Undergraduate Research Explorer
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Research Fellowships / Studentships

What is it?

Research fellowships or studentships are a competitive opportunity that allow students to work on a research project while receiving financial support. Research fellowships or studentships can be offered by the University, provincial and federal granting agencies as well as industry and organizations. Generally, at the undergraduate-level, they are under the guidance of a supervisor established in the field. Topics for a research fellowship or studentship can be:

  • Determined by the student with the guidance of a supervisor established in the field.
  • Respond to a specific call for applications which identifies a theme or topic of study. A student would then outline their topic, and how it responds to the specific call for applications.
  • Contribute to the research of a faculty member who holds an active research grant.

Important Considerations

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria differs for each research fellowship / studentship and students may be required to submit an application.

Duration

The duration for these opportunities varies and is typically outlined in the call for applications for the research fellowship / studentship.

Recognition and / or Compensation

A stipend (a fixed amount of money) is typically connected to a research fellowship or studentship. The level of compensation varies and is dependent on the granting organization. Review the call for applications to learn more about the specific terms for the research fellowship / studentship of interest.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access

Inclusion in research experiences is achieved when an experience supports learning for all students. Learn about the University of Toronto’s commitment to an equitable learning environment and accessible learning environment as well as available resources and supports.

Tags: Co-curricular, Paid, Student-led Research

Benefits

  • Allows students to apply their research knowledge and skills to a project, enhancing their understanding of the research process and approaches.
  • In some instances, a research fellowship / studentship allows students to pursue research topics that align with their intellectual curiosities and goals. Students have the opportunity to help define their learning objectives, research questions and research methodologies.
  • Students work closely with a supervisor receiving guidance and support, exchanging ideas and working towards research project goals.
  • Research fellowships / studentships help students in their decision to pursue graduate studies as they become more familiarized with a research environment in which they are expected to lead a research project. This experience is one of many opportunities to strengthen student applications to graduate programs.

Ideal time to participate:

  • For undergraduate students, typically a research fellowship / studentship occurs during the spring and summer months. 
  • This depends on students’ capacity, academic program and personal and professional goals. Students may wish to discuss pursuing a research assistantship with their academic unit or registrar’s office.

How to locate / access opportunities: 

  • To learn more about research fellowships / studentships, refer to the Undergraduate Research Explorer. 
  • Academic units sometimes also post opportunities for research fellowships / studentships specific to their field of study.
  • Students should take some time to research the requirements for a research fellowship / studentship by connecting with their academic unit or registrar’s office.
  • Students will need to plan well in advance if they want to pursue a research fellowship / studentship in order to define their topic and research methodology, secure a supervisor and pull together and submit an application.

  • If a faculty member is approached by a student to supervise a research fellowship / studentship, review processes and requirements outlined by the call for applications and discuss the opportunity with your academic unit (e.g., any administrative process). In addition, consider the effort and consideration involved in supervising a research fellowship / studentship.
  • Faculty, staff and librarians should consider ways to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous perspectives throughout students’ research experiences.

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