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, 2026
Level
Undergraduate
Country
Canada
Provider
Natural Sciences and Enginee
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).