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Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
USRAs provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in a paid research project, supervised by a university professor. Open to students across all faculties and disciplines, the USRA program provides students with the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a research setting. Participating in the USRA program equips students with research skills in their field of interest, preparing them for a future in graduate studies and with practical skills that make them a competitive candidate in the job market. USRAs are a paid opportunity, allowing students to gain research experience while earning income.
Past USRA holders have gained invaluable research experience, preparing them to successfully complete graduate studies, often with competitive scholarships and grants. Students have also applied their research, analytical and project management skills in the workforce.
Are you an undergraduate student interested in conducting research? Discover which USRA opportunity is best for you
There are various USRAs available with funding coming from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), SFU's Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) with additional awards funded through donors and/or departments.
I am an undergraduate student wanting to research in the social sciences and humanities
Research in this area includes fields typically found in the faculty of arts and social sciences, communications, education, and social based research in faculties such as environment and health sciences.
VPRI Social Sciences and Humanities USRA
- These awards are meant for students seeking to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member in the field of social sciences and humanities. VPRI Social Science and Humanities USRAs can be held on a part time or full-time basis.
- Awards open in March and are allocated to eligible applicants on a first come first serve basis. Subject to availability, students are welcome to apply to these awards throughout the academic year.
- Click here to learn more information
CIHR or SSHRC USRA
- Offered through the Tri-agencies of Canada, these awards are only open to black student researchers who are seeking to conduct research in the field of health science or social science and humanities. These awards can only be held on a full-time basis.
- Awards are open in February and students apply to their department. Subject to availability, students are welcome to apply to these awards throughout the academic year.
- Click here to learn more information
I am an undergraduate student wanting to research in the sciences and applied sciences
Research in this area encompasses fields typically found in the faculty of sciences, applied sciences, and natural science research within the faculties of environment and health sciences.
NSERC USRA
- NSERC USRAs are a national competition administered through the Tri-agencies of Canada and are open to students seeking to complete research in the field of engineering and natural sciences. These awards can only be held on a full-time basis and are only open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- Awards open in late January/early February. Students apply through their home department, with application procedures varying between departments.
- Click here to learn more information
VPRI Sciences USRA
- The VPRI Sciences USRA provide funding opportunities for students to conduct research in the fields of engineering and natural sciences. Open only to SFU students both domestic and international, these awards can only be held on a full-time basis.
- VPRI Sciences USRAs are administered in the same application cycle and process as the NSERC awards. Awards open in late January/early February. Students apply through their home department, with application procedures varying between departments.
- Click here for more information
Unsure of where your research interests fit? Talk to your supervisor or reach out to the undergraduate research coordinator (ugradres@sfu.ca)
Interested in more ways to be involved with research at SFU?
For more information
If you have any questions about the USRAs, please contact the undergraduate research coordinator ugradres@sfu.ca.
Please note that departments have varying processes for USRA applications. Please reach out to your department contact for details on departmental deadlines and procedures.