USRAs provide Canadian undergraduate students with first-hand research experience in natural sciences or engineering by working with faculty supervisors at Canadian universities during the summer. A base stipend is paid by NSERC; universities typically top it up.
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Undergraduate
Research
Award value
$4,500
$4,500 minimum from NSERC for 16 weeks (many universities supplement to $5,500–$7,000 total)
Deadline
March 01, 2027
291 days left
Level
Undergraduate
Country
Canada
Provider
Natural Sciences and Enginee
Quick answer
The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) is a award worth $4,500 CAD offered by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), with applications due by March 01, 2027. This is generally a one-time award. All amounts and deadlines are non-repayable and verified against the official provider page as of April 27, 2026.
Verified
Overview
Eligibility & Requirements
Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Enrolled in an undergraduate program in natural sciences or engineering at a Canadian university with at least 60% of the program remaining. Minimum A- average.
How to Apply
1
Contact a faculty supervisor at a Canadian university and ask them to submit a USRA application on your behalf through NSERC's online system by the institutional deadline (typically January–March).
Key Details
Common Questions
How much is the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) worth?
The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) is valued at $4,500 CAD. The exact amount and any in-kind benefits are confirmed on the official Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) page.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is March 01, 2027. Deadlines occasionally shift between cycles, so verify directly on the official page before submitting.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is set by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). The full criteria — including residency, level of study, and any program-specific requirements — are listed in the Eligibility section above and on the official application page.
Is the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) renewable?
No — this award is generally a one-time payment unless the provider specifies otherwise on the official page.
Is there a minimum GPA?
There is no published minimum GPA. Selection is based on the broader eligibility criteria set by the provider.
Do I need to repay this award?
No. Like virtually all Canadian scholarships, bursaries, grants, fellowships, and awards listed on Canadian Scholarship Helper, the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) is non-repayable funding. Only student loans need to be repaid.
Verified against the official provider page on
Get prepared
Everything you need to submit a winning application
6 comprehensive guide categories covering every stage — from building your timeline in Grade 11 to acing the Loran Scholars interview. Written specifically for the Canadian scholarship landscape.
Explore more awards like this
Browse curated hub pages that group together every Canadian funding source matching this award's type and audience.