USRA are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in the natural sciences and engineering. They are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies in these fields. If you would like to gain research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting, these awards can provide you with financial support through your host institution. NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous students to apply for this award.
Application Criteria for Undergraduate Student Research Awards
To be eligible, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada as of the deadline date for applications at the institution;
- be registered, as of the deadline date for applications at the institution, in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible institution;
- have obtained, over the previous years of study, a second class cumulative average (normally a B-; check with your institution).
In addition, you have to have:
- If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are studying toward a second bachelor's degree, you may still apply for this award.
- You may hold only one USRA per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
- You may hold a maximum of three USRAs throughout your undergraduate university career.
To hold this award you must:
- have completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study (or two academic terms) of your bachelor's degree;
- have been registered in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible institution;
- not have started a program of graduate studies in the natural sciences or engineering at any time;
- be engaged on a full-time basis in research and development activities in the natural sciences or engineering during the tenure of the award.
Eligible Nationalities
Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Terms and Conditions
You are not eligible to apply for a USRA if:
- you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree program in the health sciences (e.g., MD, DDS, BScN);
- you hold higher degrees in the natural sciences or engineering;
- you have graduated and are no longer registered in a bachelor’s degree program at an institution.
More details about this opportunity!
Deadline varies from institution to institution. Please contact with your institution about application period.