More frequently asked questions.
What's the time commitment?
The duration of weekly sessions are 2-3 hours. The day and time will depend on the cohort you select upon being accepted. Usually, these sessions are on the weekend or weekday evenings.
Outside of sessions, students work on a variety of projects. There are no set time requirements, however students who grow the most during TKS typically allocate 5-10 hours weekly to their projects.
There's no homework in TKS. We've designed the program to reflect the real world and built our own learning platform for students to dive into emerging technologies/sciences, connect with mentors, and work on projects at their own pace.
We also host optional events, such as guest speakers and workshops on topics ranging from mental health, time management, and machine learning. These are typically 1 hour.
Overall, we've designed the program for the students. You can grow at your own pace, but at minimum attend the weekly sessions.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes.
We understand that situations can change. If you join TKS and during the year would like to withdraw your enrolment, you will be eligible to receive a partial refund.
Refund Policy
Deposits
The purpose of the deposit is to secure a spot in the program, since there is limited space in TKS. By confirming your enrolment, you will be taking away the opportunity from another prospective participant. Therefore, deposits are non-refundable.
Do I need technical knowledge to join?
No, you don't need previous technical knowledge or coding skills to join. However, having this knowledge can be helpful.
During the program, you will learn the knowledge and skills you need to develop projects in your interest areas. We provide guidance and coaching along the way so you feel supported and motivated, especially when working on complex subjects.
We provide playbooks, mentorship, and resources to help you learn what you need to accomplish your goals.
Is there financial aid available?
Yes, we believe that financial barriers should not impact a student's ability to access quality education.
If you're accepted, you will receive instructions on how to apply for financial aid. We've provided hundreds of students around the world with financial aid, which have helped them attend the program.
Our financial aid fund is supported by sponsorships from partners like Walmart, Masason Foundation, IKEA, Microsoft, RBC, Shell, and others. As an organization, TKS also contributes a large portion to our financial aid fund.
These funds are only provided to families that need financial support. These funds do not need to be repaid.
Note: Distributions are limited to the fund size. The sooner you apply, the higher chances you have to receive support.
Can TKS help me get into university?
Our alumni attend universities including:
... and many more.
Our priority is to prepare students for the real world. During the program, students work on unique projects and develop a personal portfolio that they use when applying to university.
We also host workshops with alumni who share their experiences and tips for applying to universities.
While we support our students with their post-secondary journeys, the program is designed for their personal growth and development in real-world skills, foundational mindsets, networks, and knowledge of emerging technologies to solve real-world problems.
How much does TKS cost?
You can find the tuition fees for the virtual program and in-person program on the program pages. Go to the menu (top right) and select your city or the virtual program.
What payment methods are available?
Payment can be made in two ways:
1. Single Payment: Students can receive a $500 discount by paying for their full tuition up front.
2. Monthly Payments: Tuition can be paid in 10 monthly instalments plus deposit.
We accept payment via credit card, debit card, and pre authorized bank transfers. If this will be an issue, please contact us for alternative methods.
What does the application process look like?
The application consists of two parts. First, you do the written application. Then, based on your application, you'll be invited to an interview. Interviews are over video chat. If you pass the interview, we will extend an invitation for you to join the program.
What are we looking for in the written application?
The first step is to submit your written application to join TKS.
Here is a guide that will help you answer the questions.
What to expect:
The guide above provides details on how we evaluate each question.
Note: We do not ask for your grades or academic performance. We believe that success in the real-world depends on traits that are beyond what traditional education systems evaluate.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for TKS?
This program is designed for high school students between the ages of 13-17 years old.
In addition to the age requirement, you must also:
You do not need previous knowledge about emerging technology and coding, however having this knowledge can be helpful during the program.
Note: At the time of applying, you can be 12 years old.
Do we look at students’ grades as part of our assessment?
No. We believe that grades aren’t a wholistic representation of your potential. Our application questions and interview help us evaluate your curiosity, desire to make impact, and drive. We're not looking for what you have done in the past, but rather what we can help you accomplish in the future.
Which cities have in-person TKS programs? If it’s not in my city can I still participate?
We have in-person programs in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Austin, Seattle, and Calgary. Don’t see your city listed here? No worries. You can apply for our Global Virtual program, which is online. We also host meetups in cities that have TKS alumni so you can have an in-person connection.
What happens in sessions?
Here's a video of a TKS student explaining what happens during TKS sessions:
How long does the program run for?
The program runs from September-June. During that time, students attend weekly sessions and participate in events including guest speakers, workshops, and more.
What topics can I study at TKS?
TKS has 40+ internal learning modules where students can learn about a variety of emerging sciences and technologies - called Explore Modules.
Each student can “explore” these learning modules. They include a few hours of hand-picked learning articles and videos.
After some exploration, students choose a focus area. We provide them with guidance on how to complete a “Focus”, along with specialized Focus Mentors.
Within each Focus, students develop depth of knowledge in the topic through our project-based learning approach. This includes creating articles and videos around technical research, building algorithms/computer projects yourself, or interviewing researchers in the field. By joining TKS, students have access to our learning frameworks, guidelines and approaches.
Some examples of topics we offer:
- Alternative Energy
- Material Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Brain-computer Interfaces
- Nanotechnology
- Cellular Agriculture
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies
- Space Exploration
- Cancer treatments
- Metaverse
- Metabolomics
… and the list goes on.
Students can Focus on whatever interests them - we prioritize curiosity. If the topic they’re passionate about isn’t available, they’re still able to complete a Focus in it.
What have alumni worked on after completing TKS?
Our alumni are redefining what young people can accomplish. Some examples include:
Have more questions?
Contact Us
PR & Media
Partnerships
Upcoming Cities