Scholarships & Awards

2024 NSERC USRA and UTEA Psychology Undergraduate Summer Research Awards

Departmental Deadline: March 15, 2024

Applications are now open for the University of Toronto's Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs). USRAs 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. Please encourage your students to apply!

Awards Available

1. NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA).
2. UofT Excellence Awards (UTEA)

 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
• 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)
• The department can nominate up to 14 candidates for the UofT Excellence Award (UTEA), but there is no guarantee of the number of awards given to Psychology students. (Full details available here)

Duration of Award -  16 consecutive weeks

University of Toronto Mississauga administers this program in the summer months only, between May 1st and August 30th.

• No provisions for sick leave, vacation or other interruptions of awards. Should a work term be terminated early, NSERC must be informed immediately through the Office of Research Services.
• Awards may NOT be deferred. All efforts must be made to give awards to students who can complete or commit to a 16-week work term.

Eligibility

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Registered either full-time or part-time (at the time of application) in a bachelor's degree program in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award. NSERC, however, expects that full-time students will hold most awards.
• Self-identifying Indigenous and Black students are funded above and beyond this allocation by NSERC (provided the application is approved by the Agency).
• Must have obtained, over previous years of study, a cumulative average of at least second class (a grade of B or B‐) CGPA of 2.7 to 3.0
• Must have completed, at least time of application, a minimum of two academic terms. (1st year students are ineligible)
• Graduating students, in the term immediately following the completion of their undergraduate program requirements, as long as they have not started a program of graduate studies.
• Be engaged on a full‐time basis in research and development activities in the natural sciences or engineering during the award tenure.
• MUST find an eligible supervisor

Application Process

• All supervisors and candidates must complete the 2024 UTEA Application Form.
• Students applying for Summer Undergraduate Research Awards are automatically considered for both UTEA and USRA (when eligible) awards.
• Email completed application forms to utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca.
• Indigenous, Black, and the next two highest eligible NSERC USRA nominees (and their supervisors) will be asked to complete applications on NSERC’s online system.

Questions?

Please email utmpsych.utm@utoronto.ca

Departmental Scholarships

In-Course Scholarships

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.

David Family Scholarship

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: March 1st, 2024
• How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.
   

Recipients

Linda Kralik Memorial Award

• 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: March 1st, 2024
• How to Apply: Visit the Scholarship Application Portal to complete the online application.

Recipients

Mississauga Erin Mills Rotary Club Scholarship in Psychology (no application – awarded based on academic performance)

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

Recipients

The I.M. Spigel Memorial Scholarship in Psychology (no application – awarded based on academic performance)

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.

Recipients

Exceptional Academic Performance in First-Year Award (no application – awarded based on academic performance)

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

Recipients

Exceptional Academic Performance in Second-Year Award (no application – awarded based on academic performance)

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, or Behaviour, Genetics and Neurobiology. 

Recipients