Freedom Week
Engage With The Ideas of Freedom
A five-day intellectual experience like no other
Freedom Week is an in-person event designed exclusively to give students the opportunity to explore the social, political, and economic foundations of a free society, and key elements of the classical liberal tradition in a non-partisan environment.
The event lasts for five days at a university campus. Students hear from leading scholars and experts. Meals and accommodations are provided by the ILS.
Applications to Freedom Week are closed. We expect to open applications for next year in early 2027.
Use the form below to get updates on next year's Freedom Week and other ILS events.
Sign Up For Freedom Week Updates
The Freedom Week itinerary includes
Lectures
Discussion Groups
Informal social opportunities
Freedom Week is for
Students and recent graduates from all political viewpoints
Those new to classical liberal ideas as well as those with previous experience
Students who are interested in talking about ideas
Students can expect
A five day, in-person intellectual experience
Lectures from leading scholars and experts
Meals and accomodations provided by the ILS
Freedom Week 2026 faculty includes
Glenn Fox
University of Guelph
Gigi Foster
University of New South Wales
J.P. Messina
Perdue University
Eric Mack
Tulane University
Jacob Levy
McGill University
Watch a summary
See what other students say
Freedom Week FAQ
What is a typical day at Freedom Week like?
A typical day might include four lectures and a discussion groups to allow participants a chance to share their perspectives on the lectures and bring up questions that haven’t been addressed. Lunch is followed by a short afternoon break during which you can explore the surroundings, read, or just relax. Students reconvene after the break for another lecture, which is followed by dinner and an evening lecture. Finally, an evening social gives everyone a chance to unwind and chat about big ideas with other students and seminar faculty.
What kind of students are you looking for?
You should be a current post-secondary student (undergraduate or graduate) or have graduated within the last two years. We look for participants with a diversity of backgrounds, academic qualifications, and political ideologies. You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the seminar.
I already graduated. Can I still apply?
If you have graduated within the last two years, we are happy to consider your application.
I am a mature and/or part-time student. Can I still apply?
We are happy to consider your application, but may give preference to traditional students.
I am not Canadian and/or am not studying in Canada. Can I still apply?
Yes! International students studying in Canada or students from from other parts of the world bring valuable experiences and perspectives to Freedom Week.
Note:
If you are a student outside of Canada accepted to Freedom Week and require a visa to visit Canada, we can provide a letter confirming your acceptance to the seminar to include in your visa application—but we can not provide any advice on any immigration question.My degree has nothing to do with politics, philosophy, or economics. Can I still apply?
Yes! While the most common majors among Freedom Week applicants are Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy we like to include people from other backgrounds too. Having people with different knowledge, experiences, and perspectives adds to the seminar.
I don’t know anything about classical liberal ideas. Would I enjoy Freedom Week?
Yes! Many participants come to Freedom Week with little prior knowledge of the subjects we’ll be discussing. You don’t need to be well-versed in classical liberal ideas, but you should have a passion for talking about ideas.
I already know a lot about classical liberal ideas. Would I enjoy Freedom Week?
Yes! We can almost guarantee you’ll still learn from the lectures, and your contributions will be valuable during the breakout group discussions.
I am not a classical liberal and/or I don't identify with classical liberalism. Can I still apply?
Yes! We select participants with a broad range of backgrounds. We’re looking for people with a variety of beliefs and perspectives to help enrich the conversation.
I want to apply, but I can't attend the whole week. Is that okay?
Thank you for your interest, but applicants to Freedom Week must be able to attend the entire week.
I can attend the whole week, but not some sessions. Is that okay?
We expect students to attend all items on the Freedom Week schedule.
I want to apply, but I’m not sure of my schedule for the summer yet. What should I do?
We encourage you to still apply. If you are accepted, but will no longer be able to attend due to schedule changes or other unexpected events. That’s fine—but, we do ask that you notify us immediately if anything happens that will prevent you from attending.
Is there a cost to attend Freedom Week?
No. There is no registration fee and participants will be provided with accommodations and most meals. Participants are, however, responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from Freedom Week.
Is there funding to assist with travel to and from Freedom Week?
The ILS does not provide travel assistance to and from Freedom Week.
You may want to ask about travel support from your university.
