STARS Program

The Strategic Transition for Accomplished and Recognized Students (STARS) program allows local high school students in the Niagara Region enrolled in a less than full-time load of six Grade 12 U or M courses to register concurrently in up to one credit at Brock University, free of charge (tuition and ancillary fees waived; other course materials fees, including textbooks, as well as any costs for parking or transportation, are the responsibility of the student).

To be eligible for the STARS Program:

  • Students must be taking a less than full-time course load of six Grade 12 U or M courses, be on track to register in a sufficient number of Grade 12 U or M courses to complete the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and should be entering their graduating year of studies (e.g., Gr. 12, Gr. 12 B)
  • A minimum 90% average based on highest four Grade 11 and/or Grade 12 level credits completed, including pre-requisites (if applicable)
  • Be recommended by their school Guidance Counsellor, or for home-based learners, the main educator
  • Students must be local and studying the OSSD in the Niagara Region
  • Students must be able to participate in a mandatory interview and orientation session

Documents and information needed to complete this form include:

  • High school transcript showing grades 9, 10, 11, and any completed grade 12 courses
  • Letter of recommendation from school Guidance Counsellor (on the school’s letterhead) or main educator for home-based learners
  • Provide the course code(s) of the Brock course you are interested in taking

Deadline and Next Steps

The application for the 2026-2027 year will open May 27, 2026 and close on June 26, 2026. Once open, the Application Form can be completed below.

Course Selection

Applicants will be able to choose from a selection of curated undergraduate courses that have been recommended by each department within the below Course Bank. Course date, time and location information for courses will become available in June, where course registration will take place in July. It is a requirement that there is no conflict between Grade 12 courses being taken and any courses being taken through the STARS program. It is also a requirement for pre-requisite requirements for the course be fulfilled (if applicable). Students will be provided with support with course registration and navigating scheduling conflicts.

Student Testimonials

“As a high school student eager to get a better understanding of the University experience, the STARS program was a wonderful opportunity. As I completed a credit that will benefit me in my future studies, I also learned how a university course works, to better prepare me for my post-secondary education. It was a very worthwhile experience and I encourage anyone who is looking for a challenge and wants to take that next step in their learning to try it out!” – 2024-2025 STARS Participant

“I was given the opportunity to take GEOG 1F91 during my time in the STARS program while in my final year of high school. From this experience, I was able to learn how a university course works and how to complete university assignments. It also allowed me to acquire credit for the studies I chose to pursue in Biological Sciences at Brock. I would strongly recommend the STARS program to any high school student interested in gaining university experience ahead of time” – 2021-2022 STARS Participant

STARS Program Declaration Form (Fall/Winter)

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      The below courses are available for eligible STARS students for the 2026-27 year. Course descriptions can be found in the Academic Calendar – use the search function to look up the course code for more information. Prerequisite requirements at the secondary school level for a course must be completed prior to taking the Brock course, where prerequisite information can also be found in the Academic Calendar linked above.

      Faculty of Mathematics and Science 

      • MATH 1P01 – Calculus I
      • MATH 1P40 – Mathematics Integrated with Computer and Applications
      • BIOL 1P91 – Introduction to Biology I
      • BIOL 1P92 – Introduction to Biology II
      • ERSC 1P01 – Planet Earth – Solid Earth
      • ERSC 1P02 – Planet Earth – Surface Processes
      • ERSC 1P94 – Planetary Science
      • ERSC 1P95 – Exploring Earth Through Time
      • CHEM 1P91 – Chemical Principles and Properties I
      • CHEM 1P92 – Chemical Principles and Properties II

      Faculty of Humanities

      • IASC 1P03 – Makerspace Foundations
      • IADM 1P06 – History and Future of Storytelling
      • DART 1F90 – Foundations of Theatre and Performance*
      • DART 1F40 – Scenography and Stagecraft*
      • DART 1F50 – Acting for Theatre*
      • ENGL 1P91 – Decolonizing Literature
      • ENGL 1P94 – Reading Literature Today
      • ENGL 1P95 – Literary Tradition and Innovation I
      • ENGL 1P92 – Literature and Wellness
      • WRDS 1F90 – Writing, Rhetoric and Discourse Studies: An Introduction
      • SPAN 1F00 – Introductory Spanish Language
      • SPAN 1F90 – Intermediate Spanish Language
      • SPAN 1P95 – Conquest and Colonization
      • FREN 1F50 – French II
      • FREN 1F90 – French III
      • ITAL 1F00 – Introductory Italian
      • ITAL 1F90 – Intermediate Italian
      • ITAL 1P96 – Italian Culture and Civilization
      • GERM 1F00 – Introductory Language
      • GERM 1F90 – Intermediate Language
      • HIST 1P93 – Forged in Steel: Canada, Mexico, US – 1850 to Present
      • HIST 1P95 – Climate Change: A History
      • HIST 1P91 – Trendsetting: Global History and Fashion Since 1750
      • HIST 1P96 – Domination and Defiance: Modern Global History
        *Audition required

      Goodman School of Business

      • MGMT 1P93 – Principles of Business
      • ITIS 1P97 – Data Analysis and Business Modelling

      Faculty of Social Sciences 

      • LABR 1P95 – Introduction to the Canadian Labour Movement
      • LABR 1P96 – Labour Behind the Label
      • LABR 1P97 – The Future of Work
      • POLI 1P91 – Courts and Politics: Great Cases in Constitutional Law
      • POLI 1P96 – Political Theory Through Film and Literature
      • POLI 1P97 – Politics and Sports
      • POLI 1P98 – How Government Works
      • GEOG 1P01 – Globalization and World Systems
      • GEOG 1P02 – Geographies of Identity and Meaning
      • GEOG 1P10 – Our Environment: Climate, Weather, Ecosystems
      • GEOG 1P11 – Our Environment: Landscapes, Soils and Water
      • TOUR 1P91 – Introduction to Tourism
      • TOUR 1P92 – Tourism Industry Sectors
      • SOCI 1P90 – Introduction to Sociology I
      • SOCI 1P91 – Introduction to Sociology II
      • PSYC 1F90 – Foundations of Psychology
      • LING 1F25 – The Study of Language
      • LING 2P93 – Language and Power
      • LING 1P00 – American Sign Language I
      • LING 1P01 – American Sign Language II
      • LING 1P92 – Introduction to the Psychology of Language
      • LING 1P93 – Introduction to Communication Disorders
      • LING 1P94 – Introduction to General Linguistics I
      • LING 1P95 – Introduction to General Linguistics II

      Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

      • RECL 1P90 – Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • RECL 1P99 – Leadership in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
      • SPMA 1P92 – Understanding Sport Industry Sectors
      • SPMA 1P94 – Professional Engagement for the Sport Industry
      • HLSC 1F90 – Introduction to Health Sciences

      Faculty of Education

      • EDUC 1P90 – Public Pedagogy
      • EDUC 1P94 – Professional Engagement for the Sport Industry