Awards & Scholarships

Psychology Undergraduate Summer Research Awards - 2025

Department Deadline: March 17, 2025

USRAs and UTEA's are designed to foster students' interest and cultivate their potential for a research career in health, natural sciences, or social sciences. These awards also aim to promote future graduate studies by offering valuable research experience that enhances academic learning. 

Awards Available 

  • URSA - NSERC (Undergraduate Research Student Award) - Eligibility and Award Information

    Purpose: Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in health, natural sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities. These awards are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies by providing research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting.

    Psychology has been allocated 2 guaranteed NSERC USRA awards. 
    Self-identifying Indigenous and Black students are funded above and beyond this allocation by NSERC. (Full details available here)

  • UTEA (University of Toronto Excellence Award) - Eligibility and Award Information

    Purpose: University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEA) are to provide opportunities for research experience at the undergraduate level in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE), social sciences and humanities (SSH), or health and life sciences (HLS); to augment the formal research courses offered by the University of Toronto. The program is intended to provide undergraduate students opportunities to gain direct research experience on a faculty-led project; to help students learn and appreciate the investigative methodologies of areas of particular interest; and to foster interest in and knowledge of careers in research. 

Important Note:  Applicants MUST have an eligible faculty supervisor to apply to any of the above awards

Award Value

  • Awards are valued at a minimum of $7500 through a combination of NSERC/University and Department funds. Students can be paid more than $7500; any additional top-up is the responsibility of the supervisor

Duration of Awards -  14 consecutive weeks (UTEA) 16 consecutive weeks (URSA)

University of Toronto Mississauga administers this program in the summer months only, between May 1st and September 1st.

  • No provisions for sick leave, vacation or other interruptions of awards. Should a work term be terminated early, department must be notified as soon as possible.
  • Awards may NOT be deferred. All efforts must be made to give awards to students who can complete or commit to a 14-16-week work term.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. 

Divisions are expected to post opportunities widely to attract a broad/diverse pool of students. Academic divisions/units must establish a peer review committee to make award decisions. Academic units make award decisions through their own competitive, peer-review process. In the absence of such a committee, academic divisions can rely on their executive committee or other existing committee of faculty members. 

Review committees are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to adopt equitable and consistent peer review processes. Committees must develop and consistently apply predetermined selection criteria that align with information found in the posting and account for and not penalize academic interruptions/leaves/extenuating circumstances. 

Application Process for Psychology students

Questions?

Please email utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca

The UTM Department of Psychology has in-course scholarships that are awarded yearly. Students will be awarded based on their eligibility under each scholarship's criteria. Students should be advised that there are no application procedures. 

Please note: Only UTM campus students are eligible for these awards.

Awarded to a student with high standing who is entering fourth year of the Psychology Specialist program. 

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures.

Awarded to a full-time or part-time student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, and who has encouraged a love of scholarship through either his/her own personal attitude and achievement or through his/her assistance to others. Registration in the Psychology Specialist program is required.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 


 

Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in Introduction to Psychology (PSY100Y5) during their first year of University.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 

Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in all their courses during their second-year of University.  The recipient must apply and gain admission into one of the following Specialist programs offered by the UTM Department of Psychology: Psychology, Exceptionality in Human Learning & Neuroscience.

NOTE: This award is an In-Course Scholarship. No application procedures. 

The David Family Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes the exceptional achievements of UTM students. Awarded to an upper-year UTM student in high academic standing enrolled in a Major or Specialist Psychology program (Psychology, Exceptionality in Human Learning & Neuroscience) with a demonstrated interest in mental health and who intends to pursue a career in the field. If you have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service, this scholarship could be an important part of supporting your educational endeavours.
 

  • Eligibility: Open to Upper year students in any of our programs with a demonstrated interest in the field of mental health.
  • Criteria: Academic excellence, and a personal statement explaining your interest, and your research in the field of mental health. Your statement should demonstrate your passion for this discipline and address your future plans (career, research, etc.). 
  • Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
  • How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.

Established in memory of a beloved member of our community, this award aims to recognize individuals who exemplify qualities such as kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others. If you embody these values, we encourage you to apply for this meaningful award. Community involvement and personal qualities will be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to students in the Exceptionality and Human Learning program in 3rd or 4th year, but students may be considered from the Psychology Major, Psychology Specialist, or Neuroscience Specialist programs.
 
  • Eligibility: Open to students in the Exceptionality and Human Learning Specialist, Psychology Major/Specialist, or Neuroscience Specialist, all in 3rd or 4th year. Students must demonstrate kindness, compassion, and dedication.
  • Criteria: High academic standing and a personal statement explaining your positive impact on the community and exemplification of Linda Kralik's values.
  • Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
  • How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.