NSERC USRAs provides financial support in obtaining research work experience to help develop and inspire students’ potential for graduate studies and a research career in natural sciences and engineering.
Further details on the application process:
- Students should apply through their supervisor’s department.
- Internal application deadline at U of T Research Services will be in mid-March. A firm date will be announced in January.
- Each academic unit sets their own deadlines, and check the website of your academic unit to learn more.
- 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 career (regardless of the granting agency).
Tags: Co-curricular Paid
Offered: The duration is 16 full consecutive weeks during the Summer Term between May 1 to September 1.
By: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canadian Government
Student Eligibility Requirements:
The NSERC USRAs are available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- Registered full-time or part-time (at the time of application) in a bachelor’s degree program in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award.
- Obtained a cumulative average of at least a B or B-.
- At the time of application, have completed a minimum of two academic terms/semesters. First-year students are not eligible.
- Graduating students may apply if they have not graduated by the application deadline or started graduate school during the award tenure period. U of T students can hold a USRA in the summer immediately following their final spring term.
- Must work on a full-time basis on research and development activities during the award tenure.
Availability: 2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th Year
Research Type(s): Research Fellowships / Studentships
Location: Dependent on the nature of the research project that the student is undertaking.
Hours Involved: Students are expected to maintain full-time hours throughout the duration of their NSERC USRA.
Application Required: Application Process: each institution across Canada is allocated a specific number of NSERC USRAs. For the NSERC USRAs, students will need to apply through their academic unit before advancing to the university-wide competition. Applications successful at the university-wide competition will then be advanced by the University of Toronto to the granting agency. Applications directly to the granting agency will not be accepted.
Contact: Contact your academic unit's office for further details about the NSERC USRAs, including how to apply and the application process.