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Undergraduate Research Awards Program

Deadline for applications: February 21, 2025 at 4pm

Overview

Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) allow undergraduates the opportunity to gain research work experience in the natural sciences and engineering fields. Over 14 to 16 weeks, USRA award recipients are expected to conduct full-time research work with a supervisor.  Awards typically begin on May 1, but may begin later, and the work should be concluded by August 31.

The minimum amount of the award is $8,428.00 for 14 weeks, or $9,632.00 for 16 weeks.

More information can be found at the NSERC USRA site as well as the Carleton Office of Research and International Services web site.

Student Eligibility

PLEASE NOTE: Students may hold only one USRA per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)

In addition, applicants must:

The following are not eligible to hold a USRA:

**If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are studying towards a second bachelor’s degree, you may still apply to this program

To hold an award, you must:

Supervisor Eligibility

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and SGBA

In accordance with the Tri-Agency EDI Action Plan, NSERC is acting on the evidence that equity, diversity and inclusion strengthen the scientific and engineering communities and the quality, social relevance and impact of research. Increasing diversity and gender equity in the research enterprise are NSERC priorities. NSERC is in the process of integrating sex, gender and diversity considerations into its evaluation criteria. Our community will be informed of changes and effective dates in advance of application deadlines. Applicants should refer to pages 5 to 7 in the Guide for Applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application for more information

How to Apply

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS:

NOTE: A separate submission of printed documents (transcripts, cover page, printouts of Form 202 Part 1 and Part II) are no longer necessary.  All documents should be submitted online.

1. Application Form: NSERC form 202, Part I

2. Neuroscience applicants – additional information

3. Physics applicants – additional information

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH SUPERVISORS

*The proposed research project must fall within NSERC’s subject matter eligibility

Deadline for applications

Completed online applications to be submitted by: February 21, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. EDT

Please note that applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Award Decisions

Each Faculty will inform applicants of its award decisions after it has completed its selection process.