OpenFieldYukon University
Yukon University, headquartered at the Ayamdigut/Dena Cho Ke'ndi Campus in Whitehorse, is Canada's only university north of 60, renowned for pioneering circumpolar studies, permafrost geotechnical engineering, indigenous self-governance, and climate change adaptation.
Academic overview & excellence
YukonU offers specialized certificate, diploma, bachelor's, and collaborative post-graduate pathways created in formal collaboration with all 14 Yukon First Nations. The campus hosts the Yukon Research Centre, featuring cold-climate innovation labs and permafrost testing facilities.
Research admissions & criteria
Admission requires high school graduation with Grade 12 English and appropriate quantitative electives (minimum 65-70% overall average). Applicants must show English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 with no band under 6.0, or Duolingo 105). Subsidized on-campus student housing is available overlooking the Yukon River valley.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
YukonU Northern Research Institute Excellence Bursary
Competitive scholarship for full-time scholars enrolled in northern science, climate adaptation, or First Nations governance degrees.
Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance
Unique four-year degree examining modern land claim implementation, self-government agreements, indigenous legal traditions, and circumpolar political structures.
Permafrost Geotechnical Engineering & Climate Adaptation Fellowship
Twelve-month postgraduate fellowship monitoring permafrost thaw infrastructure hazards along the Alaska Highway and northern transport corridors.
Kluane Lake Field Station Glaciology & Ecology Field Practicum
Three-month summer field practicum based at Kluane National Park measuring St. Elias glacier retreat, boreal forest phenology, and caribou herd migration.
Diploma in Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ENCS)
Two-year scientific diploma transferring directly into the University of Alberta BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, taught entirely in Whitehorse.
Master of Science in Circumpolar Studies (Joint Degree)
Multilateral postgraduate curriculum exploring circumpolar geopolitics, northern natural resource economies, and climate resilience across the Arctic Council member nations.
Certificate in Northern Mine Remediation & Water Quality Monitoring
Eight-month intensive practical course covering acid rock drainage prevention, cold-climate bioleaching treatment, and automated water sampling instrumentation.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Fabrice Calmels
Research Chair in Permafrost & Northern Infrastructure · Yukon Research Centre
Dr. Fabrice Calmels is Research Chair in Permafrost & Northern Infrastructure in the Yukon Research Centre at Yukon University, conducting advanced research in Permafrost Thaw Modeling, Geotechnical Hazard Mapping, Electrical Resistivity Tomography.
Dr. Brian Horton
Manager & Northern Climate Change Specialist · Northern Climate ExChange
Dr. Brian Horton is Manager & Northern Climate Change Specialist in the Northern Climate ExChange at Yukon University, conducting advanced research in Climate Adaptation Planning, Flood Risk Modeling, Community Vulnerability Assessment.
Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow
Senior Research Scientist & Professor of Wildlife Conservation · School of Science
Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow is Senior Research Scientist & Professor of Wildlife Conservation in the School of Science at Yukon University, conducting advanced research in Boreal Forest Ecosystems, Landscape Ecology, Caribou Conservation.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Yukon University.