- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
- University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEA)
- Research Opportunity Program
- Outbound Exchange
- Robert Rawlings Scholarship
1. NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
Purpose: To provide research work experience that complements the degree program which will encourage students to consider graduate studies and pursue careers in the natural sciences and engineering.
Award Value (temporary change for 2021-22): $6,000 plus a minimum 25% supplement ($1,500) provided by the Department
Duration: The duration of the award is 16 consecutive weeks on a full-time basis. The USRA program has no provision for sick leave or other interruptions of awards.
Selection process: At UofT the selection is undertaken at the departmental level (against their quota) using NSERC assessment criteria:
a. academic record,
b. research aptitude, and
c. expected quality of the training to be received (suitability of the supervisor).
As with all internal research competitions, it is expected that principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) will be incorporated into the selection process.
Student Eligibility:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
- Registered either full-time or part-time at the time of USRA application
- Must have obtained, over the previous years of study, a cumulative average of at least second class (a grade of "B" or “B-“, if applicable)
To hold an award, you must
- have completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study (or two academic terms) of your bachelor's degree
- have been registered at the time of application and in at least one of the two terms immediately before holding the award in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible institution
- not have started a program of graduate studies in the natural sciences or engineering at any time
- be engaged on a full-time basis in research and development activities in the natural sciences or engineering during the tenure of
Departmental Quotas and Deadlines: Contact the department Undergraduate Office where you wish to apply and inquire about supervisor and quota availability.
Additional information can be found on NSERC website.
2. University of Toronto Excellence Awards (UTEA)
UTEA, funded by the Vice-President Research and Innovation, aims to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct a summer research projects under the supervision of eligible faculty members.
3. Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
The Research Opportunity Program (ROP) provides students in second to fourth year with the chance to participate in the research of a faculty member while earning course credit. Students in the program have the valuable opportunity to become involved in hands-on, cutting-edge research, working one-on-one with the University's leading faculty members across a range of academic units. Through the ROP, you will gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to careers or toward future graduate studies. You will use your experiences to build strong relationships with instructors, learn about exciting new developments in their research field, and explore new areas of interest.
The application process is available online through the ROPAPP.
Students will earn a half (0.5) or full (1.0) course credit upon completion of the course. Be sure to explore the website to gain a better understanding of just what the Research Opportunity Program has to offer and… discover the possibilities!
4. Outbound Exchange
As a University of Toronto Mississauga student you have the exciting opportunity to see the world by participating in an international exchange, all while earning credits towards your degree.
With 120+ partner institutions in over 40 countries, there are endless possibilities to gain international experience and global citizenship before you graduate.
Need help planning your exchange? Book a 30-minute Zoom appointment to go over all of your exchange-related questions with our Global Mobility Coordinator via CLN.
Questions? Email international.utm@utoronto.ca.
5. Robert Rawlings Scholarship
To be awarded to one or more University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) undergraduate students participating in a University of Toronto study abroad, or independently arranged research opportunity at an institution approved and recognized by UTM where the courses/research will be accredited to the student’s U of T degree.
Students must complete the program application process and receive approval to participate in order to be considered for this award. Preference will be given to students who are in good academic standing. Financial need will also be considered.
Actual participation in the study abroad, student exchange or independently arranged research opportunity is a requirement of this award.