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:

• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, as of the application deadline (February 21, 2025 at 4pm)
• be currently registered in an undergraduate program
• hold an overall CGPA of at least “B-”, 70%

The following are not eligible to hold a USRA:

• Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate professional degree program in the health sciences (e.g., MD, DDS, BScN)
• Students who have already held three USRA’s
• Students who have started graduate studies or have previously been registered in a graduate program in the same field of study**
• Students who have completed all of their degree requirements by the deadline date

**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:

• Have completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study 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 – whether full- or part-time

Supervisor Eligibility

• Any faculty member authorized by the institution to independently supervise students in the natural sciences or engineering fields
• Supervisors must meet the minimum contribution of $3,692.20 for 14 weeks, or $5,076.80 for 16 weeks using their own Tri-Council or other research or faculty-approved funds for each USRA student.

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

• Students apply through the Faculty where they request to hold their award (the supervisor’s Faculty, not necessarily the student’s)
• The internal deadline for the Faculty of Science is: February 21, 2025 at 4pm
• Students from other universities may also apply, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria

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

• Create an NSERC online portfolio
• Create a Form 202 from the drop down menu, and follow the instructions
• Students complete Form 202 Part I, and forward the reference number provided by the system to their potential supervisor(s) – this is required to link Parts I and II
• Students upload a PDF of all official or unofficial transcript(s), including one copy of each legend (located on the reverse side)
• Supervisors complete Form 202 Part II

2. Neuroscience applicants – additional information

• Applicants interested in pursuing an NSERC USRA within the Department of Neuroscience are asked to complete an additional application form, located here

3. Physics applicants – additional information

• Applicants interested in pursuing an NSERC USRA within the Department of Physics are asked to complete a prescreen procedure by January 17, 2025, before 5:00p.m. More information on this can be found here

INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH SUPERVISORS

• Complete Form 202 – Part II in the NSERC portal*

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

• Provide the fund number and the amount of your contribution (minimum contribution is $3,692.20 for 14 weeks, or $5,076.80 for 16 weeks)

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.