Where the world comes to learn AI

July 2026

Applications opening soon

2026: The DLRL Summer School is Evolving.

Since 2005, the CIFAR Deep Learning + Reinforcement Learning (DLRL) Summer School has been Canada’s premier training ground for the next generation of AI leaders.

To meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape, we are reinventing the DLRL experience. The 2026 program will feature a new, high-impact format designed to bridge foundational theory with hands-on, applied learning. This year’s program is built to prepare Canada’s brightest minds for the most pressing challenges in AI.

Applications Open Soon. The new program details will be unveiled in February 2026, with applications opening shortly after. Participation is open to Master’s students, PhD candidates and Postdoctoral fellows enrolled at Canadian institutions.

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Contact [email protected]
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“The #DLRL Summer School is a place of learning at the highest scientific level in world-changing research areas but also an opportunity for networking, creating connections which can stay for life and fuel future collaborations.”

Yoshua Bengio

Canada CIFAR AI Chair, Mila | Co-Director, CIFAR Learning in Machines & Brains Program |
Scientific Director, IVADO | Scientific Director, Mila | Professor, Université de Montréal
Kimberly Nestor

“Attending DLRL 2023 was such an enriching summer school experience! I had a great time academically and it allowed me to expand my knowledge about the field. I made lifelong friends and connections, while learning about potential internships and postdoctoral opportunities.”

Kimberly Nestor

Kyunghyun Cho

“I attended DLRL early in my career. The lectures were amazing and provided an opportunity to have close interaction among the participants, and it was at that point that I decided I wanted to continue to do research full time in the area of deep learning.”

Kyunghyun Cho

Associate Professor, New York University; Fellow in the CIFAR
Learning in Machines & Brains program, CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2017-2019
D'jeff Kanda Nkashama

“What struck me the most was the commitment of the DLRL summer school organizers to foster inclusive AI. As a member of a minority visible group, I was fortunate to receive the CIFAR Inclusive AI scholarship that enabled me to participate fully in this enriching program. Throughout the summer school, I delved into various aspects of machine learning, spanning optimization, computer vision, natural language processing, as well as ethical AI and AI safety. The breadth and depth of knowledge covered were truly impressive.”

D'jeff Kanda Nkashama

Alona Fyshe

“[The #DLRL] is a wonderful opportunity to bring the AI leaders of tomorrow together for a fun and immersive learning experience. It’s also a great way to showcase the depth of AI knowledge and expertise that exists in Canada.”

Alona Fyshe

CIFAR Learning in Machines & Brains;
Canada CIFAR AI Chair, Amii, University of Alberta
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2016-2018
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