Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Graduate Summer School Program

No. Graduate Summer School participants must attend the full three weeks, arriving on Sunday, June 28, and departing on Saturday, July 18.

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can apply to attend the GSS at PCMI.

Yes. Graduate students who are studying at a university outside of the United States can apply to attend the GSS at PCMI.

Most GSS participants will be graduate students, but postdoctoral scholars who are less than one year after receipt of their PhD are eligible to apply to the GSS. Postdoctoral scholars who are more than one year after receipt of their PhD should apply to the Research Program at PCMI, not to the Graduate Summer School.

Standard lodging for the Graduate Summer School program is double occupancy with another participant from the GSS in a unit with kitchen facilities. PCMI lodging is reserved at the Westgate Park City Resort where PCMI takes place. 

PCMI provides informal continental breakfast and catered buffet lunch on weekdays and several casual suppers on weeknights TBD. GSS participants also receive a $200 contribution towards eating expenses.

No. The Graduate Summer School is in session only on weekdays. The GSS is not in session on Saturday-July 4, Sunday-July 5, Saturday-July 11, and Sunday-July 12.

Generally, since PCMI is an educational conference, does not offer credit for participating, and lasts less than 90 days, a visitor visa (B1/B2) is sufficient for your travel to the United States to attend. However, we are not in a position to give you definitive advice about your individual visa situation. You should consult with your advisor or the office of international travel/affairs at your university to get specific advice about your visa status as it relates to your attending PCMI.