Admission
Admission

Your Research Journey
at Scholar Spark

We guide students from around the world through a transformative research experience. Our application process is selective, and our programs are rigorous, designed to empower the next generation of scholars and change-makers.

From Application to Achievement

Five structured steps that transform motivated students into accomplished young researchers.

1

Application

Submit your online application showcasing your academic interests and research potential(Review process: 3-4 weeks).

2

Interview

Engage in a conversation with our admissions committee about your passions and goals.

3

Admission & Onboarding

Accept your offer, access our learning portal, and match with your dedicated mentors.

4

Research Program

Complete a structured research journey tailored to your chosen project (FRLP or GCIP).

5

Your Achievements

Graduate with a comprehensive portfolio: paper, research log, poster, defense video, and mentor feedback.

Eligibility & Admissions Criteria

Scholar Spark is designed for highly motivated high school and college students​ worldwide who are interested in learning the fundamentals of research in their chosen fields.

Academic Standing

Current high school or college​ student (or equivalent) with a strong record of academic performance and the desire to engage in a serious research project.

Language Proficiency

High proficiency in English, sufficient for advanced academic reading, writing, and discussion.

Intellectual Curiosity

A demonstrated passion for a specific field of study and a genuine desire to explore complex questions in depth.

Commitment

The time and the dedication required to complete a major academic project.

Program Timing

Our programs are offered in two terms each year, allowing you to choose the schedule that best fits your academic calendar and commitments.

Spring Term

Applications for the Spring Term are now closed.

Summer Term

The Early Decision round is now closed, and we have entered the Regular Decision phase. Due to the high volume of applications, our review process is ongoing, and interviews are being scheduled for eligible candidates on a rolling basis.

Please note that the release of Early Decision results, initially slated for March 1, may be subject to a brief delay. We thank you for your patience. All applicants should monitor the email address linked to their application for further notifications.

Spring Term February - June

Important Date:

The final deadline for spring applications is

February 1, 2026

Results will be released no later than

February 10, 2026

Timeline:

FEB-MAR (2 WEEKS)
Phase 1: Core Foundation
  • On-demand video curriculum
  • 2-4 hours of assignments per week
MAR-APR (6 WEEKS)
Phase 2: Specialized Seminars
  • 4 weeks: Academic-focused group seminars
  • 2 weeks: Industry-applications workshops
  • 3-5 hours of reading/assignments per week
APR-MAY (5 WEEKS)
Phase 3: Guided Research
  • 5 One-on-One Live Academic Mentor Sessions
  • 8-12 research hours per week
  • 4-6 hours of reading/assignments per week
May-June (2 WEEKS)
Phase 4: Finalization
  • Final Research portfolio due
  • 2-4 hours of assignments per week
Summer Term May - August

Applications for the Summer term are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. We strongly encourage you to apply early, as space is limited and filled continuously.

Timeline:

MAY-JUNE (2 WEEKS)
Phase 1: Core Foundation
  • On-demand video curriculum
  • 2-4 hours of assignments per week
JUNE (4 WEEKS)
Phase 2: Specialized Seminars
  • 2 weeks: Academic-focused group seminars
  • 2 weeks: Industry-applications workshops
  • 4-6 hours of reading/assignments per week
JULY-AUGUST (5 WEEKS)
Phase 3: Guided Research
  • 5 One-on-One Live Academic Mentor Sessions
  • 8-12 research hours per week
  • 4-6 hours of reading/assignments per week
AUGUST (2 WEEKS)
Phase 4: Finalization
  • Final Research portfolio due (students may be permitted to extend their due dates into September)
  • 2-4 hours of assignments per week

Program Tuition

This ensures that every participant in the cohort is fully committed and prepared for an intensive research experience.

The tuition for the Scholar Spark program is $7,200. This program is highly selective. The tuition fee is payable only after an applicant has successfully passed the initial review and interview rounds, and has received an official Offer of Admission.

Application Checklist

This application requires you to answer general informational questions and write short essays for three prompts. We recommend preparing your essays separately before pasting them into the form. After submission, you will receive an email notification of our admission decision.

  • Personal Information (Name, Gender, Nationality, Date of Birth)
  • Contact Information (Email, Phone, Guardian Email)
  • Academic Background (School, Grade Level, Advanced Courses, Research Experience, Letters of Recommendation)
  • Program Interest (FRLP or GCIP, Top 3 Research Fields)
  • Test Scores (English Proficiency for International Students)
  • Short Answer Questions (3 questions, 150 words each)
  • Support Materials (Resume, Academic Transcript)

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about our application process, program structure, and what to expect as a Scholar Spark participant.

1

How does the application and interview process work?

After you submit your application, it will take approximately 3-4 weeks for us to complete our review. Applicants who pass our initial review will be invited to an interview.

The purpose of the interview is to assess applicants' spoken English and writing skills, their interest in their chosen subject area, and their level of applicable knowledge/skills.

Note: To prepare for the interview, we strongly recommend that you do some preliminary research on your chosen subject area and think about specific questions/topics you'd be interested in exploring.

2

When will I learn which professor I'll be working with?

If your application for submission is successful, Scholar Spark's academic team will match you to a specific professor based on both the subject-area interests you indicated on your application and on your stated order of preference.

The formal offer letter you receive will let you know the name of your professor as well as information about their research field.

3

Are Scholar Spark programs conducted entirely online?

Yes. Scholar Spark programs—including group and one-on-one sessions with professors and industry mentors as well as other academic activities—are conducted entirely online.

Begin Your Research Leadership Journey

Transform your ideas into impactful research. Join a global community of scholars driving change.

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