaden your definition of entrepreneurship.  Entrepreneurship can mean starting your own venture.  However, it can also mean founding a campus club or non-profit initiative, conceiving a new event or solving a big problem in a creative way. 

3. Do your research.  Find out about the program, its components, who is involved, and what is expected of you – The Next 36 is an intense experience and the more you know the better your answers will be.

4. Highlight any technical or programming skills you might have.  The Next 36 is designed for individuals from all academic backgrounds and programming is not a requirement to participate.  However, teams focus on ventures in the mobile space and being comfortable with this subject an asset.  No programming experience?  No problem.  There are a number of resources available online from Code Academy.com to iOS Apprentice and more. It’s a good idea to learn.

5. Talk to alumni or people at your university familiar with the program.  They are a great source of information and can help you through the application process.