Every year the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) offers the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) to stimulate students’ interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering field, and to encourage students to undertake graduate studies and pursue a research career in these fields.

The Daniels Faculty is allocated several awards each year. These awards allow students the opportunity to participate in research with an eligible faculty member. The 16-week full-time summer NSERC USRAs will begin on May 1, 2023 and carry a total value of $7500.00.

Eligible Faculty Members:

 

You must make contact with a potential supervisor on your own and together you will proceed through the application process. If you self-identify as a Black or Indigenous student, please let your supervisor know.

Documents and Resources:

If you are interested in applying for this award, please note the following:

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
  • Must have a cumulative average of at least a ‘B’ (CGPA 3.0).
  • Must be registered as either full-time or part-time (at the time of application) in a bachelor’s degree program. First-year students are excluded from the competition as applicants must have completed a minimum of two terms at the time of application submission.
  • Must not hold a higher degree in natural sciences and engineering.
  • Graduating students are eligible if they hold the award within the term immediately following the completion of their undergraduate program requirements, as long as they have not started their graduate studies.
  • A student may only hold one NSERC USRA per year.
  • You are to be engaged in research on a full-time basis for the duration of the award (16 full consecutive weeks).
  • Copies of official transcripts must be provided with the application.

2023 Student-Supervisor Certification Form (click here)

  • Must be completed with the student and supervisor’s original signatures
2023 USRA Frequently Asked Questions (click here)
  • Answers to common questions on Student Eligibility, Supervisor Eligibility, Work Term Duration & Location, and Application Procedures

Application

  • Form 202 is to be completed online on the NSERC On-Line System. Follow their instructions.

    • Part I is to be completed by the student
    • A copy of your transcript is required and you can download the version from ACORN. Attach a PDF copy to Part I of the online form. A copy will also need to be submitted to Laura Lapchinski, Program Administrator. 
    • Part II is to be completed by the proposed supervisor (the eligible faculty member).
    • Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

 

Deadline for applications for the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design is 4:00PM, Friday, March 23, 2022.

  • Students will be notified if awarded a placement the following week.

 

Applications must be emailed to laura.lapchinski@daniels.utoronto.ca. Your application should consist of a copy of your transcript, copies of both you and your supervisor’s online NSERC forms, and a copy of the 2023 Student-Supervisor Certification form.

You will also need to submit a copy of your CV/resume and one paragraph indicating the following:

1. Any relevant courses taken. 2. Your link/connection to the supervisor. 3. Why you are interested in a summer research project. 4. Future research plans.

 

If you have any issues with copies, signatures, etc., or questions in general, please email Laura Lapchinski.