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Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
The Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) program provides undergraduate students across all disciplines with paid opportunities to participate in faculty-supervised research. There are two award streams available, the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) USRA and Tri-Agency USRAs (NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR).
Past USRA holders have gained valuable 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.
Award Options
Vice President Research and Innovation USRA
- The VPRI USRA is open to Â鶹ÊÓƵstudents from all disciplines
- Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students
- Supervisors will contribute available research funds for VPRI to match. Students will then receive funding equal to the combined amount and work the number of hours available according to the funding amount.
- For example: supervisor contribution ($1,500) + VPRI match ($1,500) = $3,000 in available funding for student.
- The minimum VPRI funding will be $1,000 and the maximum VPRI funding will be $6,000.
- View full award details here
NSERC USRA
- Award value: $6,000, plus the supervisor contribution
- Must be held full-time (35 hours per week)
- Only open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- View full award details here
CIHR & SSHRC USRA
- Award value: $6,000, plus the supervisor contribution
- Must be held full-time (35 hours per week)
- Only open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and students who self-identify as Black
- View full award details
USRA Program
In addition to receiving award funding, all USRA recipients will be invited to participate in a coordinated USRA program. The program will include an orientation day featuring research and professional development workshops, mid-term workshops and networking opportunities, and an end of semester undergraduate research showcase. As approximately 95 percent of USRA recipients hold their USRA during the summer semester, most programming will be offered during that period. However, all recipients will be eligible to participate regardless of when they hold their award.
Competition Timeline
- USRA Applications Open: November 16, 2026
- USRA Applications Close: January 15, 2027 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
- Award Notifications: March 2027
Application Requirements and Process
Students must have an identified supervisor at the time of application. Student applicants and supervisors are both required to complete the online USRA application form before the application deadline. Applications for all awards (VPRI and Tri-Agency, including NSERC) will be collected through one central application form. On the application form, students and supervisors will be able to indiciate which award(s) they would like to be considered for.
Student Application Requirments
- Basic demographic and academic information
- The award(s) they wish to be considered for
- A statement of interest (maximum 500 words)
- An unoffifical transcript
- A resume
Supervisor Application Requirments
- A brief project description
- A description of the student's anticipated role
- Expected learning and mentorship opportunities
- The award(s) they wish to be considered for
- The proposed funding contribution (for VPRI USRA)
Step 1: Identify a Supervisor
- Students must secure the support of a faculty supervisor before applying, as applications are submitted jointly by the student and supervisor.
Step 2: Review Eligibility and Determine Which Award(s) to Apply For
- Two award categories are available. Student applicants and supervisors should review the available options and decide which award(s) best fit the proposed project. Applicants may select one or more award categories within the application form, however, an application may only receive one award.
Step 3: Submit Student and Supervisor Application Forms
- Student applicants and supervisors must each complete and submit their own application form. Both forms are required for the application to be considered. The application form will be posted on this website when awards open.
Step 4: NSERC Departmental Adjudication
- Applications that have selected NSERC USRA will be forwarded to the relevant department for adjudication. NSERC award offers will be issued following departmental adjudication. After NSERC offers are issued, successful students and supervisors will be asked to complete the e-console application. Applicants will not be required to submit an application on e-console unless they are successful.
Step 5: VPRI USRA Adjudication
- Applicants who are not selected for an NSERC USRA and who have indicated they would like to be considered for a VPRI USRA will be automatically advanced to the VPRI competition. In addition, all applications submitted directly for VPRI USRA consideration will be included in this competition. VPRI USRA applications will be adjudicated by a central committee composed of Associate Deans and Associate Vice Presidents.
For more information
If you have any questions about the USRAs, please contact the undergraduate research coordinator ugradres@sfu.ca.