NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) - Summer Program

USRAs 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 univernsity. NSERC encourages qualified Indigenous students to apply for this award.

A USRA is held full-time for 16 weeks and NSERC provides a stipend of $6,000 per award. This must be supplemented by the Western USRA supervisor in the amount of $3,268 for a total award of $9,268. 

The selection process is done by the institution based on the following three criteria:

  • Academic record
  • Research aptitude
  • Expected quality of the training to be received

Eligibility

Please visit the NSERC USRA overview page for details on student eligibility.

Deadlines

To apply, students must submit their completed application along with a Stipend Supplement Form (signed by their supervisor) to the Department Level Office (Psychology: Kim Baxter, Geography: Anna Ivanisevic) by February 7th.

Find full application details on the Research Western website.